Tree-Ring Analysis of Timbers from the High Roofs of the Cathedral of the Holy and Undivided Trinity, Ely, Cambridgeshire
Author(s): Alison Arnold, Robert Howard, Cliff Litton
Of 252 samples from various high roofs of Ely Cathedral considered in this programme, 153 were selected for analysis, this producing 16 site chronologies. Of these chronologies, nine, comprising 108 samples, could be dated, with two further samples being dated individually. Seven chronologies, comprising 21 samples, did not date. There remain 22 individual samples ungrouped and undated. The earliest material, felled in the mid-eleventh century, is found in the west tower turrets. Slightly later timbers, felled in the early-twelfth century, are found in the nave roof. Both probably represent reused Romanesque material. Although two timbers of the nave roof were felled in AD 1223/24, the majority herer was probably felled between AD 1290 and AD 1310. An individual nave timber has an estimated felling date in the range AD 1343-58. The latest nave material dates to the mid- to late-eighteenth century. The Lady Chapel has material with an estimated felling AD 1297 to AD 1332, and 1318-53. A further timber has an estimated felling date in the range AD 1341-71, others being felled in AD 1726. The south transept roof contains material estimated to have been felled c AD 1425/26.
- Report Number:
- 19/2005
- Series:
- CfA Reports
- Pages:
- 174
- Keywords:
- Dendrochronology Standing Building
