I have only extracted the names of people where 'Dorchester' or 'Fordington' has been given as their Parish.
Compiled by Mike Russell OPC for Dorchester & Fordington May 2025
[Resident in Dorchester = 1: Resident in Fordington 2 : Total Records 3]
The county-gaol was erected near the site of the old castle in Dorchester, between 1789 and 1795, at an expense of £16,179,
and comprises a gaol, sheriffs' ward, penitentiary, and house of correction; the exterior is handsome,
and the interior is divided into various departments for the classification of prisoners, having four wings,
which, though detached, communicate with the central building by cast-iron bridges
Link to 'Dorchester Jails' for a brief history and pictures
UNDER CONSTRUCTION MAY 2025
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) Mary BOWRING - 24 Jan 1830 - Born 1808 - 'F' - [Mar] - Further Examination - Stealing - Acquitted James BURT - 12 May 1830 - Born c1767 - 'F' - [Mar] - Further Examination - Felony - William CHAPMAN - 04 July 1830 - Born c1803 - 'F' - [Mar] - Stealing Faggots and a pick axe - Transportation 14 years 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 Melchisedec HINE - 12 May 1830 - Born 1792 - 'F' - [Mar] - Further Examination - Felony - 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 (sentence reduced 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 Henry RIGGS - 17 Apr 1830 - Born c1808 - 'F' - [Sgl] - Assault William SWYER - 08 Jan 1829 - Born c1814 - 'F' - [Sgl] - Stealing a hat Ann WARR - 10 Apr 1830 - Born c1804 - 'F' - [Sgl] - Stealing - Transportation for 14 years Harriet WARR - 30 Sep 1829 - Born c1792 - 'F' - [Sgl] - Further Exam |
Image 36/320 - 08 Jan 1829 - William SWYER [Prison Register 1827-1839]
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] Image 36 - 12 Jan 1829 - Samuel BAGG [Prison Register 1827-1839 ] Date Committed : - 12 Jan 1829 [Surrendered on Bail] [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.] Image 42/320 - 25 Apr 1829 - John HYDE [Prison Register 1827-1839] Date Committed : - 25 Apr 1829 [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] Image 42/320 - 25 Apr 1829 - Ellen LOYNS [Prison Register 1827-1839] Date Committed : - 25 Apr 1829 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] Image 46/320 - 25 June 1829 - Charles GARRETT [Prison Register 1827-1839] Date Committed : - 25 June 1829 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] Image 49 - 10 Aug 1829 - John LOCK [Prison Register 1827-1839]
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 Image 50 - 25 Aug 1829- Thomas BAILEY [Prison Register 1827-1839] [Link to Original Arrest No. 133 on 27 Nov 1828] [Items in brackets in italics brought forward from earlier records] Date Committed : - [27 Nov 1828] Brought for trial 25th Aug 1829 [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 Image 53 - 30 Sep 1829 - Harriet WARR [Prison Register 1827-1839]
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] Image 54 - 16 Oct 1829 - William FUDGE [Prison Register 1827-1839]
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 Image 55 - 21 Oct 1829 - George LESTER [Prison Register 1827-1839], -- TWO ENTRIES SAME IMAGE [See Prior arrest 6th July 1823 and 20th Oct 1825 ] Date Committed : - 21 Oct 1829 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.] Image 55 - 21 Oct 1829 - Robert BEAVIS [Prison Register 1827-1839] -- TWO ENTRIES SAME IMAGE Date Committed : - 21 Oct 1829 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.] Image 55 - 21 Oct 1829 - George DAMON [Prison Register 1827-1839]-- TWO ENTRIES SAME IMAGE Date Committed : - 21 Oct 1829 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. Image 63/320 - 24 Jan 1830 - Mary BOWRING [Prison Register 1827-1839] TWO ENTRIES 2nd IMAGE 64
When brought to Prison : - 24 Jan 1830 No : - 312 Name: - Mary BOWRING Age : - 22 [c 1808] Parish: - Fordington Trade: - Shoe Builder Condition: - Married No. of Children: - blank By whom Committed : - Thomas Gould Read Esq Mayor of Dorchester Crime: - Further examination - Stealing a quantity of ? Stature : - blank Hair: - blank Eyes: - blank Complexion: - blank Marks: - blank Event of trial: - Discharged on Commitment : Acquitted Behaviour:- orderly When Discharged: - 16th March 1830 Remarks:- blank Image 67/320 - 10 Apr 1830 - Ann WARR [Prison Register 1827-1839][Link to previous arrest 13 Dec 1823] Date Committed : - 10 Apr 1830 Newspaper Salisbury and Winchester Journal Monday 22nd Mar 1830 Page 4 : Dorset Assizes : -- under those sentenced to 14 years transportation:- " Ann WARR, for stealing a purse, containing four half sovereigns and upwards of nine pounds worth of silver; the property of John FARR of Merriott. ". From the Dorset County Chronicle Thurs 11th Mar 1830 Page 4 it appears that Ann WARR had been arrested for picking pockets at Maiden Newton Fair. Newspaper Morning Herald (London) Wed 7th July 1830 Page 4 "NEW SOUTH WALES" -----extract --- "The women who were a few months since landed from the Lucy Davidson are so very troublesome being continually brought before the police office that the Magistrates are of opinion they are the most evil-disposed crew that have been landed in the colony for many a day!" Note:- The above report however seems to relate to a previous voyage of the Lucy Davidson conveying female convicts to New South Wales which appears to have departed from London on 20th July 1829 and after making port at Hobart arrived at Port Jackson on 29th Nov 1829. Image 71 - 17 Apr 1830 - Henry RIGGS [Prison Register 1827-1839]
When brought to Prison : - 17 Apr 1830 No : - 52 Name: - Henry RIGGS Age : - 22 [c 1808] Parish: - Fordington Trade: - Blacksmith Condition: - Single No. of Children: - blank By whom Committed : - C.B.Wollaston Esq Crime: - Assault Stature : - 5ft 8¼ ins Hair: - dark brown Eyes: - gray Complexion: - [illegible] Marks: - lightly pitted in the face with the small pox Event of trial: - Put into recognizance in £10 to keep the peace for 1 year Behaviour:- orderly When Discharged: - xxxx Remarks:- 23rd Apr 1830 Image 73 - 12 May 1830 - James BURT [Prison Register 1827-1839]
When brought to Prison : - 12 May 1830 No : - 87 Name: - James BURT Age : - `63 [c 1767] Parish: - Fordington Trade: - Sawyer Condition: - Widower No. of Widower: - 5 By whom Committed : - C Stickland Esq and Christopher Arden Justices of the Borough of Dorchester Crime: - Further Examination - Felony Stature : - 5ft 8ins Hair: - very grey Eyes: - light hazel Complexion: - fair Marks: - a cut on the right cheek longside the nostril. a cut on the inside of the middle finger left hand longwise same joint enlarged & stiff, on the top of the right thumb injured Event of trial: - Discharged on commitment Behaviour:- orderly When Discharged: - 15th May 1830 Remarks:- Delivered to the Sergeants at Mace for the borough of Dorchester order annexed to warrant of commitment Image 73 - 12 May 1830 - Melchisedec HINE [Prison Register 1827-1839] Date Committed : - 12 May 1830 [Note:- (1) Melchisedec HINE was baptised at St Georges Church in Fordington the son of John HINE by his wife Judith nee BUSHROD on the 13th Jan 1793. John HINE had married Judith BUSHROD at Preston & Sutton Poyntz Dorset on 10th May 1782. In 1830 they had 2 daughters Eleanor and Emma baptised at FStG in 1817 and 1818. Newspaper Dorset County Chronicle Thurs 21 Oct 1830 Page 3: Long account not transcribed 3 were charged Robert BURT, Robert SUMMERS and Melchisedec HINE - - extracts - 'Burt and HINE who were sawyers in the employ of Messrs Curme' --- concerns sale of 5 13 foot white deal timbers -- only 3 of 5 booked in -- examined by magistrates and bailed -- Jury guilty against Burt and Hine and not guilty against summers. In the 1861 Census Fordington District 6 Mill Street Melchisedec HINE Head Married aged 67 Sawyer born Fordington. Mary HINE wife married aged 60 born Godmanstone Image 77 - 04 July 1830 - William CHAPMAN [Prison Register 1827-1839] [ Note:- Items in brackets and italics brough forward from prior arrests] Date Committed : - 04 July 1830 [Note:- Links to prior arrests : William CHAPMAN - 14 Nov 1818 - Born c1801 - 'F' - [Sgl] - Stealing - [Whipped] - Also - 2 Feb 1824 - Bastardy - Also - 19 Apr 1824 - Burglary - Also - 3 Dec 1825 - Stealing. ] [Note:- Dorset Quarter Session Order Books 1827-1836 (QSM 1/16) Image 154/379 "PRISONERS:- William CHAPMAN Convicted of Larceny - To Be transported beyond the seas for the term of fourteen years" - ALSO Image 155/379 Order for Transportation of William CHAPMAN Whereas William CHAPMAN was convicted befor ethis Court of Larceny for which offence he was sentenced to be Transported beyond the seas for thye term of fourteen years It is therefore in pursuance of an act of parliament made and passed in the Fifth year of the Reign of his late Majesty King George the Fourth Intitled "An Act for the effectual Transportation of offenders from Great Broitain Ordered and Adjudged by this Court that the above named Convict be Transported beyond the seas accordingly for the term of fourteen years to such place or places as his Majesty by and with the advice of his provy council may order and direct. ] [Note:- Brief entry of his sentence appeared in the in Sherborne Mercury Mon 19th July 1830 page 3 - A fuller report however is in the Dorset County Chronicle Thursday 22nd July 1830 Page 3: "William CHAPMAN, was put to the bar, charged with having stolen a pick-axe, and two faggots, the property of Mr Edward ELLIOTT of Fordington. The facts of the case were these: on the night of the 3rd of July, the prisoner was seen proceeding homewards with two faggots on his back, and suspicion being excited that they were stolen, an examination took place and it was discovered thatthe faggot rick of Mr ELLIOTT had been pulled to pieces and some faggots stolen. A pick-axe which had been left near it, was also missed, but subsequently found on the path by which CHAPMAN must have proceeded. The faggots found on Chapman were identified by Mr Elliott as his property. There was a second indictment against the prisoner charging himunder Peel's act, with having been convicted of and imprisoned for a former offence. It appeared that the prisoner had already undergone imprisonment for no less than four other bprevious convictions. The Jury found him guilty on both indictments and the Court after a few pretty severe remarks sentenced him to Transportation for fourteen years ] [UK PRISON HULK Registers 1818-1836 for the hulk Captivity Image 16/25 " Prisoner No. 1179 William CHAPMAN Age 24 Crime: Stealing a Faggot of wood and a pick-axe Where and when Convicted Dorchester 13th July 1830 Sentence 14 years : How disposed of V.D.L. [Presumably Van Diemans Island] 25th Feby 1831] [Note:- William CHAPMAN was placed on board the Ship Argyle which departed on 5th March 1831 for Van Diemen's Land [Now Tasmania] and arrived there 3rd Aug 1831 Image 121 - 05 Jan 1832 - Edward KEATES [Also Prison Register 1827-1839 - Image 121 of 320] Date Committed : - Surrendered to the Court [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] Image 237 - 05 Mar 1836 - James PHIPPARD [Prison Register 1827-39]
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 ] Image xx - xxxx - xxxx [Prison Register 1827-1839]
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 Image xx - xxxx - xxxx [Prison Register 1827-1839]
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 Image xx - xxxx - xxxx [Prison Register 1827-1839]
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 |