Catalogue description Assizes: Northern Circuit: Gaol Books

These record proceedings of the old Northern Circuit mainly under commissions of gaol delivery but including entries of actions against local authorities for failing to repair highways etc.; notes of recognizances taken in court; fees taken on the crown and nisi prius sides of the circuit, etc.

Crown minute books and gaol books are closely related records. The nature of those maintained for the Northern Circuit was described by the circuit clerk in 1800. He reported that the Circuit's crown minute books contained a brief and sometimes summary minute taken in court of the court's proceedings. The gaol books however, were produced from the minute books with the court's proceedings ordered and rearranged according to the different types of business. Thus minutes of gaol delivery, of coroners' inquisitions certified, of other crown cases, and of recognisances taken, are grouped together in the gaol books.

Justices of Assize, Northern Circuit, 1541-1876