3-066-057 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

Funeral of Dean Stanley in Henry VII.'s Chapel, Westminster Abbey, 1881. The coffin was '...covered with floral wreaths and emblems sent in as the last tribute of many friends to the late Dean...At ten minutes to four o'clock the coffin, borne on the shoulders of six men, left the Deanery, the fact being announced to the outside public by the tolling of the bell, and to those inside the Abbey by the organ giving forth the notes of Handel's soft and solemn chant, "I know that my Redeemer liveth."...The coffin was covered with a pall of black velvet edged with white silk, and upon it lay a few of the choicest floral offerings to the memory of the Dean...Arrived at the steps of the altar, the coffin was placed upon trestles, and the company grouped themselves around while the other portion of the service was proceeded with...The restricted space in Henry VII.'s Chapel rendered it impossible for all the company to approach the grave while the last offices were being performed. Only the mourners were grouped near it, but all were able to join in the spirit of the moving words which Dr. Croft has clothed with music, " Man that is born of woman hath but a short time to live" and to feel the force of the solemn declaration of "dust to dust".' From "Illustrated London News", 1881.