Dr Hooper's formula was X = (Y x 110) +30 where X represents the age of the hedge and Y the average number of suitable species in 30 yard lengths. Climbers such as ivy & honeysuckle are not counted. Since there appeared to be no difference between the two groups they were put together to calculate averages. When the little sums were done it was clear that all the hedges were of a similar age. Astonishingly, the averages gave dates extremely close to the licence dates. Years later, when the maps and readings were shown on one sheet, it showed that the dates south of Hurstpierpoint were close to the 1343 licence but north of Hurstpierpoint they were very close to the “13th century” licence. That improved the accuracy of Dr Hooper’s formula to an astonishing level!
North of Hurstpierpoint the number of counts is 33 and the total of all the counts is 210. 210 divided by 33 gives an average of 6.36. The age is (6.36 x 110) + 30 = 730 years. So the hedge must have been planted about (1973 – 730 years ago) which = 1243 A.D. or mid 13th century. A section of the map is repeated to the left to indicate with red lines the position of the Turnpike “New Road”.
South of Hurstpierpoint the number of counts (which I did with Hurstpierpoint Historical Society) was 24 and the total of the counts was 134 giving an average of 5.58. (5.58 x 110) + 30 = 644 years. 1973 – 644 = 1329 A.D. and that is within 14 years of the 1343 licence date which is very close when one considers all the possible variables of soil, climate, pruning, etc. Dr Hooper stated that to get a reading within a century for a 1000 year old hedge is good so to be within 14 years for a 630 year old hedge is delightful!
---o---
To go to the next page click HERE
To go to previous page click HERE
To return to the contents page click HERE