6 Most Amazing Timber Trusses of All Time
We all know the saying, “don’t fix what isn’t broken.” Well, it’s 2020 and timber trusses are here to stay, still proving they can easily withstand the test of time. Here are six of the most historic timber trusses we could find, dating all the way back to 1097!
6. Westminster Hall
At the time it was initially built, the Westminister Hall was the largest hall in all of Europe. As of 2020, the hall is the oldest existing section of the Westminister Palace.
Built: 1097
Truss: Hammerbeam
City: London, United Kingdom
5. St Clement's Church
Via en.wikipedia.org
Originally constructed in the 8th century, St. Clement’s Church is one of the oldest churches in Kent shire county.
Built: 8th Century
Truss: Crown Post
City: Old Romney, United Kingdom
4. Grange Barn
Via en.wikipedia.org
The Grange Barn was built in the 1200s and remained in agricultural use all the way up until 1960. Since 1982 it has exchanged owners a few times, but ever since it has been restored and preserved.
Built: 13 Century
Truss: King Post Truss
City: Coggeshall, England
3. Bradford-on-Avon Tithe Barn
Now owned and protected by English Heritage, the Tithe Barn used to be owned by the richest nunnery of the nearby Shaftesbury Abbey. Those who wished to store their farm produce in the barn were charged a fee of 10%.
Built: 14th Century
Truss: Raised Cruck
City: Bradford-on-Avon, England
2. Bartram's Barn
Via en.wikipedia.org
Designated as a National Historic Landmark in 1960, Bartram’s Garden is the oldest surviving botanical garden in North America. This historic arboretum is where you can find the interior of this barn if you wish to visit.
Built: 1728
Truss: Queen Post
City: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
1. The Louis Bolduc House
Via en.wikipedia.org
In 1970 The Louis Bolduc House was designated as a National Historic Landmark. The Louis Bolduc House is a prime example of the traditional French Colonial architecture of the early 1700s.
Built: 1788
Truss: Norman
City: Ste. Genevieve, Missouri
Bonus: Saint Catherine's Monastery
Via en.wikipedia.org
Saint Catherine's Monastery is one of the oldest operating Christian monasteries in the world. Albeit not pictured, the king post truss is purportedly the longest standing truss in the world. Another interesting piece trivia to note is the bush here is believed to be the original burning bush seen by Moses.
Built: 548-568
Truss: King Post
City: Saint Catherine, Egypt
Discover More About Timber Trusses
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