‘In many instances, people say “We cannot bury under a week;” that is from custom.
Others have not the means of getting a black gown; and they cannot follow in a
coloured one; that is their bit of pride; then it is put off, it may be two or
three days on that account. They will not have their relatives buried by the
parish; they would rather do anything than that, saying they wish them to be
buried respectably; and then the end of it is that myself and other people like
me often bury for nothing, not intending to do it. They cheat us; and if they
would do away with their little pride, and let the parish do it, the bodies
would be removed in a reasonable time, and such men as myself would not be
imposed on as we frequently are.'
Select Committee, Effect of Interment of Bodies in Towns, 1842
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