Science & Tech · Science & Environment · 3 hrs ago
CT scans reveal code to 400-year-old lock from Welsh shipwreck
The Ann Francis was wrecked off the Welsh coast in 1583 after a storm blew the ship off course as it returned from Spain.
Metal detectorist Peter Hughes uncovered much of the wreck’s hoard over 21 years, including a brass combination lock.
Researchers from Amgueddfa Cymru and Cardiff University used CT scans to examine the lock without damaging it.
The scans revealed the four-letter code, ANCE, and allowed the lock to be opened.
Found near Spanish silver coins and coin weights, the lock may have secured a chest of valuable items, though its contents are not known.
The discovery shows how scanning technology can help researchers study fragile historical objects.
The lock and other artefacts are on display at the National Waterfront Museum in Swansea until September 2027.
CT scans helped researchers identify the four-letter combination to a 400-year-old brass lock recovered from the Ann Francis shipwreck off the coast of Wales.
Researchers from Amgueddfa Cymru and Cardiff University examined the lock’s internal mechanism without damaging it.
The combination is ANCE, and the lock was successfully opened.
The ship was wrecked on Margam beach after a storm blew it off course while returning from Spain in 1583.
The lock and other artefacts from the wreck are on display at the National Waterfront Museum in Swansea until September 2027.
- Who
- Researchers from Amgueddfa Cymru and Cardiff University examined the lock. Dr David Williams identified the combination from the scan.
- What
- CT scans revealed the combination ANCE and enabled researchers to open a 400-year-old brass combination lock.
- When
- The ship was wrecked on 28 December 1583. The scans and unlocking were reported on 4 November 2026.
- Where
- The lock was recovered from the Ann Francis wreck at Margam beach, off the coast of Wales.
- Why
- Researchers scanned the lock to examine its mechanism without damaging it and identify its combination.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
The Ann Francis was caught in a storm, blown off course while returning from Spain, and wrecked on Margam beach.
Metal detectorist Peter Hughes uncovered most of the ship’s hoard.
Reports said researchers had used CT scans to identify the lock’s combination and open it.
The lock and artefacts from the Ann Francis hoard are on display at the National Waterfront Museum in Swansea.
- Combination
- ANCE
- Lock material
- Brass
- Ship
- Ann Francis
- Wreck site
- Margam beach, Wales
- Museum display
- National Waterfront Museum, Swansea, until September 2027
3 sources
What people are saying
By creating a detailed 3D image of the internal mechanism, I could see how the notches lined up with the letters and identify the exact combination
We normally use this technology to study bones and other biological structures, so investigating a 400-year-old padlock was certainly a first for us
When I moved the ring dials of the combination they turned with ease after over 400 years beneath the sands and I was left in disbelief
I also remember being left excited at the prospect of finding wonderful things from the treasure chest it once locked