Ashes box, used by crematorium to send remains by post, metal type, adult-sized, 1999.

Until the mid-1800s, most people in Britain were buried in consecrated ground near a church. This has changed over time and many people are now cremated before their ashes are interred. The change occurred for social and cultural reasons. These include changing attitudes toward established religion, the rise of other religious denominations, and lack of land.

Many crematoriums use this type of light metal adult-sized ashes box to post remains. It was produced by the General Cemetery Company.