Select tickets
"Grave Matters: The Historical Origins of Funerary Scandal." with Dr Dan O'Brien
Summary:
Who do we trust with our dead and why? Recent scandals in the funeral trade have drawn attention to the potential pitfalls of its lack of regulation and the opportunities for unchecked criminality. Despite the existence of voluntary trade bodies the hard, honest work of the many can be challenged by the crimes of the few. This talk considers the historical origins of funerary scandal in the United Kingdom to ask how funerary workers broke the rules and how society responded to their misdeeds. This is a story of isolated but noteworthy cases in which trust was betrayed and funerary workers became infamous. This is a journey through the doubts and anxieties of consumers, who were unaware of the motives of the specialists who managed the dead. To this end, the talk also analyses both real and imagined transgressions to consider how the image of the trade was shaped by fears about its trustworthiness.
Bio:
Dr Dan O’Brien is a historian of death in long-eighteenth-century England. His research primarily focuses on the development of the undertaking trade and changing attitudes to death in georgian England. Dan seeks to understand how the death and its rituals were perceived by society, by analysing how funerals and deathbeds were presented in the popular culture of the period. Drawing upon an eclectic range of source materials has enabled him to consider simple, but often overlooked, questions about how people’s knowledge about the early trade was formed. Dan also talks publicly to a wide range of audiences on different themes in mortality history such as funerary gifts, sea burial and mourning jewellery. He has recently appeared on the After Dark podcast talking about the funeral of Queen Victoria and describing a funerary crime on Killing Time with Rebecca Rideal. Dan is currently writing a history of London as told through events and places along the Thames.
Venue:
The Alma
499 Old York Rd, London
SW18 1TF
Directly across from Wandsworth Town Station
Event Running Time:
(We recommend arriving early if you're eating at the venue!)
Doors from 7pm
Introduction: 7:25pm
Lecture: 7:30pm
Q&A: 8:10pm
Finish: 8:30pm
FAQs:
What is Pints of Knowledge?
Pints of Knowledge is a series of public talks where experts, researchers, and big thinkers share fascinating ideas all in the relaxed setting of a pub. We bring brilliant minds and curious audiences together over a pint, covering topics from science and politics to history, art, and beyond.
What happens at Pints of Knowledge?
At each Pints of Knowledge event, you’ll hear engaging talks (approx. 40 minutes) from expert speakers on fascinating topics — followed by an audience Q&A (approx. 20 minutes). The vibe is informal and social, set in a pub where you can grab a drink, meet interesting people, and enjoy big ideas in a relaxed setting.
What if I don't drink alcohol?
No problem at all! Pints of Knowledge is all about the ideas and the community, not the drinks. You’re welcome to enjoy a soft drink, coffee, or whatever you prefer. The focus is on creating a relaxed, social atmosphere where everyone feels comfortable.
Can I attend without a ticket?
Tickets must be purchased online prior to the event. With our limited capacity at each venue we can't let people in without a ticket. There is occasionally the option to purchase a ticket on the door for our sold-out events, but we cannot guarantee this.
Is there food available?
Yes, there is usually the option to purchase food at our events - please see each venue's menu on their website. If you plan on eating at the venue, we recommend arriving as early as possible so the kitchen can get your order out before the talk starts. In the unlikely event the kitchen isn't open, there will typically be an option to order in food from elsewhere or bring your own food.
Can I get my ticket refunded?
We issue full ticket refunds if you have requested 7 days before the event. Any requests after will be at the discretion of the event organiser.
Can I get my ticket exchanged?
We issue full ticket exchanges if you have requested 48 hours before the event. Any requests after will be at the discretion of the event organiser.
Is the event pet/baby friendly?
Yes, we allow pets and babies to attend but reserve the right to request their removal if they are disruptive.
Is the venue accessible?
All of our venues are accessible, besides the following: The Old Queen's Head, The Landor, The Alma, and The Morpeth Arms.