Today, the National Archives have released on-line, Crime, Prison & Punishment Records - First set (1817-1931)

then (1770-1934)

http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/news/814.htm

For Ancestry users - private or via local Library, this collection is part of a licensing partnership with family history website, findmypast.co.uk ; if the site was up at the moment I would be able to post how much you will be charged to view each record - 12 1/2p per view ??

Makes you realise what good value this site is !!!!!

then (1770-1934)

http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/news/814.htm

'All the records will be free to search and can be downloaded free of charge in our reading rooms at Kew or at home for a small fee'

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As explained on the News Item today - the Convicts were photographed with their hands on their chests in case they had any distinguishing marks on their hands.

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Daily Mail

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2159085/Fascinating-records-67-000-19th-century...