Shrewsbury Prison, 19th century

[Helen Dann]

I've recently discovered that one of my great-great-aunts served time as a prisoner in Shrewsbury Prison (she was inside at the time of the 1891 census). None of my family knows anything about this, and I've no idea what her crime was - does anyone know if there's a way I can find out more information about someone's prison record?

[JClarke]

Hi Helen

I believe Shropshire Archives have HM Prison (Shrewsbury) records from 1875-1969

Try contacting them for information:

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

Hope this helps
John

[Helen Dann]

Hi John,

Many thanks indeed. I'll get in touch with them.

Regards,
Helen

[DEKKAXX]

Hello Helen,
Try the 'Black Sheep Index' at
>http://www.lightage.demon.co.uk<

It has 100s of names of police, criminals, soldiers etc. who were mentioned in the Victorian Newspapers. If your ancestor is mentioned then you can buy a copy of the newspaper entry.
Good Luck;
Regards;
Derek

[Helen Dann]

Thanks very much, Derek - this looks useful :-)

Best wishes,
Helen

[DEKKAXX]

Hi Helen,
I hope you find something. The last person that I recomended the site to was a Canadian lady. She contacted me afterwards to say that not only had she found her 'lost soul' but he was a 1st World War hero, which no one in her family knew about. In addition there was a column & half of reading & a photo of him too. She was absolutely delirious about it all!
Hope you have as much joy!
Regards;
Derek

[Berlin-Bob]

Hi Helen,

some more general info. on Shrewsbury Prison on the Rossbret institution site:
http://www.institutions.org.uk/

more specifically:
http://www.institutions.org.uk/prisons/England/SAL/shropshire_prisons.htm

Hope this helps,
Bob

[Helen Dann]

Thanks, Bob :-)

Regards,
Helen

[Lloydy]

Hi Helen

I see from your profile that you are living in Worcester and researching names in Shropshire.

I live in Shrewsbury, so give me a shout if you ever need a guided tour!!!!!!  I could take you to see the prison (not inside of course!!)


Jan