Tree-Ring Analysis of Further Timbers from the North-West Wing, Hill Hall, Theydon Mount, Essex
Author(s): Dr Martin Bridge
A previous dendrochronological study at Hill Hall revealed that the roof covering the north-west wing was built using timbers most likely felled in the period AD 1683 - 1701, later than had previously been thought. More recent building work revealed a number of timbers not accessible last time, and it was felt they might enable this date to be refined to a narrower period, as well as date earlier fabric in this wing. Disappointingly, despite the availability of two site chronologies and some promising-looking series of rings from samples in this second batch, only two timbers dated. One, a principal rafter from the roof matched the existing roof chronology but did not refine the likely felling period further. A single series from a door lintel from the north wall of this wing gave a most likely felling-date range of cAD 1524-50. The sapwood broke off separately and it is possible that some heartwood rings were missing, hence the felling period might be a few years later than this. Dendrochronology had already allowed one potential building period for this phase, suggested from documentary sources, to be ruled out, and supported the alternative proposed date of AD 1568-9 for this phase. The newly dated timbers have been incorporated into the existing site chronologies to produce two new better-replicated site chronologies, which are reassessed for their dating against other sites.
- Report Number:
- 90/2002
- Series:
- CfA Reports
- Keywords:
- Dendrochronology Standing Building
