Gaol records, where available, are very informative if an ancestor was placed in gaol either awaiting trial, or as punishment.

The gaol register provided information about the individual and the offence. It included the date, name, age, address, offence, whether a person could read and write, a personal description, religion, trial date and sentence if applicable. In some cases a photograph was taken of the offender.

Records and documents vary between archives, but where available they are a useful source, which can help to build a picture of life and conditions for prisoners.