Note 64 — Chapter IV · DEATH AND BURIAL.

Another very costly item in funerals was the giving of mourning rings. We see[64] the number of rings given at Pepys' funeral in 1703, and their value, 20s. and 15s., especially when we consider the extra value of the currency at that period, must have been a sore burden to the survivors. Thoresby[65] shows to what a prodigal extent this custom might be carried. 'Afternoon, at the Funeral of my excellent and dear friend, Dr. Thomas Gale, Dean of York, who was interred with great solemnity: lay in state, 200 rings (besides scarfs to bearers and gloves to all) given in the room where I was, which yet could not contain the company.'