Results

Sample Q11369

This Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) sample yielded 149 annual growth rings when measured. The sample does not have the outer annual growth rings present. The pith or centre of the tree is present on the sample. No dendrochronological dating was carried out on the measured tree-ring series. There is no way to test where the timber came from and there are no post medieval dated Scots pine chronologies available in Ireland.

Sample Q11370

This Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) sample yielded 126 annual growth rings when measured. The sample does not have the outer annual growth rings present. The pith or centre of the tree is not present on the sample. No dendrochronological dating was carried out the measured tree-ring series. There is no way to test where the timber came from and there are no post medieval dated Scots pine chronologies available in Ireland.

Sample Q11371M

An average tree-ring series from multiple measurements of this sample yielded a total of 130 annual growth rings. There is no sapwood or heartwood-sapwood boundary present on the sample. The centre or pith of the tree is present. The tree-ring series obtained from this sample was compared with a suite of regional and local site chronologies from Ireland. Extremely significant (***) and other consistent correlation values (t = 5.58*** cf. Belfast Index Master, t = 5.17*** cf. Drogheda Boat, Co. Louth, t = 5.11*** cf. Blackwater Boat, Co. Tyrone and t = 4.26* cf. Quoile River, Co. Down) were found. These and other results indicate that the measured tree-ring series dates from AD1427 to AD1556. The best estimated felling date range for the tree from which this timber was taken will be AD1588 ± 9 years or later, or After AD1588.

Conclusions

The two Scots pine samples are likely to be from trees felled in the late 18th or 19th century. Scots pine was used as a building timber from the early 18th century because of the lack of suitable oak timbers, the change in building construction and low cost of pine.

The oak timber from the house is likely to have been re-used. There are many redundant features present on the timber. It is not impossible that this timber could come from a ship or boat but there is no definitive proof. It is definitely from Ireland because of the extremely significant correlation value with the Belfast Index Master.

The lack of sapwood or even the heartwood-sapwood boundary means that only a terminus post quem date can be given for the felling date of the tree. The best estimated felling date range for the tree from which the timber was taken is going to be sometime after AD1588. I would suggest that it is more than likely that the felling date for the tree would have been in the 17th century rather than the late 16th century.

Special thanks to Mr David M. Brown School of Geography, Archaeology and Palaeoecology Queens University Belfast for this Report and Information.

Photograph 2 shows Chairman of Down District Council, Councillor Eamonn ONeill, Janine Walker, Board Member, Arts Council of Northern Ireland and Siobhan McCauley, Director of Product Development, NITB

Speaking on site, Councillor ONeill said: "I am delighted to see the commencement of works for the extension and renovation of Down Arts Centre. I very much look forward to the opening of a new 21st century facility which will not only breathe new life into these old Assembly Rooms, but will provide a wonderful environment in which to nurture and showcase arts and culture in Down district."

The key funders, the Arts Council of Northern Ireland who have provided £600,510 of funding and Northern Ireland Tourist Board, who have provided £390,572 to the project, were also on site to celebrate the start of the build.

Janine Walker, Board Member, Arts Council of Northern Ireland, said: "As the principal funder of the capital project at Down Arts Centre, the Arts Council keenly awaits the opening of the new centre. The Arts Council's sustained approach to investing in the arts infrastructure has had a transformative effect on the delivery of arts in communities across Northern Ireland. The much-loved Down Arts Centre will be transformed into a vibrant, multi-functional space that the local community can feel really proud of."

Siobhan McCauley, Director of Product Development, NITB, said: "Down Arts Centre already draws a diverse range of visitors, from those who come for music to those who want to learn a craft and participate in workshops. This improvement work will help to bring Downpatrick's wider story to life, encouraging more people to visit and participate, investing even more time and money in the area.

"Downpatrick is a vital part of the Saint Patrick's Signature Project, and I am delighted that NITB have been able to support Down Arts Centre through Tourism Development Scheme funding of £390,572."

While the building work is taking place, it's business as usual for Down Arts Centre. The centre will continue to run their usual arts programme and box office. The new building is scheduled to open in December 2011.

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