DOOR WITH SEVEN LOCKS.

Pelorus Guardian and Miners' Advocate., Volume 30, Issue 23, 22 March 1918, Page 2

DOOR WITH SEVEN LOCKS.

I£ew who explore Westminster Abbey are aware that there are many of its iixost ancient and interesting parts of which they have never had a glimpse. For instance, in the eastern cloisters there is a door so guarded against unauthorised intrusion that it can only be opened by seven keys, which are in the jealous custody of as many Government officials. Five of the keyholes of this wonderful door, which is covered with human skins, are concealed from view by a stout iron bar which traverses it. This door gives access to a vaulted chamber, known as the Chapel of the Pyx, the walls of which were standing as they stand to-day before even the Norman conqueror landed in Sussex. The chamber was once the Treasury of England, to which were brought “the most cherished possessions of the State.” The regalia of the Scottish Kings and the Holy Cross of Holyrood were deposited here, and for many years it served as a mint for coining silver and gold. It was, centuries ago, the scene*,, of daring robbery, and to-day it contains, in addition to a stone altar, some old chests, one of which is said to have held the jewels of Norman kings.