Real memorial obituaries – Combe Down, Monkton Combe, Midford

In memoriam et celebrationem

In memorial and celebration

(25 January 1787 - 6 July 1843)

LYING IN STATE AND FUNERAL OF THE CATHOLIC BISHOP BAINES

On Tuesday and Wednesday, the mortal remains of the Right Reverend Dr. Baines were laid out in state at his episcopal palace, C. Prior Park, near Bath. As expected, given the novelty and solemnity of the occasion, as well as the high respect in which his lordship was held not only by his own people but also by those of other communions, they were visited by nearly all the Roman Catholic clergy of the Western district and by thousands of people from Bath, Bristol, and other distant places. It was estimated that on Wednesday alone, between 10,000 to 12,000 individuals passed through the hall.

A description of the ceremony will likely be of interest to many of our readers. In the centre of the magnificent vestibule or entrance hall of St. Peter's College, a lofty canopy of black cloth adorned with crimson bullion tassels was erected. This canopy covered a significant portion of the hall area. In the centre, on a raised bier, lay the coffin containing the body of the bishop. The coffin was draped with a pall of black velvet and gold, topped with the bishop's magnificent cope with a hood of gold lama that he wore during church ceremonies. At the head of the coffin rested a cushion of purple velvet with his lordship's mitre and crook, followed by a silver crucifix and other ceremonial items.

Above the bier was the bishop's throne, draped with a canopy of black cloth and adorned with pillars of marble on either side. The throne displayed the bishop's ceremonial vestments and items used in church services, including a chasuble of crimson velvet and gold, a processional cross, and a book of gospels. The deceased prelate's other vestments and vessels were placed around the body, creating a solemn and impressive scene.

The windows of the hall were covered with black cloth to dim the sunlight, with light provided by fourteen large tapers positioned around the hall. The overall effect of the scene was sombre and grand, prompting reflection on the uncertainty of life and the fleeting nature of human status and honour.

THE FUNERAL

The funeral proceedings began at nine o'clock on Thursday morning and were kept strictly private due to the limited capacity of the chapel and the overwhelming number of requests to attend. The clergy, including bishops and students from the colleges, gathered in the vestibule of the palace to perform the offices for the dead, chanting matins and lauds in unison.

After the service, the body was carried to the chapel in a solemn procession, with clergy, students as choristers, and specific priests in designated roles. The Right Reverend Dr. Griffiths, Bishop of Olena, officiated as the high priest, accompanied by other bishops from the Roman Catholic Church. The funeral procession was a poignant and respectful tribute to the late bishop, emphasizing the unity and reverence of the clergy and faithful in honouring his memory.