Moving Coffins

In Barbados, The Chase Vault has mystified officials for years and has become a legend on the island.

The vault was built for the Chase family and their friends measuring twelve feet by six inside. The first person to be laid to rest there was a Mrs. Godard in 1807. In 1808, two-year old Mary Ann Chase was the next to be placed in the vault. A few years later in 1812, Mary's sister was laid to rest in the vault. Shortly after his daughter passed away, the children's father William Chase died. When the funeral party opened the vault for his burial, they were shocked to see that all three coffins had been moved from their original places. Some thought that it was the work of grave robbers. Soon after, officials noted that the cement seal on the vault was never broken and they ruled out that theory. In 1816, two more burials were made in the tomb. Again, each of the coffins were moved from their original places. The governor got involved in 1819 when the vault was opened and again the coffins were moved. He ordered the floor of the vault to be covered in sand so that any footprints could be seen. He also pressed his seal into the fresh cement that was used at the entrance to the vault. One year later, the tomb was opened. Again, all the coffins were moved around the room. The governors seal was unbroken and the sand was undisturbed showing no footprints. After that, all the coffins were ordered by authorities to be removed and placed elsewhere. The vault was left opened and never used again. The Chase Vault remains a mystery to this date.