Hmmm
I couldn’t find credible evidence that limes (or lime trees = Tilia species) in Norwich were specifically planted because their roots would stabilize ground over old chalk mines.
Here’s what I did find, and what is—and isn’t—known:
⸻
What is known
1. Extensive chalk mining in Norwich
• Norwich has a history of chalk and flint mining (used in building mortar, agriculture etc.), with some mines under the area still abandoned. 
• The Plantation Garden (on Earlham Road) is built in a former chalk quarry. 
• Sinkholes related to old mining tunnels have caused structural damage (e.g. in Plantation Garden). 
2. Lime/avenue tree planting is part of historical landscaping in Norwich
• Chapel Field, leased by Thomas Churchman in the 18th century, had three avenues of elms; later some of these were replaced by lime and plane trees. 
• Early postcards etc show fine tree-avenues of elms and limes along public highways in Norwich. 
• The Plantation Garden, though built in a quarry, doesn’t necessarily have its avenue planting tied to stabilizing mines—it’s more ornamental and landscaping. 
⸻
What isn’t supported by evidence
• I found no documented statement from historical records or credible sources saying that the choice of lime trees (or limes/avenues) in Norwich was made with the express purpose of stabilising ground over old mines or tunnels.
• Root systems of Tilia trees are substantial, but there is no indication they were chosen for engineered or geotechnical stability in the way one might choose certain species for erosion control or subsidence mitigation.
⸻
My assessment
Given what I found:
• It’s plausible that people assumed trees might help stabilise superficial ground, but that doesn’t appear to be the recorded or verifiable reason for lime-avenue plantings in Norwich.
• More likely, lime trees were chosen for aesthetic, symbolic, and landscape design reasons (avenues have long been used in urban/regal landscaping, shade, uniformity, etc.), rather than as a structural engineering measure.
Posted By: Old Git on September 23rd 2025 at 20:50:07
Message Thread
- the lime tree avenues dotted around norwich are there because (General Chat) - Tombs, Sep 23, 19:18:51
- Surely that should be ChatGIT? (General Chat) - APB, Sep 23, 21:03:45
- Hmmm (General Chat) - Old Git, Sep 23, 20:50:07
- OK boomer (n/m) (General Chat) - Bertie Russell, Sep 23, 20:50:58
- If someone responds “ok boomer” (General Chat) - Old Git, Sep 23, 20:55:27
- i could be a barrister... (General Chat) - Tombs, Sep 23, 21:13:45
- If someone responds “ok boomer” (General Chat) - Old Git, Sep 23, 20:55:27
- OK boomer (n/m) (General Chat) - Bertie Russell, Sep 23, 20:50:58
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