Is
the Preen Yew Tree in Shropshire the oldest tree in Europe? Well, yes according
to the sign which stands beneath it. Whether this statement is true or not the
tree is certainly a majestic sight. For over 1500 years it has stood surveying
the scene, and who knows what sights it has seen and what secrets it could
reveal.
Measured
in 1945 its girth came in at 21 feet and 10 inches at the five foot high mark.
(6.6 metres and 1.5 metres respectively for those of you who deal in new
money.)
The
tree stands in the churchyard adjacent to Preen Manor, which was the site in
1150 of a small cell attached to the Cluniac Priory of Much Wenlock, a few
miles away as the raven flies. (There were many croaking about as I snapped
away at this amazing tree.)
Thanks
for your time.
The
Old Country Crone xx
