Swansea and Surrounding Area, Wales, Gaol Records, 1877-1922

Historical Context

Calendars of prisoners comprise lists of charged individuals being held in the County Gaols and Houses of Correction for West Glamorgan, who were due for trial in the Quarter Sessions and Assizes. In general, the Court of Assizes, held bi-annually, handled more serious cases including those subject to life imprisonment or capital punishment. The Quarter Sessions, held four times a year, dealt with less serious crimes including those that could not be tried by justices of the peace without a jury in petty sessions. They were compiled by the governor or keeper of the institution, and forwarded for use during the court's proceedings. They were submitted to the Clerk of the Peace as specified by the Act of 1835.

The collection also includes Nominal Gaol Registers for the years 1877-1922 for Swansea, Brecon and Carmarthen prisons, as well as a handful of photo albums of prisoners.

This Collection

Each record image will include the following information:

• Prisoner's name (and aliases used)
• Age
• Trade
• Offence
• Date that the sentence commenced or the date that the prisoner was received into custody
• Verdict
• Sentence
• Names of the Officials involved