Source/Archive record SEM8360 - Dendrochronological analysis of oak timbers from Dulverton Weir, Northmoor Road, Dulverton, Somerset

Measured tree-ring series from thirteen stakes recovered from Dulverton Weir are matched together to form an 87-year site chronology, which is dated to span AD 1717 to AD 1803. Two stakes probably converted from the same tree are identified to have been felled around AD 1784. The dating of just these two stakes provides tentative evidence for a phase of construction or repair around AD 1784. Three other stakes identified as having been felled around AD 1801, AD 1803 and AD 1803, together with consistent felling-date ranges produced from all the other stakes dated provide strong evidence that a further major phase of construction or repair of the weir occurred around AD 1803. While this analysis identifies two likely phases of construction or repair of the Dulverton Weir, it is important to understand that weirs are often periodically damaged by floods and repaired. Therefore, as historical evidence suggests, the stakes dated here may not necessarily be as old as the weir itself. Additional analysis of stakes from other parts of the weir may identify other earlier phases of construction or repair.