Preparation
as well as how elaborate the celebration of ones life varied from peasant noble
as one would expect. This also changed as time went on as far as what was and
how the events were recorded down. During the 15th Century, documentation
of medieval traditions became widely recorded including funerals of past kings.
The medieval image of death is very well illustrated when looking at the
literature created in the time. Illuminations of vivid and descriptive scenes
of death or dying, ones deathbed, funeral rites all support the fascination of
death and predation to be received by God. Emphasis was also placed in prayers
placed in prayer books such as “Office of the Dead” that the owner would recite
to shorten their time in purgatory. It is not an uncommon assumption to think
that the average medieval man feared death. He feared for the salvation for his
soul, hence the preparation with prayer, and other religious preparations were
an important staple in many lives during this time, and especially in the end.
The last thing any medieval individual wanted was to be stuck in Purgatory, or
end up in Hell. For that fear was a very real one for many and something
everyone worked to avoid during their lives.
We have a
pretty good description of Edward IV’s funeral. His death was unexpected but it
was after an illness of 10 days or so. Some preparations might have taken place
earlier. It’s hard to tell. Edward died April 9th. Before he was
delivered to God’s hands, tradition of a priest was called to the bedside to
read last rights. He was then repented of all his sins, and made a request for
all debts to be paid, and in turn all sacraments were given from the church.
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| Edward IV |
The
description of Edward’s funeral we have, is a pretty good description gathering
from Sir Thomas More, whose description is backed up by Mancini’s account of
the event. Both descriptions give very detailed accounts of funeral preparations
of the body, as well as the décor added to the procession, all showing a lavish
display of wealth and royalty. His body was noted to have lain naked on a board
in Westminster Palace, so that both lords both spiritual and temporal could
see. Displaying of the body was done to dispel any rumors that his death did
not really happen. Next, he was embalmed and wrapped in “cerements” of waxed linen
cloth with a cap of estate on his head and his feet were adorned in red leather
shoes. He next “lay in state” for eight days at St. Stephens Cathedral. While
he was there, royal, as well as servants of the community performed requiem
masses and watched him. April 17, his body was placed on a bier, covered with a
large rich golden cloth and carried to Westminster Abbey. In his procession, 15
knights, and esquires accompanied him. Above him was a canopy of clothe fringed
in gold and blue silk, and flanked at the corners by the four banners; Trinity,
Our Lady (Mary?) St. George, and St. Edward, whom he was named after. Mass was
held and he was placed in his resting place.
Richard’s
funeral 1485
Despite what
we have seen through popular media; Richard did more than likely, have some
sort of funeral. Also in preparation for
unexpected death, the mass that was said that Monday morning before his last
battle was to cleanse his soul in case of preparation of death while in battle.
It is important to remember that during this time, England was in a state of
war this was always a possibility. Richard was unfortunately was not the
popular king in the battle. His body was looted, striped naked and paraded to
town draped across the back of a horse like sac of grain. The time frame
between when he was brought to town and actually noticed, I am not sure of but
one of the main reasons why he was rescued by the Grey Friars was because they
were the order in the church that took care of executed and people whom died in
battle.
Looking at the skeletal remains, we know he was tied at the hands.
Reason for the friars not to undo this, might have been one of convenience. His
grave was dug in a central location of their friary chapel and he was laid to
rest more than likely in a sense of urgency. I am sure the though came to someone’s
mind that they had to bury the body quickly due to the display that was prior
to the retrieval of the body. Naked,
with out even a shroud, his body was placed haphazardly in his grave. A pillar was later placed near his tomb in
the chapel, but its existence is long gone due to the monastery being destroyed
under the rule of Henry VIII. In stark contrast, Sir Simon de Montfort whom
also died in battle never received a funeral or a proper burial. He was
quartered and various body parts tossed in a river. Richard got lucky that
someone acted quickly enough to save his body from a similar fate.
Burial
rituals for peasants did happen, but were not as lavish as Edwards. More than
likely close to what Richard experienced. But the bodies after the wake were
placed in the parish’s cemetery and the bodies were wrapped in a shroud. Circumstances
and when and how someone died, definitely impacted how one was brought to St.
Peter’s gates. But the contrast of Edward’s funeral and then Richards’ show the
how easily a basic ritual or custom can be changed to suit the need of the time,
especially in the time of war.
http://www.bl.uk/learning/histcitizen/medieval/death/medievaldeath.html
https://medievalchristianityd.wikispaces.com/Death+and+Burials+in+Medieval+Times
https://www.getty.edu/art/exhibitions/death_middle_ages/index.html
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