RECOGNIZANCE ROLLS

The recognizance rolls should be used in conjunction with the complimentary series of indictment rolls [Q/SI]. Two series of files were made up for each sessions, one for recognizances, the other for the bulk of the indictments, but certain indictments were placed on the recognizance rolls up to 1681. These are the indictments for those offenders in custody. Some indictments which the Grand Jury did not endorse were also placed from time to time on the recognizance rolls. Where indictments are included in the recognizance rolls, jury lists and precepts to summon jurors and others are also usually found. A few presentments, petitions and other documents are also found. Thus up to 1681 the recognizance rolls, rather than the indictment rolls, appear to have been the primary series of sessions roll. During the first decade of the eighteenth century the indictment rolls appear to have become the main series and extraneous matter disappears from the recognizance rolls. From Easter Sessions 1730 for East Kent and Easter Sessions 1733 for West Kent the recognizance rolls were absorbed into the indictment rolls.