Helpston Local History Group

On Wednesday 16th March Helpston Local History Group welcomed members and visitors to St Botolph’s Church, Helpston, for a talk delivered by David Crayton DipFAA of John Lucas Funeral Directors.

What could have been quite an emotive subject – ‘A Wry Journey into Funeral History and Customs from Flowers to Falling Cows,’ was in fact an enjoyable and informative evening’s entertainment.

David spoke about some ancient customs and myths concerning burials and cremations and answered questions from the audience. He mentioned the Burying in Woollen Acts of 1666-80 which required the dead (with the exception of plague victims and the destitute) to be buried in pure English woollen shrouds rather than linen which at the time was mainly being imported from Europe. He described the use of triple coffins, for example, when

Pope Benedict was buried, he had three coffins made from different materials. The first coffin was made from cypress wood, to symbolise his humility, this was then placed inside a zinc coffin sealed closed and finally encased into a wooden casket.

He explained that coffins are tapered at the head and foot and are wide at the shoulders whilst caskets are rectangular in shape.

Our next meeting is a ‘members only’ event but do look out for our future ‘open meetings’ or better still come and join us. Membership is £12 per annum for single membership and £18 per annum for a couple in the same household.

We are still looking for artefacts and stories for our Home Front project. Please contact us (email address below) if you have anything you could contribute and a big thank you to those who already have.

There are new stories on the website – Thomas Dolby, The Helpston Blacksmith (an article by Stuart Tilney) and Collyweston Stone Slated Properties. The website really is very good – check it out!

If you would like any information about the Helpston Local History Group, would like to enquire about becoming a member or be on an email list for upcoming events please contact us via the links below. Website: www.helpstonhistory.org.uk E: helpstonhistory@gmail.com