Looking for his Burial/Cremation Record

[backdated]

My grandfather, Harry Pope, died 2nd February 1924 in Thorpe St Andrew Mental Hospital, Norwich, Norfolk, UK and I would love to know what happened to his remains. He was in his time quite an important man in Lynn and especially in Downham (Justice of the Peace and Chairman of the Council, in succession to his father, William). Somebody out there must have a clue, surely. Thanks in advance.

[dawnsh]

Hi backdated

Welcome to Rootschat 

Norwich council manages 2 cemeteries, details here

http://www.norwich.gov.uk/services/Pages/BurialsCemeteriesAndCrematorium.aspx

It looks as if Bereavement Services have deposited their registers for safekeeping at the Norfolk Record Office.

As you have his full name and date and place of death, an email enquiry to either Bereavement Services or the Record Office should get you a reply.

As a man of some standing, the record office might also have details of his funeral from the local newspapers of the time.

Let us know how you get on.

Dawn

[Neil Todd]

Historical newspaper archives may offer some clues if you are able to find issues online for that area. They may have an obit or funeral home notification of burial?

Neil

[dawnsh]

Hi again

If they can't help maybe Kings Lynn Council (Mintlyn Crematorium has the records) can

http://www.west-norfolk.gov.uk/default.aspx?page=22333

[avm228]

St Andrew's Hospital had its own chapel and, I believe, its own cemetery.

Since its closure it appears records are with Norfolk Record Office:

www.archives.norfolk.gov.uk/view/NCC098501

Unfortunately, the burial registers are among the files listed as being subject to 100-year closure.

 

[backdated]

Thank you Dawn, Neil and AVM for your swift and helpful responses.
Although I had previously read about a 100-year moratorium, I have fired a quick grovelling email off to Norwich and will let you know how I get on. I would like to visit somewhere sometime to pay my respects before I too shuffle off this mortal coil.
I see no point in being shy; a previously wealthy (and powerful) man who may never have returned to Downham Market (where I have visited the family grave) following the disgrace of Bankruptcy and serving a 3-year sentence in Maidstone gaol for misappropriation of funds, Harry had lived in Kings Lynn .. I may have to visit before I can make any further progress. Meanwhile, you lot are fabulous. Thanks again.

[AntonyMMM]

Whilst hospital records relating to medical history of individuals are often closed for 100 years, there is no reason for records of burial/cremation to be closed.

I would expect them to allow you to access the information you want.

[backdated]

Thank you Antony. I have at least had an immediate auto-acknowledgement which is honest enough to say it could be a while before they even look at my request. Fingers crossed.

[panda40]

Had a quick look at the online newspapers I could see nothing for Harry but there is a number of records for his father William mainly for the business he ran.
Regards panda