A death by unnatural cause

[Colin Bain]

In 1877, James Bain, a brother of my g-g-father, died in the Western Infirmary, Glasgow, at the age of 46 as a result of a "fractured skull and ruptured brain". Since this is clearly a death by unnatural cause it is likely to have been the subject of an inquiry (inquest?) or perhaps a police report.

Can anyone suggest how I might be able to access records relating to an accidental (?) death.

Thanks
Colin

[JustJean]

Hi Colin

Not sure I have the answer for you but did have a peek at the DC. I fully expected given the description of death to see a margin notation of a corresponding RCE (Register of Corrected Entry). A reference like that could indicate there may be further facts in the manner of how the man sustained his injuries. In this case though there is nothing mentioned! Sooo....since his son was the informant and listed his residence as the same address as his father's usual address and the fact the man died in hospital in the evening his injuries may not have been questionable or the occurrence of them unattended.......... so no further investigation was required??? Hmmmm.....the place I would probably look is in any local newspaper for a report of an accident.

Best wishes
Jean

[Colin Bain]

Hi Jean,

Thanks for taking the trouble to look up the DC and for your thoughts on James' demise. You may have noted that his occupation at time of death was given as "Advertising Office Manager". In the 1871 Census retrurns he is listed as a "Railway Advertising agent". It may be drawing a long bow but I can't help wondering if the accident he experienced had something to do with the railways. I'll certainly be following this issue through and will, as you suggest, do a search of local newspapers.

Thanks again
Colin

[Montrose Budie]

Hmmmmm indeed ..................

When the cause of death was sudden and/or there had been no regular medical attendant prior to death, then the matter should have been referred to the Procurator Fiscal, following which there would have been an RCE entry, but this will most often only confirm the date, place and cause of death, - there might only sometimes be a wee bit more info in terms of the place or the time.

In terms of a violent death, there might be a reference to a Court of High Justiciary criminal action. In the case of an industrial accident it wasn't until several years later that a reference to a Fatal Accident Inquiry by the local Sheriff-Depute was required by the FAI legislation (the records of which are probably held at National Archives of Scotland........ )

In this case, newspapers would appear to be the only possible way forward .........

David

[Colin Bain]

Thanks David. You are confirming what Jean has suggested but I'm grateful for the additional information on later statutory requirements for reporting fatal accidents. I'll start digging into the newspapers.

Regards
Colin