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
Southwark 1907
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Southwark, Borough of]
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During the year 550 bodies were received into the Mortuaries:—
| Reasons bodies were brought to Mortuary. | Collier's Rents Mortuary. | Manor Place Mortuary. | Total. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bodies brought in upon which Inquests were held | 220 | 182 | 402 |
| Bodies brought in for convenience | 36 | 107 | 143 |
| Bodies brought in in cases where death had occurred from Infectious Disease | 2 | 3 | 5 |
| Total | 258 | 292 | 550 |
REMOVAL OF HUMAN REMAINS.
Under Burial Act 20 and 21. Vic., Cap. 81., s. 25.
In October whilst preparations were being made for the erection of a
Gymnasium at the rear of the Mission Hall in Collier's Rents, which is
the site of an old Burial Ground, certain brick vaults full of coffins were
uncovered. The particulars were reported to the Home Secretary who
directed that the coffins and human remains should be taken to
Brookwood Cemetery and reburied.
The following report was made to the Council:—
Old Burial Ground in connection with the London Congregational
Union's Chapel in Collier's Rents.
During the extension and repair of this chapel the builder in digging
foundations for the new structure came upon certain vaults containing
coffins and human remains. The matter was reported to the Medical
Officer of Health.
On visiting the old burial ground I found two vaults containing
several coffins, dated about 1780, which would have to be removed to
make way for the new building.