Canterbury's oak rafters date to Norman times

Submitted by Milica on Fri, 2009-09-25 18:15
Restoration work at England's Canterbury Cathedral has uncovered oak roof rafters dating to the time of William the Conqueror. While much of the cathedral's roof has been destroyed and rebuilt over the centuries, some of the 11th century timbers survive.

The age of the wood was determined by drilling small holes in the rafters and using dendrochronology, the study of tree rings. Rupert Austin, of Canterbury Archaeological Trust, said: "We have known for some time that this was one of the oldest parts of the cathedral, that we have this great medieval spire up there. But until the lead roof came off to be replaced we weren't able to have a proper look at it and do these tests."