Published by Primary Source Microfilm

"It is impossible to study the social history of early modern England without close reference to quarter sessions records. The Cheshire Quarter Sessions are among the richest and most varied and will be regularly consulted by legal, economic and social historians." -- Dr. John Morrill, Selwyn College, Cambridge

It is impossible to study the social history of early modern England without close reference to quarter sessions records. The Cheshire Quarter Sessions are among the richest and most varied and are regularly consulted by legal, economic and social historians.

Quarter Sessions records provide a lively and detailed picture of pre-industrial Britain, and are a fundamental source for the social historian. They offer information on a wide variety of subjects including the relief of the poor, fairs and markets, hospitals and asylums, jails, houses of correction and a myriad of criminal actions.

They are also of considerable significance for researchers of local administration and for legal and economic historians.

The Cheshire Quarter Sessions are one of the finest sets available for the Elizabethan and Early Stuart period, and continue to include much valuable information throughout the 18th century. The first part of this series includes the written ledgers and order books for the Cheshire Sessions. These list all orders and recognizance's, indictments and presentments. The second and third parts cover the more detailed and analytic Quarter Sessions Files.

Part One: Quarter Sessions Books and Ledgers (Recognizances, Orders, Indictments and Presentments), 1557-1818
18 reels

Part Two: Quarter Sessions Files, Section A: Michaelmas 1571 to Easter 1603
23 reels

Part Three: Quarter Sessions Files, Section B: Trinity 1603 to Michaelmas 1616
20 reels

Complete Collection: 61 reels