In some historic cemeteries, visitors may notice unusual iron structures placed over graves, commonly known as mortsafes. These protective coverings were used in parts of Europe during the 18th and 19th centuries when concerns about grave disturbance became increasingly common. During that period, medical schools required bodies for anatomical study, and many families worried about the security of burial sites after funerals had taken place.
Mortsafes were typically constructed from heavy iron bars and designed to prevent unauthorized access to newly buried graves. In many cases, the structures remained in place for several weeks before being removed. Families viewed them as an important form of protection during a time when burial security and legal regulations related to medical research were still developing in many regions.