A Social History of Sudden Death: The Victorian Inquest

Sudden fatalities often excited great social and medical curiosity in the nineteenth century. In fact, public inquests into suspicious deaths regularly became community events, drawing people from all social classes together in the investigation. Inquest proceedings, which were often reported verbatim in local press, offer a remarkable insight into Victorian life, death and society, lifting the curtain on domestic life, working practices, and interpersonal relationships.

Curious Histories is very pleased to introduce Sophie Michell, whose talk will examine the unusual role of the inquest in nineteenth century Britain. It features cases both celebrated and obscure - including that of Sidney Barker, victim of Brighton's notorious Chocolate Cream Poisoner!

We're asking for a small donation to attend the lecture, but all proceeds will go to help the charity work St. John's undertakes in the local community, including the Cornerstone food bank. A few days before 18th June, you will receive an email that will give you the Zoom link and instructions to join the event. If you have any queries you can contact the organiser on our facebook page.