from Ratho Kirk, near Edinburgh
This bronze hand bell with a wooden handle is from Ratho Kirk near Edinburgh. It is dated 1695. Known as a 'deid-bell', it was rung to announce a death and was carried and rung before the coffin in the funeral procession.
Hand bell of Ratho Kirk, dated 1695
When death intruded into a home there were rituals to be followed. Familiar customs took the bereaved family and the wider community through the days to the burial and on into the mourning period.
To search on related items, click any underlined text below.