the receiving vault was most commonly seen from the 1800s into the early 1900s. the earliest receiving vaults were simple underground chambers dug out of hills. where the ground was level, the receiving vault was dug into the earth, and a mound heaped over it to mimic a hill. receiving vaults stored coffins or bodies in loculi, or shelves, set into the walls of the vault. the interiors were simple, and often plain, with heavy lockable doors to prevent entry by grave robbers or body snatchers.