Does anyone know of a written definition for the words "spine beam" I see spine beam used but I cannot tell just what it is.

Jim

Hi Jim,

This term is generally used to describe a large beam that is aligned lengthwise along the centre of a building which either supports or provides housings to accomodate transverse floor joists. The US equivalent would be summer beam. Spine beams have oft times been inserted later than the construction of the original frame and as such they might simply rest upon or be notch lapped over a cross beam at a convenient support point e.g. next to a prick post. These are commonly seen in floored over open halls.

Regards

Ken Hume

Hi Ken;

Thank you very much. I have seen houses with a beam running down the length (not the center since the rooms are usually larger on the front side of the houses here) supporting the floor joists/tie beams. When I inquired with experts here they were identified as both a spine beam and a bressummer so I was uncertain. I have been looking at the meanings of words lately and could not find "spine beam" but spine in general relates to the ridge of the building. Also, summer comes from sumpter (pack horse) meaning any beam which carrys a "heavy burden". Your reply seems to be right on the money, either name could apply!

Jim

Hi Jim,

The term bressumer generally applies to a beam carrying the load from a wall above - typically this might describe the beam supporting a projecting jetty wall. I have not seen "spine" used in relation to ridge pieces and the pack horse connection with "sumpter" is a new one for me. A lot of our English terms are derived from the French or maybe more correctly The Normans who use "sommier" insteads of bressumer.

The main room above the parlour in past times was referred to as the "solar" and this term might be derived from the French term "solive" meaning floor joist or "sol" meaning plank i.e. a floored upper chamber.

The linkage of words and their present day usage can be somewhat tenous and difficult to prove with any certainty. Yesterday I was discussing the term "pulley mortice" with some colleagues which provided some surprising results.

Regards

Ken Hume

Ok, Ken now you've done it....
What's a "pulley mortise"...?

maybe an "empty" mortise... empty except for a peg in the middle... I've seen these in old frames. Maybe they could have threaded a rope through for some sort of lift ???

completely guessing.

Hi Don,

You might well have just put your finger on the answer but not quite in the way that you imagined. You now need to apply some "lateral" thinking.

Any more ideas before all is revealed ?

Regards

Ken Hume

wow, now I'm intriqued.

But not quite figuring out the "lateral" clue...

?? ?? ??

Perhaps used during raising to pull bents or walls together?

Hi Clark,

"Pull together" - you guys are getting very hot !

Regards

Ken Hume