Archive service

The WYAS hold copies of the Convict Register from Wakefield Prison, which lists prisoners from all over the country.

Graham Hebblethwaite, chief officer of West Yorkshire Joint Services, which looks after the archive service, said: “Our records can unlock hidden histories for family historians. We offer a research service which can explore the prison, court and institutional records we hold.”

Records may help shed light on why they were imprisoned and witness statements from their trial, in addition to details of any other convictions and charges and their next of kin.

Some documents under 100 years old are still subject to legal restriction.

People wanting to access records should go to www.archives.wyjs.org.uk.