In article .com,
La Puce wrote:

LOL
One does, indeed, wonder as to the sort of neighbours that La Puce
has.

All sorts really.

Rupert said his neighbours were throwing guesses at the age of the
tree. I would listen to my neighbours for one is 81 years old and he
has lived in my street all his life, the others opposite have been
there 43 years. So yes, I'd ask my neighbours if they know or remember
when the tree was 1. planted, 2. there when they first moved in, ...

Well, I suppose that you might not be aware that no tree growing in
the UK of 16' in diameter 4+' up will be less than about 200 years
old, but it is so. I thought that it was common knowledge.

4. I'd get a map of the local area to see which trees were
planted where and when ...

You might have more difficulty getting hold of a reliable, detailed
late 18th century map than you seem to think.


Regards,
Nick Maclaren.