Published • loading... • Updated
Code Cracked for Margam Shipwreck Padlock Solving 400-Year-Old Mystery
CT scans revealed the four-letter code on a brass padlock from the Ann Francis, which experts say was one of 1,296 possible combinations.
- On Wednesday, researchers from Amgueddfa Cymru and Cardiff University used CT scanning to open a 400-year-old brass combination lock recovered from the Ann Francis shipwreck off the Welsh coast.
- Metal detectorist Peter Hughes discovered the lock near Margam Beach in 1999 while searching for artifacts from the Ann Francis, which sank during a storm on 28 December 1583 while returning from Spain.
- Dr. David Williams of Cardiff University's School of Engineering identified the secret four-letter code ANCE by creating a detailed 3D image of the lock's internal mechanism, which has 1,296 possible combinations.
- The padlock is currently on display at the National Waterfront Museum in Swansea as part of an exhibition exploring Wales' maritime history and international connections until September 2027.
- Senior curator Alastair Willis of Amgueddfa Cymru noted the lock remains in "excellent condition," though researchers face an enduring mystery: whether the letters ANCE held special meaning to its original owner.
Insights by Ground AI
26 Articles
26 Articles
The experts deciphered a four-letter code and managed to open a lock recovered from a wreck on the coast of Wales, reports BBC. With a 400-year-old, the brass lock was...
Medical scanning technology has opened a 400-year-old combination mechanism that has remained closed since 1583.
·Barcelona, Spain
Read Full Article
‘Like opening the Ark Of The Covenant’: Scientists crack code on treasure ship’s padlock — solving 400-year-old maritime mystery
Scientists used cutting-edge scanning techniques to crack the code on a shipwreck's combination padlock that had been buried in the sand for over 400 years.
·New York, United States
Read Full Article
CT scans reveal four-letter code to 400-year-old lock from Welsh shipwreck
Experts from Amgueddfa Cymru and Cardiff University have used cutting-edge CT scanning technology to unlock a centuries-old combination lock recovered from one of Wales' most remarkable maritime discoveries.
·Douglas, United Kingdom
Read Full ArticleCoverage Details
Total News Sources26
Leaning Left6Leaning Right6Center5Last UpdatedBias Distribution35% Left, 35% Right
Bias Distribution
- 35% of the sources lean Left, 35% of the sources lean Right
35% Right
L 35%
C 30%
R 35%
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
