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Poltergeist

Chase Vault Moving Coffins

Each time the sealed vault was opened, the heavy lead coffins had moved. Tossed about like toys. One stood on its head. Governors witnessed it. They sealed the vault with sand to detect entry. When reopened—coffins moved, sand undisturbed. No one ever entered.

1812 - 1820
Oistins, Barbados
50+ witnesses

The Chase Vault coffins moved on their own.

The Vault

The Christ Church Parish vault was hewn into rock with a sealed entrance, serving as a family burial vault for the wealthy Chase family with their tragic history.

The Pattern

Every opening revealed disturbances: in 1812 coffins were disturbed, in 1816 they moved again, in 1819 they were violently thrown, and at the final opening in 1820 they were once more in different positions.

The Witnesses

Governor Lord Combermere, church officials, and multiple witnesses saw the phenomenon. It was documented officially, yet no explanation was ever found.

The Test

As a precaution in 1819, sand was spread on the floor, a seal was impressed in mortar, and guards were posted outside for perfect security. In 1820, the coffins had moved, yet the sand remained unmarked.

The Theories

Explanations proposed included flooding, earthquakes, gases, and supernatural forces, but none fit the evidence.

The Ending

In 1820, the decision was made to remove the coffins and bury them elsewhere. The vault was abandoned and never used again, leaving the mystery unsolved.

Sources

Chase Vault - Wikipedia documents this enduring mystery.