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Old North Church & Historic Site - There are 37 brick tombs under the church, the first of which was built in 1732. Wealthy parishioners began to commission personal tombs. There is also Tomb 14: the
strangers’ tomb
code>where anyone, regardless of social status, could be interred through the intercession of a benefactor. In 1820, the area was quite full with 33 tombs, so they built under the Vestry, but by 1845, it was necessary to reuse the space and remove coffins. Church leaders were not loath to sweep out the bones after a few decades and replace them with fresh onesall in the name of cash flow in a fast-changing society. In 1853, a City ordinance closed the tombs to further burials for health concerns. This was an era of relocating services due to the stench. But wardens disregarded the law on occasion, presumably for a fee. A skeleton was found in the cellar when the first tomb was built; its coffin plate read Mr. Thomasa family that was among the founders of Christ Church.
- Guided walking tour with trained, passionate guides.
Delve into narratives of woe, calamity, and homicide - all grounded in authentic historical occurrences!
During this expedition through North End’s entangled roads and narrow passages, you will be introduced to narratives of woe, adversity, and homicide. These grim tales are all underpinned by legitimate historical incidents that took place in Boston.
Discover information about the momentous Influenza of 1918, instances of smallpox, the Molasses Flood, and the notorious Brink’s Robbery, all set against Boston’s most ancient neighborhood.
Uncovering the secrets of the North End is always a pleasure. It’s even more exciting when unearthing tales from Boston’s blemished history!
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
