Key

This iron and 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. Tumbler locks had a number of holes on the bolt. The slide key had matching projections, and was used to push the tumblers out of the bolt securing the door. The key is broken and corroded.

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:	000-180-001-434-C
Image Rights Holder:	National Museums Scotland
Project:	0504: National Museums Scotland Part 2 Project description \| View all records in project
Ref:	National Museums Scotland X.FRA 1093
Date:	Between 80 and 180 AD
Material:	Iron and bronze
Dimensions:
What:
Subject:
Who:	Newstead Collection
Where:	Scotland, Roxburghshire, Melrose, Newstead
Event:
Description:	Iron and 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, 6.
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