Mystery
The Rector's Escape Hatch
Buried with a key, bread and wine, just in case he woke.
Stand where it happened
- What's there
- A churchyard; the tomb's spot isn't confirmed
- Legend from
- 1845
- Tone
- Curious
Ahead in Essendon churchyard is a tomb built with a door, a key, bread and wine, in case the rector inside ever woke up.
The Rev. Richard Orme, rector of Essendon and Bayford, dreaded waking up in his coffin. When he died in 1845 his very precise instructions were followed: he was laid in an above-ground tomb fitted with a lockable door, and buried with the key, a loaf of bread and a jug of wine to revive him for his escape. The tomb was built in the churchyard against the rectory garden, and part of the fence had to be removed to make room. Thirty-six years later, with the rector showing no sign of stirring, the door was finally sealed up in 1881. The tomb is said to stand still.