Thomas Woolford

[Phoenix]

Thomas was born 1848 in Easebourne, Sussex, son of Thomas and Emma.

In 1876, he has a quarrel with one George Marshall. George is found murdered, with Thomas's hat beside him. Thomas has gone home with George's.

At the trial, Thomas is sentenced to 15 years penal servitude.

In 1891, Thomas is back with his parents in Sussex. But where is he in 1881?

Lewes Prison? Broadmoor? Millbank?

I can't find him on FMP. As the trial reported his age as 24, it is probably way out on the prison records too.

[Just Gillian]

There's a Thomas Woolford born Stedham Sussex 1852 in Gillingham on board "H M Convict Prison" Chatham Kent. Have you seen him?

I've shoeboxed him in case you want the image.

Edit - sorry, my knowledge of Sussex geography is nil. Have just looked on google maps and Stedham is miles away from Eastbourne!!!

[Phoenix]

That'll be him, Gillian!

Have pmd you.

[Just Gillian]

Image sent Phoenix.

In the meantime - I've realised your post said Easebourne, not Eastbourne lol. I was experimenting today with a new sytem - putting my laptop on the kitchen worktop so that I can't sit down and get engrossed in research etc for too long. Obviously standing up affects the way my eyes/brain work!

[Phoenix]

Thank you Gillian!

Have to confess it took a long time to realise Easebourne was not a mistranscription!