Hello, I am looking into some events from my family history and I was hoping someone might be able to help me answer a question about a death certificate.
My great, great grandmother died in 1905 and the death was reported by her son. The cause of death was given as a cerebal hemmorage, so a stroke. All makes sense so far.
What I am wondering is how the cause of death would have been decided? The family were living in dire poverty, I think it unlikely that they would have been able to afford a doctor. (The son was sole earner and he was only 15)? Am I right in thinking it was unlikely they would have taken her to a hospital if she had no hope of recovery? They were in Scotland if that would make a difference?
If this is the case, would there have automatically been an autopsy as there would be now? Or if the deceased had not been seen by a doctor who would have decided what the cause of death was?
I would be very grateful if anyone could shed any light on this please.