Edinburgh Prisons c. 1901.

[rye470]

Hi Folks,

Can anyone tell me what prison was in Canongate, Edinburgh c. 1901. My husband's Gt Grandfather appears to have been languishing 'at Her Majesty's pleasure' at the taking of the census. I'm just trying to find any information on his crime, trial, sentence. Anything really. My first problem is finding out which prison he was in. It appears Saughton Prison didn't open until 1920, 19 years after my man was incarcerated. As there were 350 'occupants' on census night, I can't imagine it was the Tollbooth. Does anyone know if there was another prison, in Canongate, at the turn of the century.

Many Thanks,


Christine.

[WilmaM]

Have you looked at the Header Page for that entry

Header Page
At the beginning of each enumeration book, the enumerator described in detail the area covered by the book. When you view a census image, click on "View Free Header" to view, at no extra cost, the header page of the enumeration book in which that particular entry can be found.

That should give you more information

[nelmit]

Are you able to access The Scotsman archives as I would imagine his crime to be reported there? If not and you want to give us his name I'm sure somebody will be happy to look.

You could also search http://catalogue.nrscotland.gov.uk/nrso ... earch.aspx

Regards,
Annette

[rye470]

I've checked the header pages but all it says is HM Prison, Edinburgh. One of the following pages does specify 'Canongate', but Saughton didn't open until 1920.

If anyone knows anything about Robert Lumsden, Born Auchtermuchty c. 1852. Moved to Wilton and married Isabella Dodds from Dumfries. In 1907 he marries
Anne McAllister, and Isabella has vanished. I would be eternally grateful if anyone knows anything about this period of his life.

I'll also away and have a bash at the Scotsman archives.

Many Thanks WilmaM and Annette.


Christine.

[AndrewP]

Hi Christine,

The previous prison was Calton Gaol (Jail) in Waterloo Place / Regent Road, which fell within Canongate Parish.

OS map: http://maps.nls.uk/view/74415757

PO map: http://maps.nls.uk/view/90721368

Some pictures: http://canmore.org.uk/site/116652/edinb ... alton-jail

St Andrew's House, home to parts of the Scottish Office, was built on the site after the prison moved out to Saughton.

All the best,

AndrewP

[rye470]

Many Thanks Andrew. Your a star.

Christine.

[WilmaM]

I thought Andrew would come up with the goods =D>

Scotland's People has a death of an Isabella Lumsden / Dodds in 1886 in Midlothian.
It's the only hit for those names in the whole of Scotland.

Have you looked at that? to rule out that's not the reason for his enforced holiday!

[rye470]

Hi WilmaM,

God that sounds ominous. I've tried Scotlands People and I'm getting zip in 1886. There's an Isabella (Dodds) Lumsden death in 1896, but it's not her.

She has vanished without trace.

Christine.

[WilmaM]

sorry I my finger must have hit 8 twice
I did mean 1896.

[rye470]

Phew.. I thought I was going to find that he'd murdered Isabella or something.