Genealogy Chat

I wonder if they had slightly different definitions at that point?

The NHS website talks about a pathologist carrying out a pm, or a post-mortem, or a post mortem examination, or an autopsy.

A coroner can order an autopsy to assist with his post mortem enquiry.

(Post mortem is just Latin for "after death", so even the burial is post mortem)

The original certificate is held back from issue till PM report is known.....but a certificate can be issued to allow buriel,this is still the procedure now.

Thanks Gwyn,
At least I know now that it wasnt unusual.
Anne

I've just looked up the copy of a death certificate for my friend's family, around that time.

Death was on 17 October 1847, followed by p.m. and was registered 15 December 1847.

I don't know when he was buried.

Gwyn

Yes have visited the Newspaper library in Nth London and done a thorough search, to no avail. I expext it will remain a mystery. At least I found her resting place, which unfortuantely now is underneath a road.
Anne

Thanks Gwyn,I thought originally that it may have been more sinister, as I know the family where wealthy. Thought one of the rellies might have bumped her off!!
I have never seen the length of time being 3 months before though.
Anne

SNAP, Gwyn. :-)

Kath. x

In that case I wonder if they had the post mortem straight after the death and then had to wait until later for the inquest. Can't think of anything else really.

Have you tried the library nearest to the address on the death certificate to see if they have copies of newspapers from that long ago? If so there may have been a newspaper report of the accident.

Kath. x

The post mortem would be soon after death, then presumably there would be an inquest and only then would the death be registered, ...when cause of death could be recorded.
Then, as now, permission may have been given for burial to take place before the inquest.

I know of someone within recent years ( 2000s) who died suddenly, but the coroner? gave permission for the funeral to take place before the inquest.

Gwyn

And why the 3 months ?? wait . It is very strange
I have searched through all the newspapers of the time, but could not find any report of it.

Says PM Coroners report

Did it actually say that there was a post mortem or could it just have been an inquest? I'm not certain but I think you CAN have an inquest after a burial, but not of course a post mortem.

Kath. x

Buried in the churchyard 16th July 1848

When died:10th July 1848
Sex Female
Age 60
Widow
Cause Concussion froma an accidental fall
Registered 13th September1848
!!!!!

Whereabouts on the death certificate did it mention the Post Mortem? Did it give a date for the registration of the death?

Kath. x

I have been a researcher for ages now, and this is the first time I have come across this scenario, can anyone tell me if they have seen this before.
From the death certificate date of death 10th July 1848, Post Mortem in SEPTEMBER 1848. So I searched for ages looking for the burial after September 48. On searching for another death I stumbled on the burial on the 16th July 1848?
How could they bury them without a death cert, or did they dig them up?
I am mystified, if anyone has a clue, please let me know
Anne