19th Century Courts

[Oakum Picker]

After 17 years of research I have finally started to write up my Family History. Several of my ancestors were sent to Industrial Schools but I'm having difficulty seeing why there instead of Reformatories. Am I correct in thinking that it was only if you were convicted by a jury that you were sent to the latter. Mine all appear to have stood before JPs in Petty Sessions. Thanks.

[Merry]

I can't answer your Q myself, but this website:

http://www.hiddenlives.org.uk/articles/raggedschool.html

gives this distinction:

The clear distinction between Industrial Schools and Reformatories was that the children sent to Industrial schools were destitute and those sent to Reformatories were juvenile offenders.

[Oakum Picker]

Thanks Merry, that's what I read. I think perhaps the emphasis is on the 'serious' because they certainly committed crimes getting a 5/- fine or 7 days in lieu.