Keys and locks (pieces) from Mumrills, Stirlingshire

These iron keys and pieces of locks were found at the site of the Roman fort at Mumrills in Stirlingshire. They were used between 140 and 165 AD.

The pieces on the right are probably lock springs. The rest of the objects are keys, with the exception of a curved iron bar at the bottom. The two keys at the top are types known as latch-keys. The top one is broken, but probably ended in a T-shape.

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.

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