Westgate End House, Kemps Bridge, Wakefield, West Yorkshire: Tree-Ring Analysis of Timbers
Author(s): Robert Howard, Alison Arnold
Dendrochronological analysis was undertaken on samples from 19 timbers removed from this building during demolition and subsequently stored off-site. This analysis produced a single-dated site chronology, WKFBSQ01, comprising 14 samples with an overall length of 191 rings. These rings were dated as spanning the years AD 1377–1567. Interpretation of the sapwood clearly shows that there are different phases of felling. These felling dates follow the general pattern of the listing description. One of these phases dates to the earlier sixteenth century, perhaps representing the construction of the primary central hall range, with a further phase of felling around the mid-sixteenth century, perhaps representing the construction of a later cross-wing. There is then a potential modification in the very late-sixteenth century, perhaps for the flooring-in of the earlier ranges. A second site chronology, WKFBSQ02, was also created comprising three samples and being 86 rings long. This site chronology cannot be dated, but it is almost certain that the timbers are coeval. Two further samples, both with distorted growth rings, remain ungrouped and undated.
- Report Number:
- 28/2015
- Series:
- Research Report
- Pages:
- 31
- Keywords:
- Dendrochronology Standing Building
