The Ankerwycke yew
1 sound
Wraysbury, Staines TW19 5AD
The Ankerwycke yew There may be yew trees in Britain that are older but the 31-ft wide yew (Taxus baccata) found in the ruined priory of Ankerwycke in Berkshire has witnessed at least 2,000 years of history and myth-making. It is said to have been the spot where King John signed the Magna Carta in 1215 and is rumoured to be where Henry VIII conducted his first liaisons with Anne Boleyn. Many yews are found close to abbeys or in church yards. They were considered holy trees by the Celts and often symbolise death and resurrection in Christianity – due to their ability to sprout again and put on new growth. Many yews will be older than the ancient churches they grow near Photograph: Constable and Robin/Heritage Trees
