THE LATEST research conducted into Droitwich’s oldest buildings has found that 15, High Street, dates back to 1513.
A dendrochronologist – a scientist specialising in tree-ring dating – working as part of the Historic Droitwich Project made the discovery which reveals the building would have been constructed four years into the reign of a young King Henry VIII.
At the time, England was at war with both France and Scotland, leading to the Battle of Flodden.
Lyn Blewitt, chair of the Historic Droitwich Project, said: “This is another exciting discovery, giving us a precise date when the frontage, still visible inside the building opposite St Andrew’s church, was built.
“The timber would have been used green within a few months of being felled so we can be pretty sure the building (probably comprising the eastern part of what is now the Star and Garter, and Star Yard, No 17 High St, would have been completed by the end of that year.”
Building owner and proprietor of Star Yard Interiors Andrew Brooker-Carey was delighted when he heard the timbers were suitable for dendrochronology.
He added: “There had been quite a lot of debate among the architectural experts whether this part of the building belonged to the 15th or 16th century.
“To get an exact date is fantastic.”
The building is currently undergoing a careful refurbishment which has also led to the discovery of historic wall paintings – they are estimated to have been done in the 16th century.
They will also be carefully conserved once the repairs to the timber frame and roof work is completed.
The new space will provide an additional showroom which will enable everyone to go and see the discoveries.
Now in its final year, the Historic Droitwich Project has been researching the story of the town’s buildings and people over time.
Supported by a £35,000 grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF), a team of volunteers and members of the public have been helping experts discover the written and architectural history of old Droitwich.
Further findings are expected over the last few months of the project when all the discoveries will be brought together on a website that the community can use to explore its past.
Details discovered will be lodged with the appropriate archives and English Heritage and the most spectacular results will also be showcased at an exhibition in Droitwich Library from next Saturday (September 10) to October 7.
It will be officially opened at 10am next Saturday by Lyn Blewitt, who will give a short introductory presentation in the upstairs Gallery On display will be photographs and images focusing on the historic High Street and Friar Street collected and collated by the Historic Droitwich, Heritage Lottery Project.
Vanessa Harbar, the head of the West Midlands Heritage Lottery Fund, said: “It’s great to hear in the final stages of the Historic Droitwich Project, new discoveries are still being made.
“Thanks to National Lottery players, the Dodderhill Parish Survey Project has been able to use the HLF grant to research the heritage of the town’s buildings and its people.
“The public can now look forward to an exciting exhibition sharing the findings, stories and memories of Droitwich Spa town.”
