

Queen Victoria's Funeral & the Cult of Death
8 snips Nov 14, 2024
Dan O'Brien, a historian focused on 18th-century funerals and at the Centre for Death and Society, unravels the complexities surrounding Queen Victoria's funeral. He discusses the emotional impact of her death on the nation and her family's farewells. O'Brien highlights her unique burial wishes, emphasizing the blend of public mourning and personal significance. He also explores the evolving views on death in Victorian society, illuminating how this grand event marked a departure from traditional customs towards a more individualized celebration of life.
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Victoria's Coffin
- Queen Victoria left specific instructions for items to be placed in her coffin, including mementos, jewelry, and a plaster cast of Albert's hand.
- She also secretly included a lock of John Brown's hair, his mother's wedding ring, and his photograph.
A Soldier's Daughter's Funeral
- Victoria's state funeral was a departure from tradition, designed as a soldier's daughter's funeral with a military procession.
- It featured vibrant colors like purple and white, replacing the traditional black mourning attire.
Naval Procession
- Victoria's coffin traveled from the Isle of Wight to Portsmouth by royal yacht, escorted by a naval convoy.
- This naval procession was a display of military power and a tribute to Victoria.