The Ghosts of the Chase Vault, Barbados: A Mystery of Moving Coffins



Deep in the heart of Barbados, within the Christ Church Parish Cemetery, lies one of the Caribbean’s most enduring supernatural mysteries—the Chase Vault. This centuries-old burial vault has become infamous not for its age or the noble family it housed, but for the strange and chilling events that supposedly took place there: coffins that moved on their own, as if disturbed by unseen hands.

A Mysterious Burial Vault

The Chase Vault was constructed in the late 18th century, built with thick stone walls and a heavy marble slab to seal its entrance. It was designed to house the remains of the Chase family, a wealthy and influential family in Barbados. The vault was first used in 1807 when Mary-Anne Chase, a two-year-old child, was interred there. Two years later, in 1809, her older sister, Dorcas Chase, was also laid to rest.

In the same year, the patriarch of the family, Colonel Thomas Chase, died and was placed in the vault. However, it was around this time that strange occurrences began to take place.

The Moving Coffins

When the vault was reopened for another burial sometime later, those present were met with an unsettling sight—all the previously placed coffins had shifted from their original positions. The heavy lead coffins, which would have required multiple men to move, were scattered around the tomb as if tossed by an unseen force. Thinking it was a disturbance caused by grave robbers or vandals, the mourners carefully repositioned the coffins and resealed the vault.

But as the years passed, the same eerie event occurred again and again. Each time the vault was opened for a new burial, the coffins were found in total disarray. There were no signs of forced entry, no evidence of flooding, and no explanation as to how or why these heavy caskets had moved on their own.

The most famous account of this phenomenon comes from 1819, when Lord Combermere, the then-governor of Barbados, ordered a full investigation. He personally witnessed the vault being sealed with cement, ensuring no one could tamper with it. Yet, when it was reopened months later, the coffins had once again shifted violently.

Fearing some supernatural or cursed force, the authorities decided to remove all the coffins and bury them separately in the cemetery, leaving the Chase Vault empty. Since then, no further disturbances have been recorded.

Theories and Explanations

The strange happenings at the Chase Vault have led to many theories over the years. Some believe that supernatural forces were at work, suggesting that the restless spirits of the Chase family were responsible for the disturbances. Legends claim that Colonel Thomas Chase was a cruel and hated man, and that his tormented soul was unable to find peace.

Others propose more scientific explanations. Some historians speculate that natural phenomena, such as underground water movement or gas buildup, could have caused the shifting. However, these theories fail to fully account for the weight of the lead coffins or the lack of any external damage to the vault.

The Haunting Legacy

Even though the Chase Vault remains empty today, it continues to be a source of fascination and eerie speculation. Locals and visitors alike tell tales of ghostly apparitions, whispers in the wind, and an eerie presence lingering near the vault. Some claim that on moonlit nights, strange shadows can be seen moving around the site.

Whether one believes in the supernatural or not, the mystery of the Chase Vault remains one of Barbados’ most chilling and unexplained hauntings. The story continues to be passed down through generations, ensuring that the legend of the moving coffins—and the ghosts that may have caused them—will never be forgotten.