Lunchtime Lecture: 'In pastures green' - Victorian Garden Cemeteries and the culture of mourning in the Victorian era

Death and mourning were an integral part of Victorian life. Join Anna Ellis to explore the history of mourning and how it led up to its expression at this time. In particular, this talk will look at the prevailing social conditions which resulted in the development of London's Garden Cemeteries, known as the 'magnificent seven'. It will also explore the strong social requirements surrounding mourning etiquette, much of which focused on widows wearing 'weeds': often seen as iconic symbols of the Victorian era.

Anna Ellis read Archaeology at the University of Reading. Her special interests include burial archaeology, social conditions in the Victorian era and women's role in mourning.

To see our full Autumn 2022 Lunchtime Lecture Programme, click 'Download Programme' on the right of this screen.