Unearthing the secrets of Churton Hall

We are working with Robert, an archaeologist and a dendrochronologist, who specialises in the scientific dating of tree rings in timbers in old buildings.

Robert is investigating the history of Churton Hall Farm, one of the oldest buildings on the Barnston Estate.

He has been taking multiple core samples which are then polished to highlight the oak grain. This grain reveals the annual growth rings in the wood to create a ‘bar code’.

Once this is overlaid with other samples he can confirm the age of the oak used in the structure of this wonderful historic building.

The oak cruck framed hall house is currently thought to be dated around 1480 but we will soon find out if the wood was an acorn around the year 1200, which is really exciting.