Records

Records and databases for research into the history of crime are scattered across many websites.  A Criminal Record aims to bring together resources for the study of the history of crime in Britain and Ireland.  There are also links to records from Australia, New Zealand, Tasmania, and the United States and Canada where they intersect with Britain and Ireland.  

While court and prison records make up the bulk of the links, a separate section includes links to institutions of governance which formed part of the overall ‘carceral archipelago’ including workhouses, mental health institutions and charities.   

Research

This website is part of my PhD with Sheffield University

My PhD will explore the impact of digitisation on the study of the history of crime, drawing on the experiences of genealogists, historians, students, writers and teachers.

I am interested in hearing from anyone who has utilised online resources to further their understanding of the history of crime: genealogists, student, teachers, authors, playwrights, historians etc.   If your ancestor or the subject of your research was recorded as part of a court, prison or other record relating to crime please do get in touch.