2-979-091 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

T'he Lying-in-State in Belvoir Castle, 1857. Funeral of John Henry Manners, 5th Duke of Rutland, Leicestershire. '...notwithstanding the severity of the weather...a total of nearly 4000 visitors [attended], nine-tenths of whom were tenants and their families...the first five men who presented themselves for admission...were five labourers from the Duke's estates in Rutlandshire, who had consequently walked a distance of twenty-six miles to pay their last tribute of respect; and who, as they returned to their homes the same evening, actually performed a day's journey of fifty-two miles on foot to accomplish this act of personal devotion...The covering of the oak coffin was of crimson velvet, decorated with gilt ornaments. At the head of the coffin, on a cushion, were placed the Ducal Coronet and the Duke's own Star-and Garter, composed of brilliants supposed to be worth £12,000'. From "Illustrated London News", 1857.