Site Event/Activity record ESF21557 - Tree-ring analysis of further timbers from the Isaac lord Complex, Ipswich

Several ranges at this site were the subject of a previous dendrochronological study. The dating of two of the ranges at the site remained unclear at the end of that study. Recent renovation and repair work allowed access to the wallplates of Range 3 (Sale Room) and further sampling was undertaken in Range 4 (Crossway). The dendrochronological evidence now indicates a felling date range of AD 1531-49 for various elements from Range 4. The only dated structural timbers from Range 3 are wallplates which were probably felled in AD 1540 or shortly afterwards. A detailed examination of the structural evidence strongly supports the hypothesis that the crown-post roof of the Sale Room is older than the Crossway structure. This implies that the Crossway was probably built from timber felled after AD 1531 and before about AD 1540, and that the crown post roof of the Sale Room was probably reassembled around AD 1540 using new wallplates.