Chapter Thirteen - The Coroner and The Coronet

This chapter of R.D. Blackmore’s The Maid of Sker combines legal drama with social observation, as a coroner’s inquest and the weight of a coronet bring questions of justice, class, and truth into focus. Blackmore’s eye for detail gives a vivid picture of Victorian society at its most formal.Content Note: This chapter also contains racist language and attitudes. These words reflect prejudices of the 19th century which are offensive and unacceptable today. They remain in this unabridged reading so that the novel can be experienced as it was written — but listeners may choose to skip this episode if they prefer.For listeners in Porthcawl, Kenfig, and the surrounding area, this episode is another step in rediscovering a long out-of-print book. By presenting it in full, we can both enjoy its story and reflect critically on the outdated attitudes of the past.