A very ordinary chest in the vestry of this church, is upon examination found to be of remarkable interest. It is a thirteenth century chest which has undergone so great a metamorphosis that its original form is lost, hidden under modern changes and additions.
The stiles 7 ½ inches and 8 inches respectively are cut into the top of the front, and a plank inserted from side to side. The front slab of oak is slightly recessed from the surface of the stiles and the lower part is overlaid by a piece of wood flush with them. The extend stiles which formed feet to the chest have a plank nailed across them, covering the hollow place beneath the actual box.; the same is done at the back and the ends, and at one end the wood is hinged, thus a space is enclosed beneath the chest with a door, providing a receptacle for brushes and dust shovel. All these alterations, are made with care and for utility, not in a destructive spirit, but rather with the idea of preservation.
The lid formerly worked on a pin-hinge, and the heads of the nails by which the rail was held remain. The upper part of the back stiles in which the pin worked is broken, and carefully mended with a solid block. The side walls are battened, slanting inwardly as the ascend to the lid, to give room for the rail of the hinge.
According to order this chest has three locks, but the insertion of the top plank necessitated the removal of the original lock-plates,a nd the present keyholes are surrounded by small brass protections.
A money-slot pierces the left side of the lid.
The chest is no longer in the church, its wherabouts unknown.
(Taken from the Church Chests of Essex, published in 1913.)