The Yew Tree
The Yew Tree
To one side of the Castle lies the ruins of a church. Originally an Anglo-Saxon building, it was rebuilt in some haste around 1680 by Geordie’s many greats’ grandfather in red brick with a square tower as he thought the earlier building was too small and simple. However, a mere two hundred years later, it already needed a great deal of restoration and so Geordie’s great great grandfather once again rebuilt it in an even larger and more elegant style but this time on a new site just outside the park gates, nearer the village of Highclere.
Records suggest that the original Anglo-Saxon church certainly existed by 1000AD. It was likely built from brick and flint and of course faced east. Flint is found all around here and is thus inexpensive as well as being extremely hard wearing– it was used by the Romans and became ubiquitous as the building material for Saxon and later Norman churches. You can see the remains of similar walls here in the gardens and ha-ha but sadly the visible bricks marking the church walls are just that – the flints are long gone.
Aligned with where the altar used to sit is an ancient yew tree. Yew trees have a long and superstitious history. Julius Caesar recorded that the Druids preached the doctrine of the immortality of the soul and that the yew was their sacred tree and the symbol for immortality. They have also long been associated with witchcraft. The Third Witch in Macbeth mentions, as a constituent of the cauldron’s brew, ‘slips of yew slivered in the moon’s eclipse’ (Macbeth: Act 4, Scene 1).
Evergreen and very long lived yew trees are traditionally associated with the concept of eternity and continued to be noted as a landscape feature in the 7th century in that they were often planted on ancient burial mounds or barrows. Yew branches were carried on Palm Sunday (palm trees being in short supply in England) and King Edward I ordered them to be planted in churchyards to protect the buildings.
Britain has the largest collection of ancient yews in the world. There are 117 of them, aged between 2000 and 5000 years but whilst yews stand for many centuries, it is very difficult to accurately estimate the age of a particular specimen. The Ankerwycke Yew at Runnymede is rightly admired. It is estimated at some 2500 years old and witnessed both the inauguration of Saxon Kings and the Magna Carta agreement.
Yews are one of the slowest growing and oldest genera of trees in England and are therefore categorized as a “native British” tree. Their dense canopy of evergreen needles protects the trunk from rain and probably reduces the rate of decay in the wood. Ancient yews become hollowed out but fresh growth can develop over hollows making hollowness an unxpectedly positive part of healthy trees. In addition, internal roots can also be sent down inside a hollowed tree.
Every part of the tree is toxic and the leaves, berries and wood can all be fatal to both humans and some animals. However, the same toxins (alkaloids) also discourage parasites. As such the fruit is eaten by birds such as the blackbird, mistle thrush, song thrush and fieldfare along with small mammals like squirrels and dormice whilst the leaves are eaten by the caterpillars of the satin beauty moth. As another benefit, yew hedges are incredibly dense, offering protection and nesting opportunities for many birds and thus all are alive with the music of birdsong and, despite their toxicity, modern science has found that chemicals found in yew clippings can be beneficial to cancer patients.
Yew timber is incredibly strong and durable. Traditionally, the wood was used in turnery and to make tool handles. It possesses a remarkable elasticity, making it ideal for musical instruments, furniture and of course for English long bows which require great “springiness”. In the Middle Ages however, Spanish yew was much preferred by both English archers and their foes and as a result few yew forests remain on mainland Europe. It is too slow growing to be replanted as a commercial crop.
In the ancient Celtic world, the word for yew tree was eburos – the Ebor race meeting at York still celebrates the yew and York itself was originally derived from the ancient word for yew though the name underwent several transformations by both the Saxons and Vikings. There is a local garden centre near Highclere called the Yew Tree, Yew Hills and homes named for Yews.
Yew trees give us place names and protection and, for all our modern world, they still seem ancient, dark and magical.
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64 Comments
Lovely the yew tree and did you and Lord Carnarvon have a lovely weekend and lovely highcelere castle lam of Downton Abbey
Dear Lady Carnarvon,
Once again I feel transported and educated at the same time. I thank you for the history of your ancient Yew tree and the ancient church. We are very fortunate to be educated and uplifted by your words. Thank you for keeping history alive and present. History is rich, full and informative and for myself, I find it fascinating.
Yours Sincerely,
Thank you for this fascinating history of the yew.
It grows freely here in New York States’ woodland understory but as you shared, all parts are dangerously toxic (especially the seeds) except for the fleshy part of the fruit. This is one native tree I will not suggest for homeowners to plant!
Really interesting. I had noticed that may old grave yards have Yew Trees which explains why. They also seem to have many cobwebs which isn't so pleasant to come up against.
Very interesting. We enjoyed our tour very much and must come again to tour the landscape. I wonder should we replant old growth forest with Yew trees? To keep the species going far into the future. Happy New Year!
Thank you Lady Carnarvon for your blogs. They are very informative and educational too
I had the pleasure of meeting you on the grounds at Highclere a few years ago when my husband and I were visiting the castle. It was a delightful visit
I learn something new every week! Another lovely story. Thank you Lady Carnavon.
Happy New Year, Lady Carnarvon!
What a very interesting topic to begin the New Year of 2025. I knew nothing about yew trees and their significance. How enlightening!
Thank you!
Donald Reinecker
Arlington, Virginia
Always such interesting topics. I love that you never run out of ways to educate while keeping us fascinated by the history of Highclere. Than you!
Another so very interesting blog to read ,thank you .
Thank you Lady Carnarvon for this article on the Yew tree. I never knew the history of the tree. I look forward to your articles & want to visit Highclere Castle this summer with my granddaughter.
Thankyou Lady Carnarvon, Extremely interesting and informative. Happy New Year to you all..
Dear Lady Carnarvon,
Thank you for your article about 'The Yew Tree'. I am always fascinated by the magnificent size of the yew trees in Great Britain. If you think they grow slow in the UK, try Canada!
I always look forward to reading your posts on Mondays.
Bruce Cullen
Dear Countess,
Such a lovely post, as always. Thank you kindly and may your year be full of joy and beauty.
Warm regards, Belinda
Thank you for sharing this interesting history of the Yew tree. I am one of the Lucky Cancer patients who have been given Chemo derived from the Yew Tree.
It is interesting how a ‘toxic’ tree can also help with Breast Cancer, and I am happy to say I am cancer free.
Thank you again for this insight. My daughters and I attended an event at Highclere Castle many years ago, and it is one of our cherished memories.
Enjoy the Moments ☘️
Annie Quinn
You know, that the "Wilderness" can be very BEAUTIFUL!
A wonderful lesson in history of Highclere Castle and the Yew tree. It is remarkable that even though toxic birds and other animals can eat from it and survive. So glad the it provides shelter and nesting for the birds. We have a holly tree that many birds use for shelter and the short flight to our bird feeders.
Fabulous images and fascinating history of the yew!
Thank you, Lady Carnarvon
Lady Carnarvon,
What a fascinating story.
I was at Highclere and found the documented history remarkable.
Thank you for sharing it with us.
Lady Carnarvon,
The picture of the huge Yew tree is amazing! Your story is similar to a genealogy chart in showing the various meanings of how the tree has been a part of warfare and spirituality.
Thank you for another very interesting lesson about nature and history!
Wishing you a very hopeful New Year,
Martha G
Thank you for this ode to ancient trees. I did not realize that some of the new trees in the UK were 5,000 years old. I love the towering Yew hedges I've seen there. We have the ancient bristlecone pine forest here in California found in the White Mountains of the Eastern Sierras. Some are over four thousand years old.
Wow what a fascinating post this morning. I never realized the history of the yew tree. Thank you once again for a thoughtful morning read.
I'm guessing that is where yew tree farm comes from in Downton Abbey? Thank you for lovely explanation.
Thank you for this story about Yew trees. My husband and I found the Ankerwycke Yew at Runnymede and discovered lots of history surrounding the tree other than the Magna Carta story. Thank you for all of your very interesting stories. I have been enjoying them for a long time.
Lady Carnarvon,
I had never heard about the yew tree.
It doesn't get pruned, does it?
I wonder who found out that parts of the tree were beneficial for cancer patients.
God certainly created amazing things!
Happy New Year to you and your family!
I so enjoy reading your posts.
Visiting sites of ancient tree growth is so special.
Thank you.
Fascinating! Wonderful article.
That is so interesting. Thank you for sharing this.
That was most interesting. Living is a rain forested city like Vancouver, one has to just love all trees. However, yew trees don't exist here. Too bad.
Robert Douch
Vancouver Canada
What absolutely wonderful, and beautiful trees they are. And just to think, all the history they have witnessed in their lifetimes. Amazing.
You are kind!
I was working!
it is a very contemplative place
It is nevertheless good for hedges- great backdrop for colour
Of course we should replant ... just not by a place where we eat!
Thank you
Very kind
Nothing the matter with growing slowly!
I think that is life - there is a left and a right - something for good and something to be aware of
Looking back helps me understand where my feet are today!
I think it is just a good name!
I have removed some of the ivy ..
I do agree with you
Happy New Year, Lady Carnarvon. Thank you for this interesting story.
Thank you for the history lessons! And a warm Happy New Year.
Thank you for another fascinating read. I wait in anticipation each week for your emails - they’re always so interesting and beautifully written.
Happy New Year
Very kind!
Thank you for taking the time to explain the history of the yew tree. Your prose helped me paint a picture in my mind of all you described.
May 2025 be a magnificent year for you and the lives you touch.
Love your posts! And afcourse your books, very beautiful and interesting especially Christmas at Highclere.
When my husband was assigned to RAF Uxbridge in the London Burrough of Hillingdon, the five dwellings for American families were located on Yew Tree Rd.
About 50-yards from the front of our semi-detached (home) stood Churchill’s Secret Bunker, which I loved to tour with a tour guide. In our rear garden, there were caves said to be ancient “Priest Holes,” I believe from the reign of Henry VIII. So mysterious!
Our three years living on the beautiful little base, which even had a small creek bubbling merrily through it, and living on that particular road did indeed seem magical - and mysterious. Now I better understand why. Thank you for the information about Yew trees in general and Highclere’s in particular.
Lady Carnarvon,
Happy New Year!
Thank you for your education regarding the Yew tree. I knew nothing about it. What a fascinating history!
Dear Lady Carnarvon,
What a wealth of research you have done to provide your readers with such a wonderful recital of all things Yew. Your writing is always so fluid and the subjects seem calming in a time which is frequently less so.
While in California we have the mighty Redwoods, I do not believe any of them can claim 5,000 years of majesty!
Many thanks for another thoughtful discourse that has created so much reflection.
All the best for a successful and happy New Year.
Lady Carnarvon.
I wasn't familiar with yew trees, but is fascinating to me that although they are toxic, can be used for cancer patients. Your history lessons about Highclere Castle are always a highlight of my week.
Thank you.
Lady Carnarvon,
Thank you so much for the history lesson on yews. I love reading your blogs.
I’ve read your books and learned so much about the history of Highclere Castle and the family.
I look forward to your next installment.
Thank you for another amazing story. I am a nurse and have given chemo treatments over the years. Many years ago, I gave the first infusion of Taxol to a patient. When I explained the history of this drug to her, I told her it was from the Yew. I must admit, this is the first time I have ever the Yew.
I so appreciate reading each story. It lets me escape for a little while. Blessings to you and your family in this new year.
Thank you Lady Carnarvon for this fascinating post. My family name is Eubanks, old English Yew Banks or Ewbanks. Research leads to ancestors who came from near Windermere, perhaps Cumbria. Near the banks where Yew trees grow... and so I am always pleased to learn about Yew trees. I hope to visit Highclere this year.
Dear Lady Carnarvon,
This was a fascinating read but I am wondering if everything about the yew tree is so toxic to people, how did they manage to make musical instruments out of it? Even breathing the yew dust from shaving the wood must have gotten into their lungs.
Happy New Year by the way.
Diana
What a lovely article. When we were in England just before visiting Highclere, we visited a church in the Cottswald’s that had two old yew trees almost engulfing the church door! Absolutely stunning! We cherish our hedges and studied how you took care of yours. Thank you!
Thank you for posting about the yew tree; now I will know not to touch them and only admire at a distance. We don’t have them where I live. This is my first time reading your blog. It popped up on my Facebook page. You have a beautiful and informative blog. Happy 2025, Lady Carnavon.
Sarah
Singapore
I found myself enthralled reading
this wonderful history of the Yew
Tree. So much so, that I have
enrolled on your blog and look
forward to reading more of your
blogs. Thank you so much for
your time and research! And,
may this new year bless you with
good health and happiness!
Dear Lady Carnarvon:
Thank you for this Monday's blog, for the very informative background of the Yew Tree, and the very impressive pictures.
As always, I learn something new from your articles.
Until next time, may you have a good week.
Barbara, please realize how ridiculous it is to NOT to plant a tree because parts of it are toxic. The arable thing to do with toxic plants is to just NOT EAT THEM.
Remover also the cancer killing medicine contained within the yew tree.
What is everyone store growing digitalis? Heart medicine would not have been discovered.
Sincerely, from an old Druid and naturalist.
Very nice! I read every comment of Lady Carvanon and they contain lot of curiosity. Happy new year Lady Carnavon!