Supplying Door Hardware & Architectural Ironmongery Since 1976

Trusted Supplier of Trade Door Handles & Ironmongery Across the UK

Over 900 Door Handles & 40+ Doors on Display in Kendal

Carlisle Brass Mortice Knobs

Carlisle Brass Mortice Knobs – Sprung & Unsprung Styles for UK Homes

Supplied by Trade Door Handles, trusted UK supplier of architectural ironmongery since 1976, with nationwide next-day delivery.

Carlisle Brass Mortice Knobs are timeless door knobs designed to work with a mortice latch or lock recessed into the door. Unlike rim knobs, which operate with a surface-mounted rim lock, mortice knobs provide a clean and secure finish that suits both traditional and modern interiors. They are especially popular for period renovations, heritage homes, and UK properties where authentic detailing is important.

What are mortice knobs?

Mortice knobs operate a spindle that runs through the door into a mortice latch or lock. When turned, the spindle retracts the latch, allowing the door to open. Carlisle Brass produces a wide selection of designs including Reeded, Beehive, Oval, Ball, Queen Anne and Mushroom mortice knobs. Most are fitted on a rose and can be paired with matching escutcheons for key access or a bathroom turn and release for privacy.

About Carlisle Brass

Founded in 1986 in Carlisle, Carlisle Brass has become one of the UK’s leading suppliers of architectural ironmongery and door furniture. Known for quality and variety, Carlisle Brass mortice knobs are available in finishes such as polished chrome, satin chrome, polished brass, satin brass, satin nickel, and antique brass. This makes them suitable for everything from modern apartments to heritage properties.

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If you prefer surface-mounted locks, consider Carlisle Brass Rim Knobs. For other classic hardware options, see Carlisle Brass Door Handles on Rose or Door Handles on Backplate. To browse across all styles, explore the full Mortice Knobs collection.

We offer quick delivery across London, Manchester, Birmingham and the rest of the UK, with local service in Kendal, Carlisle and the Lake District. If you can’t find the product you need, please contact us and our team will be happy to help.

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A Closer Look at Carlisle Brass Mortice Knobs

Traditional Style with Modern Functionality

Carlisle Brass mortice knobs have become a favourite choice for homeowners, interior designers, and trade professionals across the UK. They are most often used on internal doors where a traditional turning action is preferred, but when combined with a suitable mortice lock they can also be installed on external doors.

The appeal lies not just in function but also in style. From the bold lines of reeded and beehive knobs to the understated elegance of oval and mushroom shapes, Carlisle Brass offers something for every type of property. Heritage homes in towns like York and Bath often use reeded or beehive designs to stay true to period details, while modern apartments in London or Manchester favour polished chrome or satin nickel finishes.

These knobs are generally mounted on a rose, which keeps the look neat and allows them to be paired with accessories such as matching Carlisle Brass escutcheons for keyholes or Carlisle Brass bathroom thumb turns for privacy doors. This means you can maintain a consistent finish across your project — whether you’re working on a single room refresh or a full renovation.

Because Carlisle Brass is one of the UK’s largest and most trusted names in architectural ironmongery, their mortice knobs are widely recognised for quality. Many products are made from solid brass, giving long-term durability and a reassuring weight in the hand.

Sprung, Unsprung and Recommended Latch Lengths

Choosing the Right Setup for Your Doors

Mortice knobs operate using a spindle that passes through the door and into a mortice latch. Turning the knob retracts the latch bolt, allowing the door to open. This simple but effective mechanism has been in use for centuries, which is why mortice knobs remain a popular choice in heritage and modern properties alike.

There are two main types:

  • Sprung mortice knobs – contain a spring mechanism inside the knob, giving a lighter feel and helping the knob return to position.
  • Unsprung mortice knobs – rely entirely on the latch spring. These are often chosen for authentic restorations because they provide a heavier, more traditional feel.

When fitting mortice knobs, latch length is important. A minimum 3-inch tubular mortice latch is recommended to ensure that the knob sits far enough from the edge of the door. Larger knobs, or doors with wide architraves, may require a longer 3.5-inch or 4-inch latch to achieve proper clearance and comfortable operation. For the best results, we recommend looking at the tubular mortice latches available upto 6".

Pros of mortice knobs:

  • Traditional, elegant look that works well in heritage properties
  • Wide choice of styles and finishes to match any décor
  • Durable when made from solid brass
  • Work neatly with roses and accessories for a clean finish

Cons of mortice knobs:

  • Less ergonomic than lever handles for some users, especially if fitted on heavy doors.
  • Require more clearance space than levers to avoid clashing with door frames or architraves.
  • Unsprung versions can feel heavier to operate, as they rely fully on the spring inside the latch.
  • Small children and people with arthritis or reduced grip strength can often struggle to turn mortice knobs comfortably, which is why lever handles are usually considered a more accessible option.

If ease of use is a priority in your home, you might consider lever handles instead. Browse the Carlisle Brass door handles on backplate for classic latch, lock and bathroom sets, or the Carlisle Brass door handles on rose for a modern, minimal look.

Carlisle Brass & Trade Door Handles — A Longstanding Partnershipv

Building Trust with Over 50 Years of Expertise

Carlisle Brass is one of the UK’s most respected manufacturers of door furniture and architectural ironmongery. Established in 1986 and headquartered in Carlisle, the company has become the largest supplier of hardware to UK housebuilders, contractors, and architects. Their reputation is built on consistent quality, strong design, and reliable supply.

Trade Door Handles has been closely linked with Carlisle Brass since their early years. We were among the very first suppliers of Carlisle Brass products in the UK, and we are proud to continue supporting their ranges today. This long-standing partnership ensures that our customers benefit from deep product knowledge, reliable stock, and quick access to Carlisle Brass hardware.

Looking ahead, Trade Door Handles is opening a new showroom and distribution centre in January 2026, where Carlisle Brass products will be displayed alongside other architectural hardware brands such as Heritage Brass, From The Anvil, and Frelan Hardware. This will give both trade professionals and retail customers the chance to see finishes and styles in person before ordering.

We are committed to providing quick nationwide dispatch, delivering across the UK to London, Birmingham, Manchester, Newcastle, Glasgow and more. For local customers in Kendal, Carlisle and the Lake District, our showroom offers hands-on product displays with expert guidance.

With over 50 years of experience in supplying architectural ironmongery, Trade Door Handles combines trusted expertise with a strong partnership with Carlisle Brass. Whether you are renovating a heritage property, upgrading a modern home, or fitting out a commercial project, we can help you select the right mortice knobs and matching accessories to complete the job with confidence.
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