England & Wales, Criminal Lunacy Warrant and Entry Books, 1882-1898

This collection includes entries of warrants for the removal from prison and the reception at asylums of criminal lunatics. Records typically include the inmate's name, crime he or she was charged with, date, name of court in which the trial took place, name of the prison the inmate was being removed from, and name of the asylum to which he or she was sent.

Historical Background

Prior to the Trial of Lunatics Act of 1883, criminals could be acquitted by reason of insanity. The 1883 act allowed for persons to be judged both guilty and insane. Those found insane were to be transferred from prisons to asylums. This legislation was created in response to pressure by Queen Victoria, who had had several attempts made on her life by mentally ill assailants.