TREE-RING ANALYSIS OF TIMBERS FROM EXETER CATHEDRAL, EXETER, DEVON, PART 1
Author(s): Robert Howard, R R Laxton, Cliff Litton
One hundred and four samples from the North Transept, the Choir, Crossing, and the Presbytery roofs of Exeter Cathedral were analysed by dendrochronology. This analysis produced eight site sequences. The largest, EXTCSQ01, contains 64 samples, having 184 rings spanning the period AD 1132 - AD 1315. Interpretation of the results suggests that timber used in these four roof areas was felled and used over a period between AD 1291 to AD 1315 during major alterations to the original Norman construction. A second site chronology EXTCSQ02 has thirteen samples and 109 rings spanning the period AD 1805 -AD 1911. These samples represent timbers used in repairs to the Presbytery and Choir in the AD 1920s. A third site chronology of 2 samples, EXTCSQ03, has 130 rings spanning the period AD 1555 - AD 1684. Interpretation of the sapwood would indicate that timber felled in AD 1683 and AD 1684 was used for repairs in the Crossing. A fourth and final dated site chronology, EXTCSQ05, has 72 ring spanning AD 1478 - AD 1549. Analysis of these timbers indicates that repairs were made to the North Transept roof using timber felled in AD 1549. This episode of repairs had not hitherto been distinguished. Four other site chronologies, one of three samples and two of two samples each, failed to date. This study shows that the presbytery roof contains some timbers which were certainly felled in the years AD 1291, AD 1293, AD 1294 and AD 1298. The choir roof contains some timbers certainly felled in AD 1294 and AD 1306. Some timbers for the high roof over the crossing were felled in AD 1292, AD 1310, AD 1314, and AD 1315. A single timber from the north transept was certainly felled in AD 1308. In relation to the documentary evidence available it is clear that some timbers were stockpiled for as much as 20 years before used. This is perhaps not unusual for a construction on such a large scale.
- Report Number:
- 47/2001
- Series:
- CfA Reports
- Pages:
- 103
- Keywords:
- Dendrochronology Standing Building
