Time lapse between Death and Registration.

[mistral]

I have a query about the death of a child who died on 12 June 1885 but the death was not registered until 3 February 1886.

She was Julia Finlay, age 18 months, whose mother had died shortly after her birth in 1884 and who was being cared for by her Aunt who was also the informant on the death certificate.
She died of Tubercular Meningitis of 4 days duration.

I can't think what reason there would have been for such a long delay?
Could it just be that the registrar forgot to enter it at the correct time?
Don't suppose it really matters but just wondered if anyone else could come up with a likely explanation?

[DavidWW]

I have a query about the death of a child who died on 12 June 1885 but the death was not registered until 3 February 1886.

She was Julia Finlay, age 18 months, whose mother had died shortly after her birth in 1884 and who was being cared for by her Aunt who was also the informant on the death certificate.
She died of Tubercular Meningitis of 4 days duration.

I can't think what reason there would have been for such a long delay?
Could it just be that the registrar forgot to enter it at the correct time?
Don't suppose it really matters but just wondered if anyone else could come up with a likely explanation?

In general, - there were exceptions allowed in particular circumstances, - the period allowed for the registration was 8 (eight) days, - failing which there was a fine of 20s (twenty shillings = one pound sterling), a not insignificant amount at the time.

Perhaps, grief affecting the situation, the family omitted to register the death within the 8 day limit, so then kept stum to avoid the fine.

It's unlikely that it was the fault of the registar, as the entry in the register was made when the informant visited the office ..... as opposed to his making notes and only later engrossing the info into the Register of Deaths, - apart from anything else, the informant had to sign the register.

David

[mistral]

Thanks, David, for the very prompt reply!
I get your point about the registrar, I didn't really think it could be that but was just casting about for any explanation really!
Possibly what you suggest is most likely but now I just can't help wondering how they could have buried the baby without a death certificate? I know nowadays you need one but maybe that was not the case in the 1880's? And they surely could not have waited 9 months before burying her, could they?
Still a wee bit puzzled!

[DavidWW]

Thanks, David, for the very prompt reply!
I get your point about the registrar, I didn't really think it could be that but was just casting about for any explanation really!
Possibly what you suggest is most likely but now I just can't help wondering how they could have buried the baby without a death certificate? I know nowadays you need one but maybe that was not the case in the 1880's? And they surely could not have waited 9 months before burying her, could they?
Still a wee bit puzzled!

Nowadays you're correct that there couldn't be an interment, or cremation, without various certificates and permissions.

Back then, I suspect, but don't know for certain, that a burial could take place without the formalities that are required these days, - especially, I'd imagine, in the context of such an infant death, given the high such death rates in the era.

David

[mistral]

Thanks again, David!

I'm really just nit-picking, I admit it! Will just have to reconcile myself to never really knowing, I suppose............if only I had a Tardis!!!!

[LesleyB]

Hi Mistral

............if only I had a Tardis

If you find one, let us know! There are quite a few of us on here would be very interested in joining you...after all, you'll have plenty space inside !!

Best wishes
Lesley