Criminal Ancestors

Like it or loathe it, most of us have black sheep in our ancestry – and the criminal records can be very interesting.  How else would I know that Thomas Matthews Palmer was 5’7″, had brown hair and eyes, a fresh complexion and no tattoos if he hadn’t been transported to Australia in the 1850s?

www.findmypast.co.uk are releasing millions of criminal records held by the National Archives, including registers of prisoners both on land and those held on prison hulks, petitions and photographs of habitual drunkards.

At present the documents cover the period 1817-1931; further records spanning the period 1770-1934 will be made available over the coming months.

Happy hunting!

About kate

Experienced genealogist but virgin blogger...
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