Genealogy Chat

Hi ,just wondering if anyone can be of help ? My husband's half uncle john Coldwell was executed by hanging in 1946 at Barlinnie Prison,
I understand that certain documents are available such as the trial minutes( he shot a retired police sergt)...the condemned cell notes etc..as I live a fair few hundred miles from Scotland,I wonder if there is anyone who is willing to take a look/copy theses documents for me ,I am willing to pay for copies and towards fuel etc
Thankyou

Spelling is Caldwell:

http://www.britishexecutions.co.uk/execution-content.php?key=726


Someone on the thread below ("biz") claims to have all the press cuttings on the case, and there's some discussion about the case.
http://www.talkingscot.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=53&t=17566

The records of the case are most likely closed for quite some time yet:

https://www.nrscotland.gov.uk/research/guides/crime-and-criminals
https://www.nrscotland.gov.uk/research/guides/high-court-criminal-trials

Hi thank you
I was recently in touch with nas,who have informed me that the condemned cell notes ,visitor notes are available,also I have a copy of a book written a couple of years back ,the author having looked at the case notes to write the crime novel.

Joan,that is something I didn't think of
I will phone in New year and ask
it wouldn't cost any more than what I was prepared to pay someone through here to do so,it would be a quicker return,and a guarantee that it would be the right documents
Thank you

According to their website, it doesn't look as if they will do that, though may be able to direct you to some professional researchers:

http://www.nas.gov.uk/doingresearch/remotely.asp

But there will be no harm in asking! You never know!

And keep an eye on this thread - maybe in the New Year someone who lives in or near Edinburgh will see it and be able to search for you. You could edit the title of the thread to make it clearer that that's what you hope for.

Thank you

Elizabeth, those records are closed until 2032 so even going in person, I don't think you would be able to view them.


Repository National Records of Scotland
Reference HH16/35
Title Criminal case file: John Caldwell
Dates 1946
Access status Closed
Access conditions Closed for 85 years
Location Off site
Description John Caldwell (No.1653/46) was convicted for housebreaking and murder at the High Court, Glasgow, 26 June 1946, and sentenced to death. Executed at Barlinnie Prison, Glasgow, 10 Aug 1946.
Level File
Closed until 01/01/2032 <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<


Had the records been open, you would have been able to get photocopies on request. I have done this before and they give you a quote for the cost and post out the copies on receipt of payment.

Thank you