General Chat

Can anyone tell me how to find out if one of my older relatives spent time in prison? I think he went there in the 50's; he died in 1993 but I never knew him-think I know why now! I'm convinced he went 'away' to Durham, or at least, ended up there, but how do I find out? Any suggestions gratefully received. Many thanks. Mrs. C (I'm ashamed to put my name!!)

Dear Mrs. C. Never, never, never be ashamed of who you are, or what your name is. My first thought would be to contact 'Durham' and ask them and if they can't help, ask them who would be the best people to contact. Best Wishes and Happy Hunting Norah

Many thanks to Norah and Karin for your comments. I realise that we can't be responsible for our relatives, but thank you anyway. Also, many thanks to Frances and Bill - I will follow up your advice, and let you know if I get anywhere. Thank you all for your support. Regards Patricia

Patricia, i can assure you no prison will give out any information about prisoners past or present ,tho it might be worth talking to your local probation office.

Thanks Christine. Hadn't thought of that! Regards, Patricia

I,m sure one of the main ancestory sites has an inbuilt Institution search,which covers workhouses orphanages, prisons ect,i think it may be u/k census collection. My uncle was in prison for theft just before the last war ,and went on to join the navy, and gave his life for our country in 1940 off the isle of wight.What i,m saying is ,what a relative has done in the past is not your fault and most of us have a dodgy relative or two,so cheer up, your,e in good company

Hi, just a thought but there are-were lots of things going on in Durham besides prisons, people move for all sorts of reasons including joining religous orders so please dont jump to conclusions lol dave

Thanks Denis and Paul for your comments. Noted! You're a nice lot, aren't you? Regards, Patricia

Morning Patricia,course we are,great load of pals to be made all over these pages ,so get stuck in and join the fun.Denis from Newcastle [tfn]

Hi Patricia, One of mine was in HMP Durham in the 1891 census. Dying to know what for!! Durham RO is the starting point I guess? By the way I have Pittington Cowley's in my tree, any connection? Originally Coley's from Dudley, moved to Pittington Co. Durham and changed all their names to Cowley! Very Strange! Debbie

I have a member of my family did the same at about the same time Debby,my granda changed his name at the age 18 ,i think ,to give himself a fresh start.He did the same when he was called up in 1914, so i cant get any information from any source,frustrating isnt it?Denis.from tfn Newcastle

Hi Denis, Don't s'pose we'll ever know the answers now, but what is even stranger is these Coley/Cowley's appear in my mothers tree. She was born in Durham. But my husbands family are Coley from Tipton & West Brom! I am convinved we will turn out to have been related since 1880's, instead of since when we got married. Debbie

you could easily be right Debbie,the name Jones keeps cropping up on my gedcom,some from Wales[suprise] some from Bucks,and some from Sussex so thers,e hope for you yet.I,m still trying to sort my lot out but there would seem to be two families involved.denis tfn Newcastle.