Insanity the common verdict on suicides in 18th century England

Official records contrast with witness evidence of loneliness and physical decline among older people in Georgian society

By the time he reached his 60s Isaac Hendley could look back proudly on his life as a shoemaker in 18th century London. But when he looked forward he could only see the shame of being passed to his parish" since his bodily infirmities" meant the end of his independence and self-reliance.

After a year of grappling with his physical deterioration and fears that he should come to want", Hendley took his own life in 1797. An inquest recorded the state of his mind according to the testimonies of friends and colleagues.