Barton upon Humber Family History
Dig A Little Deeper
THE VICTORIAN WAY OF DEATH
The Victorians had an extreme fascination with death. Death was such a way of life in the 1800’s, what with inadequate
housing conditions, poor sanitation, cholera and typhoid; a child was lucky if it saw it’s first birthday. And not only in the cities.
Many of the death certificates I have purchased in the course of my own family history belonged to people and children
from Barton upon Humber and the surrounding villages, who had died of such things as Diarrhoea, Chronic Bronchitis,
Bronchitis, Bronchial Catarrh, Bronchitis Convulsions, Bronchitis Gastritis, Scarlatina, Inanition, Typhoid Fever and
Consumption.
Not surprising then, when death spilled over into the lives of the living with such frequency, that a certain protocol had to be
employed in dealing with it.
Rules and superstitions sprang into force, to make sure it was dealt with in an appropriate, respectful and respectable
manner, swiftly and with as much fuss as possible.
They weren’t just deceased these people. Oh no. They were passing over to the other side. Entering into rest. Going to meet
their maker.
Things had to be seen to be done properly.
So from the first signs of someone looking a bit peaky to putting away the widows weeds; things had to be done precisely
and with the utmost decorum.
A GOOD DEATH
A “good” death began while the person was still alive.
Everyone would gather round the deathbed of the poor sufferer, balanced precariously between this life and the next;
listening intently and waiting to be given advice, a blessing, maybe amendments to a will, but especially to hear his ‘last
words’ which were, theoretically, some profound statement communicated from a higher realm!
LAYING OUT THE BODY
The laying out of the body could be done by any number of people; from the undertaker, to the local midwife, the spouse,
to the servants, but the ‘proper way’ was for it to be done in absolute silence and with no-one present but those actively
involved in the procedure.
Immediately after death has occurred, a handkerchief or some such material should be folded into a three inch wide band
and placed under the chin of the deceased and fastened at the top of the head until rigamortis has set in.
The eyelids should be closed and covered with cotton wool or in some cases coins (this is to prevent the corpse from being
able to choose someone to accompany him to the grave).
Clothes should be removed and the limbs straightened out and the body left then, for at least an hour.
On the conclusion of this hour, the body should be washed thoroughly with soap and water. This should be done beneath a
blanket or sheet (presumably for modesty’s sake and to prevent the smell) and using old linen, which afterwards should be
burned.
Cotton wool or rags should then be packed firmly into the orifices and then the body has to be bound tightly from waist to
thighs with strong calico.
A white nightgown can now be put on along with white socks, and the ankles tied firmly together with white tape. Hair can
be brushed and the arms folded neatly across the chest.
After a few hours the headband and eye pads can be removed.
CUSTOMS AND TRADITIONS SURROUNDING THE DECEASED
As the body would be kept at home until the funeral, the curtains would now be closed, candles would be lit as a sign of
respect, and the twenty four hour vigil could now begin. This was to prevent any chance of the body being buried alive,
which, in Victorian times was a major concern; and there are many patented inventions created at the time to thwart this
eventuality, including coffins fitted up with bells or glass windows, tongue pulling devices and even an enema of tobacco
smoke.
During this time a loved one could take the opportunity to obtain a lock of hair from the deceased to keep as a keepsake and
maybe place it into a locket or a brooch as this would be considered a suitable item of jewellery to be worn whilst in
mourning.
As photography was a relatively new invention in the mid 1800’s it was not unusual for the Victorians to dress up the
deceased and have them photographed in family portraits along with living members of the family, and many photographs
survive today of babies and children in such poses, propped up and surrounded by toys to give them a more realistic feel.
But in most cases the deceased was usually portrayed as ‘sleeping peacefully.’
Although this 'Victorian Post Mortem Photography' is considered morbid in today’s modern world where images of loved ones are
collected at every turn; this must surely have been a precious comfort to the bereaved of the time, providing them with one
last memory to cling on to.
All mirrors in the house should be covered in a black crepe material in order that the soul of the departed would not get
trapped behind the glass and be prevented from passing to ‘the other side,’ and also it was said, that if you saw your own
reflection in a room where someone had just died, then you would soon die yourself.
If there was a clock in the room where the death had taken place, then this should be stopped at the exact time of death or
the household would have bad luck.
When someone dies it means that time has stood still for them. For the living to ‘allow’ time to continue, was inviting the
spirit of the deceased to remain, but by actually ‘stopping time,’ (by stopping the clocks), this would allow the spirit to
‘move on.’
Sometimes several deaths would occur in the same family (not surprising with easily spreadable diseases such as T.B. etc),
but a surefire way of preventing this from happening again would be to secure a black ribbon to all living things that enter
the house (including dogs and chickens) just to be on the safe side...
MOURNING HAS BROKEN
After the practical duties of a death in the household had been carried out, it was now time to let the world know.
The death would be announced to family and friends using black bordered writing paper and envelopes and sealed with
black sealing wax. This black edged stationary would be used throughout the mourning period, with the borders becoming
thinner and thinner until the appropriate time required for mourning was over.
Before the bereaved were allowed to receive visitors, they had to obtain the apposite mourning clothes and everyone in the
family (including relatives by marriage, children and servants) was expected to wear it.
Queen Victoria lost her husband in 1861 and stayed in mourning for the rest of her life so most Victorians followed suit and
adhered to the strict code that applied.
Widows were expected to wear a dull black crepe for nine month’s after the death of their husbands, only being allowed to
go into half mourning for the last three month’s of the allotted time; where they could now introduce purple and dark greens
and blues into their wardrobes, with perhaps a slight sheen to the black garments.
Sparkling jewellery was not allowed, but jet was acceptable and maybe pearls after a decent period of time had elapsed.
Men would wear black crepe armbands and ties.
The length of mourning was also specified.
Spouse - One year - 9 month's full mourning, 3 month's half mourning
Parent - One year - 9 month's full mourning, 3 month’s half mourning
Child - One year - 9 month's full mourning, 3 month’s half mourning
Brother/Sister - Six Month's
Aunt/Uncle/Neice/Nephew - Three Month’s
First Cousin - Six Week's
So with the high mortality rate of the times a woman could easily expect to spend most of her life in mourning clothes.
Once the letters had been sent out and news of the death had been received, well wishers could now send flowers. These
were NOT sent as floral tributes for the deceased as they are today, but as a comfort to the bereaved and also as a way of
masking the smell of the decaying body which was by now lying in state in the front parlour.
THE FUNERAL AND BURIAL
On the day of the funeral, family and friends would gather at the house of the deceased
awaiting the arrival of the funeral coach.
Whoever was carrying the coffin would have to make sure that it was carried out of the house feet first to make sure that
the spirit of the deceased could not look back into the house and be able to beckon another member of the family to follow
him on his journey to the here after.
All attending would follow on foot.
The Burial Act of 1852 - 57 gave Local Burial Boards the power to establish Public Cemeteries. Which was a good job
because whilst every citizen had the right to be buried in a churchyard, these were fast becoming overcrowded due to the
high death rate, and private cemeteries were far too expensive for most of the population. Cremation wasn’t an option at
that time; it not being introduced until 1882.
Barton was no exception as you will read below.
HULL AND NORTH LINCOLNSHIRE TIMES AUGUST 25TH 1866
A meeting of the Burial Board for the parishes of St. Peter and St. Mary was held at St. James’ Aisle on Monday evening last; present the Rev. G. Hogarth (chairman), Messrs. Goy, Wilson, Taylor, Raby, Hall, Tomlinson, T. Tombleson, J. Morley, Heseltine and Wilkinson.
P. Bellamy Esq., architect, produced four designs for laying out the cemetery ground, when it was proposed by Mr. Heseltine and seconded [by] Mr. Wilkinson that plan C be adopted; the lodge to be placed on the west side of the entrance.
The four designs each showed great taste on the part of the architect.
Mr. Tomlinson moved; and it was seconded by Mr. Taylor; that plan A be adopted.
On the question being put, five voted for the amendment and five for the original motion, and the chairman gave his vote in favour of the original motion.
This plan provides for the entrance at the south west corner of the ground with the chapelries on the north side, midway between east and west.
The chapelries will be approached and surrounded by a carriage drive; the whole of the ground being approached by meandering footpaths.
The design for the chapelries presented by the architect was admired by all and unanimously adopted on the motion of Mr. Hall seconded by Mr. Wilson.
The two buildings are alike and attached to each other by a Portico surmounted by a graceful spire.
It was moved by Mr. Tomlinson and seconded by Mr. Raby that the tower be neutral and without a bell.
Mr. Hesseltine moved, seconded by Mr. Hall, that the tower be neutral and with a bell in the tower.
The amendment was carried.
The bell thus decided upon will be for the use of Churchmen and Dissenters as may be required, and if one is procured with a good sonorous tone [it] will certainly be a desirable acquisition.
It was moved by Mr. Tomlinson, seconded by Mr. Morley, that the land to the north of the footpath, behind the chapels, be left inappropriate, a portion to the north east corner to be allotted to the Roman Catholics.
Carried unanimously, except Mr. Goy dissenting.
The ground is therefore disposed of as follows:
The east side will be consecrated, the western appropriated to the use of the Wesleyans and Dissenters, with a strip from east to west.
On the north side (probably about one third of an acre) left inappropriate, and may, in course of time, be consecrated, or otherwise as may be found necessary.
Mr. Bellamy then produced the elevation and ground plans of two lodges, and on the motion of Mr. Tombleson, seconded by Mr. Hall, it was unanimously resolved that plan 2 be adopted, to cost about £250.
Mr. Hall moved, and it was seconded by Mr. Wilson, that a dead house (which could also be used for tools) and out offices be provided on the piece of projecting ground at the north west corner.
Carried unanimously.
An elegant and substantial design for the entrance and front fence of the cemetery was here introduced, amongst others, by Mr. Bellamy.
This entrance and fence has been adopted at Newark upon Trent and other Boards.
It was moved by Mr. Hesseltine, seconded by Mr. Raby, that the same be adopted for the front of The Barton Cemetery, which was carried.
It was also unanimously resolved that the vestries be applied to for authority to borrow £3,000 for the purposes of the cemetery, and that the churchwardens be requested to convene the vestries of both parishes on Friday afternoon, the 31st instant, at three and four o’clock respectively.
We understand that the repayment of money thus borrowed can be spread over 30 years, and will require only a very small annual rate.
The cemetery ground is sufficiently capacious to be used for the greater part of the next century, and we congratulate the parishioners on the prospect of having provided for themselves such a resting place as will be an ornament to the town, and worthy of resort by generations yet unborn.
Almost a year later, it seems work was almost finished when this little snippet appeared in the Hull and North Lincolnshire
Times on October 19th 1867.
THE CEMETERY - Serious damage was done at the works last Monday night; the new coping stone was thrown off the wall, one of the iron rails broken and pieces of timber thrown down the well.
If the offenders are detected, some time will elapse before they are “on the spree” again.
If the culprits were ever caught their story never made it to the Hull and North Lincolnshire Times Petty Sessions reports.
The cemetery however, became a successful venture which began collecting members on the 15th December 1867.
HULL AND NORTH LINCOLNSHIRE TIMES DECEMBER 21ST 1867
BARTON - On Sunday last the first funeral in the consecrated part of the cemetery took place, when Thomas Allvin aged 70 years, was interred by the Rev. G. Hogarth, the Vicar.
In consequence of the deceased being in a club, and the interment being the first in the cemetery, a large concourse of people attended, probably not less than 700 or 800.
The solemn service was listened to by the large crowd with the utmost decorum.
The first funeral on the unconsecrated ground took place on Monday, when Mrs. Robert Doughty was interred by the Rev. Martin Jubb, Wesleyan Minister, who offered up an extempore prayer in the chapelry, and proceeded with the burial service in accordance with the form adopted by the Wesleyan Church.
Yesterday, Mr. William Ashton, who was the oldest retired tradesman, was interred by the vicar. The high respect in which the deceased was held drew together a large attendance.
A hearse and mourning coaches were engaged from Brigg and were a very respectable equipage.
Have we no Innkeeper or Undertaker in Barton who has pluck and stamina enough to speculate now in this department?
The Victorians had an extreme fascination with death. Death was such a way of life in the 1800’s, what with inadequate
housing conditions, poor sanitation, cholera and typhoid; a child was lucky if it saw it’s first birthday. And not only in the cities.
Many of the death certificates I have purchased in the course of my own family history belonged to people and children
from Barton upon Humber and the surrounding villages, who had died of such things as Diarrhoea, Chronic Bronchitis,
Bronchitis, Bronchial Catarrh, Bronchitis Convulsions, Bronchitis Gastritis, Scarlatina, Inanition, Typhoid Fever and
Consumption.
Not surprising then, when death spilled over into the lives of the living with such frequency, that a certain protocol had to be
employed in dealing with it.
Rules and superstitions sprang into force, to make sure it was dealt with in an appropriate, respectful and respectable
manner, swiftly and with as much fuss as possible.
They weren’t just deceased these people. Oh no. They were passing over to the other side. Entering into rest. Going to meet
their maker.
Things had to be seen to be done properly.
So from the first signs of someone looking a bit peaky to putting away the widows weeds; things had to be done precisely
and with the utmost decorum.
A GOOD DEATH
A “good” death began while the person was still alive.
Everyone would gather round the deathbed of the poor sufferer, balanced precariously between this life and the next;
listening intently and waiting to be given advice, a blessing, maybe amendments to a will, but especially to hear his ‘last
words’ which were, theoretically, some profound statement communicated from a higher realm!
LAYING OUT THE BODY
The laying out of the body could be done by any number of people; from the undertaker, to the local midwife, the spouse,
to the servants, but the ‘proper way’ was for it to be done in absolute silence and with no-one present but those actively
involved in the procedure.
Immediately after death has occurred, a handkerchief or some such material should be folded into a three inch wide band
and placed under the chin of the deceased and fastened at the top of the head until rigamortis has set in.
The eyelids should be closed and covered with cotton wool or in some cases coins (this is to prevent the corpse from being
able to choose someone to accompany him to the grave).
Clothes should be removed and the limbs straightened out and the body left then, for at least an hour.
On the conclusion of this hour, the body should be washed thoroughly with soap and water. This should be done beneath a
blanket or sheet (presumably for modesty’s sake and to prevent the smell) and using old linen, which afterwards should be
burned.
Cotton wool or rags should then be packed firmly into the orifices and then the body has to be bound tightly from waist to
thighs with strong calico.
A white nightgown can now be put on along with white socks, and the ankles tied firmly together with white tape. Hair can
be brushed and the arms folded neatly across the chest.
After a few hours the headband and eye pads can be removed.
CUSTOMS AND TRADITIONS SURROUNDING THE DECEASED
As the body would be kept at home until the funeral, the curtains would now be closed, candles would be lit as a sign of
respect, and the twenty four hour vigil could now begin. This was to prevent any chance of the body being buried alive,
which, in Victorian times was a major concern; and there are many patented inventions created at the time to thwart this
eventuality, including coffins fitted up with bells or glass windows, tongue pulling devices and even an enema of tobacco
smoke.
During this time a loved one could take the opportunity to obtain a lock of hair from the deceased to keep as a keepsake and
maybe place it into a locket or a brooch as this would be considered a suitable item of jewellery to be worn whilst in
mourning.
As photography was a relatively new invention in the mid 1800’s it was not unusual for the Victorians to dress up the
deceased and have them photographed in family portraits along with living members of the family, and many photographs
survive today of babies and children in such poses, propped up and surrounded by toys to give them a more realistic feel.
But in most cases the deceased was usually portrayed as ‘sleeping peacefully.’
Although this 'Victorian Post Mortem Photography' is considered morbid in today’s modern world where images of loved ones are
collected at every turn; this must surely have been a precious comfort to the bereaved of the time, providing them with one
last memory to cling on to.
All mirrors in the house should be covered in a black crepe material in order that the soul of the departed would not get
trapped behind the glass and be prevented from passing to ‘the other side,’ and also it was said, that if you saw your own
reflection in a room where someone had just died, then you would soon die yourself.
If there was a clock in the room where the death had taken place, then this should be stopped at the exact time of death or
the household would have bad luck.
When someone dies it means that time has stood still for them. For the living to ‘allow’ time to continue, was inviting the
spirit of the deceased to remain, but by actually ‘stopping time,’ (by stopping the clocks), this would allow the spirit to
‘move on.’
Sometimes several deaths would occur in the same family (not surprising with easily spreadable diseases such as T.B. etc),
but a surefire way of preventing this from happening again would be to secure a black ribbon to all living things that enter
the house (including dogs and chickens) just to be on the safe side...
MOURNING HAS BROKEN
After the practical duties of a death in the household had been carried out, it was now time to let the world know.
The death would be announced to family and friends using black bordered writing paper and envelopes and sealed with
black sealing wax. This black edged stationary would be used throughout the mourning period, with the borders becoming
thinner and thinner until the appropriate time required for mourning was over.
Before the bereaved were allowed to receive visitors, they had to obtain the apposite mourning clothes and everyone in the
family (including relatives by marriage, children and servants) was expected to wear it.
Queen Victoria lost her husband in 1861 and stayed in mourning for the rest of her life so most Victorians followed suit and
adhered to the strict code that applied.
Widows were expected to wear a dull black crepe for nine month’s after the death of their husbands, only being allowed to
go into half mourning for the last three month’s of the allotted time; where they could now introduce purple and dark greens
and blues into their wardrobes, with perhaps a slight sheen to the black garments.
Sparkling jewellery was not allowed, but jet was acceptable and maybe pearls after a decent period of time had elapsed.
Men would wear black crepe armbands and ties.
The length of mourning was also specified.
Spouse - One year - 9 month's full mourning, 3 month's half mourning
Parent - One year - 9 month's full mourning, 3 month’s half mourning
Child - One year - 9 month's full mourning, 3 month’s half mourning
Brother/Sister - Six Month's
Aunt/Uncle/Neice/Nephew - Three Month’s
First Cousin - Six Week's
So with the high mortality rate of the times a woman could easily expect to spend most of her life in mourning clothes.
Once the letters had been sent out and news of the death had been received, well wishers could now send flowers. These
were NOT sent as floral tributes for the deceased as they are today, but as a comfort to the bereaved and also as a way of
masking the smell of the decaying body which was by now lying in state in the front parlour.
THE FUNERAL AND BURIAL
On the day of the funeral, family and friends would gather at the house of the deceased
awaiting the arrival of the funeral coach.
Whoever was carrying the coffin would have to make sure that it was carried out of the house feet first to make sure that
the spirit of the deceased could not look back into the house and be able to beckon another member of the family to follow
him on his journey to the here after.
All attending would follow on foot.
The Burial Act of 1852 - 57 gave Local Burial Boards the power to establish Public Cemeteries. Which was a good job
because whilst every citizen had the right to be buried in a churchyard, these were fast becoming overcrowded due to the
high death rate, and private cemeteries were far too expensive for most of the population. Cremation wasn’t an option at
that time; it not being introduced until 1882.
Barton was no exception as you will read below.
HULL AND NORTH LINCOLNSHIRE TIMES AUGUST 25TH 1866
A meeting of the Burial Board for the parishes of St. Peter and St. Mary was held at St. James’ Aisle on Monday evening last; present the Rev. G. Hogarth (chairman), Messrs. Goy, Wilson, Taylor, Raby, Hall, Tomlinson, T. Tombleson, J. Morley, Heseltine and Wilkinson.
P. Bellamy Esq., architect, produced four designs for laying out the cemetery ground, when it was proposed by Mr. Heseltine and seconded [by] Mr. Wilkinson that plan C be adopted; the lodge to be placed on the west side of the entrance.
The four designs each showed great taste on the part of the architect.
Mr. Tomlinson moved; and it was seconded by Mr. Taylor; that plan A be adopted.
On the question being put, five voted for the amendment and five for the original motion, and the chairman gave his vote in favour of the original motion.
This plan provides for the entrance at the south west corner of the ground with the chapelries on the north side, midway between east and west.
The chapelries will be approached and surrounded by a carriage drive; the whole of the ground being approached by meandering footpaths.
The design for the chapelries presented by the architect was admired by all and unanimously adopted on the motion of Mr. Hall seconded by Mr. Wilson.
The two buildings are alike and attached to each other by a Portico surmounted by a graceful spire.
It was moved by Mr. Tomlinson and seconded by Mr. Raby that the tower be neutral and without a bell.
Mr. Hesseltine moved, seconded by Mr. Hall, that the tower be neutral and with a bell in the tower.
The amendment was carried.
The bell thus decided upon will be for the use of Churchmen and Dissenters as may be required, and if one is procured with a good sonorous tone [it] will certainly be a desirable acquisition.
It was moved by Mr. Tomlinson, seconded by Mr. Morley, that the land to the north of the footpath, behind the chapels, be left inappropriate, a portion to the north east corner to be allotted to the Roman Catholics.
Carried unanimously, except Mr. Goy dissenting.
The ground is therefore disposed of as follows:
The east side will be consecrated, the western appropriated to the use of the Wesleyans and Dissenters, with a strip from east to west.
On the north side (probably about one third of an acre) left inappropriate, and may, in course of time, be consecrated, or otherwise as may be found necessary.
Mr. Bellamy then produced the elevation and ground plans of two lodges, and on the motion of Mr. Tombleson, seconded by Mr. Hall, it was unanimously resolved that plan 2 be adopted, to cost about £250.
Mr. Hall moved, and it was seconded by Mr. Wilson, that a dead house (which could also be used for tools) and out offices be provided on the piece of projecting ground at the north west corner.
Carried unanimously.
An elegant and substantial design for the entrance and front fence of the cemetery was here introduced, amongst others, by Mr. Bellamy.
This entrance and fence has been adopted at Newark upon Trent and other Boards.
It was moved by Mr. Hesseltine, seconded by Mr. Raby, that the same be adopted for the front of The Barton Cemetery, which was carried.
It was also unanimously resolved that the vestries be applied to for authority to borrow £3,000 for the purposes of the cemetery, and that the churchwardens be requested to convene the vestries of both parishes on Friday afternoon, the 31st instant, at three and four o’clock respectively.
We understand that the repayment of money thus borrowed can be spread over 30 years, and will require only a very small annual rate.
The cemetery ground is sufficiently capacious to be used for the greater part of the next century, and we congratulate the parishioners on the prospect of having provided for themselves such a resting place as will be an ornament to the town, and worthy of resort by generations yet unborn.
Almost a year later, it seems work was almost finished when this little snippet appeared in the Hull and North Lincolnshire
Times on October 19th 1867.
THE CEMETERY - Serious damage was done at the works last Monday night; the new coping stone was thrown off the wall, one of the iron rails broken and pieces of timber thrown down the well.
If the offenders are detected, some time will elapse before they are “on the spree” again.
If the culprits were ever caught their story never made it to the Hull and North Lincolnshire Times Petty Sessions reports.
The cemetery however, became a successful venture which began collecting members on the 15th December 1867.
HULL AND NORTH LINCOLNSHIRE TIMES DECEMBER 21ST 1867
BARTON - On Sunday last the first funeral in the consecrated part of the cemetery took place, when Thomas Allvin aged 70 years, was interred by the Rev. G. Hogarth, the Vicar.
In consequence of the deceased being in a club, and the interment being the first in the cemetery, a large concourse of people attended, probably not less than 700 or 800.
The solemn service was listened to by the large crowd with the utmost decorum.
The first funeral on the unconsecrated ground took place on Monday, when Mrs. Robert Doughty was interred by the Rev. Martin Jubb, Wesleyan Minister, who offered up an extempore prayer in the chapelry, and proceeded with the burial service in accordance with the form adopted by the Wesleyan Church.
Yesterday, Mr. William Ashton, who was the oldest retired tradesman, was interred by the vicar. The high respect in which the deceased was held drew together a large attendance.
A hearse and mourning coaches were engaged from Brigg and were a very respectable equipage.
Have we no Innkeeper or Undertaker in Barton who has pluck and stamina enough to speculate now in this department?
Mr. John James Cape, already a draper, so no doubt quite lucrative already if mourning clothes were anything to go by;
cornered the funeral market in Barton upon Humber in January 1868.
HULL AND NORTH LINCOLNSHIRE TIMES JANUARY 5TH 1868
From our advertisement column, it will be seen that an enterprising tradesman; Mr. Cape, has provided a hearse and mourning coach, to be let out on reasonable terms.
We understand that both the hearse and coach are very handsomely fitted up, and it is Mr. Cape’s intention to let out the hearse (apart from the plumes) at a very low rate, so as to make it available for all classes.
We are very glad to hear this, as the distance the cemetery is from the town makes the practise of carrying on the shoulders or by hand, both objectionable and difficult.
Compared to the luxurious way the rich could send their dead to their graves, the poor of the town would have had to make
do with old wooden coffins, imperfectly joined and most would only have access to a funeral cart, so Mr. Cape was now in
a position to give some dignity to the lower classes.
His coach would have been pulled by black horses with black dyed ostrich plumes fixed to their harnesses; his coachmen
dressed from head to foot in black; black crepe hats, black arm bands and whips decorated with black crepe bows.
Mutes, also dressed sombrely in black suits and top hats with black crepe ribbons would have walked slowly in front of the
procession to add stateliness to the occasion.
A fine and dignified sight to behold moving slowly up Barrow Road on it’s way to the cemetery.
People would stop what they were doing, stand still and remove their hats to show respect for the deceased as the cortege
passed by, but to ‘accidentally’ meet an approaching funeral procession ‘head on’ was deemed to be bad luck and the only
way to counteract this would be to turn around and watch it disappear into the distance.
cornered the funeral market in Barton upon Humber in January 1868.
HULL AND NORTH LINCOLNSHIRE TIMES JANUARY 5TH 1868
From our advertisement column, it will be seen that an enterprising tradesman; Mr. Cape, has provided a hearse and mourning coach, to be let out on reasonable terms.
We understand that both the hearse and coach are very handsomely fitted up, and it is Mr. Cape’s intention to let out the hearse (apart from the plumes) at a very low rate, so as to make it available for all classes.
We are very glad to hear this, as the distance the cemetery is from the town makes the practise of carrying on the shoulders or by hand, both objectionable and difficult.
Compared to the luxurious way the rich could send their dead to their graves, the poor of the town would have had to make
do with old wooden coffins, imperfectly joined and most would only have access to a funeral cart, so Mr. Cape was now in
a position to give some dignity to the lower classes.
His coach would have been pulled by black horses with black dyed ostrich plumes fixed to their harnesses; his coachmen
dressed from head to foot in black; black crepe hats, black arm bands and whips decorated with black crepe bows.
Mutes, also dressed sombrely in black suits and top hats with black crepe ribbons would have walked slowly in front of the
procession to add stateliness to the occasion.
A fine and dignified sight to behold moving slowly up Barrow Road on it’s way to the cemetery.
People would stop what they were doing, stand still and remove their hats to show respect for the deceased as the cortege
passed by, but to ‘accidentally’ meet an approaching funeral procession ‘head on’ was deemed to be bad luck and the only
way to counteract this would be to turn around and watch it disappear into the distance.