TREE-RING ANALYSIS OF COFFIN BOARDS FROM THE FORMER BURIAL GROUND OF THE INFIRMARY, NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE
Author(s): G Boswijk, C Groves
Research is currently underway to determine the viability of the dendrochronological analysis of conifer timbers imported into England during the medieval and post-medieval periods. The eighteenth and nineteenth century coffin assemblage excavated from the former burial ground of the Infirmary, Newcastle upon Tyne, dominated by softwood boards, was therefore considered a potentially valuable data resource. Timbers from 19 coffins were analysed. The majority of the timbers were found to be one of three coniferous wood types, whilst two were beech. The ring sequences from individual components of various coffins were found to crossmatch, but no crossmatching was obtained between coffins, and none of the ring sequences could be assigned calendar dates.
- Report Number:
- 15/1998
- Series:
- AML Reports (New Series)
- Pages:
- 22
- Keywords:
- Dendrochronology
