Key

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This bronze key was found during excavations at the site of the Roman fort at Newstead in Roxburghshire. It is very light, and was probably used with a lock mechanism on a small casket, sometime between 80 and 180 AD.

The key is a type sometimes termed a lift-key. It worked with a simple tumbler lock, where the key passed through the keyhole and was moved until the teeth fit into the holes, lifting the tumblers clear of the bolt.

Concern with security is nothing new. The Romans built doors with handles, hooks and levers. Complicated lock and key mechanisms were also fitted to doors and chests, as evidenced by the large number of keys which have been found.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-100-037-275-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  X.FRA 1090
• Date: Between 80 and 180 AD
  
• Material: Bronze
  
• Dimensions:
• What:
• Subject:
• Who: Newstead Collection
  
• Where: Scotland, Roxburghshire, Melrose, Newstead
  
• Event:
• Description: Bronze key from Newstead
  
• References:
  • Curle, J. A Roman frontier post and its people: the fort of Newstead. Glasgow: MacLehose, 1911, p 306, Pl. LXXVIII, 5. 
• Translations:
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