Cremation of a Marquis

South Canterbury Times, Issue 5020, 30 May 1889, Page 2

Cremation of a Marquis

The remains of the fourth Marquis of Ely were cremated at tho crematorium of the Cremation Society, St. John’s, Woking, recently. Tho marquis had specially provided in bis will that his remains should he disposed of in this way. He died at Nice on the 3rd inst, and the crematorium at Milan not being readily available the body was brought to England. Tho company at tho crematorium included tho present Marquis and many

family friends, who had assembled at Woking Junction. They were received by the hon. secretary of the Cremation Society, under whose directions tbe Gorini furnace had already been lighted. The lid of the casket was unscrewed, and the body, draped in white clothing, was removed from ih i leaden shell in which it had rested, and reverently placed upon an iron cradle. This, in turn, was lifted on to a miniature trolly. The door of the as vet barely heated furnace was opened, and then the spectators, all standing uncovered, saw the trolly, with its burden of dead humanity, gradually drawn into the furnace. Then the doer was closed, and the incinerating process had commenced. The mortal remains of the deceased were not, however, 1 suffered to be consumed alone. Upon his breast lay a wreath of fragrant Neapolitan violets, the loving tribute of the widowed Marchioness,' and a cross of choice white flowers, entwined by loving hands at Kearsney Abbey. It was precisely two o’clock when the process of cremation commenced. Shortly before five o’clock Mr Halford Mills produced a polished oak case which, on being opened, revealed a Doulton urn some 15in in height and some 7in in diameter. The ashes of the deceased were carefully placed in. the urn and it was then restored to the case, which, in addition to the usual inscription, indicated tbe fact of his Lordship having been cremated. The destination of the urn has not yet been decided upon. It may be deposited in the family vault at Kearnsey Abbey, near Dover, or it may presently be taken to one of the late Marquis’ seats in Ireland, and there similarly treated.