Key

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This bronze key was found during excavations at the site of the Roman fort at Newstead in Roxburghshire. It dates from between 80 and 180 AD.

The key is for a tumbler lock. It has a flat handle, which is broken but may have ended in a ring. The key had eight projecting studs. The key would have fitted into the lock which would have had eight holes. It pushed the tumblers upwards and released 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: 000-180-001-433-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland Part 2
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  X.FRA 1091
• Date: Between 80 and 180 AD
  
• Material: Bronze
  
• Dimensions:
• What:
• Subject:
• Who: Newstead Collection
  
• Where: Scotland, Roxburghshire, Melrose, Newstead
  
• Event:
• Description: Key of bronze, from the Roman site at Newstead
  
• References:
  • Curle, J. A Roman frontier post and its people: the fort of Newstead. Glasgow: MacLehose, 1911, p 306, Pl. LXXVIII, 11. 
• Translations:
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