[ad_1]
A key to the doors of an 11th century tower has been returned anonymously, almost 50 years after its disappearance.
The bronze key to St Leonard’s tower was sent to English Heritage headquarters, along with an anonymous note apologizing for the delay in its return, explaining that it had been “loaned”.
It still fits inside the door locks of the Norman tower in Kent, which was built between 1077 and 1108, although it no longer rotates to unlock them.
The key to St Leonard’s tower still fits in the lock
After the mysterious disappearance of the key, the locks were replaced on the structure.
According to English Heritage, the key is believed to be around 100 years old.
On the “tempting note”, which was delivered with the key, the mystery person wrote: “Borrowed 1973. Returned 2020.
“Sorry for the delay. Greetings.”
Speaking to Sky News, Samantha Stones, Property Curator at English Heritage, said: “This is not the kind of thing that happens every day.
“We’d really love to get in touch with the person who returned anonymously … so we can properly thank them and hear a little more about the story behind the disappearance.”
The key has been missing for almost 50 years
English Heritage says it wants to reward the person who returned the key with a “membership gift” to the organization.
The tower, which is now a “well preserved” ruin, is believed to have been built as an administrative building by the Bishop of Rochester shortly after the Norman invasion at Hastings, but little is actually known about the purpose of the structure.
Others believe it was built by Bishop Odo of Bayeux, half-brother of then-King William the Conqueror, as part of a castle.
English Heritage requests the sender of the note to contact their Customer Service team on 0370 333 1181 or send an email to [email protected].
