Crime and punishment talk at society
AT last month’s meeting, Hinckley Family History Society heard from Amanda Williams about Crime and Punishment with specific reference to sources available for family historians.
Although centred around Warwick Records Office, Amanda’s talk was equally valid for anyone researching their family history elsewhere.
A spokesperson for the group explains more about her talk:
Amanda explained about the origins of our legislative structure, dating from the time of Henry II. We learned about the Exchequer, the Court of the King’s Bench, the Court of Common Pleas and the Court of Chancery. She told how the King’s Bench was the highest court and revolved around common law, precedence and physical evidence whereas Chancery utilised oral evidence and the making of a judgement using probabilities – considered to be a ‘fairer’ system. We learned that the archives for this material sits at The National Archive (TNA) at Kew.
We then moved on to the Assizes. Dating from 1166, this was a system introduced to allow law to be administered around the country. Initially hearing local disputes, the Assizes had grown by Tudor times to incorporate major crimes. Twice a year the Assizes would tour a circuit. The records are held at TNA – and many were destroyed in the 1860s. We learned that some of the more sensational cases had their own pamphlets printed, and many of these still survive.
Amanda then told us about the Calendar of Prisoners. Held at the Country Records Office (CRO), these give personal details of folk held on remand. They also include information on charges, judgements and sentences.
Next, we learned about the Quarter Sessions. Started in 1327 by Edward III, this initially was aimed at “keeping the King’s peace”. By 1368, criminal cases were included and 1388 saw them sitting four times a year – hence the name “Quarter Sessions”. They administered the counties before the advent of county councils, dealing with roads, buildings, asylums, licensing, county rates and lesser criminal cases (more serious ones went to the Assizes). We saw images of indictment books, benefit payments and decisions, removal orders and bastardy cases. We also saw court depositions, which came into use in 1824.
Amanda then told us of records at the CRO relating to constables and the constabulary. We learned how parish constables (unpaid and responsible for just about everything!) evolved to the famous Bow Street Runners in the 18th century and the advent of Police Commissioners in 1829. County forces started in 1839 and became compulsory in 1856.
There are significant archives of this information available at the CRO.
Finally, a packed presentation concluded with a discussion on punishment. We learned that public flogging was only banned in 1830 and that the birching of youths held in custody was only outlawed in 1948! We were also surprised to learn that caning of pupils at state schools was only banned in 1986. Amanda explained that prison records are only available at TNA – there are none at CROs. We finally touched on Houses of Correction, which were originally aimed at vagrants, “the idle” and “the lewd”. Inmates could be guilty of quite trivial offences, and life inside was very hard. Amanda explained that an example still exists at Chilvers Coton, Nuneaton.
The society will next meet at St John’s Church Centre on 4 October, when they will be Celebrating Bradgate’s Heritage. Doors open at 7pm for a 7.30pm start. Refreshments are provided and non-members are welcome. For further details, contact 01455 612261.