Brinsley Coffin Walk

Before the church was built in Brinsley in the 1860s, the locals had to carry their coffins all the way across the fields to Greasley for burial, some three miles away. The coffin walk remembers those times, and today the churches and  local funeral directors Gillots recreate the experience,  sometimes using a full size specially made coffin (though I assume it will be empty!) and sometimes miniature one. Volunteer pallbearers carry the casket, and all are welcome to join the walk – dogs included. There are stops at intervals for refreshments, and to give the bearers a rest. The custom has been going now for a couple of decades and as you can see from the photos it goes ahead whatever the weather! The walk took us about an hour and a half, but as it was wet and there were no young children with us, it was faster than usual; we managed to pick up some extra walkers and their dogs en route (they must have heard about the cake…).

Helpful Hints

It’s usually held on a Saturday in late July, near to the patronal feast of St James (25th July), to whom the church at Brinsley is dedicated. It’s a very relaxed and friendly gathering and we were made very welcome- and at the end of the walk there were delicious cakes in the Greasley church hall for all to share.

In 2023 it was on Saturday July 22nd at 10 am- 2024 date is yet to be confirmed.

Click here for St James’ Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/BrinsleywithUnderwood/

and website: https://www.brinsleywithunderwood.com

Click here for Gillot’s website: https://www.gillotts.co.uk

and Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/GillottsFuneralDirectors

Thanks to Ross Parish for drawing my attention to this curious custom!