Robert Alexander in Holloway Prison

[rainbowsandskies]

I've found my ancestor, Robert Alexander, in the 1881 Census Record. He is recorded as a prisoner in Holloway Prison. Prior to his imprisonment, he had been working as a stevedore's labourer. He was born in the St George in the East area of London in approx. 1856. He was living with his family at 10 Grove Street in 1871. In 1881, when he was in Holloway, his family were living in Mile End Old Town.

I have no idea what his crime was and my search online has drawn a blank. Admittedly, I'm not 100% sure where to look, although I have searched on Ancestry hoping to find information on their criminal registers and the newspaper archive on FindMyPast. I know the records for Holloway are held by the London Archives. I'm happy to travel or pay the fee for research if necessary, but I thought I'd look online first.

I'm hoping someone might be able to help in this search. Thank you in advance if anyone is able to help!

Additional information: Robert's parents were Charles Alexander and Mary Close. Both were born in Ireland and moved to London in the 1850s. Robert left London after release from Holloway and moved to Hull. Some time around 1901, he began using the alias, Neal.

[amondg]

In 1861 Mary his mother states born Belford Northumberland.

She married Charles Alexander 1854 registered Bermondsey. June quarter vol 1d
page 82.

ADDED
1881 census for Robert Alexander says he is married, who ?

[CaroleW]

You may already have this info

Charles Alexander & Mary Close married 28.5.1854 @ St Mary’s Bermondsey.  His father was Robert & hers was James.  All 3 males were shoemakers

Witnesses were Charles McIntosh & ?? Beryl Phillips

1861 shows Charles b Dublin & Mary b Belfast

[softly softly]

In 1861 Mary his mother states born Belford Northumberland.

She married Charles Alexander 1854 registered Bermondsey. June quarter vol 1d
page 82.

ADDED
1881 census for Robert Alexander says he is married, who ?

Do you think that's a bad transcription of Belfast (North)ern Ireland

SS

[CaroleW]

It's clear on the image - Belfast - so yes - poor transcription but somebody has notified a correction

[manukarik]

I can't see anything for the right time period.

If you are going to be in London, you could register for a History Card for the London Archives and have a look yourself.

https://www.rootschat.com/links/01thl/

[rainbowsandskies]

Thank you all - I've traced his parents and great-grandparents, siblings etc. and they had very interesting (but unfortunately, also very sad) lives. I had really hoped that there would be information about his conviction online, but it would seem I'll be taking a trip to London!

[rainbowsandskies]

I had thought he might even be listed on "England & Wales, Criminal Registers, 1791-1892" on Ancestry, but sadly not.

I've emailed LMA and they've advised that the prisoner's records in their own archives only date back to 1903. Disappointing 

[rainbowsandskies]

1881 census for Robert Alexander says he is married, who ?

I think he was married to "Mary J" who is recorded on the 1881 Census living with Robert's parents; her relationship is given as daughter-in-law. It's just a suspicion I have and I haven't been able to find a marriage record for them yet.

Robert moved to Hull and began using the alias Neal. He lived with my 3x great-grandmother, Margaret Noble until his death, and 9 children were born between 1899 and 1908. One of whom was my great-great-grandfather. I was able to prove that Robert was his father through Ancestry DNA.

I have suspected that Robert was using an alias either due to his conviction or because he was already married to Mary J. Robert and Margaret Noble never married. It's been very interesting to say the least!