Yew trees

Yew trees

Old churches are often surrounded by thick Yew hedges or have Yew trees within the churchyard itself. The thickly branched Yew provides a certain amount of protection for the church fabric.

In 1307, Edward I ordered that Yew trees be planted in churchyards to protect the buildings from high winds and storms.

Medieval people perceived the yew tree to be a symbol of immortality. This belief is almost certainly a throwback to pagan times.

There is evidence to suggest Yew trees encircled Bronze Age round barrows and other burial sites.

Another reason the yew was confined to the churchyard is that it is deadly poisonous to livestock (which were not allowed to wander onto the hallowed ground).

The mature yew also provided a source of bow making timber to keep the UK's archers supplied with new weapons.