Rare Antique 18th Century Handwritten Sworn Statement Concerning The Body Of A Martin Mackinson & The Burying In Woollen Act

The Burying in Woollen Acts were a series of English laws passed in 1666, 1678, and 1680 under King Charles II that legally mandated all corpses be buried exclusively in shrouds made of pure English wool. The laws were uncompromising and heavily enforced through the local parish churches and any breaches were met with harsh punishments. Only plague victims (due to a false belief that wool retained infections longer than linen) and the destitute (who were buried completely naked because they could not afford wool) were exempt. This is a rare handwritten sworn statement dated 1747 concerning the body of a Martin Mackinson, proving his body was not wrapped, bound, or gowned in anything but sheep's wool before being sealed for eternity in Sailby churchyard. A very interesting piece of social history. Condition is good, commensurate with age. Some discolouration but good overall condition. Measures 17.8cm x 8.5cm