Bear Steps Complex, 8–15 St Alkmond’s Place, Shrewsbury, Shropshire, Tree-Ring Analysis of Timbers
Author(s): Daniel Miles
Twenty-seven tree-ring samples were taken from 23 timbers from four phases at the Bear Steps Complex (St Alkmund’s Square, 12 Fish Street, 12a Butcher Row), Shrewsbury. Two site chronologies were produced, spanning the years AD 1224–1358 and AD 1478– 1607, the latter of which is well replicated. A precise felling date of winter AD 1358/9 was obtained for 12 Fish Street and 12a Butcher Row, identifying it as one of the earliest examples of fully-developed cusping in Shropshire. It also had a splayed and tabled scarf joint in the collar purlin. Whilst dendrochronology failed to date the Bear Steps Hall itself, felling dates of AD 1576/7 and AD 1607/8 marked its westward extension. Finally, felling dates of AD 1601 marked the construction of ‘The Orrel’.
- Report Number:
- 30/2015
- Series:
- Research Report
- Pages:
- 36
- Keywords:
- Dendrochronology Standing Building
