In this episode of Archives Behind the Scenes episode we show you the very popular Gaol Photo Description Books.
The photos (or mugshots) of prisoners are from gaols right across NSW and date from 1870-1930.
They include criminals from all walks of life. From those who were perhaps murderers down to someone who literally was in prison for five minutes for making a false registration on a birth certificate.
Search and browse the records online »
Explore the stories of men, women and children who were incarcerated in NSW gaols from 1870 to 1930. The exhibition engages with photographic portraits and descriptions of prisoners sourced from the State Archives Collection of Gaol Photographic Description Books.
Sources and techniques to find all the details of your gaolbird ancestor.
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![Undated sketch of Croydon Pubic School NRS-15051-1-10-[531]-9](https://www.records.nsw.gov.au/sites/default/files/styles/gallery/public/Collection/Maps%20and%20Plans/Croydon-Public-School-Sketch.jpg?itok=mNLkL13y "Undated sketch of Croydon Pubic School NRS-15051-1-10-[531]-9")
