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Ancient "forcer", found in Westminster Abbey, 1860. Creator: Unknown. Ancient "forcer", found in Westminster Abbey, 1860. Creator: Unknown
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Ancient "forcer", found in Westminster Abbey, 1860. Creator: Unknown. Ancient "forcer", found in Westminster Abbey, 1860. Creator: Unknown
Ancient "forcer", found in Westminster Abbey, 1860.
Object...called a "forcer"...[it] is nearly round, and about two feet in diameter and one foot in depth. It is made of stout leather, bound with small bars of iron, disposed to give it the greatest strength, and is an example...of the "forcerium correum, ferro ligatum" ("a leathern forcer, bound with iron")...these "forcers" were usually distinguished by a sign; but the specimen before us is merely covered with small devices of the fleur-de-lys impressed upon the leather, and is therefore only to be identified by the references in the general descriptions of such places of deposit. In both "cists" and "forcers" plate or documents were placed without any particular distinction. It is certain, however, that the Royal plate was usually deposited in the leathern cases; and in the accounts of the great robbery it is stated that some of the boatmen of the abbey ferried over certain of the monks who had with them just such a "forcer, " in which "there was a great weight, but they knew not what". From "Illustrated London News", 1860
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EDITORS COMMENTS
Great discovery: Ancient "Forcer" Unearthed in Westminster Abbey, 1860 This intriguing photograph captures the mysterious ancient "forcer," an artifact unearthed in Westminster Abbey in 1860. The forcer, whose creator remains unknown, is a nearly round object approximately two feet in diameter and one foot in depth. It is made of sturdy leather, bound with small iron bars, making it a formidable and robust container. The forcer is an example of the "forcerium correum, ferro ligatum," or "a leathern forcer, bound with iron," a type of container commonly used during ancient times. These forcers were often identified by a distinctive sign, but the specimen in this photograph is adorned only with small fleur-de-lys devices impressed upon the leather. The forcer's true purpose and contents remain a mystery, as it is unclear what was placed within it. However, historical records indicate that both cists (burial chambers) and forcers were used to store plates or documents without any particular distinction. It is known that the Royal plate was usually deposited in the leathern cases. In the accounts of the great robbery at the abbey, it is mentioned that some monks, accompanied by boatmen, ferried across the river with a forcer in tow. The boatmen were unaware of its contents, but the weight was significant. This discovery adds to the intrigue surrounding the ancient forcer and the secrets it may hold.
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