These were many in number, roughly hewn of old in the solid rock on which the church was built.
I met a fresh surprise in finding that the door of the crypt was open.
After all, this was different from the church-door being open; for in many places it is a custom to allow all comers at all times to find rest and comfort in the sacred place.

But I did expect that at least the final resting-place of the historic dead would be held safe against casual intrusion.

Even I, on a quest which was very near my heart, paused with an almost overwhelming sense of decorum before passing through that open door.

The crypt was a huge place, strangely lofty for a vault.

From its formation, however, I soon came to the conclusion that it was originally a natural cavern altered to its present purpose by the hand of man.