QUARTER SESSIONS FILES

ZQSF

QUARTER SESSIONS FILES

1488-1968

Unfortunately the following documents are filed in large bundles still attached to the original leather thong. They are very dirty and impossible to consult without the possibility of damaging the documents.

They are subject to a conservation programme, but each file takes several months to repair. If you urgently need to consult the documents please speak to an archivist about the possibility of some remedial conservation work being carried out.

The files affected are: ZQSF/101-127, 131

These files contain the writs, indictments, jurors and constables presentments relating to cases tried at Quarter Sessions. From c.1660 there are lists of persons bound to appear with notes of cases and occasional orders estreats of fines. In addition to these records relating the Court in Session, there are also many records relating to the administrative, financial, registration, and poor law functions of the magistrates in Quarter Sessions. These include records relating to the administration of the City Gaol, House of Correction and the repair of highways and also lists of the city police from the early 19th century, miscellaneous accounts and vouchers, sacrament certificates and declarations against trans sub-stantiation from 1673, the registration of non conformist meeting houses from 1689 and of friendly societies from the late 18th century, while the poor law records include many removal orders. There are also some accounts and assessments relating to the training of the Militia from 1705.

Until the late 1620s these files also contain writs, indictments, depositions and examinations relating to cases in the Crownmote Court, but after this date these documents are mainly found in the Mayors' Files. The 16th and early 17th century Mayors' Files also contain many Quarter Sessions records.

Calendar entries have been made for documents in files QSF/1-QSF/7, QSF/9-QSF/22, QSF/24-QSF/56, QSF/70, QSF/90.

English, Latin

RECORDS ARE CLOSED FOR 30 YEARS CORONERS RECORDS ARE CLOSED FOR 75 YEARS.