AN expert in tree-dating toured Bromsberrow St Mary’s Church on Monday (August 15) and uncovered “a wealth of history” about the building.

Gavin Simpson, a dendrochronologist, was able to inform the churchwarden, Jan Long, that the large cross beams in the bell tower were Baltic pine and dated back to 1820.

The massive beams were installed at the time of remodelling the 75-feet tall French gothic-style spire, although the church dates back to the early 12th century.

In addition he pointed out where part of the wooden structures had "brack". These are cuts made into the timber to permit plaster and other materials to adhere more easily. Mr Simpson also noticed that in the Cotswold stone tiles which had been removed from the roof in order for it to be repaired, instead of wooden nails to fix the tiles, sheep footbones had been used and this was quite common in rural areas.Mr Simpson said: "I have worked on most of the great churches and cathedrals around the country, but have always enjoyed coming back to this region. It is most satisfying to find that even in the smaller rural churches such as Bromsberrow St Mary's, there is such a wealth of history to be found.”