| Administrative History | Although the office of coroner is an ancient one, no records survive in Cheshire outside the city of Chester before 1922, apart from some administrative papers (QAQ) and those coroners' reports that survive in the quarter sessions files (QJF).
Cheshire coroners' records from the 14th century to c1851 are held at the National Archives in the Palatinate series (https://discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk/browse/r/h/C4079), and c1798 - c1891 in the records of the Clerks of Assize (https://discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk/details/r/C2454).
Until 1932, the county was divided into four districts: Chester, Knutsford, Stockport and the Manor of Halton Fee. From 1932 to 1974, there were three: Central, East and West Cheshire. The records principally consist of daily record books which contain very summary details of inquests held.
We hold individual inquest reports for Cheshire covering the period from 1985-2003. Reports after this time are held by the coroner's office in Warrington. Any enquiries regarding inquest reports within the 75 year closure period must go through the coroner's office before we can allow access. Enquiries should be directed to the office manager at coronersadminteam@warrington.gov.uk. |