Dorset, England, Calendars of Prisoners, 1854-1904

This database contains records summarizing trials for prisoners in Dorset, England.

What You Can Find in the Records

Most of the records in this database are calendars (or lists) of prisoners tried during assizes or quarter session courts in Dorset, England. They include names, verdicts, and often a rather detailed account of the crime the prisoner has been accused of. In addition, records typically provide the following details:

• age
• trade / occupation
• name and address of committing magistrate
• dates (of warrant, when received into custody, trial)
• before whom tried
• previous convictions
• sentence or order of the court

Some volumes include an index at the front that lists name, court date, and offence. Later volumes sometimes list prisoners in custody along with their name, when received, by whom committed, offence, sentence, and prisoner number.