The growth of the undertaking trade occurred in parallel with these developments, a fact largely attributable to the population expansion especially in urban areas. Around 1894, a group of London undertakers rallied together as a result of the need to defend twelve members of the trade against a libel action brought about by a coroner’s officer. By 1898 meetings were taking place on a semi-regular basis, and in July a gathering was held to formally establish The British Institute of Undertakers.