Genealogy Chat

Hi OC, I thought that going to the local paper would be the best way too. Got in touch with them before I even thought of the County History Centre. Still waiting for a reply from them!! So maybe I'll stick with the hope that the present day county coroner will allow me to view the papers. I do hope so. Sue

That's very interesting to know, Sue. I'd still be tempted to go for the local paper, though, while I was waiting! OC

I have been in touch with the relevant County History Centre who I thought might possibly have held the inquest papers for my relative who died in unusual circumstances in 1936. They have confirmed that they have them, and I now have to apply for permission to view them. It is then up to the current coroner for the county to give permission for viewing to take place outside the 75 year closure. Sue

I got this from a Doncaster Website and there are other's if you google Inquest - closure period: Coroners records have not survived in large quantities, and those that have are subject to a closure period of 75 years under the Public Records Acts. If thats of any help most sites seem to mention 75 years. My Dad's cousins died from carbon monoxide poisoning on a boat in 1947 - I managed to get their death certs which said there had been an inquest, also got the newspaper report from the archives but when I asked about the inquest report I was told there was a 75 year closure but the newspaper report was quite graphic enough!

Is there a 75 year closure on Inquest Records? I thought they were a matter of public interest and available to all. From what I understand on here, most Inquest reports are routinely destroyed after 25 years, although not all. Inquests are almost always reported in local papers and that seems the easist way to access them. OC

Has anyone been granted access to the above for a date before the 75 year closure? I am about to apply (61 years) and am wondering if anyone knows what the likelihood is for permission to view being granted......Sue