1823: 4 George 4 c.52: Burial of Suicides

1823: 4 George 4 c.52: An Act to alter and amend the Law relating to the Interment of the Remains of any Person found Felo de se.

[8th July 1823.]

‘WHEREAS it is expedient that the Laws and Usages relating to the Interment of the Remains of Persons, against whom a Finding of Felo de se shall be had, should be altered and amended:’ Be it therefore enacted by the King’s most Excellent Majesty, by and with the Advice and Consent of the Lords Spiritual and Temporal, and Commons, in this present Parliament assembled, and by the Authority of the same,

[Remains of Persons against whom a Finding of Felo de se is had to be privately buried in the Parish Churchyard,]

That from and after the passing of this Act it shall not be lawful for any Coroner, or other Officer having Authority to hold Inquests, to issue any Warrant or other Process directing the Interment of the Remains of Persons, against whom a Finding of Felo de se shall be had, in any public Highway; but that such Coroner or other Officer shall give Directions for the private Interment of the Remains of such Person Felo de se, without any Stake being driven through the Body of such Person, in the Churchyard or other Burial Ground of the Parish or Place in which the Remains of such Person might by the Laws or Custom of England be interred if the Verdict of Felo de se had not been found against such Person; such Interment to be made within Twenty four Hours from the Finding of the Inquisition, and to take place between the Hours of Nine and Twelve at Night.

[Rites of Christian Burial not to be performed.]

II. Provided nevertheless, That nothing herein contained shall authorize the performing of any of the Rites of Christian Burial on the Interment of the Remains of any such Person as aforesaid; nor shall any thing hereinbefore contained be taken to alter the Laws or Usages relating to the Burial of such Persons,

[Proviso.]

except so far as relates to the Interment of such Remains in such Churchyard or Burial Ground, at such Time and in such Manner as aforesaid.

Source: Butterworths’ The Statutes of the United Kingdom 1823.

Further reading: Wikipedia.