Timber and time: The Vyne roofs

Abstract

SUMMARY While the social and building history of the manor house known as The Vyne are well documented, much less is known about the historic roof structures, and the carpentry and construction techniques used there. Archaeological recording and analysis, including tree-ring dating, of the main areas of the roof complex revealed phases of development, together with features and construction techniques of particular interest. Elements of the early 16th-century roofs survive and demonstrate advances in building techniques and quality of materials. The reuse of early oak timber in later roofs contributes to our knowledge of the earlier buildings on the site and available timber resources.