Chests for the Cope or Vestment

Chests For The Cope Or Vestment.

These were of triangular shape, such as remain at Gloucester, York, Salisbury. and Westminster. In the 13th century the synod of Exeter- required a chest for books, and vestments in every parish. Such parish chests of Early English date remain at Clymping, Stoke d'Abernon, Saltwood, and Graveney; of Decorated date. at Brancepeth, Huttoft, and Haconby; and of the Perpendicular period at St. Michael's, Coventry, St. Mary's, Cambridge, and Oxford Cathedral. A "Flanders chest" remains at Guestling. Some very rude coffers,-bound with iron, are preserved in some churches, and others are enriched with color; these are probably of late date. The material was often cypress or fir. Others are curiously painted, like one in the vestry of Lambeth Palace. Several Early English chests are preserved in the triforium of Westminster Abbey; one is at Salisbury, and another was removed from the Pyx Chapel to the Record Office. SEE CHEST.