Christ Church Cathedral is undoubtedly one of Dublin’s most elegant and famous attractions. But there is a darker side to this magnificent building; buried beneath the cathedral’s massive stone structure is a foreboding crypt. But this particular crypt carries a gruesome and troubling legend dating back to the 18th Century in which a young man's drunken curiosity led to his unspeakable demise... At that time, the consumption of alcohol was strictly controlled by governmental decree. Though strict, these rules were often flouted by thrill-seeking revellers and enterprising businessmen alike. One such opportunist was Christ Church’s crypt keeper who is said to have operated an illegal speakeasy in the cathedral’s cavernous bowels. One night, a young British soldier decided to abandon his post and engage in a bout of illicit drinking in the crypt. After many tankards of ale, the soldier - a little worse for wear - decided to do some exploring. The crypt was surrounded by a number of tunnels and the young soldier resolved to discover where they led. Leaving the relative safety of his fellow partygoers, the solder set off into one of these tunnels to do some exploring. However, tiredness and the affects of alcohol soon overcame his wanderlust and he ended up passing out on the tunnel floor. Hours later the crypt keeper, unaware that the soldier had wandered off, locked the door leading to the tunnel, sealing the unfortunate young soldier inside. What happened next is unclear, but it is said that upon regaining consciousness, the soldier found himself trapped and surrounded by a swarm of rats who had gathered around him as he slept, presumably attracted by his scent and the warmth of his body heat. But these were no ordinary sewer rats; these rats were ravenous and had a taste for human flesh. Their prey cornered, they set upon the young soldier in a crazed and blood-drenched feeding frenzy. In an effort to fight them off, the young soldier is said to have drawn his sword and made a valiant stand against the vermin before ultimately being overwhelmed and devoured. Months later, when the tunnels were reopened, his skeletonised remains were discovered - covered in tiny teeth marks and still clutching its sword. Should you be brave enough to visit the crypt beneath Christchurch, spare a thought for that young soldier whose curiosity cost him his life. And needless to say, watch out for the rats...
