CHESHIRE-L Archives

From: "CGG" <>
Subject: Death Certificate - Cause of Death Entry
Date: Sun, 15 Jan 2006 14:37:51 -0000

I have obtained a death certificate for a death occurring in Marple,
Cheshire, in 1848. In the 'Cause of Death' column is the entry "Indigestion,
12 Months, Not Certified".

Even by the standards of the time, this seems an unlikely cause of death to
be cited by a doctor. Furthermore, the annotation 'Not Certified' would seem
to indicate that a doctor was not involved. I have only come across one
other instance where a cause of death was not certified by a doctor - and in
that case the entry quoted a coroner's certificate.

I can imagine a number of causes that might be construed by a layman as
long-term indigestion, ranging from cancer, through ulcers or similar, to
being fed arsenic over a long period!

At that time, in a case of uncertified death would a coroner's inquest be
automatic as it would be nowadays! Or were things somewhat laxer? If the
former, could someone suggest a likely source of information, e.g. a local
newspaper of that period?

Cheers,
Cliff of Coventry

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• Death Certificate - Cause of Death Entry by "CGG" <>