SDO14874 - The Tree-Ring Dating of the Refectory Roof, Forde Abbey, Chard, Dorset

‘Ten samples were taken from the roof of the library (former refectory) at Forde Abbey, Chard, Dorset (ST 3594 0514) during repairs executed during 1997. Four timbers were found to originate from the same tree and were combined to form a 184-ring site master which was dated, spanning the years AD 1292-1475 and giving an estimated felling date range of AD 1483-1515. Three other samples matched together to form a second site master of 100 rings which also dated, spanning the years AD 1386-1485 and giving a felling date range of AD 1492-1524 and two termini post quem of after AD 1483 and after AD 1494. An eighth timber of 87 rings dated individually, spanning the years AD 1390-1479 and giving a felling date range of AD 1481-1513. All the estimated felling date ranges are consistent with a very late fifteenth or early sixteenth century date, and whilst it is just possible that the Refectory roof may have been part of the alterations instigated by Abbot Chard in AD 1521, it is more likely to have been constructed by his immediate predecessor.’