Genealogy Chat

Hi Max, Martin, Margaret, Jacqueline and Laurie - What a mine of information! Thank you all for your help, you've given me some ideas on where to look next. Thanks again - Vanda

Hi, I know someone who committed suicide and they can be buried where you want them. However this is recent, I do know that at one time they were not supposed to have. The deaths are registered as normal and on the death certificate it would say the cause of death. Nowadays they are becoming that common and are not seen as badly as they were a long while back. It's like everything as time goes on people find out more about illnesses and have a better understanding whereas at that time it was frowned on as if the person had committed a terrible sin. Hope that helps, Laurie

I suppose it's possible because 1934 is not that long ago comparatively speaking. Some Coroners Officers are very helpful and will do research, but they are very busy usually especially in city areas and it could be that they will have lodged their records in the local records office. The only way to find out is to write and ask - I wouldn't suggest a telephone call, as Monday morning in a Coroner's Office is usually hectic to say the least!! All the best Jacqui

Jacqui My grandad's inquest was held at his home, it was a pub. I found this info from the local newpaper report. Do you think that the local coroners office might still have the notes? (1934) Margaret

Hi, Margaret is correct - local cemeteries have no juristiction to prevent the interment of someone who has committed suicide - unlike churchyards (consecrated ground) where the incumbent could possibly prevent such a burial (although unlikely in this day and age). I believe in years gone by suicide victims were buried just outside the churchyard walls, or in a designated patch hidden from the view of the parishioners. At a burial in a cemetery (as opposed to churchyards) there would have been the usual burial service (always assuming that there were mourners there to attend of course). It wouldn't have been any different to any other funeral really, and the grave could have been in either consecrated or unconsecrated ground. Not all ground in a cemetery is consecrated because if you think about it logically, there are burials for all different sorts of religions and creeds and it would not do for a muslim for example to be buried in consecrated ground, or someone of the jewish faith to be interred in such ground. These faiths usually have their own sections within cemetery grounds. Deaths by suicide are eventually registered in the normal way however as the death is "unexpected" it will be reported to the Coroner and he will hold an inquest. If such a death occured in your family in the past there should be some record within the coroner's office - but not sure how long they keep the records - not all coroners keep them since the year dot!! Jacqui

I was always under the impression that suicides were not allowed to be buried in consecrated ground. My grandad commited suicide and is buried in the consecrated area of the local cemetery (1934) I queried this info and was assured by the people who look after the cemetery (council) that this was correct. Maybe is was churchyards that they were not allowed to be buried in. He was registered in the normal way. Margaret

I have one in my family (about 1848), his death certificate records "took his own life ......". There was an inquest which was held on the same day that he was found. He is recorded as having been buried at the parish church but I have no information on the burial. An ex police officer and a nurse both have expressed doubts about whether it was suicide but a bit late to know now! Martin

If someone committed suicide would their death be registered in the normal way? I think those who committed suicide were not buried in churchyards, but I'm not sure of my facts at all. Would there have been a proper burial service? Does anyone know? Vanda