Dorset County Gaol, Dorchester - Prison Register 1829 - 1839

Robert BEAVIS (1809-1883), among those listed below, grew up in Fordington and aged 20 was arrested for sheep stealing and sent to Dorchester Prison where he was admitted on 21st Oct 1829. He was tried at Dorchester Assizes on 12th March 1830, found guilty and initially sentenced to DEATH. This was commuted to Transportation to Australia for Life. He was then committed to the Prison Hulk HMS Captivity which was at that time moored at Devonport. HMS Captivity had started life as HMS Monmouth and been launched in 1772 as a third rate ship of the line carrying 64 guns. Having served in a number of campaigns she was eventually brought back to England at the conclusion of the American War of Independence and paid off in July 1784. She returned to service on 20th Oct 1796 renamed as HMS Captivity and fitted out as a prison ship eventually becoming a 'Prison Hulk'. Plans for a ship of this class survive at the Royal Museum Greenwhich and give a good, if faint, idea of the type of Prison Hulk he entered (see image below) .Robert BEAVIS boarded the Prison Ship 'Burrell' on 22nd July 1830 and arrived in New South Wales on 31st Dec 1830.

Samuel BAGG - Sep 1829 - Born c1801 - 'D' (Coker's Frome /Holy Trinity) -Assault

Thomas BAILEY - [25 Aug 1829 ] - Born c1803 - 'D' (Holy Trinity) - Stealing Money - Transportation 7 years

Robert BEAVIS - 21 Oct 1829 - Born c1809 - 'F' - [Sgl] - Further Examination : - DEATH (reprieved to Transportation for life)

George DAMON - 21 Oct 1829 - Born c1799 - 'F' - [Sgl] - Sheepsteeling Further Examination : - Acquitted

William FUDGE - 16 Oct 1829 - Born c1816 - - 'F' - [Sgl] - Stealing -

Charles GARRETT - 25 Jun 1829 - Born c1818 - 'F' - [Sgl] - Stealing - 3 months H/L + 1 privately whipped aged 11

John HYDE - 25 Apr 1829 - Born c1801 - 'F' - [Mar] - Stealing

Edward KEATES - [20 Oct 1825 ] - Born c1801 - 'F' - [Sgl] - Assault - Also - 05 Jan 1832 - Riot and Assault

George LESTER - 21 Oct 1829 - Born c1810 - 'F' - [Sgl] - Further Examination : - DEATH (reprieved to Transportation for life)

John LOCK - 10 Aug 1829 - Born c1806 - - 'D' (St Peters) - Stealing

Ellen LOYNS [LIONS] - 25 Apr 1829 - Born c1810 - 'F' - [Sgl] - Stealing

James PHIPPARD - 05 Mar 1836 - Born c1821 - 'F' - [Sgl] - Stealing a vase

William SWYER - 08 Jan 1829 - Born c1814 - 'F' - [Sgl] - Stealing a hat

Harriet WARR - 30 Sep 1829 - Born c1792 - 'F' - [Sgl] - Further Exam

Date Committed : - 08 Jan 1829
When brought to Prison : - 08 Jan 1829
No : - 202
Name: - William SWYER
Age : - 15 [c 1814]
Parish: - Fordington
Trade: - Taylor
Condition: - Single
No. of Children: - blank
By whom Committed : - Joseph Clapcott Esq Justice of the Borough of Dorchester
Crime: - Stealing a hat
Stature : - 4ft 7¾ ins
Hair: - light brown
Eyes: - dark gray
Complexion: - fair
Marks: - blank
Event of trial: - Guilty Hard Labour 10 weeks and to be once Privately Whipped
Behaviour:- orderly
When Discharged: - 22nd Mar 1829
Remarks:- [Note:- William SWYER was baptised at FStG on 15th Aug 1813 the son of John & Honour SWYER]

Date Committed : - 12 Jan 1829 [Surrendered on Bail]
When brought to Prison : - 13 Jan 1829
No : - 212
Name: - Samuel BAGG
Age : - 28 [c 1801]
Parish: - Dorchester
Trade: - Shepherd
Condition: - Single
No. of Children: - blank
By whom Committed : - By the Court Epiphany Sessions 1829
Crime: - Assault
Stature : - 5ft 10ins
Hair: - black
Eyes: - light gray
Complexion: - florid
Marks: - blank
Event of trial: - Guilty Imprisonment 12 Calendar months
Behaviour:- orderly
When Discharged: - 12th Jan 1830
Remarks:- See Vol; blank

[Dorset Quarter Session Order Books 1827-1836 (QSM 1/16) Image 98/379 "Indicted for an assault on Mary PURCHASE and found guilty. To be imprisoned in the House of Correction for the space of twelve calendar months . Reported in Sherborne Mercury Mondat 19th Jan 1829.]

Date Committed : - 25 Apr 1829
When brought to Prison : - 25 Apr 1829
No : - 36
Name: - John HYDE
Age : - 28 [c xxxx]
Parish: - Fordington
Trade: - Labourer
Condition: - Married
No. of Children: - 7
By whom Committed : - C.B.Wollastob Esq
Crime: - Stealing turnip greens
Stature : - 5ft 4¾ ins
Hair: - brown
Eyes: - gray
Complexion: - sallow
Marks: - A mole tetween the two eyebrows. Pitted in the face with the smallpox . Weak eyes
Event of trial: - Guilty Hard Labour 1 Calendar Month
Behaviour:- orderly
When Discharged: - 24 May 1829
Remarks:- blank

[Note:- This is John HYDE (1795-1870) who married to Rebecca FUDGE (1793-1875) at St Georges Church in Fordington on 7th Oct 1816. By 1828 he did have 7 children follow, link for more information about his family]

Date Committed : - 25 Apr 1829
When brought to Prison : - 25 Apr 1829
No : - 37
Name: - Ellen LOYNS
Age : - 19 [c 1810]
Parish: - Fordington
Trade: - Labourer
Condition: - Single
No. of Children: - blank
By whom Committed : - C.B.Wollaston Esq
Crime: - Stealing Turnip Greens
Stature : - blank
Hair: - blank
Eyes: - blank
Complexion: - blank
Marks: - blank
Event of trial: - Guilty Hard Labour 1 Calendar Month
Behaviour:- orderly
When Discharged: - 24th May 1829
Remarks:- Blank

Note:- Extract from Bastardy Bonds:-  4 Oct 1828 Ellen LOYNS [also recorded as LIONS or LYONS] daughter 30 [Sep]. Sergeant Major William ASHTON 4th Dragoon Guards of Exeter 7 ½d/wk. [Note:- Page 23 of Register: Parish in which the child was born Fordington: Entry 6. name of Mother Ellen LOYNS: Name of father William ASHTON; sex of child female; Residence of father 4th Dragoon Guards now stationed at Exeter; date of order 4th Oct 1828; Amount of expenses incurred previous to the order being made 6s.6d; weekly payment by father to support the child 1 shilling and three pence; names of magistrates who made the order James Frampton Esq & the Rev William England Doctor of Divinity; name of person who served the order and when served William Gilbert Carey Esq 4th Oct 1828. Also note baptism of her daughter Jane LIONS at Fordington on 2nd Oct 1828 and burial entry for Ellen LYONS (1811-1831) at Fordington on 2nd Nov 1831]

Date Committed : - 25 June 1829
When brought to Prison : - 25 JUn 1829
No : - 111
Name: - Charles GARRETT
Age : - 11 [c 1818]
Parish: - Fordington
Trade: - No Trade
Condition: - Single
No. of Children: - blank
By whom Committed : - Rev W England D.D.
Crime: - Further examination -- Felony -- Stealing horse beans
Stature : - 4ft 4¾ ins
Hair: - light brown
Eyes: - dark gray
Complexion: - fair
Marks: - both little fingers crooked
Event of trial: - Discharged on Commitment - 2nd entry same page - Guilty Hard Labour 3 calendar months and once privately whipped
Behaviour:- orderly
When Discharged: - 13th Oct 1829
Remarks:- Blank

Dorset Quarter Sessions Order Books 1827-1836 (QSM 1/16) Image 114/379 Charles GARRETT Convicted of Larceny - To be imprisoned in the House of Correction to hard labour for the space of 3 calendar months Also that he be once privately whipped previous to his being discharged - Also Image 116/379 It is ordered at the prayer of John Masters the prosecutor of Charles GARRETT tried and convicted before this court of felony that the treasurer do pay unto the said John Masters the sum of one pound and ten shillings which to this court doth seem reasonable for the expenses trouble and attendance of himself and witnesses therein

Dorset County Chronicle Thursday 23rd July 1829 Page 3 : Charles GARRETT was indicted for stealing horse beans the property of Mr John Masters of Fordington. The prisoner pleaded guilty, and was sentenced to 3 months imprisonment with hard labour and to be once privately whipped

[Note:- Charles GARRETT was baptised at FStG 25th Dec 1817 the son of a mason William GARRETT by his wife Sarah]

Date Committed : - 10 Aug 1829
When brought to Prison : - 10 Aug 1829
No : - 1
Name: - John LOCK
Age : - 23 [c 1806]
Parish: - Dorchester (St Peters)
Trade: - Shoemaker
Condition: - Single
No. of Children: - blank
By whom Committed : - Joseph Clapcott Esq Mayor of the Borough of Dorchester
Crime: - Robbing an orchard
Stature : - 5ft 4¼ins
Hair: - light brown
Eyes: - blue
Complexion: - sallow
Marks: - a cut on the right side of the forehead; & a very small wart on the left side of the forehead; a cut on the back of the left thumb
Event of trial: - Lent Assizes 1829: Guilty Hard Labour 3 Calendar Months
Behaviour:- orderly
When Discharged: - 9th Nov 1829
Remarks:- blank

Date Committed : - [27 Nov 1828] Brought for trial 25th Aug 1829
When brought to Prison : - 25 Aug 1829 [32 = to Court 1st Sep 1829]
No : - 21 and 32
Name: - Thomas BAILEY
Age : - 26 [c1803] [Thomas son of Thomas & Jane BAYLEY was baptised at Holy Trinity Church Dorchester 27th Dec 1804]
Parish: - Dorchester (Holy Trinity)
Trade: - blank [Carpenter]
Condition: - blank [Single]
No. of Children: - Blank
By whom Committed : - Joseph Clapcott Esq Mayor of the borough of Dorchester
Crime: - Stealing Money
Stature : - blank [5ft 4ins]
Hair: - blank [very dark brown]
Eyes: - blank [gray]
Complexion: - blank [fair]
Marks: - blank [a cut at the corner of the left eye]
Event of trial: - Tried Dorchester Borough Sessions 7 years Transportation
Behaviour:- orderly
When Discharged: - 1st Nov 1829 Put on board the "CAPTIVITY HULK" Devenport Harbour
Remarks:- Delivered to the Dorchester Constables by order of the committing magistrate order to deliver & annexed to T White Warrant of Commitment [

[Note:- Article Sherborne Mercury Mon 26 Oct 1829 -Dorchester Borough Sessions ---At these Sessions Thomas BAILEY was convicted of stealing from John PALMER a soverign and half sovereign and sentenced to seven years transportation. ]

UK Prison Hulk Registers for Hulk CAPTIVITY Index 1818-1836 Ancestry.com Image 11 of 25
"Prison No. 965, Thomas BAILEY, Age 26, Crime Picking Pockets, Tried Dorchester 19th Oct 1829, Sentence 7 years Transportation, How disposed of V.D.I [presumably Van Diemans Island Australia] 26 March 1830 [last two digets not clear but other entries suggest 1830]"

Date Committed : - 30 Sep 1829
When brought to Prison : - 30 Sep 1829
No : - 79
Name: - Harriet WARR
Age : - 37 [c 1792]
Parish: - Fordington
Trade: - blank
Condition: - Single
No. of Children: - blank
By whom Committed : - C.B.Wollaston Esq
Crime: - Further examination: Felony
Stature : - blank
Hair: - blank
Eyes: - blank
Complexion: - blank
Marks: - blank
Event of trial: - blank
Behaviour:- orderly
When Discharged: - Initially discharged on commitment 2nd Oct 1829
Remarks:- blank [No more information located]

Date Committed : - 16 Oct 1829
When brought to Prison : - 16 Oct 1829
No : - 102
Name: - William FUDGE
Age : - 13 [c 1816]
Parish: - Fordington
Trade: - Labourer
Condition: - Single
No. of Children: - blank
By whom Committed : - Joseph Clapcott Esq Justice of the Borough of Dorchester
Crime: - Stealing Butter
Stature : - 5ft 0¾ ins
Hair: - dark brown
Eyes: - hazel
Complexion: - rather swarthy
Marks: - weak eyelids ; a small cut on the up side of the nose; a slight cut on the right side of the forehead; a cut on middle joint left thumb and another cut at the bottom of the back of little finger right hand
Event of trial: - Acquitted
Behaviour:- orderly
When Discharged: - 19th Oct 1829
Remarks:- blank

Date Committed : - 21 Oct 1829
When brought to Prison : - 21 Oct 1829 [Tried 22nd Oct 1829]
No : - 122
Name: - George LESTER
Age : - 19 [c 1810]
Parish: - Fordington
Trade: - Labourer
Condition: - Single
No. of Children: -
By whom Committed : - James Frampton Esq
Crime: - Further Examination: Sheepstealing
Stature : - 5ft 4½ins
Hair: - brown
Eyes: - dark hazel
Complexion: - rather sallow
Marks: - a small wart on the left upper eye lid several pock marks on the forehead
Event of trial: - Discharged on commitment: Trial 22nd Oct 1829 DEATH (reprieved Transported for Life )
Behaviour:- orderly
When Discharged: - 6th May 1830 -- Put on Board the 'CAPTIVITY HULK' in devonport Harbour
Remarks: blank

Dorset County Chronicle - Thursday 4th March 1830 Page 4 : Dorset Lent Assizes: George LESTER and Robert BEAVIS, for stealing a ewe sheep from a field in the parish of Fordington, the property of William LEGG of Broadmayne. George DAMON, for having received several joints of mutton, part of an ewe sheep, knowing the same to have been stolen by George LESTER and Robert BEAVIS, the property of William LEGG.

UK Prison Hulk Registers 1818-1836 CAPTIVITY : Image 12/25 & 13/25 Prison No. 1077 George LESTER aged 19 years Crime Sheep stealing Where and When convicted at Dorchester 12th March 1830 Sentence 'Life' - How disposed of M? S.W. 10 July 1830

[Note:- George LESTER was born at Fordington on 3rd Oct 1809 the 4th child from the marriage of George LESTER Senior to Catherine Allen SWYER at St Georges Church in Fordingon, but had not been baptised until after their move to St Peters Parish in Dorchester when he was baptised alongside his younger brother Philip there on 30th Aug 1812.]

Date Committed : - 21 Oct 1829
When brought to Prison : - 21 Oct 1829
No : - 123
Name: - Robert BEAVIS
Age : - 20 [c 1809]
Parish: - Fordington
Trade: - Labourer
Condition: - Single
No. of Children: - blank
By whom Committed : - James Frampton Esq
Crime: - Further Examination: Sheepstealing
Stature : - 5ft 7ins
Hair: - light brown
Eyes: - light gray
Complexion: - fair
Marks: - A cut on the middle of the upper lip ; a cut on the back of 2nd & 3rd fingers left hand
Discharged on commitment: Trial 22nd Oct 1829 DEATH (reprieved Transported for Life )
Behaviour:- orderly
When Discharged: - 6th May 1830 -- Put on Board the 'CAPTIVITY HULK' in devonport Harbour
Remarks:- blank

Dorset County Chronicle - Thursday 4th March 1830 Page 4 : Dorset Lent Assizes: George LESTER and Robert BEAVIS, for stealing an ewe sheep, from a field in the parish of Fordington, the property of William LEGG of Broadmayne. George DAMON, for having received several joints of mutton, part of an ewe sheep, knowing the same to have been stolen by George LESTER and Robert BEAVIS, the property of William LEGG.

UK Prison Hulk Registers 1818-1836 CAPTIVITY : Image 12/25 & 13/25 Prison No. 1077 Robert BEAVIS aged 21 years Crime Sheep stealing Where and When convicted at Dorchester 12th March 1830 Sentence 'Life' - How disposed of M? S.W. 10 July 1830

[Note:- Robert BEAVIS (1809-1883) was the eldeest son of John BEAVIS (1781-1825) and Mary nee WHITE, follow link for more information about his travel to and life in Australia.]

Date Committed : - 21 Oct 1829
When brought to Prison : - 21 Oct 1829
No : - 125
Name: - George DAMON
Age : - 30 [c 1799]
Parish: - Fordington
Trade: - Horse Keeper
Condition: - Married
No. of Children: - 2
By whom Committed : - - James Frampton Esq
Crime: - Recieving a stolen sheep
Stature : - blank
Hair: - blank
Eyes: - blank
Complexion: - blank
Marks: - blank
Event of trial: - Acquitted
Behaviour:- orderly
When Discharged: - 16 Mar 1830
Remarks:- blank [Note:- See above two records ]

Dorset County Chronicle - Thursday 4th March 1830 Page 4 : Dorset Lent Assizes: George LESTER and Robert BEAVIS, for stealing an ewe sheep, from a field in the parish of Fordington, the property of William LEGG of Broadmayne. George DAMON, for having received several joints of mutton, part of an ewe sheep, knowing the same to have been stolen by George LESTER and Robert BEAVIS, the property of William LEGG.

Date Committed : - xxx
When brought to Prison : - xxx
No : - xx
Name: - xxxx
Age : - xx [c xxxx]
Parish: - Dorchester
Trade: - Labourer
Condition: - Single
No. of Children: -
By whom Committed : - xxxx
Crime: - xxxx
Stature : - xft xxins
Hair: - xxx
Eyes: - xxx
Complexion: - xxx
Marks: - xxxxxxxxxxx
Event of trial: - xxxxxxx
Behaviour:- orderly
When Discharged: - xxxx
Remarks:- xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Date Committed : - Surrendered to the Court
When brought to Prison : - 05 Jan 1832
No : - 247
Name: - Edward KEATES
Age : - 31 [c 1801]
Parish: - Fordington
Trade: - Labourer
Condition: - Single [Note:- Edward Keates in fact married to Mary Gawler at Wyke Regis on 8th June 1831]
No. of Children: blank
By whom Committed : - By the Court Epiph Sessions
Crime: - Riot & Assault
Stature : - 5ft 3 ¾
Hair: - Brown
Eyes: - Light Hazel [Previously Dark Hazel]
Complexion: - Sultry sallow [Previously Brown]
Marks: - A mole over the corner of the left side of the upper lip; another small mole on the face over the left ear. A cut at the corner of the left side of the chin
Event of trial: - Hard Labour 1 Cal Month
Behaviour:- Blank
When Discharged: - 2nd Feb 1832
Remarks:- blank

[Note:- Dorset Quarter Sessions Order Books 1827-1836 (QSM 1/16 ) Ancestry.com image 219 of 379: Held at Dorchester between 3rd- 6th Jan 1832 : Edward KEATES: Thomas ORCHARD: John WELLSPRING} Convicted of misdemeaner (Riot & Assaut) to be severally Imprisoned in the House of Correction to hard labour for the space of one calendar month]

[Note:- Dorset Quarter Sessions Order Books 1827-1836 (QSM 1/16 ) Ancestry.com image 220 of 379 : Held at Dorchester between 3rd- 6th Jan 1832 It is ordered that: At tye prayer of James Belcher the prosecutor of Edward KEATES & others tried and convicted before this court of a misdemeaner That the Treasurer so do pay unto the said James Belcher the sum of three pounds and fifteen shillings which to this court doth seem reasonable for the expenses trouble and attendence of himself and witnesses therein]

Date Committed : - 05 Mar 1836
When brought to Prison : - 05 Mar 1836
No : - 327
Name: - James PHIPPARD
Age : - 15 [c 1821]
Parish: - Fordington
Trade: - An Idler
Condition: - Single
No. of Children: - blank
By whom Committed : - James FRAMPTON Esq
Crime: - stealing a vase
Stature : - 4ft 9½
Hair: - Light Brown
Eyes: - Gray
Complexion: - Fair
Marks: - A cut at the corner of the right nostril
Event of trial: - Hard Labour 1 Calendar month
Behaviour:- orderly
When Discharged: - 4 Apr 1836
Remarks:- blank {Note:- James PHIPPARD bap FStG 25th May 1823 the 5th child from the marriage of Richard PHIPPARD (1771-1833) to Susannah nee CHUBB (1780-1839) at All Saints Church Dorchester on 4th Feb 1807 ]

Date Committed : - xxx
When brought to Prison : - xxx
No : - xx
Name: - xxxx
Age : - xx [c xxxx]
Parish: - Dorchester
Trade: - Labourer
Condition: - Single
No. of Children: -
By whom Committed : - xxxx
Crime: - xxxx
Stature : - xft xxins
Hair: - xxx
Eyes: - xxx
Complexion: - xxx
Marks: - xxxxxxxxxxx
Event of trial: - xxxxxxx
Behaviour:- orderly
When Discharged: - xxxx
Remarks:- xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx