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The Stranger's Tomb

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The largest tomb, separate from the others, was for the chapel’s use. Boston churches helped the city with charitable burials of almshouse residents, the unclaimed, travelers, sailors, etc.  Thus, this tomb was called the Strangers’ Tomb because the buried were strangers to the church or community.  It also may have served the purpose of a charnel pit, an enclosure traditionally used to hold remains emptied from elsewhere, or otherwise requiring “storage” or temporary burial. There appear to be 30-50 people in the Strangers’ Tomb, many without names or personal details in the chapel records. Although there are some coffins, some remains are without coffins, and skeletons have collapsed and mingled over time. Left undisturbed, they cannot be counted.

It is also the burial place of the Chevalier de Saint-Sauveur, a French nobleman whose ship, as an ally, was being resupplied in Boston Harbor during the American Revolution. Since there was a food shortage, some Bostonians’ frustration flared into a riot, in which the Chevalier was killed. To prevent a diplomatic crisis, Boston agreed to bury him in the King’s Chapel crypt and to provide a rare Roman Catholic funeral at the tomb door. 

The Strangers’ Tomb is the only to be entered after the tombs were bricked up in the 1850s. In 1976, its interior was measured and examined to make sure some HVAC equipment could be safely installed nearby without damaging the tomb. Interior views of this tomb expose its stark contrast to the other, family-owned, ones. The sheer volume of remains, the absence of coffins,  and the disarray as time took its toll make this tomb space unique in the crypt.
​

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Return to "Crypt" page.
King's Chapel
Est. 1686
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 www.kings-chapel.org |  58 Tremont St. Boston, MA 02108  |  617-227-2155 
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  • King's Chapel from Home
    • January Environmental Compassion Month
    • Worship from Home >
      • Past Virtual Services
    • Music from Home
    • History from Home
    • Community from Home >
      • Voter Action Initiative
      • Anti-Racism Resources
    • Stewardship & Giving
  • About Us
    • Welcome
    • Calendar
    • News & Updates >
      • Weekly Newsletter
      • Messages from the Ministers
      • King's Chapel Updates
    • Clergy & Staff
    • Contact Us & Directions >
      • Send A Message
  • Worship
    • What to Expect
    • Sunday at 9 AM
    • Sunday at 11 AM
    • Wednesday at 5:30 PM
    • Sermons
    • Special Annual Services
    • Book of Common Prayer
  • Music
    • Virtual Musical Events
    • From The Bench: A Musical Blog
    • Tuesday Recitals
    • Concert Series
  • History & Tours
    • Explore Our History >
      • A Brief History
      • The Stone Chapel: Art & Architecture >
        • The Wooden Chapel
        • Georgian Architecture
        • Box Pews
        • Interior Colors
        • Memorials
        • The Chancel Windows
        • The Last Supper Painting
      • Crypt and Burying Ground >
        • Crypt >
          • Crypt Highlights: Crypt Entrance
          • Crypt Highlights: Tomb Structure
          • Crypt Highlights: The Stranger's Tomb
          • Crypt Highlights: Research and Family Connections
          • Crypt Highlights: Remaining Memorials
          • Crypt Highlights: Hand-Hewn Beams
        • Burying Ground
      • Religious History >
        • Online Exhibit: Independent Country, Independent Church
        • 334 Years of Ministry
      • Slavery at King's Chapel
      • Literary King's Chapel: Online Exhibit
    • Plan Your Visit
    • Virtual History Events & Programs >
      • Recorded History Programs
      • Past Events & Programs
    • History Program Blog
    • About Us >
      • History Program Staff
      • Contact Us
    • Support the History Program
  • Get Involved
    • Adult Education
    • Children & Youth
    • Serve the Church
    • Serve the World
    • Make a Gift
    • Join King's Chapel
    • Ways To Support Our Partners
  • Weddings & Baptisms
    • Weddings >
      • Dear Prospective Couple
      • Wedding Inquiry
      • Wedding Service
    • Baptisms
  • Space Rentals
  • For Members
    • KC Bylaws
    • 2020 - 2021 Church Leadership
    • Environmental Action Initiative Meeting Minutes
    • 2020 Annual Meeting Recording
    • Annual Meeting Materials 2020
    • 2021 Budget
  • Leadership Retreat Materials 2020