Buried at midnight - I wonder why at that time

[Joy Dean]

In 1848 in Buckinghamshire, a 26-year-old lady died of smallpox and was buried at midnight; I was wondering why buried at midnight?

So for some reason because she died of smallpox? - I have just noticed two others that died of small pox, in 1852, different dates, both buried at 10pm and one had the service read the following day.

[Nell]

Were they buried the same day they died? That would make sense if they thought them a health risk.

I haven't come across this before so will be interested to see the responses you get.

[Olde Crone]

Yes, I think it was because of the health risk of smallpox. A quick burial was essential in the days when there were no funeral parlours etc.

OC

[Joy Dean]

They are in copies of parish registers that were sent to me in an excel file quite a while ago that I had forgotten about (1845 to 1892) and am having a browse. So far only the burial dates have been given, not the dates of death.

[kiterunner]

Yes, I think it would be because of the smallpox.

[Joy Dean]

Thank you.