Prison

[ettya]

I have just discovered my GG Grandfather is in Nottingham prison in 1901 . I knew I had to have a black sheep in my family somewhere. Is there any way I can find out what for? Do I have to go to the Nottingham archives ( not too much of a problem as I live in Nottinghamshire) or is there another way of finding out?

Cheers

Ettya 

[LH35]

  The Criminal records on Ancestry but you need  full membership for it   I think .unless you know someone who does have you could ask them .

[ettya]

Thanks for that. Will check what membership I have on ancestry or then ask around.

Ettya

[Alexander.]

Hi Ettya,

The Criminal Registers on Ancestry only go up to 1892, so will probably not include your GG Grandfather. I think any surviving records would probably be at the Notts Archives as you mentioned. It is probably best for you to email the Notts Archives to find out what records they might hold for this period - they are usually very helpful.

http://www.nottinghamshire.gov.uk/home/leisure/archives/libraries-archives-contact.htm

Alexander

[ettya]

Cheers for that. I went on ancestry and realised that quite quickly.  Think I will contact the archives tomorrow as I really would like to know what he was in for ( knowing my luck it'll be for nothing 'juicy'). Just wondering if he was still in by 1911 though as there is no trace of him at all in the census - that me or the other half can spot ( been searching through for days ). The next record I can find for him is when he died in 1938 in the town that the whole family lived in from 1890's - quite near to the prison.

Thanks both for the advice

Ettya

[skewbald]

Hi Ettya, if he was inside in 1901 then the crime may have been in the 19th century and be in the newspaper archives. If you are a member of local library you can view online. Or if you don't mind giving his name I could have a look.

Skewy

[Robin Hood]

Hi
  Nottingham Prison was a PD (Preventive detention) Prison at one stage dealing with regular offenders doing over 7Yrs PD.
 You can name search at the British Newspaper Archive for free. I f dealt with locally he may show in the Nottingham Papers

[ettya]

Thanks for the replies everyone.

His name was Francis Mees ( although known as Frank even on the census ). Previously to being in Nottingham Prison in 1901 he was registered as living in Arnold Nottingham.  I know he dies in Arnold in 1938 also but can not find him anywhere on the 1911 census ( his wife died in 1908 and children lived with various family members etc)

If you find anything I really appreciate it.

Ettya

[skewbald]

Hi Ettya, not the one, but was it the start of his bad ways?

Nottinghamshire Gaurdian Friday October 10th 1884

Case Dismissed. Francis Mees was charged with stealing a quart measure belonging to Mr John Crossland landlord of the Old Spot Inn, Arnold. Evidence was given by P.c. Topham that on Friday night he saw the accused walking from the public house with the measure concealed in the lining of his coat. There was some doubt as to whether the accused had an intention to steal the measure, and he was discharged.

Skewy.