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« on: Thursday 20 January 11 02:07 GMT (UK) »
I have been to the Record Office looking for a relative (Richard Ruscoe) who was transported from Chester in 1833. I have previously found when and where he was transported (Australia) but I can't find any information about his conviction. A very helpful person at the Record Office pointed me in the right direction for looking up gaol records, but they only hold the ones for Chester City Gaol and as he does not appear on those records, he thinks that he was held at the Gaol at Chester Castle, which I believe was known as the County Gaol. But they don't have those records at the Record Office.
Does anyone know where I might find the Chester Castle (County) Gaol records? Are they available to the general public?
I did find a document which listed Richard Ruscoe, along with 6 other men, who were to 'be removed with all convenient speed' to a hulk ship in Gosport, so I know that he was sent from Chester.
I even looked at the Chester Chronicle for the date nearest his conviction, and although I found reports on the crimes of 4 of the 7 who were sent together, Richard and the other 2 men do not appear to have been named and shamed in the Chester Chronicle! I don't know if the other 2 were involved in Richard's crime, which was stealing money, or if he was acting alone.
Can anyone help with the County Gaol records?
Thank you,
Pippa