Liverpool & South West Lancashire FHS - Forum

Could the forum have a look at a mystery I have?

Henry Fletcher born 1835, died 8th Feb 1841. I have just recently received the death certificate for Henry and I was somewhat taken aback by its contents. The certificate states Henry died at Midghall Street, Liverpool, name: Henry Fletcher aged 6 years - nothing unusual so far. It is the cause of death that caught my eye, I quote "Found with his clothes on fire but how he became on fire no evidence appears". The informant was a P.J.Curry, coroner, Liverpool. I understand that records of inquest for that period of time were destroyed in the early 20th century. Is there any other way I could find out what actually happened to poor Henry? I've been told there is nothing in the Liverpool Mercury. I'd be very grateful of any help on this one.

Thanking you in advance,
Gareth

PS - Henry would have been my great uncle.

The Coroner's Inquest Diary will give you the exact date of the inquest, most are written up by the local newspapers, generally the Liverpool Mercury. We have made a note of the holdings at various libraries and which dates the newspapers began publication
http://forum.liverpool-genealogy.org.uk ... newspapers

Thanks Mary for your prompt response to my question.
Another question if I may. Would the diary's just list the dates of the inquests when held, or would it also give details?
Sorry to appear rather naïve on this but don't have much experience on this side of things
Take care.
Gareth.

No sorry, there are no details available, just the date but as this won't be the same as the date of death, although probably only a few days later, it will give the clue as to the date to check the newspaper.

gf27 wrote:Could the forum have a look at a mystery I have?

Henry Fletcher born 1835, died 8th Feb 1841. I have just recently received the death certificate for Henry and I was somewhat taken aback by its contents. The certificate states Henry died at Midghall Street, Liverpool, name: Henry Fletcher aged 6 years - nothing unusual so far. It is the cause of death that caught my eye, I quote "Found with his clothes on fire but how he became on fire no evidence appears". The informant was a P.J.Curry, coroner, Liverpool. I understand that records of inquest for that period of time were destroyed in the early 20th century. Is there any other way I could find out what actually happened to poor Henry? I've been told there is nothing in the Liverpool Mercury. I'd be very grateful of any help on this one.

Thanking you in advance,
Gareth

PS - Henry would have been my great uncle.

I agree with what you've been told about there being no mention in the Liverpool Mercury. There doesn't seem to be any coverage of Coroners' Inquests for February 1841.


Blue

Don't discount that there was not a report in the Liverpool Mercury. The keyword search is not accurate, so I would look on the Microfilm and rule out there was a report on the inquest.

Katie wrote:Don't discount that there was not a report in the Liverpool Mercury. The keyword search is not accurate, so I would look on the Microfilm and rule out there was a report on the inquest.

I didn't use search to check. To make sure I looked at the articles for each of the individual issues and it's definitely not covered.


Blue

Thank you all for your efforts on this topic. Sometimes you just have to accept that there is no record available, frustrating I know, but we've all been there.
As it was February he was probably messing with an open fire. will probably never know.
Take care.
Gareth

Not always the open fire, Candles and Oil Lamps were also culprits for causing fire to clothing, especially children. Nightgowns having no resistance to flames whatsoever.