When we find some things, we find we often say ‘what a good idea’ or ‘see, it’s all been done before’ this months object could be this kind of object. It may also please all the young ones who keep secret diaries that have very tiny keys, usually lost in the first week or the lock is easily picked by curious (or nosey) siblings.
A bronze key ring or rather a finger ring that has a key on it.
It’s the Romans again! When we were excavating at Badbury Rings, a 15-year-old work experience lad found a Roman ring-key. (see Camping at Badbury post for more on this dig)
Amy, one of our Rural Surveyors tried on the ring. Even though it felt heavy Amy found it was easy to wear and very comfortable.
These kinds of key were used throughout the roman period and were designed to be used as keys. They were for rotary locks and would have been used for caskets and small strong boxes. Some have decoration on them, but many are plain and probably indicates that their primary function was as a key rather than a fashion statement. I have seen a reconstruction of one of these locks and the key for it at the British Museum, so they can work.
Close-up
So there is an idea for someone to get the TV programme Dragons to invest in…unless ‘its all been done before’ 🙂
Archaeology National Trust SW 