The Nave Roof and other Timberwork at the Church of St Mary, Kempley, Gloucestershire: Dendrochronological Dating

Abstract

A description and analysis of the early roof at Kempley was published in the Journal fifteen years ago. At that time the roof was under repair and could be examined closely. Despite alterations in the seventeenth century, it was possible to reconstruct its original form on paper (fig 1). Its construction, in oak, with simple bare-faced lap-dovetail joints, and all members either horizontal or vertical, suggested an early date. The only direct parallels are on the Continent. The trusses could be shown to be integral with the walls, and a review of the evidence for the date of the masonry structure gave four possible models, two in the eleventh century and two at a date loosely referred to as ‘around 1120’. The author expressed a preference for the later date, and the arguments that supported it. Even so, if correct, it suggested that this was the earliest nave roof surviving in Britain.