# Man Finds 17th Century Key Under Floorboards

> Homeowner discovers key hidden beneath 17th-century home's floorboards, puzzles over its purpose.
- Title: Man Finds 17th Century Key Under Floorboards · Newsweek
- Summary: Homeowner discovers key hidden beneath 17th-century home's floorboards, puzzles over its purpose. James found a large key under his 17th-century home's…
- Keywords: james, 17th century, floorboards, key, pantry, english countryside, Man, Finds, 17th, Century, Under, Newsweek
- Source: Newsweek — https://newsweek.com/man-finds-key-17th-century-homes-floorboards-realizes-what-for-12459246
- Published: 2026-09-18T16:30:46+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: james, 17th century, floorboards, key, pantry, english countryside
## Homeowner explores floorboards
James discovered a large key hidden beneath his 17th-century home's floorboards during a curiosity-driven search.
## Key's purpose revealed
James determined the key fits a large pantry door, which was already open in his 17th-century estate.
## Historical context
In 17th-century England, country estates used substantial iron locks with warded mechanisms for security.
## James' curiosity
James admitted he wondered if he had 'disturbed a sleeping secret' but continued investigating the key's purpose.

> disturbed a sleeping secret
## Unanswered mystery
James remains unsure whether the key was hidden by a captive or a mischievous child, but is pleased to find the house still surprises him.
## Key takeaway

James found a large key under his 17th-century home's floorboards that fits a pantry door, sparking curiosity about its historical use.