HODs 2026 - Death and Mourning in Georgian and Victorian England: Fascinating Rituals and Customs

About

Explore the fascinating rituals and customs of death and mourning in Georgian and Victorian times with this illustrated talk by Sarah Tobias.

Lengthy and elaborate rituals associated with death, grief and mourning played an intricate and symbolic role, especially in Victorian life. There is nothing macabre and the
customs are fascinating and intriguing.

Death was a regular occurrence and not feared. Although less rigid in the Regency period, mourning was filled with complex rituals and lasted a long time two years and a day for a widow (sometimes 3 years in the Georgian period), and rarely less than a year for children. Customs associated with mourning include stopping the clocks at the precise time of death and covering all mirrors.

Death and mourning spawned much industry, especially in the Victorian era: clothing, jewellery, teapots, ceramics, stationery, photography and everything associated with undertaking. The Brighton General Mourning Warehouse was situated at 15, Old Steine.

A short film by Sarah, Didos Lament, will also be shown in the parlour. Afterwards, visit our pop-up tea room to try a Victorian funeral biscuit.

Note: The Regency Town House coordinates many HODs events across the city. To see our full listings or obtain information about last minute changes, go to https://www.rth.org.uk/hods26

Please only book the number of tickets you need, to allow as many as possible to enjoy this event. if, after booking, your plans change, please cancel your tickets to free them for others to use. Thank you.