Geometric analysis of vernacular buildings

This is ongoing research into the units of measurement used in the design of Somerset vernacular buildings. Its base is the accepted fact that changing wall thicknesses can identify different phases of construction. Here is the reason why wall thicknesses change.

Archaic measurements

Archaic measurements found in Somerset buildings, and an explanation why wall thicknesses change and can be used to identify different phases of building construction

Saltford window Saltford manor is suggested as the oldest continually occupied house in England, dating mid C12. The building appears to be set out in Reeds (11ft, 3352mm). The first floor is 1 Reed above the ground, the Norman window head is 1 Reed above the first floor. The window is gridded at Reed/10 (335mm). The dimensions shown are accurate site measurements. Click image to enlarge.
This is the Masons Measurement we find in Somerset stone buildings.


Walters Farmhouse Tintinhull.

A dimensional analysis of the house and some possible thoughts to consider after Ed Lorch's interesting talk.


East Lynch, Selworthey

This survey throws a bit of a curved ball and raises questions about where the Cob grid is derived from.

Tudor Tavern

The Tudor Tavern is interesting as it is a large building set out in Reeds, but the subdivisions of the Reed are unusual.

Alford Lodge, Alford

This is interesting as it may show an early build by the masons.

Pushing the technique to see if it is possible to look at archaeological remains

This is very early stage research, as archaeological remains do not have the same resolution that standing buildings have. It is therefore much more difficult to be sure of the results. However the results so far do suggest that some of the Anglo Saxon buildings had similar construction techniques to the oldest standing church in England, Church of St. Andrew Greensted-juxta-Onger Essex. This research is ongoing and will be updated as further sites are examined. Great hall dimensions.