Australia, New South Wales, Gaol Photographic Description Books - FamilySearch Historical Records

What is in This Collection?
This collection was complied from the photographic description books of 14 different gaols throughout New South Wales. Details include the prisoner's name, date of birth, country of origin and occupation, as well as details of the offense, sentence, and incarceration. If a prisoner was not born in Australia, the records may also include the name of the ship on which he or she arrived. This collection was provided in coordination with FindMyPast.

What Can These Records Tell Me?
The following information may be found in these records: • 2

How Do I Search This Collection?
Before searching this collection, it is helpful to know:
 * Name of the person
 * Approximate date of the event

How Do I Analyze the Results?
Compare each result from your search with what you know to determine if there is a match. This may require viewing multiple records or images. Keep track of your research in a research log.

I Found the Person I Was Looking For, What Now?

 * Add any new information to your records
 * If available, check the image for additional information
 * Analyze the entry to see if it provides additional clues to find other records of the person or their family

I Can’t Find the Person I’m Looking For, What Now?

 * Try searching by surname only
 * The person may be recorded with an abbreviated or variant form of their name
 * Remember that spelling was generally not standardized until the early part of the 20th century

Research Helps
The following articles will help you in your research for your family in Australia.
 * Guilded Research: New South Wales
 * Australia Research Tips and Strategies
 * Australia Record Finder

Citing This Collection
Citations help you keep track of places you have searched and sources you have found. Identifying your sources helps others find the records you used.