Burial of an early 19th century suicide in the crypt of St Bride's Church, Fleet Street

E.Bowman, J. and MacLaughlin, S. M. and Scheuer, J. L. (1992) Burial of an early 19th century suicide in the crypt of St Bride's Church, Fleet Street. International Journal of Osteoarchaeology, 2 (1). pp. 91-94. ISSN 1047-482X

Abstract

A skull from the St Bride's collection showing evidence of gunshot wounds is described. The position of the wounds suggests that they were self‐inflicted. Examination of historical records confirms that the individual committed suicide by shooting himself in the mouth. The fact that this individual was buried in the crypt of St Bride's church in 1821 is discussed in relation to early 19th century attitudes to suicide.