Find your ancestors in Devon, Plymouth Prison Records 1832-1919

What can these records tell me?

Each result will give you a transcript and an image of the original record. The details in each transcript or image will vary depending on the type of document you are viewing. The records include male and female prisoner registers, calendars of prisoners and registers of prison officers. In each transcript, you may find a combination of the following information.

  • Name
  • Birth date
  • Occupation
  • Sentence date
  • Event year
  • Place
  • County
  • Event type
  • Year range
  • Archive and reference

The images will flush out your ancestor’s life in even greater detail. Many of the prison registers recorded information across two pages. Use the next arrow, on the right side of the image, to move to the second page.

We have provided a list of the different event types for the documents included in this collection and the additional facts you will find in each.

Event type

Calendars of prisoners, Devon & Cornwall and Calendars of prisoners, Plymouth and Devonport quarter sessions

  • Sentence
  • Particulars of the crime committed
  • Date of warrant
  • Date received into custody
  • Trial date
  • Verdict given by the jury

Plymouth Gaol returns of offenders

These records relate to the costs incurred by the prison service for each prisoner and submitted to the Clerk of the Peace. The costs recorded included clerk, magistrate and attorney fees.

Plymouth prison officers

  • Establishments where employed
  • Dates of service
  • Rank
  • Salary
  • Memoranda – may include superannuation dates and details of transfers

Plymouth prison register – male and female prisoners

  • Religion
  • Last residence
  • Relative’s residence
  • Marital status
  • Number of children
  • Physical description and distinguishing marks
  • By whom committed
  • Date of discharge
  • Offence
  • Sentence
  • Date of sentencing