Sub-series Y/ORD/5/2/3 - Court books of the Quarter Sessions of the Peace

Identity area

Reference code

Y/ORD/5/2/3

Title

Court books of the Quarter Sessions of the Peace

Date(s)

  • 1716-1753 (Creation)

Level of description

Sub-series

Extent and medium

9 volumes

Context area

Name of creator

(16th century-1971)

Administrative history

Quarter sessions were generally formed from the 16th century onwards. Courts were held four times a year and presided over by the county magistrates. Anyone with a grievance could complain regardless of their social standing. The courts were heard by magistrates and dispensed summary justice (i.e. without a jury). Higher level crimes were heard by the assize courts. Many types of cases were referred to the Police Courts during the 19th century but Quarter Sessions continued to sit as criminal courts for non-capital offences until 1971.

The general records of Quarter Sessions include Sessions Minute Books (the summaries of the events of each session), sessions rolls (the evidence presented for each case) and order books (the decisions of the court on every item of business).
See Also - York Subscription Library

Content and structure area

Scope and content

Accruals

System of arrangement

Conditions of access and use area

Conditions governing access

Open

Material is available subject to the usual terms and conditions of access to Archives and Local History collections.

Conditions governing reproduction

Images are supplied for private research only at the Archivist's discretion. Please note that material may be unsuitable for copying on conservation grounds. Researchers who wish to publish material must seek copyright permission from the copyright owner.

Language of material

  • English

Script of material

    Language and script notes

    Finding aids

    Listed to item level in Giles catalogue (1909)

    Allied materials area

    Existence and location of originals

    Existence and location of copies

    Related units of description

    Related descriptions

    Notes area

    Alternative identifier(s)

    legacy

    Giles F50, F51, F52, F53, F54, F60, F61, F62, F63

    Access points

    Subject access points

    Place access points

    Name access points

    Genre access points

    Description control area

    Accession area