Coroner Collection

Dr. Lankester, the coroner for Central Middlesex, 1862. Creator: Unknown
Dr. Lankester, the coroner for Central Middlesex, 1862. Engraving from a photograph by M. Claudet. Dr. Lankester has been many years before the public

Lord Chancellor Alverstone getting sworn in
Lord chancellor and the judges attending a special service in Westminster Abbey. The judges proceeded to the law courts where Lord Alverstone

The foreman of the jury conferring with the Coroner in Sutton village hall where a Coroners Court was held in order to decide whether the treasure unearthed at Sutton Hoo should become the property

The Bravo Mystery (engraving)
1615998 The Bravo Mystery (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: The Bravo Mystery, Sketches from the Billiard Room of the Bedford Hotel)

Coroner conducting an inquest into the causes and circumstances of a death
473460 Coroner conducting an inquest into the causes and circumstances of a death, 1936 (colour litho) by Bull, Rene(1872-1942); Private Collection; (add.info)

Dr Lankester, the Coroner for Central Middlesex (engraving)
1587747 Dr Lankester, the Coroner for Central Middlesex (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Dr Lankester, the Coroner for Central Middlesex)

Portrait of John Birt Davies, 1873. Creator: William Thomas Roden
Portrait of John Birt Davies, 1873. John Birt Davies was Birminghams first Coroner from 1839 -75

Portrait of Oliver Pemberton (1825-1897), 1867. Creator: William Thomas Roden
Portrait of Oliver Pemberton (1825-1897), 1867

A coroners inquest, London, c1901 (1901). From Living London, Vol. 1, edited by George R. Sims. [Cassell and Company, Limited, London, Paris, New York & Melbourne, 1901]

Caricature of the actor-manager Sir. Squire Bancroft
Caricature of the English actor-manager Sir Squire Bancroft (1841-1926) -- The idea of summoning a society actor as a juryman at a coroners inquest! 1881

Source Size = 1906 x 1561
Scene of the Riot at Six-Mile Bridge, Clare, Ireland; the Fatal Riot between the Peasantry and the Military, which Took Place on the 22nd of July Last

Thomas Wakley (1795-1862) English medical and social reformer and friend of William Cobbett. Founded the medical journal The Lancet in 1823. Exposed adulteration of foodstuffs (1851-1860)

For sale as Licensed Images

Choose your image, Select your licence and Download the media

The coroner, a figure steeped in history and intrigue, has long held the responsibility of investigating deaths and uncovering the truth behind mysterious circumstances. From Lord Chancellor Alverstone's solemn swearing-in ceremony to the chilling engravings depicting infamous cases like The Bravo Mystery and Jack the Ripper's gruesome murders, these glimpses into the world of a coroner reveal both revolting crimes and relentless pursuit for justice. In one engraving, we witness an ink-stained record detailing the coroners' inquest into Augustus Grasset's murder by slaves in 1712. This haunting image serves as a reminder that even centuries ago, coroners were tasked with unearthing dark secrets hidden within society. The notorious Whitechapel Murders take center stage through various engravings capturing scenes of horror and despair. We see Bucks Row stained with blood as Jack the Ripper claimed his first victim, while another engraving depicts two more Whitechapel horrors that left London trembling. The question on everyone's lips echoes from yet another illustration: when will this elusive murderer be captured? Amidst these macabre tales lies an intriguing glimpse into Sutton village hall where a foreman confers with the Coroner during an investigation, and is here that we catch sight of their collaboration; a shared determination to bring closure to grieving families and hold perpetrators accountable. Delving deeper into history reveals fascinating insights such as "The Arte dei Coroneri, " an oil painting from c. 1750 showcasing Italian coroners at work. This captivating artwork reminds us that this profession transcends borders and time periods - its purpose remains constant throughout generations. At its core, being a coroner means conducting meticulous inquiries into death's causes and circumstances. Whether it be unraveling mysteries surrounding high-profile cases or delving into everyday tragedies affecting communities far and wide, these dedicated individuals strive to shed light on life’s darkest moments.