Disappearing Prostitute?

[RachelK]

My g x3 Aunt was called Hannah Poole born c1861 Shrewsbury.

She appears on the 1881 census as an inmate at the dana prison, unmarried and listed as a prostitute. If anyone has access to court sessions or prison records I'd love to know what they say about her if anything.

Also, after this census I can't find her again and can't find a record of a marriage or death.

However in 1891 I find a Hannah Gill b1860 St Mary, Shrewsbury. Unmarried and living as a boarder, occupation seamstress (which could be a euphemism for prostitute.) I can't find Hannah 'Gill' before this census, so is it possible that it could be my Hannah Poole having changed her name?

Any thoughts on this would be much appreciated, thanks.

[osprey]

Sorry to ruin your theory, but there IS a Hannah Gill on previous census entries
in Shrewsbury
1871 age 11 with grandparents RG10/2775 folio 39 pg 12
1861 age 2 with parents RG9/1870 folio 21 pg 4 in Shrewsbury St Mary
1881 dressmaker's apprentice RG11/2653 folio 29 pg 52 but enumerated as age 29.

Haven't spotted your Hannah Poole though. 

[Gadget]

Hello Rachel

Have you tried contacting the Shropshire Archives:

http://www.shropshire.gov.uk/archives.nsf

They do searches 'at a disance' and are very helpful. They are the most likely repository for local court and prison records.

Gadget

[alnat]

The site Gadget mentioned has an online catalogue and there are a lot of transcripts of Quarter Sessions records on there. Use the link at the bottom of the home page.


The 'search' facility doesn't seem to be working at the moment or I'd have a look for you.

[Lloydy]

The Quarter Sessions have to be viewed in the Reading Room (I know because I've done it several times!!!).  I think the staff will charge you for checking out these records.

I would offer to check them for you but I have a huge look-up list already, but if you are prepared to wait, then I will see what I can find.

With current working commitments I don't get to the Archives as often as I would like.

[RachelK]

Thankyou all for your help and suggestions. LLoydy, your offer is very kind and I'd be very happy to be added to your list, although I fully understand you already have a lot of people requesting look ups from you.

Family history research is rarely a quick process though, so I'm prepared to wait and if you ever have the time I'd love to know anything you find out. Thanks again.

Rachel.

[Lloydy]

Rachel

I have added Hannah's details to my list....all I can say is please be patient with me

Also, I see that you have Wilcox from Montgomeryshire......I do too!!!!!  Could you PM with your names please?