The dead were then buried in woollen, which was rendered compulsory by the Acts 30 Car. II. c. 3 and 36 ejusdem c. 1. The first Act was entitled 'An Act for the lessening the importation of Linnen from beyond the Seas, and the encouragement of the Woollen and Paper Manufactures of the Kingdome.' It prescribed that the curate of every parish shall keep a register, to be provided at the charge of the parish, wherein to enter all burials and affidavits of persons being buried in woollen; the affidavit to be taken by any justice of the peace, mayor, or such like chief officer in the parish where the body was interred; and if there be no officer, then by any curate within the county where the corpse was buried (except him in whose parish the corpse was buried), who must administer the oath, and set his hand gratis. [Illustration: Invitation to a Funeral. MEMENTO MORI REMEMBER TO DIE _SIR._ You are desired to Accompany the Corps of Mr. _Thomas Newborough_, from his late Dwelling-House in St. _Paul's_ Church-Yard, to the Burial-place of St _Gregory's_, on _Wednesday_ the _29th_ of this Instant _January, 1704_ at Five of the Clock in the Afternoon.] No affidavit to be necessary for a person dying of the plague. It imposed a fine of 5_l._ for every infringement, one half to go to the informer, and the other half to the poor of the parish. This Act was only repealed by 54 Geo. III. c. 108, or in the year 1815. The material used was flannel, and such interments are frequently mentioned in the literature of the time, and Luttrell mentions in his diary (Oct. 9, 1703) that the Irish Parliament had just brought in bills 'for encouraging the linnen manufacture, and to oblige all persons to bury in woollen.' 'Odious! in woollen! 'twould a saint provoke,' Were the last words that poor Narcissa spoke; 'No, let a charming chintz and Brussels lace Wrap my cold limbs and shade my lifeless face: One would not, sure, be frightful when one's dead-- And, Betty, give this cheek a little red.'[62] [Footnote 62: Pope's _Moral Essays_, Epistle i. This is said to refer to Mrs. Oldfield, the famous actress of Anne's reign, who (_vide Gentleman's Magazine_ for March 1731) 'was buried in Westminster Abby, in a Brussels lace Head dress, a Holland Shift, with Tucker and double Ruffles of the same Lace, and a Pair of new Kid Gloves.' 'Betty' was her old and faithful servant, Mrs. Saunders, herself an actress, taking widows' and old maids' parts.] Funeral invitations were sent out--ghastly things, such as the foregoing.