A datestone is typically an embedded stone with the date of engraving and other information carved into it. They are not considered a very reliable source for dating a house, as instances of old houses being destroyed and rebuilt (with the old date stones intact) have been reported, or may in some cases be the date of a renovation or alteration. [1]
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Specific locations have often been chosen for datestones, viz.
- corbel
- gable stone
- Gatepost: a large upright piece of (usually) granite, usually set at the entrance to a driveway or a field.
- keystone
- lintel