Inquest Reports - Are they available?

[Simma]

Hi everyone,

I have just found out from a death certificate that my grandfather's aunt died after falling down the stairs of her home and fracturing her spine, dying instantly.

Very tragic indeed, especially when you consider she was only 28 and had six children.

I note from the certificate that an inquest was held shortly after he death. It may sound macabre, but does anyone know if the reports from such inquests are readily available and, if so, where would be the best place to try and obtain a copy?

Thanks in adavance.

[Simma]

Also, if it is of any significance, the accident occured in 1900.

[suttontrust]

Not all inquest records survive, but try the local record office.  You may be able to narrow it down by looking in the local papers for that year - the library or record office will have them.  It could be that the newspaper has a fuller account than the coroner's record.

[Subaru]

Some local papers are online.  I found an inquest report for 1870 in The Cambrian in Swansea.  It actually gave me the name I was looking for, the date, and a bit of information before I even sent for the reports.

If you know the area, it's worth looking on google to see which was the local paper at the time, and you never know - you could be lucky

Rosemary

[julianb]

I would definitely pursue the local newspaper line of enquiry.  You at least have the date of the inquest from the certificate, and that makes searching a  little easier.

JULIAN