Mortsafe

Mortsafe is a historical security device designed to protect graves from being disturbed. Originating in the 19th century, primarily in Scotland, mortsafes were developed in response to the rise of body snatching. During this period, the demand for cadavers for medical research and education significantly increased, leading to the illicit exhumation of bodies from graveyards. Mortsafes, made from iron or stone, were used to encase a coffin or the entire grave, providing a physical barrier against grave robbers.

History

The practice of body snatching became prevalent in the early 19th century, driven by the scarcity of legal sources for medical cadavers. The Anatomy Act of 1832, which allowed unclaimed bodies and those donated by the poor to be used for medical research, eventually diminished the demand for illicitly sourced bodies, leading to a decline in the use of mortsafes.

Design and Function

Mortsafes were designed in various forms, including heavy iron plates, cages, or padlocked covers. Some were temporary installations, rented out by parishes or grave protection societies, and removed after a sufficient period had passed, during which the body would have decomposed and become useless for medical dissection.

Cultural Impact

The use of mortsafes reflects the societal tensions and ethical dilemmas surrounding medical research, body snatching, and burial practices in the 19th century. It highlights the conflict between the advancement of medical science and the sanctity of the grave.

Preservation

Today, mortsafes are preserved as historical artifacts in some cemeteries and museums, serving as a reminder of the lengths to which society went to protect the deceased from posthumous indignity.