Padlock

Date: 1200s

Padlocks vary a lot in design, which implies that locksmiths tended not to share the details of their work with each other - probably for security reasons. This one, like many others, was unlocked with a slide key (a simple key which, when pushed into the hole, presses together two springs and allows the padlock to be pulled open). Large padlocks like this one locked chests and doors; smaller ones were used on caskets and cupboards.

Accession number: 11973(1)

Place of collection: City ditch, Christ's Hospital playground, Newgate Street, St Paul's, London EC1 [City of London]

Material: iron; copper alloy

Measurements: L 135 mm; H 105 mm

Gallery location: Case 14.1