Some years ago members may remember that we submitted a sample of the ancient timbers we discovered buried at Millhams for tree-ring dating and we were delighted to receive a report that a portion of the huge beam was constructed of oak felled circa 1280. Over recent years we have continued to investigate the same beam, and with further excavation in a re-opened Pit 20, found an extension, crudely jointed to the main structure which appeared to be even older, In our quest to push back the date of the structure, for some weeks we have attempted to obtain a sample of this earlier extension for additional tree-ring dating. Obtaining the sample proved very difficult given the restricted working conditions in Pit 20 and the high water table which meant that the pit had to be pumped out before and during any work on the beam. Finally however we have achieved success! with a wedge of timber cut across the top surface of the beam, as shown below (photograph courtesy of Steve Fox).
The photograph shows the width of beam, about 450mm, and the lighting shows clearly the rings in the trunk of the oak tree which formed the structure. On the left can be seen the evidence of two earlier attempts to extract a sample by drilling into the beam. This proved unsuccessful in that the rings were running in the wrong direction in the sample and also the samples proved quite unstable as they dried. We understand that 50 rings are required for a confident dating and we estimate that we now have that sort of number. The present sample appears quite dense and stable and we hope to be able to dry it successfully without shrinkage prior to submission.
The Christchurch Antiquarians 