Basement Crypt of the Old North Church
Not So Scary Tour of Historic Old North Church
Beneath Boston's historic Old North Church lies a crypt that holds over 1,100 interred Bostonians, offering a fascinating glimpse into the city's past. Used primarily from the mid-18th to mid-19th centuries, the crypt includes the remains of Revolutionary War figures, prominent city leaders, and even British soldiers, reflecting the complex history of early Boston. With 37 burial vaults lining narrow, somber corridors, this unique crypt was built as a practical means of funding the church, providing an eternal resting place for wealthy patrons. Today, visitors can tour these vaults, immersing themselves in the rich and sometimes eerie legacy that lies beneath Boston's oldest surviving church.
You can purchase Crypt Combo Tours to tour the main church and the Basement Crypt for only $10 - $9 if you do it in advance online.
One of the Unmarked Crypts
Fun Facts
Here are some intriguing fun facts about the basement crypt of the Old North Church in Boston, Massachusetts:
Final Resting Place of Over 1,100 Bostonians: The crypt holds over 1,100 remains. Some are in individual tombs, while others were placed in mass graves. The vaults were used primarily from the mid-18th century until the mid-19th century.
Revolutionary War Connections: Many of the interred were key figures in Boston during the Revolutionary War. Some were wealthy parishioners and prominent city leaders who chose this hallowed ground for their eternal rest.
A Unique Structural Layout: The crypt has 37 burial vaults arranged along narrow corridors under the church. Each vault has a brick front wall with a small door for placing remains.
Built for Practical Reasons: Like many churches of the time, Old North Church built the crypt as a means of raising funds, offering wealthy patrons a place of interment and charging fees for burial services.
Accessible for Tours: Today, the crypt is part of guided tours, allowing visitors to explore the dark history beneath Boston's oldest surviving church. Some visitors have reported feeling chills due to its history and ambiance!
The Resting Place of British Soldiers: During the Revolution, British soldiers who died in Boston were sometimes buried here, a testament to the city's complex historical fabric.
Sample Coffin in an empty crypt room
Three Things I Learned on Our Visit
I asked the tour guide, who was wandering around the crypt, if they had ever experienced any ghostly encounters. They told me they hadn't, but mentioned that other guides have reported feeling sudden warmth and hearing strange sounds.
The crypt consists of two small hallways, so only a limited number of people are allowed in the basement at a time. Photography is permitted, and the lighting is quite good.
This is a self-guided tour. You receive a plastic FAQ sheet upon entering, and you can see some of the old coffins in one of the unused crypts. While in the basement, you can hear the creaking floor above as people walk around the main church.
The only marked crypt is that of Samuel Nicholson, whose naval service was significant during the early years of the United States, especially in the Revolutionary War. Although critiques exist about his later command of the Constitution, his contributions to the defense of the colonies are noteworthy. Visitors often leave pennies or nickels on his crypt.
In Summary
There's nothing eerie about being in the Basement Crypt of the Old North Church. This is a fascinating and educational tour that provides insight into the history of the church.