London's Pulse: Medical Officer of Health reports 1848-1972

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Hints from the Health Department. Leaflet from the archive of the Society of Medical Officers of Health. Credit: Wellcome Collection, London

City of Westminster 1915

[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Westminster, City of]

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36-
Mortuaries.
The number of bodies removed to the Council's mortuaries under
order of the Coroner, or to await burial, was 376; in five' instances
death was the result of infectious disease. One body was received at
Drury Lane, the rest at Horseferry Road.
Inquests were held at Horseferry Road, where the Coroner's Court is
situated, in 349 cases, and there were 6 adjourned inquests. Postmortem
examinations were made in 162 instances at Horseferry Eoad.
Traffic accidents were the cause of 60 inquests, double the number
in 1914.

Table: The number of dead bodies taken to the mortuaries for purposes of inquest and to await burial during the last seven years are:—

The number of dead bodies taken to the mortuaries for purposes of inquest and to await burial during the last seven years are:—

Total.For Inquest.To await Burial.Total.For Inquest.To await Burial.
190929125833191332828642
191033328152191432329528
191137333449191537634927
1912324.28140

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From the time when the City was formed, and most of the bodies
were taken to Horseferry Road, the accommodation was found to be
very inadequate. The premises have now been reconstructed, and
ample room is provided for the reception of bodies for post-mortem
examinations, and for the viewing of bodies by juries. An additional
waiting room has also been provided in the Coroner's Court.