Twin Keyhole Secret Lock"-Greys Court", near Maidenhead.

[Sprockets]

This twin-keyhole lock has an operational central keyhole, normally concealed by a shutter hanging loosely from a top pivot. As this lock has been inverted at some stage, only friction now stops it falling to one side or the other.

The shutter resembles the two fixed decorative bars, one at either end of the lock plate. There is an additional, fake keyhole which allows the real key to turn idly, so persuading a miscreant that he has the incorrect key. The plate tapers in width from one end to the other, the tapering being symmetrical about the longitudinal axis, and perhaps is so shaped for decoration.

There is no information concerning this lock, which is in a small door leading from the kitchen to a storage room, which perhaps was a wine cellar. It is thought to date from the 17th Century.
door