Halifax Debtor's Prison

[Scottiedog]

Hi All

The 1871 census identifies my ggg grandfather (John Marchant) as a former governor of Halifax Debtor's Prison. I think it closed as a prison in 1868. His son's  birth cert. (Charles Edward b1848) gives John's occupation as governor of the County Gaol and his residence as New Jail, Halifax.

Now ... my problem. I can't find John or any of his family in the 1851 or 1861 censuses. Come to that, I can't find the prison or it's inmates either.

Can anyone out there give some guidance?

Thanks in advance
Les

[Nessie]

1851 H0107/2298/69/49
County Debtors Jail Hurson? Lane Halifax

John Marchant head age 38 governor of jail born Halifax
Ruth wife age 39 birn Hatfield
Isabella dau age 16 dressmaker born Halifax
Ann dau age 14 born Halifax
William son age 12 born Halifax
Edwin son age 9 born halifax
Thomas son age 6 born Halifax
Charles E son age 2 born Halifax
Ann mother age 71 matron and cook born Rochdale

[woodydog]

I think the 1851 census might read Hanson lane- I seem to recall that was where the debtors prison was but could be wrong......
All the best
Rose

[Scottiedog]

Thanks very much for the help. I really appreciate it.

Which version of the 1851 census are you looking at? I still can't see them on Ancestry.com!

Am I being stupid (not unusual ) or is it missing??

Cheers
Les

[Nessie]

They are there alright or I wouldn't have been able to give you the details They are indexed as Morehart although it is Marchant on the census.

[Scottiedog]

Nessie - Many, many thanks.

I'd tried various spellings, but not Morehart! I think I've still got a few lessons to learrn. Thanks again.

... and yes, Rosie, it is Hanson Lane - thanks.

Regards
Les

[helendha]

There is still a Gaol Lane on what would (until recently) have been the outskirts of Halifax town centre. It's now the site of the GPO.

Have to say I had never given the name a second thought until today!

[Malcolm Bull]

Since the old market Cross and the Halifax town market were in Old Market (where the Union Cross pub is today) and near the top of Gaol Lane,  I suppose that Gaol Lane was probably almost in the town centre in those days.

Regards

Malcolm Bull

[Scottiedog]

Thanks for the replies. From what I've read, I think Gaol Lane was the site of an earlier jail. The New Jail on Hanson Lane was built later - I think.

Les