Woodsome Hall Golf Club at Fenay Bridge is already one of the most picturesque courses around – and now it’s been discovered its clubhouse could be one of the oldest in the world.
The historic clubhouse was previously understood to be a 16th century building but now tree ring dating – known as dendrochronology – has found the roof trusses date from 1462.
And club officials believe that could mean it’s the oldest original building being used as a golf clubhouse in the world!
The tree ring dating was carried out by the Nottingham Tree Dating Laboratory. Analysis was undertaken on samples from 10 different main structural timbers to the roof of the Great Hall. The results showed that 98 rings were dated between 1365 to 1462.
Experts suggested it was very likely that all the dated timbers were cut at the same time for the construction of the Great Hall roof.
The dating report says: “As a result of this dating, the Great Hall range should not be referred to as a 16th century ‘Elizabethan’ building, but is of late-15th century, ‘Tudor’ date.”
Woodsome member Phil Sands, who led the project, said: “If Laurence Kaye, who funded much of the building work at Woodsome, was to travel back from the 15th century to today he would still recognise his hall. We also know that Woodsome existed as a settlement from about 1236.”
Phil added: “There is a strong case for Woodsome to claim that we have the oldest original building used as a golf clubhouse in the world.”
Woodsome general manager, Ryan O’Connor, said visitors to the club were always impressed with the unique surroundings.
He added: “From the moment you approach the clubhouse, you get a real sense of history. It makes a visit to Woodsome even more special and memorable.”
Woodsome is a unique golfing destination and also has a ‘Cottage on the Course’ which can accommodate up to 16 people in eight twin en-suite rooms.
Visit www.woodsome.co.uk for more information.
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