3-000-263 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

Ancient "cist", found in Westminster Abbey, 1860. Example of '...a "cist" as it was called, about four feet long and eighteen inches square. This is not distinguished by any of the curious and characteristic "signs" or figures designating its contents, but was probably one of those described in the Bishop of Exeter's quaint Calendar, as Unus planus cistus, ferro ligatus, cum quatuor serruris (a plain cist, bound with iron, with four locks). It is divided into four compartments, to each of which is a separate lid. Many portions of the ironwork - the hinges and flaps of the locks especially - are delicately tooled with a flowing pattern'. From "Illustrated London News", 1860.