The former Pembrokeshire coroner, Mr. Michael Howells, kindly accepted an invitation to be speaker at the recent Pembroke Ladies Probus Group meeting.

Pembrokeshire's former coroner is renowned for his interesting talks. It was a great pleasure to learn of his experiences and to learn about the origin of the role of coroner.

Mr. Howells began by describing how King Richard I's demand for increased taxation to support his warrior lifestyle created the need for independent assessment of monies due. Resentment of these monetary demands created the need for independent judgement to be made when payment of taxes were refused. Therefore, the role of coroner was created.

The office of coroner was formally established in the 'Articles Of Eyre' in September 1194. In those days, the officer was responsible for levying funds, if need be, after disasters, unlawful death and determining treasure trove. Any dead body found in a village had to be reported to the coroner. An unnatural death would cause 'hue and cry' to be raised to seek the perpetrator. If the dead person was a stranger in the village, all the inhabitants were fined for failing to have a 'duty of care' for this person. A body was often moved from one village to another by its people to avoid fines.

The coroner's court is a court of law, and witnesses can be summoned. Anyone discovered to be lying is found guilty of perjury. The coroner's service is for the living. Medical science needs to know the cause of death to inform the bereaved.

Nowadays, all deaths are reported to the coroner, who has to know the exact cause and place of death. When death is suspected of being unnatural, violent or of an unknown cause, a post mortem is arranged and, if necessary, an inquest.

Mr. Howells then concluded his talk, making references to three modern tragic cases of unlawful deaths in Pembrokeshire.

Vice-president, Monica Vanner, thanked Mr. Howells on behalf of the members for his intriguing and informative talk.

Pembroke Ladies Probus Club next meet on March 20, at 11 am, at the Cleddau Bridge Hotel, when guest speaker will be Mr. John Munt, talking about diamonds.