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Archiver > TMG > 2012-04 > 1333490027


From: "Darrell A. Martin" <>
Subject: Re: [TMG] OT - coffer of ash
Date: Tue, 03 Apr 2012 16:53:47 -0500
References: <1333479582.52265.YahooMailClassic@web181314.mail.ne1.yahoo.com>
In-Reply-To: <1333479582.52265.YahooMailClassic@web181314.mail.ne1.yahoo.com>


On 4/3/2012 1:59 PM, Larry Mccurdy wrote:
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> We are hoping that someone might be
> able to help us with the meaning of something we just found in a will of 1630
> in England.
> A father bequests to his son, a minister, he says, "I by legacy,
> bequest a coffer of ash standing over the kitchen". We did a google search& found another
> person’s will who also left the same type of legacy but no results as to the
> meaning *coffer of ash*. Any ideas? … Any help appreciated. Many thanks.
>
> Kathy& Larry

Hi:

It would be tempting to guess it means an urn of ashes of a cremated
person, but apparently that is incorrect. A "coffer" is a strongbox or
small chest for holding valuables. Ash is a type of wood. Mystery
solved, I think.

In somewhat indirect confirmation, I found a passage in Google Books, in
a piece of fiction (2008) about 16th Century England titled "The Man on
a Donkey". You can find it by entering the following in a Google search:

what is a "coffer of ash"? -Mayo

"... and to see the carved cupboard set up beside the window which
looked out toward Calva, instead of the old square coffer of ash, with
its faded paintings of the life of St. George, which was now pushed to
the foot of the bed ..."

Darrell

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