Remembrance Cards: A Window into the Past

Mar 12

1 min read

Remembrance cards — sometimes called memorial or funeral cards — are small printed keepsakes that were traditionally distributed to family, friends, and neighbours following a person's death. Typically pocket or wallet-sized, they would feature the name of the deceased alongside their dates of birth and death, and often a verse, prayer, or short tribute. In an age before the internet and digital obituaries, they served as a tangible and deeply personal record of a life lived.

The tradition of remembrance cards was particularly strong in British communities throughout the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, and they were often treasured by recipients for decades — tucked into bibles, prayer books, and keepsake boxes. As such, they offer a remarkable glimpse into local communities and the families who shaped them.

The cards in this collection were gathered over a lifetime by Hilda Berry of Wrangle, Lincolnshire, who lived to the remarkable age of one hundred. Each card represents someone connected to the Lincolnshire community, and together they form a fascinating record of local lives and family histories. Whether you are researching your own family tree or simply curious about the past, it is hoped that these cards will prove a valuable and touching resource.

I have captioned the cards with the name and the year of death, hoping that the names will be indexed in search engines.