London, England, Newgate Calendar of Prisoners, 1785-1853

Source Information

Ancestry.com. London, England, Newgate Calendar of Prisoners, 1785-1853 [database on-line]. Lehi, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2020.
Original data: Series HO77. Newgate calendars HO 77, The National Archives, Kew, Surrey, England The National Archives give no warranty as to the accuracy, completeness or fitness for the purpose of the information provided. Images may be used only for purposes of research, private study or education. Applications for any other use should be made to The National Archives Image Library, Kew, Richmond, Surrey TW9 4DU, Tel: 020 8392 5225. Fax: 020 8392 5266.

About London, England, Newgate Calendar of Prisoners, 1785-1853

Historical Context

Newgate Prison stood at the corner of Newgate Street in the City Of London and housed prisoners for over 700 years until it was closed for good in 1902 and later demolished in 1904. It was originally opened in 1188 under the reign of Henry II in order to incarcerate individuals accused of crime whilst awaiting their verdict and potential sentence. The prison held both female and male prisoners and was also used by the Crown to hold those accused of treason and heresy. The prison was destroyed in the Great Fire of London and was rebuilt several years later to a design by Sir Christopher Wren.

This Collection

This collection contains a calendar of prisoners for the years 1785 to 1853. These calendars consist of lists, for the most part printed, of prisoners tried at Assizes and Quarter Sessions.

The following information can be found in the records where available:

  • Name
  • Age
  • Birth date
  • Occupation
  • Date of trial
  • Offence
  • Sentence
  • Place of arrest