UWTSD welcomes visitors to successful “Ships, Trees and Roof Trusses” event
The University of Wales Trinity Saint David (UWTSD) welcomed an enthusiastic audience to its recent open afternoon, Ships, Trees and Roof Trusses, held at the Roderic Bowen Library and Archives on the Lampeter campus.
The event proved a great success, drawing a strong turnout of visitors interested in the hidden histories of timber and the stories embedded within historic buildings.
Guests were treated to an engaging and insightful talk by archaeologist Dr Rod Bale, whose research into reused ship timbers in late Georgian Swansea captivated attendees. Drawing on his work at Cambrian Place, Dr Bale explained how early 19th-century builders combined salvaged ship materials with imported timber, revealing a rich intersection of local industry and global trade.
Reflecting on his research, Dr 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.
I thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to share this work in person and the lively discussion that followed with such an engaged audience.”
Attendees also had the opportunity to view a range of timber samples and learn about the scientific techniques used to analyse them, including dendrochronology. Dr Bale highlighted how tree-ring dating can unlock precise timelines and deepen understanding of architectural heritage, offering fresh perspectives on familiar historic structures.
The talk placed Swansea’s development in a wider historical context, tracing the transformation of the Burrows from an ancient common into a fashionable seaside district in the early 19th century. Visitors heard how the area flourished as a genteel resort, hosting regattas, races and social gatherings, before evolving alongside the growth of maritime industry and later regeneration efforts that continue to shape the waterfront today.
Sian Collins, Head of Special Collections at UWTSD, reflected on the success of the event:
“We were delighted to welcome such a fantastic audience to the library. Rod’s talk, along with his fascinating timber samples, made for a truly memorable afternoon. As our first external speaker in this series of Open Days, it set a wonderful precedent, and we look forward to hosting further events like this in the future.”
For further information about upcoming events, please contact Ruth Gooding at r.gooding@uwtsd.ac.uk.
Further Information
Arwel Lloyd
Principal PR and Communications Officer
Corporate Communications and PR
Email: arwel.lloyd@uwtsd.ac.uk
Phone: 07384 467076