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While we were in Weston Library on Saturday afternoon volunteers from the society searched the local papers which are available on film but could find no trace of the inquest.  However, the library also offers the facility to consult the British Newspaper Archive from the Library computers and  the Sherborne Mercury of the 7th March 1865 carried the following entry which makes it look as if he was unmarried at the time of death.

At Watchfield, Burnham, on the body ot William Counsel, aged 58 years. Deceased, who was subject to fits, lived by himself, and was found dead in bed. It appeared from the evidence that he was the habit of taking a large quantity of salts, and did so the day before his death, which made him very weak. The state in which he was found left no doubt that he had died a fit. Verdict, "Died fiom natural causes".

Lynette -

I think the William Counsel you have being born in 1816 may be the chap you are looking for.

I have three records of this name: -

1. William Counsel married to Ann  - he was born in 1795 and the family lived on Mark Causeway

2. William Counsell married to Elizabeth - he was born 1811 and the family lived at Watchfield which came in Burnham Parish although the ecclesastical District was St Johns.

3. William Counsel married to Mary - he was born in 1816 and his wife in 1818. They and their 4 children lived at Blackford

These dates of birth may not of course be entirely accurate!

Hope this helps a bit?

Cheers for now

Lynette -

Coincidentally I also am trying to find information on an inquest for amember of my family for the same year. Some Coroners inquest reports are held at the SRO but for this period there are none. SRO do have a quite large number of olde Somerset newspapers on MF where one may find this information. Personal searching is the best way of course by visiting the SRO but they do offer quite a good search service.

An inquest report would only give information as to whether he was married or his wife's name if it was relevant I think, however as I have quite a bit on Burnham history etc. I will have a look to see if I can find anything for you.

Cheers for now

Yes Pat - I have all the Lympsham Coxes and most of those living in the Levels. Without referring to my records, 'twas a Cox who was the builder at Lympsham who was responsible for quite a few of the dwellings there also for church repairs. A Benjamin Cox who rests in the churchyard, was a prolific painter and Herald.

Thanks for the book ref, I'll try and find a copy.