I am trying to find out some information regarding a prisoner in Shrewsbury gaol in the 1950's.
The only information was that he was transferred to Birmingham in 1953 because of ill health and he was serving 10 years for lacency in Shrewsbury gaol. From what I know of his movements he had never been in this area previously - so I do not know when or where he was sentenced.
Everywhere I look so far they either tell me records have been destroyed or say they cannot disclose.
Any suggestions?
Is the reason that they won't disclose is that he maybe still alive, if so, then that is correct ?
Hello Brian
I think your only hope with this is to use publicly available sources, in particular newspapers, more and more of which are becoming available online with an index.
For a start try The National Library of Wales Welsh Newspapers Online website. This is completely free and includes lots of information beyond Wales.
Find my Past also has a growing newspaper collection but you will need to pay to use this site unless you can access it at a local library or archive.
Because more and more newspapers are coming online all the time, and are likely to continue for the foreseeable future you should check again every few months.
If the person has died have you found the details of their death and checked whether they left a Will? Whilst this won't directly help with your query it might just give you a clue.
Mike
Angela
Thanks for your reply. The person in question is James Griffin. He originated from Warrington, but has been in court in Warrington, Manchester, Chester, Preston, London to name but a few. Shrewsbury appears to be off his "patch" which makes it frustrating. He died in Birmingham prison in 1954 after being transferred from Shrewsbury in late 1953 because of ill health. All I know from the Coroners records is that he was serving 10 years for larceny. Have no idea when or where sentenced. Would Shrewsbury only have accepted prisoners from certain courts which might narrow it down?
Can't find any trace of trial on Find My Past. Any suggestions welcome
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Is it possible that I can get his full name and I will check the newspapers for evidence. And was he from Shrewsbury ?