Coroner Reports

[Haydon58]

Hi, I have just received a copy of my Great Great Grandfathers Death Certifcate. His name was Thomas Allar who was a Weaver and lived in the registration district of Bethnal Green. He died in 1844 from the effects of drowning 6 days after immersion, I have the coroners first initial and surname, does any one know if there will be records for this. He lived and died in Old Castle Street, London, but I don’t think it was near the Thames, I just feel that this was a strange way to die.

[nanny jan]

You could try emailing the London Metropolitan Archives to ask if they hold the Coroner's files giving the details from the death certificate; survival of files is very patchy but I found one there, for a London Inquest (1902).

If they do not have it they might be able to suggest if it is held elsewhere.

Good luck!

[Bookbox]

The death was registered in Bethnal Green, which came into the Eastern Middlesex coroner’s district in 1844 (not London), so unfortunately there will be no surviving inquest papers.

Does the death certificate actually refer to the Thames? There are nearer pieces of water to Bethnal Green – e.g. the Regents Canal runs through the middle of it, and the River Lea is about half a mile from the eastern boundary.

Have you checked the newspapers? BritishNewspaperArchive or FindMyPast.

[cath151]

Hi
Sadly,
Morning Advertiser London  16th Jan 1844
"Suicide by Drowning"
Yesterday Mr Baker held an inquest at the Three Loggerheads, Virginia Row, Bethnal Green, on the body of Thomas Allar aged (can t read age), a weaver residing at 19, Old Castle Street. Henry
Black?(can t read) Haggarstone Coal Wharf stated that on Saturday week about eleven o clock, he saw deceased standing under the bridge over the Regents Canal; he appeared watching about, and shortly after rushed into the water. He sunk and witness procured a hitcher, and pushed him to the opposite side, where he was taken out by two men. He appeared in great agony and groaned very much. He was taken home immediately. Verdict " Drowned himself while in an unsound state of mind".

Cathy