History of the Horse Drawn Hearse

Is there any more iconic image than a horse and carriage funeral hearse? If you are looking for a way to make a memorial memorable, this is an element you can add to make the service unique. Arriving at the burial place in a horse drawn vehicle was the standard for many years, but do you know how back this tradition goes? Here, we take a look at horse drawn hearse history, how hearses have evolved and why a horse-drawn hearse is still a beautiful aspect of a modern funeral.

Did you know that the word “hearse” comes from the French “herse”, meaning “harrow”? To understand why, you should know that early hearses had spikes resembling the teeth of a harrow. These were vehicles with a bier holding the casket under a wooden or metal framework with spikes for holding candles. Early in history, funeral biers were pulled by hand, except for those of the wealthy, who used horses as early as the mid-15th century. By the 17th century, horse drawn carriages were more common. In the 19th century, hearses became a thing of beauty, often made of mahogany, with intricate carvings of flowers, doves, and scrolls, and velvet draperies hanging from the sides.

In the 20th century, horse drawn carriages began to fall out of fashion, as motor vehicles became popular. By the 1920s, motorized hearses were common, and by the mid-19th century, limousine and landau-style hearses were popular. Landau hearses had S-shaped landau bars on the side, and these S-shaped marks still adorn some modern hearses. At that time, some other options were popular too, like a funeral trolley car or subway car, to carry both the casket and the funeral attendees. However, hearses were still the most prevalent option.

Today, when motorised vehicles are so prevalent, why do people choose horse-drawn hearses? One reason is the intimate, relaxed atmosphere it creates. In a world of omnipresent technology and high-pressure, fast-paced lifestyles, there is something beautiful about slowing down for something as important as a funeral. A horse drawn funeral allows for quiet reflection because of the slower pace, and the gentle clip-clop of hooves creates a feeling of tranquillity that offers a break from modern life. At a horse drawn funeral, you can be present in the moment, honouring the memory of the person you are there to remember.

Further, choosing a horse drawn hearse is a traditional, British way to bid farewell, giving the service a quiet, regal dignity while connecting us to our cultural roots. Paying homage to history while also honouring the history of a life has a certain symmetry to it; it not only commands attention but also creates a sense of reverence and solemnity. Even as people are increasingly choosing green burial options, many are choosing horse drawn funerals as a way to embrace a simpler time.

At Bridgwater, we offer horse drawn funeral services with either two or four black or white horses. The horses can be dressed in plumes and drapes, either in traditional black or a beautiful, joyful colour, perhaps the favourite colour of the person who is being honoured. Our hearses are black, white or silver and provided by Equus Carriages, a company that specialises in bespoke horse drawn funeral hearses. The stunning hearses they provide offer a dignified send-off, for a service that is special and unique to the person being memorialised.

No matter which elements you prefer, when you need help planning a funeral, choose funeral services from a business with experience, compassion, and strong ties to the community. Founded in 2002 by Nigel Gillard, Bridgwater Funeral Services Limited, in the centre of Bridgwater, Somerset, is a family business that provides personal service 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Nigel has been working in the funeral business for over 15 years, and his daughter Corrinne Foster, who is the highest qualified Funeral Director in the area, assists in running the business.

We are committed to taking care of all funeral arrangements and welcoming our clients into a professional, friendly environment, with a luxurious waiting room and a beautiful Chapel of Rest. We offer Green and Woodland burials, horse drawn funerals, and military funerals. We also provide funeral and memorial services in all religious denominations as well as non-religious and humanist life celebrations. Additionally, Bridgwater offers low-cost funerals and Golden Charter pre-paid funeral plans.

If you have queries about the services we offer, or you just need help and advice, please do not hesitate to call us at 01278 457755, pop into our office on Bristol Road, or contact us through our website.