Dark family secrets online

Ever wondered if your ancestors had a criminal past you didn't know about?

Now you can find out, with the launch of an Internet service allowing people to trace the dodgy history of their family members.

The National Archives catalogue could reveal if your predecessors were tried for treason or murder, or even if they were shipped off to Australia for their sins.

The database, which records cases between 1783 and 1830, can also uncover the criminal secrets of the rich and famous.

Author Lewis Carroll's great uncle, Lieut Lutwidge, was tried for manslaughter, for example.

There are also bizarre facts - Luddite Jeremiah Brandreth, who led a rebellion in 1817, was granted mercy (of a sort) by the Home Office. Although he was to be hung and drawn, it was decided not to quarter him.

To use the service, go to catalogue.pro. gov.uk, click on 'search the catalogue', enter your surname in the search box and the catalogue code as HO47.