Sheffield Dendrochronology Lab - Current Research

The Softwood Project

Dendrochronology in Britain and Ireland is founded on the analysis of oak, (Quercus sp), but there have been recent notable successes with other species, such as beech, (Fagus silvatica L.), and native sub-fossil pines, (Pinus sylvestris L.). The conifers frequently found in medieval and post-medieval context remain virtually ignored. This is essentially due to the fact that conifers have been widely imported throughout the last millennia, thus increasing the difficulties associated with their analysis. However, the progressively widespread use of dendrochronology and the increasing co-operation between recognised laboratories throughout Europe and the USA has proved invaluable in identifying imported oak timbers in a variety of historical contexts and has clearly demonstrated the suitability of conifers for dendrochronological analysis.

It is therefore, necessary to build up a database of conifer chronologies and extend the scope of British dendrochronology to enable precise dating evidence to be obtained from a wider range of timber species and hence provide a more comprehensive dating system for timber structures and artefacts.

Baltic Oak Timbers

Imported oak timbers have been identified by dendrochronology in standing buildings, archaeological sites and art historical material. The general source of much of this timber is known to be the Eastern Baltic region but tree-ring research has shown that at least two distinct sources of woodland were used. Evidence has also begun to accumulate for other areas of the continent also providing timbers found in England. Much of the research so far has relied on using samples encountered during routine case-work and the re-working of an archive of panel-painting data deposited by the late Dr John Fletcher.

By comparing data from England with other dendrochronologically identified imported timber groups it is hoped that techniques can be developed that may allow much smaller scale movements of timber to be identified by 'dendro-provenancing'.

Devon Buildings and Woodland

Dendrochronological studies so far carried out in the south-west of England suggest that there is a problem, particularly for vernacular buildings for which few tree-ring dates have been produced. There are two aspects involved in resolving this problem:

• First, there is a need to analyse samples from modern woodlands to investigate how the varied topography of the south-west region affects tree growth.
• Second, vernacular buildings which have the most suitable timbers for dendrochronology must be selected and sampled.

Once a network of local tree-ring chronologies has been produced, it may then be possible to apply dendrochronology on a more routine basis. In addition to providing much needed dates for architectural styles of building, the study of woodlands past and present should also enhance our knowledge of the ecology and landscape history of the area.

London Woodland Changes

The excavations carried out in the central London area over the last 25 years have produced more timbers than any other area in England. This has provided a unique resource.

Research is currently being conducted using this evidence as well as evidence derived from standing buildings and surviving ancient woodland in the London region to research all aspects of the patterns and trends of past timber exploitation, the development of local woodland management traditions, the development of local and international trade in timber and woodland products, and illuminate attempts at landscape reconstruction.

The project is intended to yield a period by period survey of the London area evidence and describe patterns of change within it.

To contact the Dendrochronology Laboratory:
Dendrochronology Laboratory
West Court, 2 Mappin Street
Sheffield S1 4DT
UNITED KINGDOM

Tel. +0114 22 22954

email : dendro@sheffield.ac.uk