Hi Brian,
Gwent Record Office, Cwmbran have an excellent record of prisoners in Usk
Prison. They are indexed. I used to look at these records and hope I
would find one of my family in there. Why?
You may well ask. No one wants a prisoner in their family. I have a
record in front of me for Thomas Hubball of Abergavenny age 19, 1871 for
stealing wearing apparel, two calendar months hard labour.
These records have more information about an individual than any other
record I have found.
They contain a photo of the convict, plus a description - age on discharge,
height, hair colour, eyes, complexion where born, married or single, trade
or occupation, any other distinguishing marks - scars or tattoos.
The records state address at time of apprehension, place and date of
conviction, offence for which convicted sentence, if subject to supervision
of police when liberated, and for what period.
If liberated on Licence, date when sentence will expire, date when
liberated, intended residence after liberation , summary of previous
convictions.
Where else would you find a photo of someone from this period even though
they do have a prisoner number hanging around their neck.
This is a very sad list of records and you cannot help but wonder what these
people went through. There are many children in these records, put in
prison for what would today be called very minor offences. Another record
at Gwent Record Office which I found very interesting were the records of
Usk Reformatory School, you could check to see if a child from this school
later went on to become a convicted prisoner. These records give past
information and also keep tabs on the individual for years in the future.
I am unable to tell you what dates these records run from and up to, but GRO
will let you know. I think you are ok on 1881.
Regards Tony - Ebbw Vale
----- Original Message -----
From: "brian forder" <brian.forder(a)ukonline.co.uk>
To: <MONMOUTHSHIRE-L(a)rootsweb.com>
Sent: 26 February 2006 10:44
Subject: [Mon] Usk Prison
I have a ancestor SNOW William who according to the 1881 was a
prisoner in
Usk Prison.
Could some kind person inform me of where I can find out more information
for example his crime.
Brian Forder