History of Locksmiths

Locks are used to secure rooms, cabinets, even buildings and certain storage facilities. Though most locks will open with a key, some locks require you to know specific combinations or codes. The original locksmiths were proficient in the science of making as well as defeating locks. The locksmith may be may be viewed as one of the first security engineers and the lock pick as the first tool of breaking through that security. Since most of these individuals were blacksmiths who made locks, they came to be known as locksmiths.

Nowadays, locksmith services and the locksmith tools have all undergone tremendous technological advances and sometimes it may seem a bit odd referring to an electronics security specialist as a provider of locksmith services but there is no other technical term. Our modern locksmiths perform electronic lock servicing that ranges from the locks on vehicles with transponders to personal assets of all types including homes, safes, and so on.

The locksmith services however do not merely cover installing the various security features. A good locksmith is meant to assess the risk level of what needs to be secured as well as other factors like location, access rights, and so forth, and based on that the optimal security measures are recommended. The locksmith tool might be an entire suite of various security features depending on the level of security desired. Of course there are times when the property being secured will not have some layers because each layer of security costs a bit extra.

Locksmiths may operate from their own premises, be mobile, could be employed by a security agency, or they could be forensic investigators. A locksmith may also choose specialization in a specific type of locksmith service like safe technician, security consultant, and so on. Different specializations come with different skills and they lead to different trades. Most often though, certifications from manufacturers or locksmith associations are more acceptable than training certificates. Some locksmiths often misuse the term Master Locksmith as their qualifications are mostly training certificates. Different countries have different minimum requirements for anyone to qualify as a Master Locksmith.

What is well recognized among all locksmiths is that a truly determined person who has the skills, knowledge, time, and unlimited resources will eventually manage to break any lock. That is why there are always secondary features installed by locksmiths that serve as deterrents to people with malicious intent.

Modern locks provide a high degree of security for buildings, documents, personal assets, and other valuable or crucial objects. More

Locks and keys are known to have existed since the early civilizations. Egyptian civilization, Roman and Greek civilizations are credited for inventing locks independently of each other. In 1842, the oldest known lock was found in the ruins of Emperor Sargon II’s palace in Khorsabad (near Ninevah), Persia. Locks and keys are mentioned in the Book of Nehemiah (445 B.C.), chapter 3: "set up the doors thereof, and the locks thereof, and the bars thereof."

The ancient Egyptian lock was estimated to be about 4000 years old. Egyptian lock consisted of three basic parts – a wood crossbeam, a vertical beam with tumbler and a large wood key. It relied on the same pin tumbler principle that is used by many of today’s most popular locks.

In comparison, Greek locks were primitive and easy to defeat just by trying a few different size keys. Greek locks used a notched bolt work and were operated by inserting the blade of an iron sickle-shaped key (about a foot long) in a key slot and twisting it 180 degree to work the bolt.

The Romans used notched bolt work as well but they improved on the lock design in numerous ways. They put the bolt work in an iron case and used keys of iron or bronze. Few early Roman locks are in existence as iron rusts and corrodes. A lot of the keys did prevail and can be found. The keys were ornately designed to be worn as jewelry. The extensive commerce during the reign of Julius Caesar created a great demand for locks among merchants and the politicians. Romans used warded bit-key lock and this type of lock can still be found in many old homes. The demand for locks declined after the fall of Rome in the fifth century. The evidence suggests that Romans and Chinese both invented the padlocks independently of each other.

During the middle ages, locks became works of art with elaborately designed locks and keys. Metal workers in England, Germany and France made warded locks with no significant security enhancements. Medieval and Renaissance craftsmen are credited for improving the warded lock by using many interlocking wards and complicated keys.

In 1767, "The Art of the Locksmith"; was published in France. It described examples of the lever tumbler lock. The inventor of the lock is unknown. As work of locksmith advanced, locks were designed with multiple levers, each of which had to be lifted and properly aligned before the bolt could move to the unlocked position.

In the 14th century, the locksmith’s guilds became prominent. In order to be accepted as master locksmith, one had to create and submit a working lock and key to the guild. As the guild gained control over locksmiths, including regulating techniques and prices, corruption increased. The result was locks were made to be displayed in the guild hall and not for installation purposes. Consequently, some beautiful locks and keys came into existence with no technological or security advances.

No significant progress was made in lock security until the 18th century. Increasing theft in 18th century and 19th century led to major security improvements in lock designs. In 1817, the British Crown offered incentive in cash awards and honors to those who could make an unpickable lock. As a result 19th century saw some great. More

Cambridge

Cambridge home of the famous University, carols in King's College Chapel and punting on the river Cam. Cambridge is a compact cosmopolitan city with outstanding architecture old and new. The beauty of its ancient centre is preserved with its walkable medieval streets, college courts, gardens and bridges.

Cambridge is a delight to visit in any season: relax in its many pubs, restaurants and cafes whilst exploring the independent shops around the historic market place. There are brand new shopping areas too, with all the high street favourites that you would expect. 
 
Be inspired by the museums and art galleries; spot the stars of the future at a student theatrical production, or see a show at the Arts Theatre. Film, live music of all kinds, poetry readings, public lectures - enter into the intellectual life of the students while you are here.  
 
Cambridge is easy to get to by road, rail or air - just 50 minutes from central London and 20 minutes from London Stansted Airport. 
 
There is too much to see in a day. Stay a few nights in a Cambridge hotel or bed and breakfast and explore the market towns and country houses around Cambridge. More