Could someone with more local knowledge please advise my next step? We have located the death of my 3 x g.grandfather, James BELL (b. Hutton Rudby, N. Yorks l790). James left Hornby (nr. Gt. Smeaton) and his work on the land, some time after l85l. By l855 he was working as a railway labourer on the Stockton & Darlington Railway. On 3rd October l855 he was "accidentally killed" by being hit by the "tender of an engine" at Middridge. His death cert. was signed by Thomas THORNTON, Dep. Coroner Bishop Auckland. We believe the nearest place to Middridge on the railway would have been Shildon Junction. Could I ask which current library local to Middridge may have searchable newspaper archives from that time - and also, how I would find out whether coroners records were kept. I have heard that they are normally destroyed after a certain time. It occurred to me that there may be a third source of information in view of it being an accident on the railways - would the local rail board have records? Any possible lead would be most gratefully acknowledged. Regards Diane Johansen