Old North Church: A Guided Tour by Prince, Feline of
Photo Credit Sherrie Kling
Distinction
Greetings, humans.
I am Prince, former resident, unofficial greeter, and rightful overseer of Old North Church in Boston. Yes, that Old North Church — the one with the lanterns, the Revolution, the teenagers ringing bells, and the crypt full of people who, frankly, should have picked warmer accommodations.
Please keep your hands and snacks inside the tour at all times.
First, the Lanterns (My Steeple, My Rules)
You may have heard the story:
“One if by land, two if by sea.”
Two lanterns hung in the steeple on April 18, 1775, signaling that the British were coming by water.
Very dramatic. Very historic.
Personally, I would have added a third lantern to indicate “bring treats,” but no one asked me.
Still, it’s a good story, and the humans seem proud of it, so I allow it.
The Crypt: 1,100 Humans, Zero Cats
Beneath the church lies a crypt with more than 1,100 burials. It’s dim, atmospheric, and full of history.
I used to stroll past the entrance, tail high, as visitors whispered things like:
“Do you feel that chill?”
“Yes, that’s me. I’m majestic.”
The crypt tours are fascinating — if you enjoy early American history, architecture, or the feeling that someone from 1772 might be judging your footwear.
Paul Revere: Bell‑Ringer, Horse Enthusiast, Not a Cat
Before he became the midnight‑riding icon of American lore, Paul Revere was a teenage bell ringer here. Imagine a young Revere hauling on ropes, sweating, learning rhythm, and absolutely not noticing the very handsome cat supervising from the balcony.
Humans love this detail.
I prefer to think of it as “the time Paul Revere worked for me.”
My Reign at Old North
I lived here in the 19th century, adored by parishioners, tourists, and anyone with a lap. I attended services, greeted guests, and patrolled the pews with the dignity of a creature who knows he is the most important thing in the room.
Some say I “acted like I owned the place.”
I say: acted?
Why You Should Visit (According to a Cat Who Knows Things)
Old North Church is one of those rare places where history feels alive — lanterns, crypts, bells, legends — all wrapped in the charm of a building that has seen centuries of stories.
And if you listen closely, you might still hear echoes of:
- Revere’s bells
- Footsteps in the crypt
- And the faint, regal purr of a cat named Prince, supervising from somewhere just out of sight
Closing Thoughts from Your Feline Guide
Come visit. Explore the crypt. Climb the bell tower. Stand where the lanterns shone.
And when you do, remember:
I walked these halls first.
Graves Light: Boston Harbor’s Outer Sentinel
