Live Victorian Burials April 15, 2025
Author: Beach Combing | in : Uncategorized , trackback
The whole Victorian theme of the live burial is well known: there are several doctorates to be written in this vast theme. Here are some real accounts from the nineteenth century. Of course most of the time these revivals were rumours rather than reality, like this one from 1891 Wales.
The Welsh newspapers report an extraordinary scene a funeral of aged miner at Penygraig. A large congregation gathered round the house of the deceased, but objected to the interment, as was alleged that the miner was in a trance and was still alive. The rumour had gained extensive circulation, and intense excitement prevailed. The family became alarmed, and two medical officers were sent for. The coffin was unsealed and the body carefully examined, when the family were solemnly assured that death had ensued, and the funeral cortege then proceeded.
Sometimes the relatives noticed that something really was up. Usually, the ‘corpse’ may have ‘come back’ to life, but only for a few minutes: the outcome was usually death. This one from 1905 is particularly upsetting.
An extraordinary instance of temporary revivification has occurred the mining district of South Normanton, near Nottingham. Wallis Allsopp. the nine-year-old son of a, mine carpenter, was believed to have died on Thursday of last week. The funeral was fixed for Monday, and while the hearse was standing at the door the relatives went to take their last look at the little lad. As they gazed into the coffin the parents saw signs of life. A rosy tinge overspread the lips and ears, and moisture was deposited on a mirror which was hastily brought and held before the lad’s lips. Three doctors were summoned, who, after a cursory examination, countermanded the funeral, and sent word the minister and mourners, who were waiting at the churchyard. The child was lilted out of the coffin and placed in front of the fire, and a careful watch was kept throughout the night. But no further signs vitality were seen, and the medical men now believe that life has finally departed, although it had lingered for four days after death was thought to have occurred.
This one is particularly disturbing because, well, read for yourself…
Intense excitement was created at Bnrton-on- Trent yesterday by most remarkable occurrence. The death was announced on Tuesday of Mr Chas. Wileman, 61 years of age, a well-known public man, and the funeral was arranged for yesterday afternoon. Thousands of people assembled at the cemetery, and mourners and coaches went to the house. It was then ascertained that before securing the coffin signs of life had presented themselves. A doctor was called in, and after careful watching these symptoms were confirmed, and the funeral was abandoned.
‘before securing the coffin’… Think about that.
