| Description | Until 1867, the sheriffs of the city were charged with the execution of both city and county criminals. Execution orders relating to criminals sentenced either at the court of session or at the gaol delivery for Cheshire are directed to the constable of Chester Castle and the sheriffs. Where the criminal was sentenced at the court of session, the order is from the clerk of the Crown; where the sentence is by gaol delivery, the order is from the clerk of assize or from a justice of oyer and terminer. Most orders relating to city criminals originated in the crownmote court. Execution orders also occur on sheriffs' files: writs (SFW). |