Traditions of Death and Burial
Dr Helen Frisby
- Region:
- Anywhere
- Notice Period:
- Short (maybe less than one month's notice)
- Type:
- Academic, Hobby, Rotary
- Fee:
- Paid: £60.00 plus travel/subsistence as agreed
- Category:
- History
- Updated:
- 6th March 2026
Death has been a source of grief and uncertainty for humanity throughout history, but it has also been the inspiration for a plethora of fascinating customs and much human creativity. This talk with Dr Helen Frisby, author of the Shire book Traditions of Death and Burial, explores English death and burial customs from the Norman Conquest right through to the present day and the impact of Covid-19.
From winding-sheets to funeral bells, angels to the Alexa Ghostbot, together we’ll discover how ritual helps us to process loss and relate to the dead, and just how creative human beings can be even in the face of mortality itself.
Views: 1845 | Enquiries: 3About Dr Helen Frisby
Based on two decades of research, my scholarly yet sympathetic talks about funeral customs past, present and future will get your group thinking and talking about how do we deal with this inevitable fact of life.
With a PhD on the history and folklore of death, dying and funerals, my publications include the Shire Library book 'Traditions of Death and Burial'. I've appeared on the History Channel with Johnny Vaughan, and on BBC and Australian national radio. I work with all sorts of groups large and small, and would love to hear from you!
Other Talks on SpeakerNet by Dr Helen Frisby
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