Inmates at Bedfordshire Reformatory School (Turvey) in 1901

[Sparklecat170]

Hi, does anyone know how I would go about finding why my X2 Great Grandfather George Gabriel Hardy was sent to Bedfordshire Reformatory.  He was an inmate there on the 1901 census but I would like to know when he was admitted, when he was released and anything else interesting.  Family folklore says he stole a whip from a Hansom Cab but is this fact or fiction?!  I am not sure what records I need to be looking at.  Any help to set me off in the right direction would be appreciated.
Many thanks

[Milliepede]

I would suggest looking for a newspaper report, there might be one for the area he committed the crime (if it was true)

How old was he in 1901 and what was his birthplace?

[CaroleW]

He was 16 on the 1901 entry

Births Mar 1885   
HARDY    George Gabriel        St Saviour    1d   202

[sugarbakers]

Although the school was closer to Turvey, it was known as Carlton Reformatory School.
Bedfordshire Archive Service show numerous references if you search their catalogue  https://bedsarchivescat.bedford.gov.uk/search/advanced

[Darnity]

I was also going to suggest seeing what Bedfordshire Archives might hold.

Turvey has a local history society who might be able to tell you about the school itself:


https://www.turveyhistory.org.uk/

[Sparklecat170]

Hi, thanks for your suggestions.  I have looked at the Bedfordshire Archives but it doesn't look like they hold individual inmate records.  He was from Southwark so I have emailed their archive department in the hope that the offence was committed there and they may have some information.  Much as it's a bit unsettling to have criminals in my ancestry, it makes a change from coal miners and agricultural labourers!