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Have just found out recently that my greatgrandfather Henry Bellingham was in jail April 1904, but have no idea what for ?? In 1901 he was residing at 75, Stone Street, Maidstone with his wife Clara and their 7 children. What makes it all the more intriguing is that he was in 1881 a Police Constable !! We assume he was in Maidstone Prison ?? So if there is a nice kind member out there that would'nt mind obliging, we will be extremely grateful, as we really would like to know why ? My mum had no idea that her beloved grandfather fell foul of the long arm of the law, and was always proud to show a picture of him in his uniform !! Thanks in anticipation. Jenni

Hi Jenni I'm in Maidstone next week - Tue and Fri - so will have a look in the main records/archives centre. Failing that it will be newspapers - I am not sure who keeps those - it may be the local library but I'll see what I can find out. Jill

Hi Jenni Do you have info from other census returns? If not, let me know and I'll send you details. I just looked him up in 1891 to see if he was a policeman then and he was a cab driver/groom. Jill

Hi Jenni, The Centre for Kentish Studies has an online catalogue. Go to Centre for Kentish studies and follow the links to the archive catalogue. Janice

Hi Jill,,,, thanks for that it is very much appreciated,,,,if you find anything you can PM me. I hope it were'nt too serious a crime, some of my OH ancestors were transported to Oz, one for trying to steal a chicken and the other for taking a few shillings, two others committed manslaughter and served their time in local jails !! Hoping it was something an nothing lol !! Take care. Jenni

Hi Janice,,,,thanks I will check that out,,,I'd like to find out why just hope it were'nt anything too serious lol!! Take care and thanks again. Jenni

Nudge for information Janice

Hi Janice re Kentish Studies,,found site but as I'm still very much a novice with PC not sure how to access ?? Found listing for Maidstone Petty Sessional's but how to I view contents ?? thanks Jenni.

Hi Jenni, Unfortunately it is only the catalogue which is on line but if you find all the things you want to look at and write down their reference numbers, you can pass them on to Jill - it will make it easier for her. CKS is a great place to do research - I love going there. Any excuse will do but I am too busy at work at the moment to offer my help. Sorry! I had a quick look and put Maidstone prison in the search box. There were 13 pages of hits!! Have you looked at them? Hope you find him. Good luck, Janice

Hi Janice,,,,,thanks,,told you I was still a PC novice did'nt I lol !! Will look into it again and make notes for Jill,, thanks again Jenni x

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Hi Jenni Didn't get to Maidstone on Tuesday but am there tomorrow, Friday and Monday. PM me by all means. Jill

Hi Jill,,,don't know if you've managed to go yet,,,but the only thing I've found is this: Borough of Maidstone Petty Sessional Records REF: CKS- PSMd. no dates so have no idea if it's relevant,,thanks again for your kind offer. Kind regards Jenni

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