Chest

Date: Early 1400s

This chest, made up of iron plates, probably had a wooden lining. It is too heavy to move easily, and served as a safe. For many years it was kept in the basement of the Guildhall, and is thought to have been the City of London's original 'Common Chest'. Six keys were required to unlock it, and for security they were kept by six different people, all of whom needed to be present to open the chest. A City record of October 1427 lists the custodians of the keys - three City aldermen and three 'reputable men of the Commonalty'. On loan from the Corporation of London, Joint Archive Service.

Accession number: L93

Place of collection: Guildhall, Cheapside, London EC2 [City of London]

Material: iron

Measurements: H 850 mm; L 1240 mm; W 640 mm

Gallery location: Open display