Add to albumThese 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.
Record details
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- Online ID: 000-000-136-613-C
- Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
- Project:
Early Scottish Shelter - Life in the Prehistoric Home (multimedia essay)
Project description View all records in project
- Ref: National Museums Scotland X.FRB 525
- Date: Between 140 and 165 AD
- Material: Iron
Iron
Iron
Iron
Iron
Iron; with ward at right angles to the stem
Iron; with ward at right angles to the stem
Iron; with ward at right angles to the stem
Bar
Key
Key
Key
Latch-key
Lock spring
Lock spring
Rod
- Dimensions: 2.50" L
2.80" L
3.10" L
3.6" L
3.6" L
3.6" L
5.7" L
5.8" L
- What: Bar
Key
Key
Key
Latch-key
Lock spring
Lock spring
Rod
- Subject:
- Who:
- Where: Scotland, Stirlingshire, Falkirk, Mumrills
Scotland, Stirlingshire, Falkirk, Mumrills
Scotland, Stirlingshire, Falkirk, Mumrills
Scotland, Stirlingshire, Falkirk, Mumrills
Scotland, Stirlingshire, Falkirk, Mumrills
Scotland, Stirlingshire, Falkirk, Mumrills
Scotland, Stirlingshire, Falkirk, Mumrills
Scotland, Stirlingshire, Falkirk, Mumrills
- Event:
- Description: Iron key with ward at right angles to the stem, from Mumrills
Iron key with ward at right angles to the stem, from Mumrills
Iron key with ward at right angles to the stem, from Mumrills
Lock spring
Lock spring
Latch-key
Bar
Rod
- References:
- PSAS LXIII, 1929
- PSAS LXIII, 1929
- PSAS LXIII, 1929
- PSAS LXIII, 1929
- PSAS LXIII, 1929
- Translations:
- Related Records: