Maiden's Garland (2), Ashford in the Water

This is a photograph of one of the Virgin Crantz, or Maiden's Funeral Garlands in Ashford's Holy Trinity Church. They are suspended from the roof in the north aisle and enclosed in protective plastic sleeves. The custom was to carry such garlands before the coffin of a maiden in her funeral possession, and afterwards to hang it up in the Church.

The garlands are made from white paper, cut to form rosettes, and fixed to a wooden frame. A paper glove, or handkerchief is hung from the centre of some garlands, and on it was written the name, age and date of death of the virgin.

For more information about these beautiful and poignant reminders of a young life cut short see Maidens' Funeral Garlands, Holy Trinity Church, Ashford.

(Commentary provided by Rosemary Lockie)