King’s Chapel Burying Grounds

Very eerie at night. The tombstones are pretty neat to see. Small cemetery.
Was not as memoriable as the other Freedom Trail locations, just was a quick and easy stop on my trail walk.

Located right next the King’s Chapel, this historical cemetery is #6 landmark of the Freedom Trial. It is one of the oldest cemetery in Boston, established in1630. It’s a relatively smaller cemetery than compared to the Granary Burying Ground and you can walk through it all relatively quickly. Off to the right hand side of the cemetery is a huge pit where it drops all the way to the bottom of the cemetery that’s been blocked off by a metal fence. which left me wondering what it was used for and why it’s there.
There cemetery itself is very peaceful and definitely not as much foot traffic as Granary. The only thing to be careful is because the gravestone markers are very close to the walking grounds, to NOT rub up against them to wear them down or knock them over to break them. Option to walk through or not since you can pretty much see it all from the outside without having to really step in.

Actually preferred it to Granary and Copp.

The historic gravestones are really neat to see, with some fascinating designs. There is some great signage that explains the history of some of the individuals buried there, as well as the overall historic setting and the gravestone designs. Paul Revere’s fellow rider from the midnight ride, William Dawes, is buried here.
It’s a very peaceful place, despite the fact that the city grew up around it, and there are some busy streets with traffic whipping around.

Cool, but not nearly as cool as the Granary Burying Ground nearby. Check out the old headstones and make sure to visit the chapel next door. If you want to see luminaries of the Revolutionary War era, head over the Granary.
3.25 stars.

I love visiting historic cemeteries. The gravestones are like artwork and the stories they tell can be both fascinating and mysterious.
The King’s Chapel Burying Grounds is the oldest cemetery in Boston dating back to 1630 which is mind-​boggling to me.
Although so many things in Massachusetts date back at least that far the thought of things happening on the very ground on which I am standing, but back in the 1600s gives me goose bumps.
The cemetery is on a small plot of land adjacent to King’s Chapel (which is another historic must-​see). The gates leading into the cemetery are open most days and one is free to wander in and look about.
It can be hard to see some of the stones clearly because one must keep on the cement path and not wander onto the grass due to the fragility of the graves.
The etchings and designs that go into many of the gravestones is incredible. They give you an idea what was «in style» depending on the era. The skull with wings is one of my favorites.
What is written on the stone about the deceased can be basic and factual to the more poetic and mysterious.
There are a number of notable people buried here including John Winthrop who was a Puritan and the first governor of Massachusetts.
There is a woman buried here by the name of Elizabeth Pain. She is said to have been the inspiration for Hester Prynne in Nathaniel Hawthorne’s book The Scarlet Letter.
Elizabeth Pain (1652 – 1704) had the misfortune (given the era) of having a child out of wedlock. The child died and she was brought to trial for what was claimed to be the child’s murder. She was acquitted of this charge but was found guilty of negligence. Her sentence was a fine and a flogging… flogging and whipping being big back in the day. It was said at her trial that she «did not have the feare (sic)of God before hir (sic) eyes and was led by the Instigation of the devil.»
Who knows what really happened but something tells me this woman was marked as up to no good the moment she gave birth to that child sans husband.
Elizabeth ultimately married but died a marked woman at 52.
There are lots of interesting tales like this to be found by researching some of the notables buried here.
I gave the cemetery only 3 stars because I am concerned about how such an historic place as this can be so freely accessed by the public which causes me worry about the care of the extremely fragile gravestones.
They have lasted this long I know but I think when the cemetery is open I believe there should always be some kind of «keeper» minding things.
Its location is on super busy Tremont Street.
With hordes of pedestrians and heavy street traffic only a few yards away, this is not a good recipe for gravestone preservation.
Nonetheless, this site is well worth a visit. For the best experience, find a cemetery tour so you can learn as much as you possible while you are there.

This is a most beautiful place to visit. The vibe coming off this hill is quiet strong. I could feel the hair on end with every step. Its ok with me that the gravestones are withered and weathered and cracked and such. I mean, if the family of the buried wanted to, they could certainly have taken care of it. …as if «gone but not forgotten» is written on each one…

As a Canadian tourist, I decided to make the most of my limited trip by taking a walk on the Freedom Trail, which led me to this cemetery.
The educational markers were detailed and it was nice that they’d let an area like this be open to the public.
My only complaint is that upon entering the cemetery, I wish that there was a marker indicating which direction to go. The educational markers are definitely in a certain order, and I went left instead of going right. The self-​guided tour makes more sense if you read them in the correct order.
Cool place though, and if you have even a passing interest in American history, you should try to check it out.