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What we saw on a tour of the underground crypt beneath Old North Church
Learn more about old Anglican burial practices and prominent historical figures that rest under the church.
Nestled beneath a neighborhood renowned for its Italian restaurants and rich history of immigration lies something darker: a centuries-old crypt. Its walls of weathered brick and stone date back to the early 1700s, the space narrow and low but atmospheric. Since colonial times, over 1,100 people have been laid to rest here — below the Old North Church.
The historic site in Boston’s North End opened its crypt doors to the public on Sept. 13 for after-hours tours of its underground burial site. Here’s what it’s like to explore the tombs…
What can visitors expect?
It’s still a bright and warm Saturday evening when a recent tour begins. Two guides lead visitors past the gates and around the back of the church before the group of almost 20 descends into the crypt. The ceiling hangs low in certain parts, and pipes run overhead in others, where even shorter guests had to duck down. Home to 37 tombs in total — some sealed, some concealed behind wooden doors — the space undoubtedly gives the feel of something that has been around since before the American Revolution.
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“There’s a feeling, there’s an energy to it,” said Julius James, the church’s Visitor Experience Manager. “You’re walking through these tombs, you’re surrounded by death, and you’re surrounded by incredible historic stories.”
The crypt is well-lit, and though a certain eerie mood hangs in the air, the tour is not meant to scare visitors. Rather, it focuses on teaching history.
“We’re not necessarily doing anything spooky down here — they’re not haunted,” said James, promising that there will be no jump scares. “But this is a burial space that has really high numbers of people from colonial times.”
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Visitors will learn about Anglican burial practices in the 18th and 19th centuries, well-known figures that were interred in the crypt — from military leaders to ministers — and a recent restoration project that unearthed more secrets.
Who was buried in the crypt?
Over 1,100 people were interred in the crypt up until the late 19th century. Some prominent occupants include Major John Pitcairn, a British military officer, and Samuel Nicholson, who served in the Revolution as part of the Continental Navy.
In addition, there are hundreds of regular folk. Many tombs were generational and were reserved for family members.
About Old North Church
A longtime symbol of American freedom, Old North Church is most well-known for the two lanterns that went up in its steeple to warn of the arrival of British troops.
Most guests initially visit because of the church’s role in Paul Revere’s famous ride, said James, but they end up learning much more about the 300-year-old history of Boston’s oldest standing church.
“Essentially, there’s been a draw to this place to learn about the history here,” said James.
The church also hosts other tours, exhibits, and audio guides throughout the year, said James. A lot of the information provided has been found in recent years as researchers and fellows began to dig through the records. Visitors can go into the church itself and hear long-forgotten stories about life in colonial times.
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“This is a really enjoyable tour, because everyone’s going to learn something,” said James. “Most people coming up here had no idea that this existed underneath this historic church.”
Admission and pricing
From now until Oct. 18, there will be two tours every Friday and Saturday night at 5:30p.m. and 6:15p.m. After that, the crypt tours will run every night past Halloween, with its doors closing to the public on Nov. 2.
Each 45-minute tour has a capacity of 20 guests. Tickets can be purchased here for $20 per person.
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