Site Event/Activity record ECH4254 - Tree-Ring Analysis of Timbers from Hulme Hall, Allostock, Near Northwich, Cheshire.

Eighty-one core samples were obtained from a wide range of locations at this site. Analysis of these produced four site chronologies, but only the first two of these could be dated, spanning the years AD 1574 to AD 1689 and AD 1510 to AD 1610 respectively. Interpretation of the sapwood on the dated samples indicates that much of the material, particularly timbers from Floor Sl, Roof S1IS2, Roof S3/S4, and a single timber from Floor S3, have an estimated felling date in the range AD 1699 - 1724. It is likely that such a felling date relates to the suspected late seventeenth-century remodelling. However, there is some slightly earlier material with some further timbers from Floor S3 having an estimated felling date in the range AD 1590 - 1615. Timbers from Floor F6 appear to be possibly of two felling dates, one estimated as AD 1605 - 30, the other estimated as AD 1625 - 50. There is no confirmed tree-ring evidence for any earlier material in any other part of the building, either original or reused. (1)