Ancient yew tree, Much Marcle

The ancient yew tree in the churchyard at Much Marcle is estimated to be several hundred years older than the thirteenth century church that it stands beside. Most estimates suggest that it is 1500 years old. That would mean that it started growing a century or so after the Romans left Britain. The tree is still growing though an iron frame supports key branches. In 1953 its girth measured 30 feet and 1 inch at a height of 4 feet 6 inches above the ground. A measurement made in April 2006 at the same height above the ground showed the girth to be 30 feet and 11 inches. That same year the tree was pruned and approximately 6 tons was removed. It is not known when the trunk became sufficiently hollow to fit seating. However, it has been in place as long as anyone can remember and can accommodate several people.

photo © T. Boughen     Camera: Olympus OMD E-M10

Jackdaw

The first syllable of the name of the jackdaw (Corvus monedula) is onomatopoeic, being akin to the bird's call that is frequently transcribed as "tchack". The second syllable, "daw" is the old (at least fifteenth century) name for black, crow family members, especially the jackdaw, and also given on the basis of their "cawing" call. English church towers and spires, offering the cliff-like nesting sites favoured by jackdaws, are locations where the bird is often found. The jackdaw in the photograph was at the very top of a churchyard yew tree a few yards from the church tower.

photo © T. Boughen     Camera: Nikon P900

A hollow way or sunken lane?

This narrow road leading up from Weston under Penyard to the woodland of Penyard Park has every appearance of being a hollow way or a sunken lane (both names mean the same thing). Such a feature is a lane or footpath that looks like a wide trench, often with hedges on each side. It is worn down below the level of the surrounding land by the passage, over centuries, of people on foot, animals, carts and the action of heavy rain and frost. Many such lanes are thousands of years old and their existence over time can be confirmed by archaeological finds and references in early documents. At this point the old yew tree on the left has blocked the light sufficiently to prevent any growth beneath it. Consequently rainfall has cleared soil from around its roots.

photo © T. Boughen     Camera: Lumix FZ1000 2

Yew meets Munch

The moment I saw this barkless section of the Linton Yew I thought of the Norwegian artist, Edvard Munch, and his most well-known painting, "The Scream". The way the lines of growth sweep together over the surface reminded me of Munch's s rushing, swirling, brushwork. It took only a slight mental leap to see in the bark two asymmetrically placed eyes above an open screaming mouth.

photo © T. Boughen     Camera: Sony DSC-RX100

The Linton Yew

Yew trees are capable of living to a great age and are notoriously difficult to date with precision. However, several in the UK are recognised to be over 1,000 years old, and the oldest example in the churchyard at Linton, Herefordshire, is thought to be 1,500 years old. That makes it a contender for the UK's oldest tree. It is a female specimen and is accompanied by three more old yews in the churchyard.

Like many such yews the Linton tree is hollow and yet continues to thrive, though some branches require a little support. Hereford has a number of ancient trees and a tree of similar age to the Linton example can be seen in the churchyard of  nearby Much Marcle. This also has a hollow centre which for centuries has contained a bench capable of seating several people.

photo © T. Boughen     Camera: Lumix FZ1000 2

Belton church

The village of Belton, near Grantham in Lincolnshire, is best known for its proximity to the stately home, Belton House, a grand property in the care of the National Trust. Today's photograph was taken from the Italianate Garden of that house and it shows the church just outside its boundary wall. Like many churches adjacent to stately homes it is in good repair, appears well cared for, and is absolutely filled to bursting with tombs, monuments, statuary and plaques proclaiming the worthiness of the deceased family members of the grand house. Of which, more later.

photo © T. Boughen     Camera: Olympus OMD E-M10