Tree-Ring Analysis of Timbers from Cobham Hall, Cobham, Kent
Author(s): Alison Arnold, Robert Howard, R R Laxton, Cliff Litton
One hundred and forty-eight samples from different areas of Cobham Hall were obtained for tree-ring analysis. This analysis produced two major site chronologies plus six less well replicated undated ones. The first site chronology, COBHSQ01, comprising eighty samples of overall length 346 rings, spans AD 1317 to AD 1662. Interpretation of the sapwood indicates the south-west range roof timbers were felled in AD 1581, with the north-west range roof primary timbers being felled in AD 1592. The majority of cellar timbers were felled in AD 1661, the staircase timbers being cut about this time too. The next phase of work is represented by site chronology COBHSQ02 comprising twenty-one samples of overall length 119 rings spanning AD 1656 to AD 1774. Sapwood interpretation would suggest that the timbers of the Hall roof were felled in AD 1768, with further work in the north-west range roof being undertaken towards the end of the eighteenth century. Six other site chronologies accounting for 22 samples remain undated. Twenty measured samples remain ungrouped and undated. Five short samples were not measured. Samples from twelve trees in the surrounding parkland also formed a site chronology, COBMSQ01, its 232 rings spanning AD 1770 to AD 2001.
- Report Number:
- 50/2003
- Series:
- CfA Reports
- Pages:
- 120
- Keywords:
- Dendrochronology Standing Building
