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23
V. Clnirch Vaults. Mr. P. H. Holland, Medical Inspector
of Burial Grounds, visited the vaults beneath the churches
in this parish after which Dr. Aldis reported the following
result to the Vestry on December 7th, 1858, and to the
Nuisances Removal Committee, December 21st, 1858 :
St. Peter's Church, Eaton Square. The vaults underneath
this church contain about 350 coffins, of which about 50 are
uncovered; the rest are already enclosed by brickwork. It
would be a prudent course to enclose all in the same manner,
but Mr. Holland does not like trusting to brickwork alone,
because it is difficult to get underground work done perfectly
in every part, and a very small opening would allow poisonous
gas to escape should a coffin burst. It would be a safer
plan to embed the coffins in soil covered with charcoal, for
the gas could not escape without being decomposed in passing
through the porous material.
Grosvenor Chapel, South Audley Street. The vault extending
about half way under this chapel is so completely
filled with coffins that it was quite impossible to ascertain
their condition. The entrance is by an open gate, which
could not prevent the escape of foul air. Should any of the
coffins burst, it would be almost impossible, from the close
manner in which they are packed, to ascertain which had
given way. The enclosed catacombs contain a great many
coffins, and are situated near to the passages leading into the
school.
St. Mark's Church. The Rev. Mr. Eyre was present
during this inspection. These vaults, which contain about
160 coffins, most of which are uncovered on the ground, but
some are enclosed in cells. The Incumbent wishes to have
all these coffins properly covered, for, about six years ago,
one of them burst, and occasioned a very offensive smell, not
only in the vault, but in the churchyard, from the ventilating
openings. He thinks the coffins might be buried in the