What is a mortcloth?
A mortcloth, or pall, is a funeral cloth used to cover a coffin in the funeral ceremony or the deceased prior to burial. The deceased’s family usually rented a mortcloth from the local church and after each use, the fabric was washed and readied for use again. The word comes from the Latin word “pallium” meaning cloak. The Mortcloth case of 1792 begins: “ For many centuries, and probably up to the 20th, the Church of Scotland was the sole supplier of mortcloths. As the name would suggest, they were cloths used to cover the dead prior to burial, and after use, were washed ready for rehire. The Church hired these for a few pence, or in some cases loaned out these cloths, until the time of the funeral. The revenue raised by this service, typically around £40 pa, was distributed to the poor of the parish at frequent intervals.” In the late 1780’s a local Society of Colliers decided to purchase and rent out their own mortcloths preventing the loc...
I met 'Grandma Crowley' when I was very young. I think I remember more of the idea of meeting her than actually meeting her. But I do remember having candy as a treat when we went. I think there are a couple photos of us meeting stashed away somewhere in my parents' basement.
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My dad has had trouble leaving comments also. I changed settings a few weeks ago hoping that would make a difference. Keep me posted if changing browers helps.
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