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In the Library (or anywhere with a Library card for NSW residents) | |
Only in the Library | |
Publicly available |
You can use Prison commission prison books, 1816-1866 (PCOM 2) when in the Library. Can't come to the Library? Contact us. |
We hold some of the Prison Commission prison books in the Mitchell Library as part of the Australian Joint Copying Project (AJCP) collection. We hold the books that cover the below prisons and hulks:
STEP 1
Collect Index to the Prison commission prison books from the shelves in the Special Collections area (Mitchell Library). The index is in microfiche 'Box 59' on the shelf labelled AJCP Indexes.
STEP 2
Search the index (sorted alphabetically by surname) to find the microfilm reel number, piece number and prisoner number.
|
Example of the information found in an index entry:
Name (Alias) | BELL(BRUCE) James |
---|---|
Age | 20 |
County | MLN |
Date (sent to) | 28/03/38 |
Ship/Prison/Hulk | Lord Lyndoch |
Destination | NSW |
Reel | 5987 |
Piece No. | 2/135 |
Prisoner No | 3885 |
STEP 3
Complete a stack request slip (including the microfilm reel number) at the Special Collections desk in the Mitchell Library for staff to collect the microfilm reel for you.
STEP 3
Search for the 'piece' or section on the microfilm reel to find a description card with the name of the prison.
STEP 4
Search for the prisoner number from the index to find the record for your convict.
Example of the information found in a record (record covers two pages):
Number | 3885 |
---|---|
Name | Jas Bruce or Bell |
Age | 20 |
Offence | Theft by housebkg |
Convicted When Where |
5 July Edinbro 1838 |
Sentence | 14 |
Gaolers Report | Condt imprd. Very indift. Char. Indift. Connect. (unclear) |
Where Born | Stirling |
Hair | Bro |
---|---|
Eyes | Dk gy |
Eyebrows & Lashes | Bro |
Nose | Lge |
Mouth | Com |
Complexion | Fsh |
Visage | Ov |
Make | St |
Married or Single |
S |
Height Ft In |
5 3 1/2 |
Read or Write |
B |
Trade or Occupation |
Hawker |
Remarks | Scar back of head, bridge of nose and between the shoulders |
Residence of prisoners relatives or friends |
Edinbro |
How disposed of | NSW per Lord Lyndoch 28 March 1838 |
The information recorded in the Prison commission prison books is strongest for 1840-1866. Information varies from prison to prison.
Not all convicts listed in the Prison commission prison books were ever sent out to Australia and not all convicts sent to Australia are listed here.
Didn't find your convict in the index entry?
There are several other Prison Commission registers held at The National Archives (UK). Check Micro reference book 2.2 PCOM/1: PCOM 2 Prison Commission. Prison Books 1816-1866 (pages 7-19) for a list of registers.
Ask at the Information desk in the Mitchell Library.