All That Remains: A Renowned Forensic Scientist on Death, Mortality, and Solving Crimes

by Sue Black

The burials were in triple coffins typical of the early 1800s for those who could afford them. These multi-layered receptacles were like Russian Matryoshka dolls. There would be an outer wooden coffin, sometimes covered with fabric and featuring ornamental handles and other fittings in addition to a plate bearing the name and date of death of the occupant. Inside this was a lead coffin shell, sealed by a plumber and decorated with his bespoke patterning, also carrying a nameplate giving the details of the deceased. These lead coffins were designed to retain body fluids and were often lined with bran to soak up the foul decomposition liquor. They also ensured that the smell was contained and did not escape and waft upward into the church to offend the delicate noses of parishioners during their Sunday devotions. Finally, there was a more perfunctory inner coffin made of cheaper wood, often elm, which functioned simply as a lining for the lead casket. Within this last box the deceased would lie in full repose, head resting on a pillow stuffed with horsehair, surrounded by cotton punched with holes to resemble more expensive broderie Anglaise fabric and usually dressed in their finest clothes.