History

Timber framing has been used in architecture for thousands of years (dating back to Neolithic times). It was notably developed into a staple of mediaeval and early modern architectural style in the UK, Denmark and in Germany. In the UK it is sometimes referred to as a ‘Tudor’ style. The style saw its revival in the 1970s.

 

Techniques

Creating housing structures with heavy timbers, using squared off, fitted and joint timbers securing joints by wooden pegs historically and later using mortise and tenon joints. The exposed structural frame of timber on the facade of the building is referred to as half-timbered. Beams are secured to prevent movement and racking using diagonal bracing.

 

Local forms

There are many styles of historic framing developed, depending on the local area and the type of wood used.

Historic timber-frame construction in England (and the rest of the United Kingdom) showed regional variation  which has been divided into the “eastern school”, the “western school”, and the “northern school”, although the characteristic types of framing in these schools can be found in the other regions (except the northern school).

 

Sub-crafts

• Hand hewing

 

Issues affecting the viability of the craft

 

Support organisations

• The Carpenters Fellowship – membership organisation for timber framers, currently seeking to develop an accreditation scheme.
• Weald and Downland Open Air Museum
• Oak Frame Training Forum set up by the Carpenters Fellowship

 

Craftspeople currently known

• The Carpenters Fellowship has an online directory of its members.

 

Other information

 

References