Victorian funeral bier

I write to tell of an interesting happening for me as one who runs the cemetery.

A call from Fran Hughes told me that some folks in Crewe were moving to Hankelow and that they wondered if this Victorian hand wheeled funeral Bier was of interest to us.

Mr & Mrs Hamilton have bought a house in Hankelow and hope to be moving soon. I went to their place and to the garage in which this vehicle has reposed for the past 40 years or more. On to my trailer in the dark miserable rain – quite Gothic in a way – and off I trundled to Buerton where we arrived safe and all in one piece.

The Bier dates from circa 1870/1890 and was used to carry those who were unable to afford the coach and horses with their black plumes.

It is made of fine heavy oak with lovely fine spoked wheels – fully sprung on carriage springs – and with a twin handled tow. Separate to the cart is the coffin bearer, with peg holes to anchor the casket and with built in rollers for simplicity of movement, for when full the coffin would be quite heavy.

Now will begin a period of restoration over the long dark nights and colder days with the hope that we can house it at the cemetery, filled with a floral display.

My sincere thanks to Mr & Mrs Hamilton. I hope they will enjoy seeing this gift of theirs and that they will love their new life in Hankelow.

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