The Tree-Ring Dating of the Tower and Spire at Salisbury Cathedral, Wiltshire
Author(s): Robert Howard, Daniel Miles, W G Simpson
Thirty-three timbers were sampled from the tower and spire at Salisbury Cathedral during 1990, and a further 32 timbers sampled during 2003 and 2004. Four major elements were sampled and dated: the reset floor structure at the base of the clock chamber with felling dates of spring and summer AD 1242 were found, the Baltic oak ceiling boards to this floor structure with a felling date range of AD 1358-74, the spire scaffold with a felling date range of AD 1344-76, and the timber support tower in the bell chamber underneath the spire with a felling date range of AD 1687-1719. A number of thirteenth and seventeenth century reused timbers were also found in the timber support tower and spire scaffold itself. The analysis resulted in four replicated site chronologies being produced: the 175-ring site master SARUM14 spanning the years AD 1067-1241, the 238-ring site master SARUM15 spanning the years AD 1117-1354, the 110-ring site master SARUM16 spanning the years AD 1229-1338, and the 129-ring site master SARUM17 spanning the years AD 1556-1684. The dating of the spire scaffold to the third quarter of the fourteenth century is contrary to most established theories on architectural the development of the tower and spire. Whilst the architectural detailing of the decoration confirms that the tower and stone spire were constructed in the first quarter of the fourteenth century, detailed analysis of the structure and documentary material supports the conclusion that the spire scaffold was subsequently inserted within the spire half a century later. This was most probably to repair damage sustained by the top of the spire in AD 1362, and to give permanent internal access to the top of the spire and to give some tensile restraint to the capstone.
- Report Number:
- 44/2004
- Series:
- CfA Reports
- Pages:
- 81
- Keywords:
- Dendrochronology Standing Building
