Bristol, 1800's.

This order of service was created by the Loyal Order of Ancient Shepherds. They were a society established to help people save for times of ill health or death. It was important for people to have enough to provide for the cost of a funeral. People feared having to rely on the local Poor Union to provide a pauper's funeral, which would mean being buried in a common grave without a headstone.

Bristol Archives Reference: 40557/Box2/11