Interesting thread on this subject. One of my family ancestors John St Pier(re) died in 1865 Barkingside Essex. On his death certificate it says "died from a fall" confirmed by Dr. etc. Richard St Pier (son) present at the death. All nice and tidy! When the Old Bailey records came on line I trolled through them and put in a few names one being St Pier. Up popped a murder trial of John St Pier 1866 of Barkingside Essex! It would appear that there was a Saturday night brawl at the Chequers pub in Barkingside (I'm sure as usual they had too much soda pop!) and there was a pushing match! George Moss pushed John St Pier who fell and knocked his head and he died. Full details of the trial are on the Old Bailey site. Point being unless the Old Bailey had not gone on line, from this death certificate I would never had known there was sinister goings on! Good news was that George Moss was found not guilty and released. I am sure that made George feel good as the penalty for murder then was hanging!