Suffolk latch

A Suffolk latch is a type of latch, or mechanical fastener, incorporating a simple thumb actuated lever and commonly used to hold wooden gates and doors closed.

The Suffolk latch originated in the English county of Suffolk in the 16th century and stayed in common use until the 19th century. They have recently come back into favour, particularly on garden gates and sheds. They were common from the 1600's to around 1825, and their lack of a back plate made them different from the later, and neighbouring Norfolk latch (introduced 1800 - 1820). Many of these plates found their way into America and other parts of the world.