Aged Oak

Aged Oak

My long barns have been in work converting them into a large dwelling by my eldest sons under the heading of Master Builder Jay Rowbottom and his team.

Due to be ready in the Spring. In that work the whole long roof of some 80 metres had to removed, and raised by 6 inches in order to install the necessary insulation as used in today's world. In that task many old oak rafters had to be removed and replaced with new hard woods. The old timbers were sawn up for me by Jay and his men.

In lighting my fire this week, I picked the piece as shown in the photo. These timbers are about 500/600 years old and the barns were built in the reigns of Henry VI through to Richard III and Henry VIII to Elizabeth the First. As seen, the use of Roman Numerals was common then asthe pattern of the roof timbers were laid out on the ground and marked accordingly so as to match up when being erected in place. The XIII is clear to see. And the nails used were hand made in the blacksmith's forge and on his anvil.

The huge old long oak beams are still incorporated in the new conversion. A fascinating glimpse into a piece of history. Apparently there was a huge oak forest hereabouts that was felled in the main for the ships to fight off the Armada. No doubt some wily farmers were able to acquire some such beams for their barns and outbuildings. My house was first built in the 14th century with lots of wattle and daub still visible therein. As I say, wonderful history here on our doorstep.

Ralph Warburton