In 16th and 17th century Europe, a figure encased in strange garments emerged from the shadows of plague-ridden cities. Clad in an unnerving bird-like beak mask and gloves, these mysterious men were known as Plague Doctors. Their backgrounds varied; some candidates had genuinely trained as doctors, but others, like one ex-fruit seller, were a little more unusual. Their job took them to the epicentre of plague outbreaks during one of Europe's darkest periods in history.

People in Victorian England respected the significance of mourning and grief; Queen Victoria famously mourned her husband, Prince Albert, for forty years. Victorian funeral customs were fascinating and varied. They offer a glimpse into the lives of people during that period. This blog post will discuss the origin and meaning behind some Victorian mourning and burial practices. What were mourning cards? Why would you need a mortsafe? What is death photography? Why was a bell on a coffin important? Could Victorians communicate with the dead?