Standing buildings, surviving furniture, documents and excavated finds combine to provide an overall picture of the ironwork associated with the construction and use of medieval buildings. This chapter is divided into two sections, the first of which considers structural ironwork and includes items such as masonry cramps, timber dogs, ties, staples, wallhooks and nails. The second section deals with door, window and furniture fittings, and includes hinge pivots, hinges, casket fittings, hasps, keyhole plates, latch rests, door bolts, handles and window ironwork. Locks and keys, and household fittings, are discussed in succeeding chapters.