Christ Church Parish Church

Key facts: Christ Church · Free · Sunday 8AM-11AM, Tuesday 12PM-2PM, Thursday 12PM-2PM, Saturday 12PM-2PM · Ages: all

Christ Church Parish Church is an Anglican church in the town of Oistins in the parish of Christ Church, Barbados. It is historically notable as the location of the Chase Vault, which gained international attention in the early 19th century when the lead coffins inside were repeatedly found displaced despite the sealed vault remaining undisturbed.

About Christ Church Parish Church

Christ Church Parish Church is an Anglican church in Oistins, in the parish of Christ Church, Barbados. The church has origins in the early colonial period and the current building has been rebuilt several times following hurricane damage. It is the parish church of Christ Church, one of Barbados's most populous parishes.

The church is best known outside Barbados for the Chase Vault, a family burial vault in the churchyard that became the subject of significant attention between 1812 and 1820. On multiple occasions when the vault was opened for new burials, the heavy lead coffins inside were found to have been moved and repositioned in apparently inexplicable ways, despite the vault remaining sealed. The phenomenon attracted considerable attention, including an investigation by the Governor of Barbados, but was never satisfactorily explained. The Chase Vault mystery became a widely reported curiosity of the era.

Why Families Go

The Chase Vault mystery is a genuinely puzzling historical story that interests older children and teenagers. The church and churchyard itself are pleasant and representative of Barbados's colonial Anglican heritage.

What to Know Before You Go

Free to visit. In Oistins, Christ Church. Respectful behaviour expected in the churchyard.

Family Fit

Suited to families with children aged 8 and up interested in historical curiosities. Allow 30 minutes.

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