What the heck does this mean???

[BarryBear]

Hi Oh wise and knowledgeable folk.
I got my GGGgranny's death cert today and in the column for where and when died it has;
15th October 1883 Lower Cheam R.S.P.
Does anyone know what the R.S.P. means?
Cheers
Barry

[Keith Bateman]

google says - RSP

<abbreviation> Right sacroposterior position.

medical term - but that's all


Keith

[acorngen]

Barry if that is all in the address area it will be RSD which is Rural Sanitary District which was a term used for rural and also  urban areas.  More about this can be found at
www.visionofbritain.org.uk/au_ft/status_page.jsp?unit_status=RSD
if that doesn't work go to google and type in Speech marks "urban Sanitary District" 

[BarryBear]

Hi Folks,
Thanks for the suggestions.
The link worked fine ta. I don't understand why the initials would be quoted on a death certificate, if it's about the sanitation and health of an area?!?!?
She died of 'senile decay'
Seems a strange thing to include when not even the whole address is there.
Im sure Lower Cheam was indeed rural then.
Has anyone seen this term on a cert before?
Cheers
Barry

[acorngen]

Barry,

I have a number like that and they also appear on the census in 1901.  The area is a defined area so to the medical people and the registrar's this would be a good way of saying she died in a particular area.  If you get chance to look on the census and you will also see USD.  I like those death certs because they add a quirkiness to the finality of someone's life

Rob

[BarryBear]

Oh I see, it not really relevant, just a way of describing an area. Oh that's cool. Thanks chaps.

[Paul E]

Yes, its a local government area - later,  it would probably equate to a Rural District Council and an Urban District Council.

cheers

Paul

[Kennington]

Hi

I live in Cheam  (Near Sutton, in Surrey )
- where is Lower Cheam ??

Kennington