Old North Crypt

The first tombs opened in the crypt at Old North Church in 1732.

For more than 100 years, church members of Old North were allowed to bury their dead within tombs constructed in the crypt under the church.  Thirty-eight tombs were constructed in total.  Well over 1,000 individuals were buried in the crypt between its opening in 1732 and its final closing in the 1860s.

As part of an ongoing restoration project, the Old North Church Foundation wishes to lower the floors of the crypt's walkway to improve access to the area by visitors. They also plan to restore the tomb doors, which have been deteriorating over the years.

At least 22 individuals were laid to rest in Tomb 12.

The team found that 16 adult-size coffins were placed in Tomb 12, in four stacks of four coffins.  On top of each column of coffins were at least six smaller children's coffins.  The wood of the coffins was in good shape. But, the metal nails holding the coffins rusted heavily, causing the boards to become detached. Many of the coffins were collapsed. 

The archaeologists found several skeletons from individuals in the tomb among large amounts of wood shavings used to pad the inside of coffins. Out of respect for the deceased, photos of the interior of the tomb will not be made public.