VERY few chests are to be found to bridge the interval between those with the genuine early linen-fold and the typical chest of the seventeenth century, with the round arch planted on its panels. A most beautiful one, in which there is some approach to the flowing style of the Renaissance, is still to be seen in Shanklin Church, Isle of Wight. Reproduced in Plate xxiii., it is of great interest as an instance of the ornamental use of initial lettering. It has also the invaluable addition of a date besides the name of the owner. He was Thomas Silksted, Prior of Winchester from 1498 to 1524, whose chantry and wooden pulpit are there to be seen. His name is carved in bold lettering on the top rail of the chest. On the upright borders, at the ends, are the words 'Dominus' and 'Prior.' The lower rail is inscribed in abbreviation 'Anno Domini,' and '1519.' With the exception of the space for a large lock-plate, and for the arms of the Priory - a sword and double key crossed - the rest of the front within the border is taken up by the large ornamental letters 'T. S.,' gracefully adorned with Tudor roses and other conventional flower shapes. I refer elsewhere to the use of lettering as ornament.

Plate XXIII. Chest Of Prior Thomas Silksted

XXIII. Chest of Prior Thomas Silksted. 1519. Oak, with new lid and plinth. Shanklin Church.

By kind permission of the Rector.

This chest is a good example of letter decoration, and is one of the few remaining pieces of furniture of early date which may almost be classed as domestic. A chalice, however, carved on its righthand border is sufficient to remind us, with the Prior's name and arms, of its ecclesiastical affinities. In construction it resembles the Dersingham chest, the front consisting of two horizontal planks. The original top is missing. It is curious that very deep-set panels seem to appear later on chests than they do on cupboards and buffets. Quite heavily moulded panels are to be seen on the latter, as, for instance, in the two fine examples belonging to Mr. Edward Barry, of Ockwells Manor, Bray.