Page:Archaeological Journal, Volume 3.djvu/292

264 allow a man to creep through it, the double grave affording him room enough to kneel and accomplish his purpose. This hole was found to enlarge into a circular space, 3 ft. in diameter; after the removal of the foundation wall, the maiden earth over the excavation was opened, and the cavity found to be 3 ft. in depth, surrounded by a rude wall of dry masonry, sufficing to prevent the falling in of the sides. It was partly filled with earth and rubbish, and the bottom contained lime mixed with bones of infants, to the depth of about 9 inches. The masons employed in the work affirmed that this had been quick-lime, and it was reckoned by a gentleman present that there were the remains of ten or twelve children. The skulls were as thin as parchment. Mr. Holdsworth conjectured that it had been sought to conceal these remains, where they could not be traced: no spot could be more secure than this mysterious hiding-place constructed under the foundation wall of the church, situate on the side of a hill, so that this portion of the wall externally was some feet below the surface. The cavity appears to have been made with most cunning skill, so as not to disturb the building, which would at once have aroused suspicion; a large grave, as he supposed, was made within the chancel, near the south wall, to prove the ground, which was found to be a rock, sufficiently soft to be readily penetrated, yet solid enough not to fall in. The grave having then been enlarged to double size, so that a man might stoop and work in it, through its side, the cavity within was excavated, surrounded by a rude wall, and the remains placed