Caribbean Churchyard and Wandering Coffins

This coral stone cathedral in Barbados features a lovely historic churchyard.

I enjoyed exploring St Michael’s Cathedral in Bridgetown, Barbados (photo © Larry Snider)

St. Michael’s Cathedral: A Historic Gem of Barbados

Smack in the middle of downtown Bridgetown, Barbados, St. Michael’s Cathedral is a striking house of worship built from coral stone, a material that lends it both durability and a distinct island charm.

Dating back to 1665, the cathedral has stood the test of time, witnessing centuries of history, faith, and cultural evolution — along with hurricanes and an earthquake or two.

St Michael’s Cathedral in Bridgetown, Barbados is made of rugged coral stone. (photo © Tui Snider)

As Larry and I explored the churchyard, we were amazed to find gravestones dating as far back as 1666—a testament to the long and storied past of this sacred space. Unlike manicured cemeteries I’ve visited elsewhere, this burial ground has a more rugged, timeworn feel, possibly due to the mix of coral stone and concrete monuments, which give it a uniquely textured appearance.

Rugged terrain in St. Michael’s churchyard. (photo © Tui Snider)

Inside the cathedral, history takes on a more intimate form. Many of the departed rest directly beneath the pews, their final resting places marked in the stone floor, worn slick and siny . Along the walls, crypts adorned with imported marble hint at the wealth and social status of some of the individuals interred here—likely a luxury brought in from Europe.

Cross with lilies in St. Michael’s churchyard. (photo © Tui Snider)

Beyond its historical significance, St. Michael’s Cathedral is a fascinating blend of island craftsmanship and colonial influence. Standing amidst the echoes of the past, it’s easy to imagine the generations who have worshiped, mourned, and celebrated within these coral-stone walls.

Like many cathedrals, St Michael’s features floor tombs. (photo © Tui Snider)

The Legend of Barbados’ Wandering Coffins

Barbados is home to many fascinating historical sites, but one of its most intriguing legends revolves around the mysterious case of "wandering coffins." Though the coffins have since been removed, this eerie tale continues to captivate historians, ghost hunters, and curious visitors alike.

The legend originates from the Chase Vault, a family mausoleum in the Christ Church Parish Cemetery. According to local lore, each time the vault was opened for a new burial, the coffins inside were found inexplicably displaced, as if they had moved on their own.

The walls of St. Michael’s are lined with wall crypts. (photo © Tui Snider)

Despite numerous attempts to reposition and secure them, the unsettling phenomenon persisted. The mystery grew so infamous that, in 1820, the vault was permanently sealed, and the coffins were eventually removed.

Since the vault is no longer accessible, Larry and I didn’t visit the site, but if you love cemetery legends as much as I do, I highly recommend reading Gisela Monteiros’ detailed account of the story. She does a fantastic job exploring the origins, theories, and lasting impact of this legend.

Despite weather and earthquakes, many monuments remain in good condition. (photo © Tui Snider)

You can find Gisela’s article here:
Caixões Dançarinos – The Dancing Coffins (Use the translation button at the top of her site to read it in English if you want.)

Whether you believe in ghostly disturbances or logical explanations, the story of Barbados' wandering coffins remains one of the most enduring and chilling mysteries in cemetery folklore!