TREE-RING ANALYSIS OF TIMBERS FROM THE MOAT OF SPARGROVE MANOR, BATCOMBE, SOMERSET

Author(s): Nigel Nayling

Thirteen samples of oak timbers uncovered during excavations in the moat of Spargrove Manor, Batcombe, Somerset (NGR ST671397) were submitted for analysis. The timbers comprised three, articulated elements of a baseplate, presumably for a bridge over the moat, and ten timbers found within overlying sediment which could have formed braces and other, upper elements of the same structure. Three timbers have dated, two from the in situ baseplate, and one from the timbers in the overlying, dumped fill. One baseplate sample had possible bark edge surviving on one corner indicating a possible felling date of AD 1289. This is consistent with the dating of a further baseplate sample for which a felling date range of AD 1287-1317 is given. Cross-matching, and absolute dating of one sample from the overlying timbers to after AD 1274 supports interpretation of this group of timbers as redeposited elements of the bridge's original superstructure.

Report Number:
62/2001
Series:
CfA Reports
Pages:
8
Keywords:
Dendrochronology

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