Help an Archaeologist!!!

[richcherr]

Dear All,

I am an archaeologist working in the UK. A good deal of my work involves recording historic buildings of 16th to 20th century date, but mostly 19th century. Where i can, i try to involve working craftsmen to aid interpretation, but often this is impractical and uneconomical. my question is: can anyone out there suggest a good entry/intermediate level book which will enable me to identify timber species used in construction and joinery in the buildings i survey? i would be grateful for any suggestions.

many thanks

Richard

 

[PowerTool]

Hello and welcome to the forum

Terry Porters "Wood identification and use" (ISBN 1-86108-377-7) has about 200 timbers in,so is a useful general-purpose book.
Have seen books listed in the Craftsmans Bookclub on the subject of timber-framed buildings,but haven't got any,so couldn't recommend one.
Hobbithouse is a good online source to help with identification.

Good luck.

Andrew

 

[richcherr]

thanks andrew,

taken your advice and bought the porter book from amazon.

many thanks for the speedy reply

richard

 

[Waka]

Richard

Welcome to the forum.

 

[Newbie_Neil]

Hi Richard

Welcome to the forum.

Cheers
Neil

 

[woodbloke]

Richard - my daughter's one of your lot (far too early to attempt to spell it :wink and works for Wessex...she's left this morning to go on site at T5 (Heathrow) for the week so will ask her when she gets back at the weekend - Rob

 

[PowerTool]

And of course I missed the obvious bit - they will be nearly all native timbers (oak,ash,sweet chestnut etc.),possibility of some imported timbers for decorative pieces in later,high-status houses.

Andrew (An avid Time Team viewer :wink: )

 

[lurker]

Following on from that:

What trees that we consider native, are recentish introductions (say last 1000 years), anyone know?

I believe sycamore, horse chestnut are not native?

Regarding old wood generally - I believe Masie ??? at Flag Fen is THE expert. I have a book of hers somewhere.

 

[bjm]

Native trees are considered to be those that were here after the last ice age (~10,000 yrs ago). There are 33 natives in the UK and for more info check out this good site.

A good introduction to wood anatomy and identification can be found here.

 

[engineer one]

what about the riba library, and also what about the building organisation off tottenham court road?? they both have decent reading and selling lists i think.

paul :wink:

 

[richcherr]

great advice from all of you, many thanks, hope i can contribute something back at some point.

cheers

richard