Woodsome Hall Golf Club, located just south of Huddersfield, has just discovered that the clubhouse building is quite a lot older than was thought. So much so that it is believed to be the oldest golf clubhouse in England and one of the oldest in the world.
After a successful dendrochronology (tree ring dating) process of the original timber trusses in the roof of the main hall, it has been confirmed that the date of Woodsome’s Hall is 1462. It was previously thought to be a 16th Century building.
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. 98 rings were dated as spanning the years 1365 to 1462.
NTDL suggest that it is very likely that all the dated timbers were cut at the same time for the construction of the Great Hall roof.
The dating report states: “As a result of this dating, the Great Hall range should not be referred to as a sixteenth century ‘Elizabethan’ building, but is of late-fifteenth century, ‘Tudor’ date.
Woodsome member Phil Sands, who led the project said: “If Laurence Kaye, who funded much of the building work at Woodsome were 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 golf clubhouse in England and one of the oldest in the world.”
Woodsome General Manager, Ryan O’Connor, says that visitors to the club are always very impressed with the unique surroundings. “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.”
Whether it’s a day out with a few friends or a longer stay, Woodsome can cater for groups of all sizes as in the grounds of the estate sits the ‘Cottage on the Course’ which can accommodate up to 16 people in 8 twin en-suite rooms.
So, if you want to experience the history of Woodsome, take a look at what is a very different golfing destination.
Visit http://www.woodsome.co.uk for more information.
