Helen Frisby- Traditions of Death and Burial

Traditions of Death and Burial

Death has been a source of grief and uncertainty for humanity throughout history, but it has also been the inspiration for a plethora of fascinating customs and much human creativity. 

In part one of this two-part event Dr Helen Frisby, author of the Shire book Traditions of Death and Burial, will talk about English death and burial customs from the Norman Conquest right through to the present day and the impact of Covid-19. From winding-sheets to funeral bells, angels to the Alexa Ghostbot, together we’ll discover how ritual continues helping us to relate to the dead, in ways which are at once innovative and longstanding.

In part two, we’ll use the ideas raised in part one to help you start drawing up a plan for your own ‘good funeral.’ What might your traditions of death and burial look and feel like?

Helen has taught history at the University of the West of England, Bristol, and funeral directing at the University of Bath where she’s also a Visiting Research Fellow. Helen is also Secretary of the Association for the Study of Death and Society, and a Council Member and Trustee of the Folklore Society. Helen has appeared on BBC Radio and The History Channel, and continues to research and publish on topics relating to death, funerals and bereavement, past and present.