Boconnoc House, Boconnoc Park, Cornwall: Tree-Ring Analysis of Timbers

Author(s): Alison Arnold, Robert Howard

Dendrochronological analysis undertaken on samples from the roof structure of the main range and two reused trusses in the south-east wing, and from a timber associated with the original pediment at this building has resulted in the dating of two site sequences. The first contains 13 samples and spans the period AD 1302–1503 and the second contains two samples and spans the period AD 1410–76. The heartwood/sapwood boundary ring is present on eight of the timbers of the main roof, demonstrating that seven of these were felled in AD 1492– 1517, with an eighth having a slightly later felling date of AD 1518–43. The remaining dated samples, including two from the reused trusses, have last measured ring dates which make it possible they were also felled in AD 1492–1517 or AD 1518–43. Prior to tree-ring analysis being undertaken, these roof trusses were believed to date to the sixteenth century, with indications that some of them were slightly later replacements. The stylistic dating has been supported by the dendrochronological investigation, which has also established the survival of some original common rafters. However, it has not provided conclusive evidence that some of the trusses are later than others and represent replacements.

Report Number:
77/2007
Series:
Research Department Reports
Pages:
49
Keywords:
Dendrochronology Standing Building

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