Genealogy Chat

Hi

My ancestor died in 1839 at the Union Workhouse in Witham, Essex but I've checked through the burial records at the local churches (in the Essex Records Office) and can't find any record of him being buried. Would there possibly be no record of his burial if he was a pauper and living in the workhouse? I presume they would have to pay for his burial? Any advice you can give me regarding workhouse deaths/burials would be gratefully received.

Thanks
Carol

Hi Carol,
My ancestor died in Devizes lunatic asylum, i checked with the local records office in Trowbridge, and they were able to check the asylum death records for me. She was actually buried 'at home' in Warminster.
Your ancestor may be buried at the workhouse, locally, or with other members of his family. You could ask the local records office to check for you. Do you have a death record for him?
Elaine.

Hi Elaine

Thanks for your reply. I have a copy of his death certificate which states that he died on the 24/11/1839 at the Union House, Witham of Consumption (signed by the Governor as the informant). I believe his wife died in the 1860's (I've yet to get her death certificate) and I know she was living at the workhouse in 1841 (although I can't find her in 1851 or 1861). I've looked for both their burial records in the Witham area with no luck. Do you think the Records Office hold records for workhouses? They were married in Witham in 1817 so I think they were both originally from Witham but like you say they could have been buried by one of their children/relatives in another area.

Carol

Hi Carol
You might find this site useful it lists workhouses, imates etc.

http://www.workhouses.org.uk/

Regards
Ann