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Archiver > CHESHIRE > 2002-09 > 1031335906


From: "Dr. Terry S. Walker" <>
Subject: Re: [CHS] Death - Life was Cheap in them Days
Date: Fri, 06 Sep 2002 14:11:46 -0400
References: <3D78A5F2.000009.00960@DavidsComputer>


David,

I don't think we could put the sense of anonymity down to a disregard for the value of human life,
although it might well have been, it's just that in those times few people carried any piece of
paper by which they could be identified, who their nearest relatives were and from whence they came.
So unless they had friends/aquaintances in the parish in which they had unexpectedly died there
would be no-one who knew them. Even supposing they were known in this 'strange' town in which they
had unexpectedly died. there would be no way of getting in touch with a near relative quickly enough
for that relative to make arrangements for the burial.

Regards

Terry in Ottawa

David Gilligan wrote:
>
> Many thanks to all who replied to my posting about the nameless woman who
> was found dead and subsequently buried after being added to the parish
> register at St Wilfrids at Northenden as just 'A Stranger'. According to
> most of the replies this was a fairly common practice.
>
> All I can say is I'm glad it doesn't (much) happen now. Life was certainly
> cheap in them there days.
>
> Thanks again.
>
> David Gilligan
>
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> Cheshire County Record Office:
> http://www.cheshire.gov.uk/recoff/home.htm

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