File:Medieval padlock (FindID 237405).jpg

English: Medieval padlock; cast copper alloy barrel padlock case of 12th or 13th century date. The case is a long, roughly hexagonal cylinder with a broad, flat, upright arm extending from the top at one end, attached to a narrow, tapering bar of circular cross-section which extends back over the whole length of the case. The case has a roughly pentagonal key hole at the end by the bar and the other end shows the internal structure as having a vertical, diving slat down the centre, suggesting that the bolt had two spring mechanisms. There is a small circular hole next to the base of the bar on one side and, on the same side, the bar is stamped with a circle containing the letter ‘T’, which may be a maker’s mark. There is some simple decoration in the form of transverse double incised lines near both ends of the lower three faces of the cylindrical case. The size of this padlock suggests that it was probably intended for use on a casket or chest.

Length 34.1mm, width 10.3mm, height 21.8mm, weight 9.33g

Ref: Egan ‘The Medieval Household’ (pp. 91-99, nos. 242-245)