Came across this little bit of social history for those of us with ancestors in this area:
"Also another old custom, common at working-class funerals at this time, has long since disappeared. Namely that each person. who attended a burying were expected to contribute a shilling or more, according to circumstance, while such individual’s were taking their long and last farewell glance. And such gifts were thankfully received by the relative to the deceased who was seated closely thereby. And the object of this custom was to help to defray the expenses (their not being in Barlick up to this time any insurance companies) Of course the usual slice of Currant Loaf and biscuit, carefully folded in white paper and sealed with black wax were distributed to each mourner who kindly attended on these solemn occasions" (written by my ggg uncle)
"Also another old custom, common at working-class funerals at this time, has long since disappeared. Namely that each person. who attended a burying were expected to contribute a shilling or more, according to circumstance, while such individual’s were taking their long and last farewell glance. And such gifts were thankfully received by the relative to the deceased who was seated closely thereby. And the object of this custom was to help to defray the expenses (their not being in Barlick up to this time any insurance companies) Of course the usual slice of Currant Loaf and biscuit, carefully folded in white paper and sealed with black wax were distributed to each mourner who kindly attended on these solemn occasions" (written by my ggg uncle)
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