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Archiver > UK-WORKHOUSE-HOSP > 2002-06 > 1023992876


From: "MaryH" <>
Subject: Re: [UK-W&H] Re: Workhouse deaths
Date: Thu, 13 Jun 2002 19:27:56 +0100
References: <200206101103.g5AB3RG09464@lists7.rootsweb.com> <00e901c212df$28ae1720$d2518690@kburns2>


> I wonder if someone could tell me the procedure (that might have happened)
> once a person died in a Workhouse?

Hi Kate,
The procedure varied from Union to Union but basically, the death was
recorded in the Workhouse Deaths Registered and also notified to the
Registrar for the issue of a death certificate.

The burial arrangements would be recorded in another record, the Burial
Register.

If a person had family who were able to do so, the body would be removed by
them and they would make the funeral arrangements. If the workhouse had to
arrange the funeral, this would be done as cheaply as possible in the
closest available churchyard. The burial register will record which
churchyard the body is buried in only if the Workhouse had to arrange the
funeral.

Sometimes bosies were sent for burial in the parish where the person resided
before they were admitted to the Workhouse.

For 1837, you could be looking at having to check all the parish registers
covered by the Union in question.

Parish registers are most likely to record the name, age and last place of
residence of the deceased. For a married woman, the husbands name may be
recorded if he is still alive, otherwise she may be recorded simply as Widow
Smith.

The workhouse admissions register is the best source of information on next
of kin but you will be lucky to find workhouse records surviving from as
early as 1837.

The workhouse minute books are basically records of workhouse adminsitration
and do sometimes record details of inmates but only in exceptional
circumstances. The normal day to day ins and outs of workhouse inmates do
not feature in the minute books. The registers are the best source of
information.

Good luck
Mary Hallett - West Sussex
Visit my Website at www.fourbears.worldonline.co.uk
Researching -MILLS, HUMBLE, HICKS, HALLETT
BARKAS - one name study

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