Oldest door in Britain – do you know where it is? And how old it is?
GRN have been taking a ‘busman’s holiday’ checking out ancient locks and doors. Geoff loves the challenge of a truly old door but this one was just for admiring from a distance. If you have an old door that needs some tender loving care – maybe the lock sticks or you are not sure that it’s as secure as it could be – call Geoff on 07889325487 and he’ll come and give you his expert opinion (no call-out fee). Click on our services page to get an idea of prices but Geoff will always quote before starting any work to make sure you’re happy with the full cost. GRN Locksmith Services caters for all ages of door and can service, repair or replace any types of door lock. If you want to read reviews from other customers click here for our Checkatrade page. If you want to know more about the oldest door in Britain, read on.
Britain’s oldest door can be found in Westminster Abbey, in the passage leading to the Chapter House. The oldest door was dated for the first time in 2005 by the process known as dendrochronology. A detailed study of the wooden door, which can been seen in the vestibule leading to the Chapter House at Westminster Abbey, showed that the wood was felled after 1032 AD and that the door was constructed sometime in the 1050s. This was during the reign of King Edward the Confessor, who built the Norman Abbey which was consecrated in 1065.
That makes it not only the oldest in the UK but also the only one assignable to the Anglo Saxon period. The ring-pattern of the timber indicates that the tree grew in eastern England, most probably coming from the extensive woodland owned by the Abbey in this area, and possibly from Essex.
