The Crypt at St Leonard's Church Hythe

St Leonard's Church sits on top of a rather steep hill that makes driving a car up to it very precarious. The grounds are rather lovely and the crypt keeper was a pleasure to talk to.

The 2000 skulls of St Leonard's Bonehouse are from citizens of Hythe who were buried in the churchyard and then dug up in the 13th Century when the church was extended over their graves. Later, other bones were disturbed when new graves were dug and their bones have been added to the pile.

This was the first time that I have ever seen this collection of skulls and bones. It was a humbling experience." St. Leonard's Church has the largest and best preserved collection of ancient human skulls and bones in Britain" as the leaflet explains. There are various displays which include four arched bays that contain one thousand skulls. Even a robin had nested in one of the skulls at some time. It was an amazing sight and one wonders who they were and what lives they lived. The crypt is opened during the week for a couple of hours in the morning and again in the afternoon. It costs two pounds to visit and it is worth every penny.

Absolutely brilliant, the guide there (didn’t catch his name) was amazing super informative and a very kind man!

A fantastic place to visit, an oddity to be sure, but fantastic, not expensive at all and I urge you to donate to the church fund to keep it open for generations to come. Don't forget to visit the church above. Limited disabled parking,

A fascinating charnel house. Both beautiful and macabre

The largest and best preserved collection of ancient human skulls and bones in Britain!

The 2000 skulls of St Leonard's Bonehouse are from citizens of Hythe who were buried in the churchyard and then dug up in the 13th Century when the church was extended over their graves.

Very informative guide who will answer any of your questions.

The crypt is located on the steep hill, but it will be worth visiting.

The crypt is currently closed and will reopen again to visitors next Easter.

We were visiting Hythe and stumbled upon the existence of the Ossuary by chance. Greeted by a lovely lady upon opening, we were regaled with tales of its existence for a mere £2 each. We learnt a lot about why the bones were there and why some were discoloured. It was a very peaceful and humbling environment.
If you're into Ossuaries, don't let this one pass you by.

Amazing place. I spent over five hours in the crypt, talking to a wonderful and extremely knowledgable guide, learning incredible facts about the place and its history.