Find Spot record 7542 - Medieval Key From Hatherton

<1> Portable Antiquities Scheme, Various, Portable Antiquities Data Import, WMID-2C9082 (Digital Archive). SCH5212.

An incomplete copper alloy rotary key; probably 12th to late 14th century in date. Approximately 50% of the key is present, consisting only of the bow or handle. The shank and bit are missing, presumed lost in antiquity. The bow is sub circular in shape, with two sub circular projections located at the central point on the outside edge. An openwork cross is present in the centre of the bow, with a rectangular perforation located in each quarter of the cross. It has a rectangular cross section. The shank is attached to the bow at the mid point of the right hand side. An offset square collar is present at the junction between the bow and the shank. Each face of the collar exhibits an inscribed saltire cross. The key measures 40.54 mm in length, 39.84 mm wide and 14.71 mm thick. It weighs 24.3 g. The key is a dark green colour and has an even surface patina. Abrasion, caused by movement whilst within the plough soil, has resulted in the loss of a small amount of the original surface, leaving a slightly lighter green colour, on the raised edges of the collar. From the size of the key and the presence of a solid shank it is likely that the key would have been used to lock a door rather than a casket or chest. Chest locks tend to have a hollow shank and are significantly smaller.

<2> The British Museum, Portable Antiquities Scheme Online Database, WMID-2C9082 (Web Site). SCH5176.

<3> Egan, G & Pritchard, F, 1998, The Medieval Household Daily Living c. 1150-c. 1450, p.111-119 (Monograph). SCH7679.