From The Anvil Suffolk, Thumb and Ring Latches

Hand-Forged Latches for Ledged and Braced Doors, Cottages and Gates

Suffolk latches, thumb latches and ring turns are the traditional door hardware for ledged and braced doors, plank doors and garden gates. They are the natural choice for rustic cottages, barn conversions and period homes, where a lever handle on a modern latch would look out of place.

From The Anvil hand forges its Blacksmith latches from mild steel using a traditional anvil and fire method, in Black, Pewter, Beeswax and External Beeswax, so the latch, hinges and bolts on a door can all match. The range covers Gothic, Bean and Tuscan thumblatches, cast Suffolk latches, ring turn handles, cottage latches and bar and privacy latch sets.

Shop by Latch Type

Suffolk and thumb latches: Gothic, Bean and Tuscan thumblatches, including XL versions for thicker doors, and cast Suffolk latches in Black and Polished Brass
Ring turn handles: the plain Ring and the decorative Shakespeare ring turn, used with a heavy duty mortice latch
Cottage latches: handed left and right, for internal doors and for entrance and side gates
Privacy and bar latch sets: simple latch sets for cupboards and wardrobes, plus the Oxford and Shakespeare designs

Shop by Finish

Choose black thumb latches for a classic cottage look, pewter thumb latches for a softer grey with oak and painted doors, beeswax thumb latches for a natural, traditional finish inside, or external beeswax thumb latches for the same look on outside doors and gates. Compare every finish in the From The Anvil finish guide.

Matching Hinges and Bolts

Hang the door on T hinges or hook and band hinges, use gate and barn door hinges for heavier gates, and add door bolts in the same finish. For doors that need a lever handle instead, see cottage door handles on backplate, or browse all From The Anvil door handles and knobs.

Suffolk, Thumb and Ring Latches: Questions

What is a Suffolk latch and how does it work?

A Suffolk latch, or thumb latch, is the traditional latch for a ledged and braced door. You press the thumb lever on the handle and the thumb bar passes through the door, lifting the latch bar on the other side out of its keep so the door opens.

What thickness of door do From The Anvil latches suit?

Standard Gothic and Medium or Heavy Bean thumblatches suit doors up to 55mm thick, XL versions up to 75mm and Tuscan thumblatches up to 80mm. Cast Suffolk latches suit doors up to 44mm, cottage latches up to 70mm, and ring turns up to 86mm or 98mm for the Shakespeare design.

Which finish should I choose for an outside door or gate?

From The Anvil recommends Black and Pewter Patina where damp conditions are expected, and External Beeswax for use inside and outside. Standard Beeswax is made for internal doors.

What hinges go with a thumb latch?

Thumb latches are traditionally hung with T hinges on ledged and braced and plank doors. From The Anvil hinges are sold in pairs, and it recommends a pair and a half, three hinges, on heavier doors. For gates and barn doors, hook and band hinges are another option.

How quickly can I get From The Anvil latches?

We order From The Anvil items in for you, usually with a 3 to 4 day delivery. If you need them urgently, we can ship direct to site next day for an additional charge. Contact us before you order if you have a deadline.

Trade Door Handles is part of T.H. Wiggans Ironmongery, an independent architectural ironmonger trading since 1976. We have supplied From The Anvil for decades, and both our T.H. Wiggans showroom in Kendal and our Trade Door Handles showroom in Carlisle have From The Anvil displays, so you can see the finishes before you order. Visit our showrooms or contact our team for help choosing.