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“Death and Mourning in Georgian and Victorian England: Fascinating Rituals and Customs” An Illustrated talk by Sarah Tobias

Regency Town House, 13 Brunswick Square, Brighton & Hove, East Sussex, BN3 1EH

  • 20 Sep 2026
  • | In person
  • | Pre-booking required
  • | Talk

Explore the fascinating rituals and customs of death and mourning in Georgian and Victorian times with this illustrated talk by Sarah Tobias.

Lengthy and elaborate rituals associated with death, grief and mourning played an intricate and symbolic role, especially in Victorian life. There is nothing macabre and the
customs are fascinating and intriguing.

Death was a regular occurrence and not feared. Although less rigid in the Regency period, mourning was filled with complex rituals and lasted a long time – two years and a day for a widow (sometimes 3 years in the Georgian period), and rarely less than a year for children. Customs associated with mourning include stopping the clocks at the precise time of death and covering all mirrors.

Death and mourning spawned much industry, especially in the Victorian era: clothing, jewellery, teapots, ceramics, stationery, photography and everything associated with undertaking. The Brighton General Mourning Warehouse was situated at 15, Old Steine.

Note: The Regency Town House coordinates many HODs events across the city. To see our full listings or obtain information about last minute changes, go to https://www.rth.org.uk/hods26

Timings

Sunday 20 September:
1100-1145 and 1300-1345

Location & directions

Regency Town House, 13 Brunswick Square, Brighton & Hove, East Sussex, BN3 1EH

Directions:
Our event is at No. 13 - what3words location of front door: owners/lock/cross
Contact on day:
Nick Tyson
Telephone number:
+441273206306

Booking information

Pre-booking requirement:
Pre-booking required
Booking conditions:
Please only book the number of tickets you need, to allow as many as possible to enjoy this event. if, after booking, your plans change, please cancel your tickets to free them for others to use. Thank you.
Booking contact name:
Nick Tyson
Booking telephone number:
+441273206306
Booking email:
[email protected]
Booking website:
https://www.ticketsource.com/the-regency-town-house/e-xmgjbb
Alternative booking website:
https://www.rth.org.uk/hods26

Accessibility details

Accessibility details: We are a five-storey Grade I listed historic building of the 1820s. We have no elevator and access to all but the GF requires the use of stairs. If you require seating in the different areas of the house that are visited, please advise us at least 24 hours prior to your arrival via: [email protected]. This event is staged at GF level so is accessible. Thank you.

Additional information

The Regency Town House coordinates many HODs events across the city, see our full listings or to check for updates on this event and any last-minute changes, please see https://rth.org.uk/hods26

Max number of people:
20
Estimated duration:
0 hour(s) 45 minute(s)

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