St Tetha’s Church, St Teath, Cornwall : Tree-Ring Analysis of Timbers from Roofs and Pews

Author(s): Alison Arnold, Robert Howard

Dendrochronological analysis undertaken on samples from the roofs of the porch and north and south aisles, and from a number of pews at this church has resulted in the construction and dating of three site sequences. The first contains 12 samples, all from timbers of the south aisle roof, and spans the period AD 1396–1477. Interpretation of the sapwood on these samples suggests a felling date in the range AD 1488–1513. The second contains 12 pew samples, and spans the period AD 1362–1487. The dated timbers are thought to have been felled in AD 1499–1524. The final site sequence, containing six samples from the north aisle roof, spans the period AD 1386– 1518. These timbers are estimated to have been felled in AD 1531–56. No timbers from the porch roof were dated. The tree-ring analysis suggests the south aisle was built soon after the felling of the timbers used in its construction in AD 1488–1513, some decades before the north aisle, constructed from timbers felled in AD 1531–56. The pews have been shown to be made from timber felled in AD 1499–1524.

Report Number:
58/2007
Series:
Research Department Reports
Pages:
56
Keywords:
Dendrochronology Standing Building

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