Coroners' records

The historic records of Her Majesty's Coroner for Plymouth and South West Devon

History

The office of Coroner in Plymouth can be traced back to a 14th century petition to the King. The petition stated that in matters of law, the people of Plymouth were being inconvenienced by being made to travel six leagues (about twenty miles) to the Abbot's Court at Buckland Abbey. This also applied to "felonies and homicides" because Plymouth had no Coroner. This lead to a charter being granted in 1440 giving the Borough of Plymouth the powers to elect a Coroner.

The Plymouth area has been served by three Coroners, one for each of the three Towns of Plymouth, Devonport and East Stonehouse. The three offices were merged in 1914 with the amalgamation of the three towns. Two Coroners, one for Plymouth district and one for Devonport district operated in tandem until the late 1920s. Areas outside of Plymouth were later added to the Coroners' area of responsibility and the office is now called the Plymouth and South West Devon Coroner.

The records

We hold Coroners' records dating back to 1892. The records form a rich source for medical, social and family history, although their contents are necessarily sensitive and to the family and loved ones of the deceased, deeply personal. Records are transferred to to the Record Office annually.

There are three main types of records:

• Coroners' daily record books
• Post mortem reports
• Inquest and post mortem information produced at inquest

Other types of records held include Part A's, administrative records, note books and photographs.

Access and terms of use

Coroners' papers are accessible to the public with the exception of material under 75 years old, which can only be viewed and/or copied after the express written permission of the Plymouth and South West Devon Coroners' office has been obtained. We are happy to advise on access conditions. Our Coroners records index details the records we hold. Please email us at pwdro@plymouth.gov.uk with your enquiry.

Leaflet and information on the work of the present day Coroner

We have produced a leaflet on the records we hold. It can be downloaded by using the link below. Further information on the work of the present day Coroner , including contact details can also be found on the Plymouth Coroners page.

Coroners' records leaflet [1.5MB]

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