Genealogy Chat

I have a relative that died due to accidental causes and had an inquest held. I am curious as to what these papers might say, does anybody know if you can get copies?, Where I should go? and if you have to prove kinship? Thanks Tracie.

Inquest records are closed for 75 years. They are then weeded so not all survive. Those that do should be held at the local record office. However, a better source of inquest details is often the local newspaper. Copies are often held in the local library or record office, and sometimes in the national newspaper archive in Colindale, London. Good Hunting

thanks pauline, I will give that a try.

I have wrote to the coroners office and as of yet had no reply . But today i searched the local papers.As i have the death cert,it tells of course when he died and also gave the date his inquest was held. The result is i now know he was crushed under the caravan wheels after slipping from the towing bar of the lorry.I do also have a lovely clear picture of my grandfather which the museum photo copied for me. I only searched one to start with and that had all the inquest report reported .Then i search the other which gave a more family detailed report and his picture. Tina

Recieved Email today, Two members of my family have died in the last 15 years, Where inquests were held, and i am able to get copies of the inquest papers for a charge of £1.10 per sheet. I also need to send in proof of who i am. Sharon

Thanks for all the info.. just wondered how you would go about searching local papers, as my relative died in Woolwich Kent, but I live in Suffolk, is there a website for newspapers with old articles archived on it or the ablility to enquire to the paper for a look up?, also I know this sounds silly, but is there one coroners office to apply to or are there many all over the country, I have never done this before so new territory for me. I have tried google it and other info for other members but have so far drawn a blank! Thanks Tracie.

If you google coroners office for woolwich you will find some sites including http://www.greenwich.gov.uk/Greenwich/CommunityLiving/CrimeSafety/CourtsLegalServices/OtherCourts.htm As has been said, some inquest reports, sadly, have not survived, including my Trelawney Fletcher who drowned in the Thames aged 15. However, some have - such as the ones I obtained from the records office in Ipswich, for my ancestors in the 1860s. They are fascinating to read, giving the witnesses' accounts, and seeing the actual signatures of the jurors. Some inquest reports may be on the internet ie http://www.londonancestor(.)com/bells/b1803-woolwich.htm - please delete the brackets

Thanks so much Maid Marion, I am off to have a looksey right now. lol