_Watching the Sepulchre._--If no one sends a more satisfactory reply
to the query about "Watching the Sepulchre," the following extract
from Parker's _Glossary of Architecture_ (3rd edit. p. 197.) will
throw some light on the matter:--

"In many churches we find a large flat arch in the north
wall of the chancel near the alter, which was called the
Holy Sepulchre; and was used at Easter for the performance of
solemn rites commemorative of the resurrection of our Lord.
On this occasion there was usually a temporary wooden erection
over the arch; but, occasionally, the whole was of stone, and
very richly ornamented. There are fine specimens at Navenby
and Heckington churches, Lincolnshire, and {355} Hawton
church, Notts. All these in the decorated style of the
fourteenth century; and are of great magnificence, especially
the last."

To this account of the sepulchre I may add, that one principal part
of the solemn rites referred to above consisted in depositing a
consecrated wafer or, as at Durham Cathedral, a crucifix within
its recess--a symbol of the entombment of our blessed Lord--and
removing it with great pomp, accompanied sometimes with a mimetic
representation of the visit of the Marys to the tomb, on the morning
of Easter Sunday. This is a subject capable of copious illustration,
for which, some time since, I collected some materials (which are
quite at your service); but, as your space is valuable, I will only
remark, that the "Watching the Sepulchre" was probably in imitation of
the watch kept by the Roman soldiers round the tomb of Our Lord, and