In a recent excavation conducted by the Kemble fieldwork team from Cotswold Archaeology, a quaint village in North Somerset, UK, became the stage for an extraordinary discovery—an exquisitely crafted medieval key with a unique design. The excavation site was situated on the periphery of Claverham village, North Somerset, near the 19th-century manor house of Court De Wyck, and its primary objective was to uncover traces of the ancient medieval manor of the same name.
The uncovering of a series of walls closely linked to the original structure and its subsequent modifications marked a significant moment for the team. But it was the unearthing of the beautiful medieval key that added an extra layer of intrigue to their findings. Dated to the late medieval period (circa 1300–1539), this key was found in close proximity to a post-medieval wall that followed the same alignment as the medieval boundary wall of the manor house.
This remarkable key, identified as a rotary key, derives its name from its function—it fits into a lock and rotates to lift tumblers, levers, or push springs, ultimately unlocking the door or chest. The concept of locks and keys is far from novel, with roots dating back around 6,000 years to ancient Babylon and Egypt. In their initial stages, keys were crafted from wood, but they lacked the durability and security required for effective locks. During the Roman era, the use of metal revolutionized lock design, introducing sturdier and more secure mechanisms. Roman keys and locks were not only functional but also fashionable, with affluent Romans wearing elaborate keys as symbols of their wealth.
Medieval key from Court De Wyck. Photo: Cotswold Archaeology
The key from Claverham, made of copper alloy, boasts an intricately designed bow, resembling a quatrefoil, or "four-leaf clover," featuring perforations in each petal and an additional one in the center. The junction between the stem and the bow showcases three sub-rectangular moldings that form a distinctive bulbous collar. The stem itself is circular and hollow, while the bit, which enters the lock, is sub-rectangular and typically features at least one groove or channel at its exterior end.
The discovered key likely served the purpose of unlocking doors or chests, resembling a common type of medieval key known as 'London type VI.' These keys were characterized by their substantial copper alloy composition, often measuring between 80 and 100mm in length, and their partially or fully hollow stems, as well as their intricate bits.
Despite sharing certain characteristics with the 'London type VI' keys, the Claverham key stands out due to its smaller size, typically measuring between 50 and 70mm. This smaller form is indicative of a less common type of medieval key with a similar design but simpler bits.
While researchers have been able to establish a possible date for this medieval key, the intriguing question of what it once unlocked remains unanswered.
In the world of archaeology, discoveries like the medieval key from Claverham open windows to the past, offering tantalizing glimpses into the lives and security measures of ancient civilizations. As experts continue to analyze and interpret the significance of this find, it serves as a testament to the enduring allure of history, the craftsmanship of our forebears, and the mystery that still shrouds certain aspects of our past.
As we look forward to further revelations about this captivating artifact, the medieval key from Claverham will undoubtedly continue to enchant and inspire our imagination, reminding us that history's secrets are always waiting to be unlocked.
