Sepulchre, the Easter

Sepulchre, The Easter a representation of the entombment of our Savior, set up in Roman Catholic churches at Easter, on the north side of the chancel, near the altar. In England, previous to the Reformation, it was most commonly a wooden erection, and placed within a recess in the wall or upon a tomb; but several churches still contain permanent stone structures that were built for the purpose, some of which are very elaborate, and are ornamented with a variety of decorations, as at Navenby and Heckington, Lincolnshire, and Hawton, Nottinghamshire, all of which are beautiful specimens of the Decorated style. Sepulchres of this kind also remain in the churches at Northwold, Norfolk; Holcombe Burnell, Devonshire, and several others. The crucifix was placed in the sepulchre with great solemnity on Good Friday, and continually watched from that time till Easter day, when it was taken out and replaced upon the altar with especial ceremony.