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National Archives
http://www.briercliffesociety.co.uk/talkback/viewtopic.php?f=9&t=1619		 Page 1 of 3
Author:  Mel [ Thu Aug 21, 2008 7:21 pm ]
Post subject:  National Archives
I've been doing a little searching on the NA website following the Patsy Kensit WDYTYA. I don't know about anyone else but I think finding your way around the National Archives search system seems to be an art. It helps hugely to know the catalogue reference.

I have managed to find reference to the court proceedings of a member of my family who was found guilty of murder on the NA site. I have looked before and failed but I do have numerous newspaper reports about it.

Anyway, in case it's not just me who struggles on the NA site - the Criminal Court Records are not searchable by name, they are date only. If you type in the type of crime (murder, suicide, manslaughter etc.) into the mandatory searchbox and then a rough year followed by 'Crim' for the catalogue ref. it does throw up results. The 'Crim' section is listed chronologically and by name of defendant. I am lucky that I do know the year of the trial.

If you find something of relevance you are able to request an estimate for copies of the record(s).

Another cataloge reference is 'Assi' for Assizes. I had success with that a while back. It took longer than I expected for the estimate to come through but I ordered copies of the documents and received several pages of witness statements and the like. Fascinating to read through and certainly flesh on bones as it paints a picture of the relative!!


Go on, tell me it was just me having a 'thick' moment.
Author:  Mel [ Thu Aug 28, 2008 4:08 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: National Archives
I've had the estimate through for my document request...just short of £60!! Probably about £40 more than I anticipated.

Do I go ahead and order and not tell his nibs or do I run it by him first (knowing that he will tell me to go ahead 'cos he's like that)? Or do I do without it all together?
Author:  Burnleymasher [ Thu Aug 28, 2008 6:00 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: National Archives
That's a bit steep is'nt it, I suppose it depends how much you want it/need it, myself I would probably get it because I (being of a nosey disposition) would regret it later if I did'nt. What is £60 in the scheme of things :roll: , you know you want to :wink:


Stephanie.
Author:  Mel [ Thu Aug 28, 2008 7:54 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: National Archives
I do really want it, you are right (though I don't actually need it.). It's just flesh on bones stuff, it's about the trial of a blood relation who was hanged for murder...trouble is, I don't know exactly what will be in it which is part of the intrigue.

Lyndon's attitude is that I don't smoke, only drink if we go out or have visitors, and am not constantly clothes shopping. I don't buy so many certificates these days as most of my tree is now out of civil registration, my only real expense being the ancestry subscription. The sensible side of me says £60!!! It's a tank of fuel or nearly two weeks food shopping.
Author:  Gloria [ Thu Aug 28, 2008 8:13 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: National Archives
Get it sent for, you're only here once, and you are dying to know what it says.
Author:  Burnleymasher [ Fri Aug 29, 2008 4:14 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: National Archives
Exactly.


Stephanie.
Author:  Mel [ Fri Aug 29, 2008 4:49 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: National Archives
I am dying to. I've had a look at what will be sent - 132 A3 pages. Value for money I guess but I cannot believe that there will be 132 pages relating to one person. I did specify the name and that I was interested in him only so it must be right.

A while ago I received what I think might be similar info for another relation who was murdered, again it was trial proceedings. There were only about 8 pages that time and cost less than £20. It was fascinating reading, witness statements taken at the time.

I'll have a word with Lyndon tonight when he gets in, see what he thinks. It could be my anniversary present :)
Author:  portia [ Fri Aug 29, 2008 4:54 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: National Archives
A3's big paper. I thought it only got used for deeds and stuff. At 132 pages, that's 264 A4 sheets, which is a book. It sounds cheaper all the time.
By the sounds of it though, I'm glad to be in my family not yours. Ours tend to die quietly and naturally. :wink:
Author:  Mel [ Fri Aug 29, 2008 5:10 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: National Archives
I have one murdered by his wife. That was the earlier documents I ordered. These documents I am considering buying now relate to their son. He and his siblings went into care, he never knew what had happened to his parents.

I also have a suicide pact in which my relation died but the other party didn't and was charged with his murder and then let off possibly due to her being so young.

I think the most moving is this one hanged. I have the document for his hanging and it chilled me to the bone. I watched Pierrepoint at the weekend and I can only hope that this relation was treated with the same respect that Albert Pierrepoint gave to those who died by his hand. I believe it was Alberts uncle, Tom, who hanged my relation.
Author:  Gloria [ Fri Aug 29, 2008 5:27 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: National Archives
Stop faffing about and get it sent for woman :wink:
What an interesting family you have, makes mine dead ordinary.
Author:  portia [ Fri Aug 29, 2008 5:43 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: National Archives
I'm with Gloria. But can't you tell us a reet tale, sted er foistin us off wi bits on a story? In other words, I'd be really interested to know the full story.
Author:  Mel [ Fri Aug 29, 2008 7:30 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: National Archives
I'll tell you when I see you but I cannot post more detail here as the other living relative does not want the info disclosing. He is a closer relation to the parties concerned than I, they couple involved were his grandparents. He has had a hard time dealing with these skeletons.
Author:  portia [ Fri Aug 29, 2008 10:20 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: National Archives
Mel wrote:
I'll tell you when I see you but I cannot post more detail here as the other living relative does not want the info disclosing. He is a closer relation to the parties concerned than I, they couple involved were his grandparents. He has had a hard time dealing with these skeletons.

Quite understand, But "dealing with these skeletons" - honestly Mel!
Author:  Mel [ Sat Aug 30, 2008 7:49 am ]
Post subject:  Re: National Archives
Perhaps that was the wrong word though very apt.
Author:  Mel [ Sat Aug 30, 2008 8:10 am ]
Post subject:  Re: National Archives
Think I might have just saved myself £50! I originally requested paper copies to be posted. I have now ordered a digital version - they send me a link to download the image(s). I have a feeling they quoted me for the entire film and not just for the person I am interested in. The description for the records says "contain brief entries of cases heard and note the plea, verdict and sentence".

They notify you if your record of interest is not downloadable. It will be Monday before I know anything though.
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