Nicolas Wheatley's new history reveals the untold story of how trains have been used to transport the dead, enabling their burial in a place of significance to the bereaved. It details how the mainline railways carried out this important yet often hidden work from the Victorian age to the 1980s, and how ceremonial funeral transport continues on heritage railways today.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 304 pages
Publication date: 02 October 2020
Publisher: The History Press Ltd

This new history reveals the previously untold story of why and how trains have been used to transport the dead, enabling their burial in a place of significance to the bereaved. Profusely illustrated with many images, some never previously published, Nicolas Wheatley's work details how the mainline railways carried out this important yet often hidden work from the Victorian age to the 1980s, as well as how ceremonial funeral transport continues on heritage railways today. From royalty, aristocrats, and other VIPs (including Sir Winston Churchill and the Unknown Warrior) to victims of accidents and ordinary people, Final Journey explores the way in which these people travelled for the last time by train before being laid to rest.

The History of Trains and the Dead

Trains have been used to transport the dead for centuries, enabling their burial in a place of significance to the bereaved. Nicolas Wheatley's new history reveals the previously untold story of why and how this important work has been carried out from the Victorian age to the 1980s, as well as how ceremonial funeral transport continues on heritage railways today. Profusely illustrated with many images, some never previously published, Wheatley's work details how the mainline railways carried out this work, from the transportation of royalty, aristocrats, and other VIPs to the victims of accidents and ordinary people. Final Journey explores the way in which these people travelled for the last time by train before being laid to rest.

The Victorian Age

The Victorian Age was a time of great change and innovation, and the railways played a significant role in this. Trains were used to transport goods and passengers across the country, and they also became a popular means of transporting the dead. The mainline railways carried out this work in a variety of ways, including special trains, funeral trains, and coffin cars. Special trains were used to transport the bodies of royalty, aristocrats, and other VIPs to their final resting places, while funeral trains were used to transport the bodies of ordinary people to their graves. Coffins were often transported in coffin cars, which were specially designed to accommodate the bodies of the deceased.

The 1980s

The 1980s saw a decline in the use of trains for transporting the dead. This was due to a number of factors, including the rise of the motor car, the development of new funeral practices, and the increasing cost of running trains. However, some heritage railways continued to offer ceremonial funeral transport, and these services have continued to grow in popularity in recent years. Heritage railways offer a unique and nostalgic way to travel for the last time by train, and they provide a valuable service to the bereaved.

Ceremonial Funeral Transport on Heritage Railways

Ceremonial funeral transport on heritage railways is a unique and memorable way to say goodbye to a loved one. These services are offered by a number of heritage railways, and they include a variety of activities, such as a funeral service, a procession, and a burial. The funeral service is typically held in a chapel or other religious building, and it is followed by a procession to the cemetery. The procession is often led by a horse-drawn carriage or a funeral coach, and it is followed by a burial service.

The Victims of Accidents and Ordinary People

Trains have also been used to transport the victims of accidents and ordinary people. In the Victorian age, trains were used to transport the bodies of victims of accidents to their final resting places. In the 1980s, trains were used to transport the bodies of victims of accidents to their graves. Today, trains are still used to transport the bodies of victims of accidents to their graves.

Final Journey

Final Journey is a documentary film that explores the way in which these people travelled for the last time by train before being laid to rest. The film features interviews with family members, friends, and other individuals who were involved in the transport of the dead. The film also includes footage of the trains, the funeral services, and the burial services.

Conclusion

Trains have been used to transport the dead for centuries, enabling their burial in a place of significance to the bereaved. Nicolas Wheatley's new history reveals the previously untold story of why and how this important work has been carried out from the Victorian age to the 1980s, as well as how ceremonial funeral transport continues on heritage railways today. Profusely illustrated with many images, some never previously published, Wheatley's work details how the mainline railways carried out this work, from the transportation of royalty, aristocrats, and other VIPs to the victims of accidents and ordinary people. Final Journey explores the way in which these people travelled for the last time by train before being laid to rest.

Weight: 510g
Dimension: 254 x 235 x 25 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780750994330