Quotes from Catharine Arnold

Dottridge Bros valued their 'solemnity' but boasted that they could have a coffin 'of the most artistic finish' ready for thirty shillings in seven minutes. And speed was of the essence. Embalming did not become commonplace until the 1920s, so funerals took place as soon as possible.

The amount of 'new goods' added much to the cost of a funeral. Kid gloves, scarves, hatbands, most of which were retained by the mourners, had to be bought new.

Even the day upon which one was buried was an indicator of status. Saturday was traditionally the 'aristocratic' day for funerals.

sextons grunted with effort as they sank graves up to twenty feet deep in six foot-by-two foot shafts, without shoring, in imminent danger of suffocation;

Traditionally, only 'entire' horses were used for funerals, never mares or geldings. Constantly in the public eye, they were always well groomed. A patch of grey would be painted out, a thinning mane or tail supplemented with hair from a deceased comrade. Mostly gentle and docile, they were sturdy animals; dragging heavy coaches for long distances, they had