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Listed in 1 collection

Listed at 1 museum

Listed for 1 maker

Quick Details

Carriage Type

Bier

Date of Production

circa 1900

Accession or Inventory Number

MNEMC 1996.176

Materials used

Paint, Wood, Iron

Summary of Bier

A hand drawn or horse-drawn bier would have been the standard mode of transport for a deceased villager to their funeral. Most villages would have a bier that would be kept in the church. This Bier belonged to the Hildenborough Parish Burial Board to which it was given in 1908.

Dimensions

Height: 3ft 6” 

Length: 8ft 1 14”

Width: 4ft 2 ¾”

Full description

A Bier of a simple construction consisting of a slatted flat bed on a supportive framework that sits on elliptic springs. On each side is an iron rod running the length of the Bier presumably for mourners to wheel the carriage along. On the back is a plaque stating that this Bier was a gift to the village.

The wheels have iron tyres and are 12 spoke warner pattern on collinge axles. The axles are straight. The Bier is finished in varnished wood with a black undercarriage and black painted script along the sides.

Inscriptions

On axle caps: Vigers Pimlico 

Painted along each side: 'Lord of life and love we pray, grant us mercy in that day'

On a plaque at the back: FOR THE USE OF HILDENBOROUGH PARISH FROM CHARLES ANDALICE STEWART PARISHIONERS FOR 32 YEARS 1908

Condition report

This bier is in good sound condition.

Access information

This Bier is in the care of the Tyrwhitt-Drake Carriage Museum

Maidstone Museum and Art Gallery

St Faith's Street, 

Maidstone 

ME14 1LH


http://museum.maidstone.gov.uk/

Picture credit

Maidstone Museum and Bentlif Art Gallery/ Amy Bracey / Robert Lovell