Then as now

A minimalist funeral reported in the Leinster Express, 1914:

The funeral of the Rev. T. Pym Williamson, for 45 years vicar of Thelwell, near Warrington, was conducted in accordance with his desire that it should be marked by the utmost simplicity.

He wished for nothing more than what would be accorded to any of his parishioners, he said, and added: “Perhaps a hearse may be found a convenience, but a handcart covered by a pall is better to my way of thinking.”

The body was conveyed to the church on a handcart, followed by his six sons. The funeral ceremony was of the simplest character.