Record ID: DOR-038704
Object type: KEY (LOCKING)
Broad period: ROMAN
County: Dorset
Workflow stage: Published
A cast copper rotary key. The terminal of the key is trilobate with a circular aperture at the end on each lobe. There is also a small, rounded knop on the outer edge of each lobe. One lobe is broken. Running from between the lobes are low ridges (four in total). Below these are seven transverse ridges running across the tapering end of the key handle/terminal. The stem of the key is narrowed from the end of the handle and becomes sub-circular in cross section. The stem is hollow. The bit drops down from the end of the stem and the outer edge is flush with it. The bit has a single ang…
Created on: Friday 15th July 2011
Last updated: Friday 19th July 2019
Spatial data recorded. This findspot is known as 'Near Puddletown', grid reference and parish protected.

Record ID: DOR-3AC371
Object type: KEY (LOCKING)
Broad period: MEDIEVAL
County: Dorset
Workflow stage: Awaiting validation
An incomplete large iron key. The bow and tip of the stem are missing. The stem is hollow and broken at both ends beyond the bit. The bit has an angled cleft on the inner edge. The other edge is uncut. Date: Probably Medieval to Early Post medieval c. 13th to 18th century Dimensions: 102.09 mm x 39.71 mm x 15.29 mm Weight: 55.59 g
Created on: Wednesday 19th May 2010
Last updated: Wednesday 19th May 2010
Spatial data recorded. This findspot is known as 'Mappowder', grid reference and parish protected.

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Record ID: SOM-C04021
Object type: KEY (LOCKING)
Broad period: POST MEDIEVAL
County: Dorset
Workflow stage: Awaiting validation
The bow from a Post-Medieval copper alloy casket key. It is sub-oval in shape and circular in cross-section. On the outside edge of the lower side is a small protrusion with a break at the end where the shank would have extended. The shank is now missing. Above this, on the inner edge of the bow, are two small protrusions. Very similar to the bows of several keys illustrated on p.26 of Monk (1979), which are all dated to the 16th/17th century. Length: 16.98mm, Width: 13.87mm, Thickness: 4.00mm, Weight: 1.92g
Created on: Thursday 12th November 2009
Last updated: Wednesday 15th February 2012
Spatial data recorded. This findspot is known as 'Folke', grid reference and parish protected.

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Record ID: SOMDOR1345
Object type: KEY (LOCKING)
Broad period: MEDIEVAL
County: Dorset
Workflow stage: Published
Small key made from folded sheet copper alloy. Pierced at head to form the bow.. Hollow, sub-circular section tapering gently. The bit is plain.
Created on: Monday 29th October 2001
Last updated: Thursday 24th February 2011
Spatial data recorded. This findspot is known as 'DORSET WEYMOUTH', grid reference and parish protected.

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Record ID: SOMDOR785
Object type: KEY (LOCKING)
Broad period: MEDIEVAL
County: Dorset
Workflow stage: Published
Copper alloy casket key. Cast in one piece. Casting line is evident along the upper surface of the bow and stem. The bow is a circular frame and varies in thickness. The stem has an oval cross section and ends in a narrow point. The bit is sub-rectangular and tapers slightly away from the stem. There is a transverse channel below the stem.
Created on: Wednesday 22nd November 2000
Last updated: Thursday 24th February 2011
Spatial data recorded. This findspot is known as 'DORSET TARRANT HINTON', grid reference and parish protected.

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Record ID: SOMDOR-4D6A44
Object type: KEY (LOCKING)
Broad period: ROMAN
County: Dorset
Workflow stage: Awaiting validation
Probable copper-alloy handle of Roman date, possibly a key handle in an elaborate turned baluster style. The top is a flat circular disc with a flat-topped projection in the centre. The shaft of the handle tapers below, then flares out to a more oval sectioned knop with a slight ridge above and below. Below this is a short constriction before the shaft widens slightly again. After this there are no further knops or constrictions, but the (oval-sectioned) shaft gentle tapers towards the attachment end and is decorated with irregularly spaced deep girth grooves for much of its length. T…
Created on: Monday 23rd January 2006
Last updated: Thursday 26th January 2017
No spatial data available.

Record ID: SOMDOR-8549D6
Object type: KEY (LOCKING)
Broad period: MEDIEVAL
County: Dorset
Workflow stage: Awaiting validation
Cast copper alloy incomplete padlock key with the bit in line with the stem. The bow is tri-lobed with an oval aperture. At the base where the bow joins the stem there is a small projection at ech side. The stem is straight sided and has a flattened rectangular cross section (there is slight casting line along each edge). The above the bit are two small side projections (mirroring those at the bow). What remains of the bit is the upper part of a rectangular frame with two linear projections/bars inside. This is probably a squeeze key for a padlock with babr spring mechanism. Probably …
Created on: Monday 15th May 2006
Last updated: Thursday 18th July 2019
Spatial data recorded.

Record ID: SOMDOR-9B8C55
Object type: KEY (LOCKING)
Broad period: ROMAN
County: Dorset
Workflow stage: Awaiting validation
A Roman Copper alloy key with fleur de lys style openwork handle and corroded iron bit. The copper alloy handle, in excellent condition, has a light grey sheen and may be leaded bronze. The fleur de lys openwork handle has a larger central lobe, 35.49mm high, topped by an integral globular knop with an incised groove around its circumference. All three lobes have internal flourishes or leaves, and a a pair of external leaves are located at the base of the design. The whole sits on top of a rectangular collar decorated with a pair of horiziontal incised lines. This collar tapers towards…
Created on: Monday 21st August 2006
Last updated: Thursday 24th February 2011
Spatial data recorded. This findspot is known as 'Poyntington', grid reference and parish protected.

Record ID: DOR-CC7962
Object type: KEY (LOCKING)
Broad period: MEDIEVAL
County: Dorset
Workflow stage: Awaiting validation
A large iron key. The bow is kidney-shaped with a point on the outer edge. The shank is rectangular in cross-section and widens slightly towards the ward, The pin is narrowed from the main part of the shank and tapers to a point. The ward is rectangular with a slightly asymmetrical cross-shaped central cleft. The iron is corroded. Similar to an example illustrated in Egan, G 1998, "The Medieval Household", page 118, number 327 which is further identified as a Ward Perkins 1940, type VII. Date: Medieval - 14th century Dimensions: 197.02 mm x 45.43 mm x 32.12 mm Weight: 93.81 g
Created on: Wednesday 8th October 2008
Last updated: Thursday 24th February 2011
Spatial data recorded. This findspot is known as 'Winterbourne Kingston', grid reference and parish protected.

Record ID: GLO-19A0E7
Object type: KEY (LOCKING)
Broad period: MEDIEVAL
County: Dorset
Workflow stage: Awaiting validation
Cast copper alloy key length 38mm, width 14.1mm, thickness 4mm, weight 6.35g. Oval shank with a hollow end, the bit has a rectangular notch at the front and rear, circular loop at the opposite end. This artefact dates to the 13th to 14th century.
Created on: Friday 22nd October 2010
Last updated: Friday 22nd October 2010
Spatial data recorded.

Record ID: DOR-B6DD35
Object type: KEY (LOCKING)
Broad period: POST MEDIEVAL
County: Dorset
Workflow stage: Awaiting validation
A small copper alloy key. A small rotary casket key. The bow is oval with a kidney-shaped aperture. At the bow end the stem of the key has a long collar divided by two incised lines. The stem is rectangular cross-section and tapers slightly at the tip which extends beyond the rectangular, uncut bit. Date: Post Medieval - 17th to 18th century Dimensions: 32.41 mm x 16.29 mm x 3.94 mm Weight: 3.37 g
Created on: Monday 25th February 2013
Last updated: Wednesday 12th August 2020
Spatial data recorded. This findspot is known as 'Puddletown', grid reference and parish protected.

Record ID: DOR-6E063A
Object type: KEY (LOCKING)
Broad period: EARLY MEDIEVAL
County: Dorset
Workflow stage: Awaiting validation
A complete but broken copper alloy key, broken in two. The key has a long drop-shaped bow with openwork, foliate decoration. The stem is oval in cross section and tapers to a pointed projecting tip. It has a raised collar at the wide end. The key is broken where the bow meets the collar. The tapered rectangular bit has a central sub-angular aperture. At the base of the bit are two projecting spike-like wards with a cleft between. The wards are set at each of the two bottom corners of the bit and project at right-angles to it. The openwork design set inside the frame of the bow compris…
Created on: Monday 16th March 2015
Last updated: Friday 7th June 2019
Spatial data recorded.

Record ID: DOR-A81CF6
Object type: KEY (LOCKING)
Broad period: MEDIEVAL
County: Dorset
Workflow stage: Awaiting validation
A fragment of a copper alloy key. The bit and end of the stem only of the key remains. The stem is circular in cross section and solid. The tip is flush with the end of the bit. The integral bit is rectangular and of thin metal. It has a large angular cleft with a smaller cleft extending to the side. One of the wards is broken at the end (that furthest away from the tip of the key. The front ward is decorated with three incised chevrons each with a central line, set point downwards along the lower edge of the ward. The broken rear ward is decorated with two scored diagonal lines formi…
Created on: Thursday 19th March 2015
Last updated: Tuesday 21st April 2015
Spatial data recorded. This findspot is known as 'Dorset', grid reference and parish protected.

Record ID: DOR-53C0EF
Object type: KEY (LOCKING)
Broad period: EARLY MEDIEVAL
County: Dorset
Workflow stage: Awaiting validation
A complete copper alloy key. A slide key. The bow is circular with two knops on the outer edge. Below the bow at the start of the stem are two small angled knops, one at either side. The stem is hexagonally faceted. At the end nearest the bit is a transverse collar and a round-ended moulding, (possibly a devolved zoomorphic decoration. The bit is flattened and stepped out from the stem and extends into a box-shaped frame. At the mid-point of the long edge adjacent to the stem, the frame has a v-shaped notch and there is a similar, smaller notch in the opposite inner edge. The outer ed…
Created on: Thursday 2nd July 2015
Last updated: Tuesday 8th September 2020
Spatial data recorded. This findspot is known as 'Tolpuddle', grid reference and parish protected.

Record ID: PUBLIC-44A97F
Object type: KEY (LOCKING)
Broad period: MEDIEVAL
County: Dorset
Workflow stage: Awaiting validation
A probable copper-alloy key fragment from the Medieval period. Only the circular bow and a fragment of the stem survive. Both bow and stem are of flat section and the stem has a wider collar at the bow end. It measures 18.54 mm in length, 2.14 mm in thickness and weighs 1.615 grams. The bow has a diameter of 13.95 mm. The object has a pitted green patina.
Created on: Sunday 6th December 2015
Last updated: Monday 2nd July 2018
Spatial data recorded. This findspot is known as 'Nr Wimborne', grid reference and parish protected.

Record ID: PUBLIC-73EBE9
Object type: KEY (LOCKING)
Broad period: MEDIEVAL
County: Dorset
Workflow stage: Awaiting validation
A complete cast copper-alloy rotary casket key from the Medieval period, c.1200-c.1400. The bow is lozenge shaped, of flat section and has an oval aperture. The stem is of oval cross section, widening towards the distal end, where there is a projecting tip and broadly L-shaped bit.The key is well preserved, with a glossy green patina. It measures 36 mm in length; the bow is 13.5 mm x 13 mm. The bit measures 6.5 mm x 6.5 mm. The key weighs 2 grams.
Created on: Tuesday 8th December 2015
Last updated: Sunday 1st July 2018
Spatial data recorded. This findspot is known as 'Nr Wimborne', grid reference and parish protected.

Record ID: PUBLIC-74AC47
Object type: KEY (LOCKING)
Broad period: MEDIEVAL
County: Dorset
Workflow stage: Awaiting validation
A complete cast copper-alloy rotary casket key from the Medieval period, c. 1200-c.1300. The key has a circular bow, a sub-oval-sectioned stem with hollow tip and a square bit with two opposing clefts. It measures 39.19 mm in length, has a bow diameter of 13.25 mm and weighs 6.897 grams. Reference: Saunders,P.(ed.) 2012. Salisbury and south Wiltshire Museum catalogue part 4 p.161, plate13. No 174. Also PAS recordWILT-B48732 for a close example.
Created on: Tuesday 8th December 2015
Last updated: Friday 29th June 2018
Spatial data recorded. This findspot is known as 'Nr Wimborne', grid reference and parish protected.

Record ID: PUBLIC-D72322
Object type: KEY (LOCKING)
Broad period: POST MEDIEVAL
County: Dorset
Workflow stage: Awaiting validation
A complete copper-alloy casket key of the early post medieval period, (circa 1600-1700 ). The key has a kidney shaped bow with two internal projections in line with the solid stem. The stem has a flaring collar collared below the bow with a single transverse rib to and bottom. Beyond this the stem is narrowed from the collar and tapers very slightly to the blunt, projecting tip. The rectangular bit has a single cleft with a worn leading edge. The key is in fine condition with a dark brown/greenish patina. Length of key: 65.63 mm. Diameter of shank: 5.82 mm. Width of bow: 28.57 mm. R…
Created on: Monday 21st July 2014
Last updated: Friday 8th May 2015
Spatial data recorded. This findspot is known as 'Nr Wimborne', grid reference and parish protected.

Record ID: PUBLIC-EC2171
Object type: KEY (LOCKING)
Broad period: MEDIEVAL
County: Dorset
Workflow stage: Awaiting validation
A complete cast copper-alloy casket key dating to the Medieval period, circa 1100-1450 The key has a circular bow, with a hollow stem of oval cross section. The bit is sub-rectangular, having one cleft on its inner side and two on the opposite side. The key has an olive green patina and is in fine condition. Length of key: 36.58 mm. Diameter of bow: 17.56 mm. Dimensions of stem: 6.36mm x 5.61 mm. Bit: 7.54 mm x 8.02 mm. Several examples of similar casket keys were found in excavations in Winchester ( see Biddle1990: 1024-1036), in layers dating from the 12th-14th centuries. A simil…
Created on: Tuesday 22nd July 2014
Last updated: Sunday 1st July 2018
Spatial data recorded. This findspot is known as 'Nr Wimborne', grid reference and parish protected.

Record ID: PUBLIC-CFAE41
Object type: KEY (LOCKING)
Broad period: MEDIEVAL
County: Dorset
Workflow stage: Awaiting validation
A cast copper-alloy casket key from the Medieval period, c.1200-c.1300. The bow is of flat section and sub-oval in plan, with evidence of wear on its upper end.The stem is of oval cross section and has a hollow tip. A simple sub-rectangular bit forms a near 90 degree angle with the underside of the tip. The key measures 35.76 mm in length, has a bow diameter of c.14.55 mm and a stem of 3.59 mm wide x 5.66 mm high. It weighs 4.296 grams. The object is very corroded and pitted, with a patchy green and brown patina.
Created on: Friday 25th December 2015
Last updated: Friday 29th June 2018
Spatial data recorded. This findspot is known as 'Wareham', grid reference and parish protected.