Why did coffins have bells?

Answer 1

Coffins had bells as a precautionary measure during the Victorian era to prevent premature burials. In a time when medical knowledge was limited, there were concerns that people might be buried alive after misdiagnosis. The bells, connected to a cord inside the coffin, would allow a person to signal for help if they were still alive, providing a means of alerting those above ground. This practice reflected the fears and uncertainties surrounding death and burial during that period.