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Prison Records T. W. James

Posted by Marshal on 22/7/2025, 4:03 am

Thomas William James of 3 Devonshire Place, a sorting clerk at the General Post Office, Exeter charged with stealing a letter containing five £1 postal orders on the 3 May. He was held for 5 months on remand than when he faced court, he was sentenced to 9 months hard labour with the credit of the 5 months served.
Thomas was the son of Spencer James the Exeter Post Master, his brother Spencer Theodore James was also a clerk at the Post Office.
I am looking for assistance, where did he spend the 5 months remand. Where would he would had served the 4 months Hard Labour. How could I find the prison record of his 4 months and the date of his release. Are there any record of visitors etc. As I am not able to visit any of these locations (I am in Australia) I appreciate what ever assistance I may receive.
Regards Marshal

Re: Prison Records T. W. James

Posted by Jeff on 22/7/2025, 12:09 pm, in reply to "Prison Records T. W. James"

Got the year wrong on my last post; try these catalogue entries

5853H/A/5/11 Nominal register - male and female 1895-1896
5853H/A/5/12 Nominal register - male and female 1896-1897

Re: Prison Records T. W. James

Posted by Marshal on 24/7/2025, 6:13 am, in reply to "Re: Prison Records T. W. James"

Thanks Jeff, I'll have to get an email away

Re: Prison Records T. W. James

Posted by Jeff on 22/7/2025, 11:30 am, in reply to "Prison Records T. W. James"

As Thomas was living in Exeter & convicted there the most likely place for serving his sentence would be Exeter Prison. The Devon Heritage Centre catalogue has a record of "Index to prisoners' names, 1899-1903" which could be the record you are seeking.
The reference number for this record is 5853H/A/8/6.
the catalogue for the Devon Heritage Centre can be found at https://devon-cat.swheritage.org.uk/

Re: Prison Records T. W. James

Posted by Sally Topliss on 22/7/2025, 11:13 am, in reply to "Prison Records T. W. James"

You did not put a year in your post but have found the Newspaper Articles that state 1896. There was a Gaol in Exeter (New North Road) at that time. Suggest you try contacting Devon Archives and Local Studies Service and see if there are any records available.
devonarchives@swheritage.org.uk
Sally

Re: Prison Records T. W. James

Posted by Marshal on 22/7/2025, 11:19 am, in reply to "Re: Prison Records T. W. James"

Many Thanks Sally, sorry I forgot date.

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