Almsbox; alms-box

This iron box has a slot in the top to take coins and a ring on one side so that it could be chained securely in place to prevent theft. It is skilfully made of wrought iron, and is decorated with lions and fleurs-de-lis, based on the English royal arms. It is probably an alms box, intended for donations for the poor. It was a Christian duty to give to the poor, and there were alms boxes in churches and many other places. People also gave money to their parish church for special projects such as 'mending the lock for the churchyard door'; 'lopping the tree in the churchyard for caterpillars' or for a new clock for the church tower. Money was also needed to maintain a constant supply of lamps and lights in the church.