Context (Found together / assemblage)
TEMP.00809.1-2 are joined together with string, to which is also attached a paper label (see Labels note).
Event Date
Author: David Kay

Context (Field collection)
Found near Cambridge when excavating for the railway (see Labels note).
Event Date
Author: David Kay

Description (Labels & Markings)
Handwritten label affixed to TEMP.00809.1-2 with string reads: "Keys found near [illegible] town of Cambridge on excavating for the Railway. Supposed to have belonged to a monastery"
Event Date
Author: David Kay

Context (References)
cf: Museum of London (1940) 'Medieval Catalogue' London: London Museum Catalogues
Event Date 1940
Author: David Kay

Context (Analysis)
Cf. London Museum Medieval Catalogue, Plate XXXI, no. 50 - a Type VIIA key from Finsbury Circus, London. Type VIIA keys with circular/oval boys reportedly date from the 13th-14th century, whilst those with 'kidney-shaped' (i.e. cusped) bows are characteristic of the 15th century.
Event Date 28/1/2019
Author: David Kay

Description (Physical description)
Large key with ovate, slightly double cusped bow, pin shank with octagonal cross-section decorated with incised double chevrons, narrowing to a sub-cylindrical protecting toe. The single bit is divided into four parts by one linear and two large cruciform key wards, with a further small key ward cut into the bottom edge of each separate part.
Event Date 28/1/2019
Author: David Kay