Breaking News

Burying the Dead...in Scotland!

Horse-drawn hearse - Scotland's National Museum

"...owned by Botlton kirk session, East Lothian, 1783-1844, decorated with symbols of death and tears. The undercarriage may be from a mid-17th-century coach, making it the oldest surviving road vehicle in Scotland. 

The use of a horse-drawn hearse to carry the coffin initially indicated wealth and status, but gradually became an accepted part of many funeral processions. Funds raised through hiring out the hearse contributed to poor relief."

Hearse detail skull
Hearse detail tears / hour glass


Funeral invite - Scotland's National Museum

No comments