The Parish Chest has painted on it the names of the "overfeers of ye poor" in 1705. Three persons with individually numbered keys had to be present to open it. Among the documents it contained must have been those of the charities.
The chest is inscribed:
"Will. Henchman, Tho. Oldam, Jno. Calvart, Tho. Plowman, Overseers of ye Poore when this chest was made for the use of the Town Officers, Anno Dom. 1705"
The chest rests on four ball feet, inside are seven drawers with painted titles inscribed
"Churchwardens", "Overseers of the Poore", "Constables", "Supervisors", "Certificates", Indentitures", and one unlabelled drawer.