A short history of death and dying

Rita Brookesmith


Organisation:
Meeting Mortality
Regions:
England, Bristol
Notice Period:
Short (maybe less than one month's notice)
Type:
Professional
Fee:
Paid: £60 + travel
Category:
Humanities
Updated:
25th September 2025

An introduction to the social history of death and dying in the UK, from the stone age to the present day. Learn how burial and funeral customs have changed to reflect, and shape, our society right up until the modern day. Discover how shifting medical and religious circumstances influence our own expectations, and what breaking down taboos has to offer.

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About Rita Brookesmith

Death, dying and making meaning of life has run through my personal and professional life for over fifteen years. I work as a Death Doula (or End of Life Doula, terms used interchangeably) supporting people with their practical, emotional and spiritual needs as they come to end of life. I have many years experience in the children's palliative care and counselling sectors, underpinned by an innate holistic curiosity for how society, nature and the individual interact to shape our most profound experiences. How we navigate life, the universe and everything can be understood through many lenses, and it is my deep belief that education and conversation around death can offer our communities wildly more than improved funeral planning.

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