Burial at Rodmarton

[heathers]

On the inquests posting I found details of the inquest of James Horseman who hanged himself at Rodmarton in (probably) March 1808.  Is anyone able to look at the Burial records for Rodmarton, and see if they contain more clues ?  Was he even buried in the churchyard, bearing in mind he committed suicide.

Thanks

Sue

[chempat]

Suicides were allowed to be buried in churchyards depending upon the circumstances and vicar.

'However there was an element of discretion. Although historically the understanding of mental illness was generally poor, it was recognised the suicide was often the result of a ‘disturbed mind’. In cases where the victim was deemed to have been of unsound mind, the body could be buried in consecrated ground. After 1823, any suicide could be buried in hallowed ground, at the discretion of the local vicar. Whilst this illustrates some leniency towards those seen to have committed suicide as a result of mental illness, it may also have reflected mercy to the bereaved, enabling them to have the comfort of laying the victim to rest in hallowed ground and lessening the public shame of having such burial denied.'

But, depending on family circumstances, it could still have been a pauper's grave.

[heathers]

The inquest gave a verdict of Lunacy

[tillyc]

Hi Sue
The details you require are as follows:
   Burial Rodmorton 11 March 1808 comments: hanged himself and was buried by coroners warrent.
Bw
Tilly