The coroner holds an inquest if a death has been sudden and unexplained, when the cause is unknown, or the death is unnatural. Requiring no legal or medical knowledge until more recent times, the Coroner was an elected official.

Inquests were often held in rooms in pubs. Records of Inquests are fascinating - where they can be found - throwing much light on the way of life and manner of death experienced by our ancestors. The majority of post mid-18th century records are held at local archives, but The National Archives holds some dating back to the 12th century, although none is available to view online. A talk by Dr Kathy Chater.

This is a talk run by the Buckinghamshire Family History Society on Tuesday 9th July 2019 in the Eghams Room at Bourne End Community Centre starting at 19:45 (doors open 19:30). Tea and coffee are available after the talk with time to mingle and chat.

Visitors are very welcome. Entrance is £2 for members or £4 for non-members (or why not take out an annual membership from as little as £6).