Catalogue description Assizes: North and South Wales Circuit, Chester and North Wales Division: Indictment Files

The North and South Wales Circuit, Chester and North Wales Division indictment files in this series span the period 1831 to 1945.

Until 1916 the indictments are on parchment; after that date as a result of the Indictments Act 1915 (5 & 6 Geo V c 90), they are typed or handwritten on standard (usually pre-printed) forms. These forms give the jurisdiction and venue of the trial, the name of the defendant, the plea, a summary statement of the charge or charges, and particulars of the charge or charges. The name of the presiding judge, the date of the trial, the verdict and the sentence are also recorded. Coroners' inquisitions are also included; some of the inquisitions are still in sealed, unopened packets.

All the indictments, both before and after 1916, are endorsed with a list of witnesses. Earlier indictments are sometimes accompanied by lists of jury panels, which give the jurors' occupations as well as their names.

For criminal depositions relating to these indictments see

ASSI 65

Files for the years 1892 to 1907 are wanting.

Justices of Assize, North Wales Circuit, 1830-1945