Ships, Trees and Roof Trusses: Open Afternoon at UWTSD Special Collections
The University of Wales Trinity Saint David (UWTSD) will host a special open afternoon exploring the fascinating stories hidden in historic timber, titled Ships, Trees and Roof Trusses.
The event will take place on Wednesday 18 March at 2pm in the Roderic Bowen Library and Archives on the University’s Lampeter campus.
Visitors will have the opportunity to hear from UWTSD archaeologist Dr Rod Bale, who will discuss his research on ship timbers that were recycled for use in a row of late Georgian terraced houses in Swansea. He will also share insights into local historic buildings where tree-ring analysis has been used to date structural wood, alongside displays of timber samples from his work.
Dr Roderick Bale said:
“Our work at Cambrian Place precisely dates a mix of reused ship timbers and imported conifer wood, revealing how Swansea’s early 19th century builders drew on both nearby ship breakers and global timber trade links. It’s an illuminating glimpse into the city’s past and the stories hidden within its historic buildings.”
The talk will also place the buildings within their wider historical setting. The area known as “The Burrows” was once an ancient common belonging to the Burgesses of Swansea, enclosed in 1762 before being transformed in the early 19th century into a fashionable seaside district following the development of Cambrian Place, the Assembly Rooms and surrounding streets. By the 1820s it had become a genteel resort celebrated for its “good air,” attracting notable residents and seasonal visitors. Social life flourished, with regattas held in Swansea Bay, races on the Burrows Race Course, and concerts and balls hosted at the Assembly Rooms. Civic celebrations also took place there, including festivities marking the coronation of Queen Victoria in 1838 and events linked to the arrival of the railway in 1850.
The district’s character changed significantly after the opening of the docks in 1859, when maritime industry began to dominate and areas such as Burrow Square were repurposed for timber storage. Later Victorian and Edwardian development introduced many of the substantial brick and stone commercial buildings that still define the area today. Decline followed in the mid-20th century as dock activity reduced, but regeneration efforts in recent decades have brought new life to the historic waterfront, reconnecting the area with its maritime heritage.
The open afternoon offers a unique opportunity to discover how scientific techniques such as dendrochronology can unlock new understanding of architectural history and heritage.
Sian Collins, Head of Special Collections at UWTSD, said:
“We are excited to welcome Rod to the library in March, along with his fascinating samples of timber. He will be the first external speaker in Special Collections and Archives’ increasingly popular Open Days, and we can’t wait to sit back and hear what he has to say!”
To find out more or to book a place, please contact Ruth Gooding at r.gooding@uwtsd.ac.uk.
Further Information
Lowri Thomas
Principal Communications and PR Officer
Corporate Communications and PR
Email: lowri.thomas@uwtsd.ac.uk
Phone: 07449 998476