Coroner Informant on Woolacott Death Certificate 1841.

[sparrett]

This is the death certificate of an ancestor, William Woolacott, who lived and died in Burrington, Devon. I have a couple of queries about it.
The 1841 census  (6th June) show his wife Sarah, and some family members without him in Burrington. 

The death date on the certificate is May 30th 1841, but the registration date is October 8th 1841. That is a long gap. I wonder why.

Is it because there was a long wait for the attendance of the coroner who could not register the death until after his inquiry?
And why would the coroner for Devon be called in? 
.
His headstone at St Mary’s High Bickington Church  confirms death date, and records show his burial as 3rd June, 1841
 
He had been a farmer in Burrington but seems to have taken over a road maintenance job in later life with his wife as toll gate keeper.
I will appreciate any advise on this.
Sue

[CaroleW]

His cause of death is strange. 

[mckha489]

I cannot see a report of the inquest, in the newspapers, nor can I see a coroner by the name of Burridge!  (Is that what his name is?).  I was only looking May to October 1841..  The inquests in general seem to take place very rapidly.

Perhaps he just found the paperwork on his desk in October and realised he hadn’t filed it!

[scotmum]

Coroner was Richard Bremridge, an MP.

https://membersafter1832.historyofparliamentonline.org/members/3330

[scotmum]

His cause of death is strange.

See https://historyhouse.co.uk/articles/visitation_of_god.html

[sparrett]

Thanks everyone.
I do wonder that Richard Bembridge, a solicitor can also be a coroner.
Wouldnt some medical knowledge be required?

I do have to speculate, like mckha, that the time lag was just poor administration.

I'm sure the coroner was not called to Burrington very often and William's case must have had a question mark about it to have him attend.

Sue

[sparrett]

 Deleted.

[scotmum]

Thanks everyone.
I do wonder that Richard Bembridge, a solicitor can also be a coroner.
Wouldnt some medical knowledge be required?



Sue

His duty, along with a jury if appropriate, would have been to reach a legal determination based on circumstances and/or evidence. If appropriate, he could engage a medical professional to assist with reaching same. He would have carried out his duties alongside his other role/s.

https://legalhistorymiscellany.com/2016/07/30/deaths-gatekeepers-the-victorian-coroners-officer/

Perhaps no one requested an inquest at the time and a suspicion caused them to do so later.

[sparrett]

Hi scotmum,
Thank you for helpful information and thoughts there.
It may be an ongoing digging process.
Sue