Genealogy Chat

Hi
Was it possible in 1843 to be buried before a death cert was issued?
I found a record of a burial in the parish records that said one of my rellies was buried on the 22 march 1843.

I sent for his death cert and that gives the date of death as the 12 march.
Cause of death natural causes infection of the valves of the heart as found by the jury.

The informant was the Rotherham coroner.The cert was issued on the 1st of April after he was buried

Does this mean that there was a inquest?

Can anyone explain please
Julie

Yes............the coroner being the informant tells you that there was an inquest.

Thanks Reggie
I thought so but wasn't sure.
Am i right in thinking that old newspapers would be the best place to try and find out more.
Julie

Old newspapers of the area may well have reported on this.

Even today it is possible for a burial before a death certificate is issued.

Gwyn

Thanks Gwyn
I though you needed a death cert to be buried!!
Julie

Generally you do need a cert. but if there is a delay waiting for inquest for example, the Coroner will sometimes issue paperwork to release the body for a funeral.
The death certificate will be issued later, when the full facts are investigated and a cause of death can be recorded.

Gwyn

You do not need a death certificate to be buried. You need a 'Certificate for Burial or Cremation'from a Registrar or the equivalent from the Coroner if he/she has been involved. This is why it is possible for a burial ONLY to take place before the death is registered. Almost always happens with Muslim burials.

My father died in early May 1980 and was buried about a week later, after his inquest had been opened and adjourned.

The inquest proper was held two months after his death and two days after that the coroner informed the Registy Office, who then issued the certificate. He also made a mistake with my Dad's d.o.b. so the Cert was re-issued a week later with the correction. So all in all, about ten weeks after he died.