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The funeral of Charles James PackeCharles James Packe died 1st March 1837 at the age of 79, and was interred in the family vault at Prestwold along with his sister Rebecca on the 10th. The coffins were carried from Prestwold Hall to the church by sixteen labourers and estate workers and the funeral was attended by family servants and all the sunday school children of Prestwold and Burton, suitably attired in mourning. The rich and famous joined Mr Packe's five sons in the funeral procession and the service was conducted by the Rev Palmer Johnson of Aston. Due to the unusual circumstances and grandeur of the occasion crowds began arriving from an early hour, and church was soon full. Many could not gain admittance. It is said that more than a thousand people descended into the vault. From a newspaper report in Loughborough Library Local Studies Collection. Originally published in the WHO Newsletter 1995.Copyright the author |