After Dark: Myths, Misdeeds & the Paranormal

Episode: Inside the Paris Catacombs
Release Date: June 5, 2025
Hosts: Anthony Delaney & Maddy Pelling
Guest: Kat Irving, Human Remains Conservator at Surgeons Hall, Edinburgh

Introduction to the Paris Catacombs

In this enthralling episode, hosts Anthony Delaney and Maddy Pelling delve deep into the shadowy underbelly of Paris by exploring the infamous Paris Catacombs. Joined by Kat Irving, a renowned human remains conservator, the trio unpacks the historical, cultural, and macabre facets of this subterranean labyrinth.

The Problem of Overcrowded Cemeteries in 18th Century Paris

Anthony Delaney (02:21):
"In the dead of night in 1786, a solemn procession moved through the narrow gas-lit streets of Paris... These centuries of Paris dead are now buried not beneath sacred chapel, but beneath the city's skin, deep in a hidden, silent empire of the dead."

Paris in the late 18th century faced a dire issue: overflowing cemeteries. The Cemetery of the Innocents became particularly congested, leading to structural collapses in nearby buildings. Kat Irving explains that mass graves were common, with up to 2,000 bodies interred in a single grave (07:27).

The Creation of the Catacombs

To address the grim situation, Paris sought an innovative solution by repurposing existing underground limestone quarries. In 1777, Chalek Selgius was appointed as the inspector of quarries, tasked with stabilizing the city's expanding infrastructure (09:46). By 1786, these quarries became the new resting place for the deceased, marking the inception of what we now know as the Paris Catacombs.

Design and Aesthetic Arrangements

Initially, remains were deposited haphazardly. However, under the guidance of Louis Hercard de Thurry in 1809, a more organized and aesthetically pleasing arrangement was implemented. Kat Irving notes that bones were sorted and stacked into decorative patterns, including crosses and plaques indicating their original cemeteries (15:00). This transformation aimed to honor the dead while adhering to Enlightenment ideals of order and hygiene.

The French Revolution's Impact

The eruption of the French Revolution in 1789 introduced chaos that temporarily halted the relocation of remains. Moreover, due to overcrowded graves, decomposition was disrupted, leading to saponification—a process where fats from the bodies congealed into a waxy substance known as grave wax (17:11). This byproduct was repurposed into soaps and candles, blending the macabre with practical needs during tumultuous times (19:41).

Maddy Pelling (19:29):
"The French Revolution is the birth of waxworks... underground, you've got these waxen, strange, transformed figures of the dead."

Transition to Tourism and Modern-Day Use

By the 19th century, the Paris Catacombs had evolved into a public attraction. Figures like Hercard de Thurry not only organized the remains but also began inviting the public to explore the underground ossuary (32:10). Today, the catacombs stand as one of Paris's premier tourist destinations, requiring advance bookings due to their immense popularity (36:20).

Respect and Preservation of the Dead

Kat Irving emphasizes the importance of maintaining respect for the deceased within the catacombs. Unlike mass graves, the catacombs allow visitors to appreciate the individuality of each skull and bone, challenging the notion of anonymity in death (39:47). She advocates for acknowledging and interacting with this historical repository to honor those who rest there.

Kat Irving (40:21):
"Skulls are as individual as we are. You can see rough age, gender, and even signs of diseases or trauma, offering a glimpse into the lives of those who dwelled in Paris centuries ago."

Expert Insights from Kat Irving

Kat Irving, with her extensive experience in human remains conservation, provides a nuanced perspective on the Paris Catacombs. She draws parallels with similar ossuaries across Europe, highlighting architectural and artistic expressions meant to remind the living of their mortality. Her work at Surgeon's Hall involves not only preservation but also educating the public about the historical significance of these remains.

Kat Irving (41:00):
"There’s something powerful about coming face-to-face with people who may have witnessed pivotal moments like the French Revolution. It bridges the past and present in a profound way."

Conclusion

"Inside the Paris Catacombs" offers a comprehensive exploration of one of history's most fascinating and eerie landmarks. Through engaging storytelling and expert analysis, Anthony, Maddy, and Kat illuminate the catacombs' transformation from a practical solution to a cultural and historical emblem. This episode is a must-listen for history enthusiasts and those intrigued by the intertwining of life, death, and memory.

Notable Quotes:

• Anthony Delaney (02:21): "These centuries of Paris dead are now buried not beneath sacred chapel, but beneath the city's skin, deep in a hidden, silent empire of the dead."

• Maddy Pelling (19:29): "The French Revolution is the birth of waxworks... underground, you've got these waxen, strange, transformed figures of the dead."

• Kat Irving (40:21): "Skulls are as individual as we are. You can see rough age, gender, and even signs of diseases or trauma, offering a glimpse into the lives of those who dwelled in Paris centuries ago."

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