The Old Hall, West Auckland, County Durham: Tree-Ring Analysis of Timbers

Author(s): Alison Arnold, Robert Howard, Matt Hurford, Cathy Tyers

Dendrochronological analysis was undertaken on 34 samples from The Old Hall, West Auckland, County Durham. This resulted in the production of four site sequences, AUKASQ01–04. The first sequence, AUKASQ01, comprises six samples with an overall length of 163 rings and can be dated as spanning the years AD 1506–1668. The second sequence, AUKASQ02, comprises 15 samples with an overall length of 183 rings and can be dated as spanning the years AD 1437–1619. Sequences AUKASQ03 and AUKASQ04, comprising six and three samples with overall lengths of 125 and 113 rings respectively, are undated. Four measured samples remain ungrouped and undated. Interpretation of the heartwood/sapwood boundary on the dated samples from the western half of the building indicates that roof and floor structure is constructed of timbers felled in c AD 1623–8. The timbers used in the construction of the east roof were felled in c AD 1670–1.

Report Number:
75/2009
Series:
Research Department Reports
Pages:
44
Keywords:
Dendrochronology Standing Building

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