1883.] THE OAKS OF KYRE. 63 



the skilful managemeut of His Grace's veteran gardener, Mr. Matliison 

 who is probably the oldest gardener (having nearly reached four score and 

 ten years) now on active service in Scotland, and still possessed of the 

 unflagging energy and interest in current affairs of men lialfa-century his 

 juniors. Everytliing about the garden and grounds at Bowhill indicated 

 good taste and good management on all hands. 



Bidding adieu to our ci.'il and obliging guides, the vehicles were again 

 brought into requisition, and the drive to Selkirk made without delay ' 

 The evening train to Edinburgh brought the party safely to the Scotlish 

 metropolis, all delighted with their visit to and inspection of the beauties 

 of Dttrick Forest. 



THE OAKS OF KYRE. 



,HERE are few mansions in the midland counties that have a 

 more interesting historical record than Kyre Park, the seat in 

 "Worcestershire of the Rev. Edward G. Baldwyn Childe. The 

 house has lately undergone extensive alterations, carried out in keeping 

 with the ancient character of the place, which dates back to the time 

 of Edward I., who granted letters patent at Gloucester in l"^7o, 'To 

 our trusty and well beloved John Kyare, leave to enclose his woods 

 at Kyare Wyard, and then to make Paiks, and the Woods so enclosed 

 and the Paiks then made to hold to him and his heirs for ever.' 



The area' enclosed under the above-named grant was about 500 

 acres, and included the grounds round the mansion, also the Deer 

 Park, which contains about 150 acres, encircled by a high fence, and 

 containing some fine specimens of the antlered monarchs of the forest. 

 (")n a gentle eminence, a short distance from the Teubury and Brom- 

 yard main road, stands the famous ' Gibbet Oak,' supposed to have 

 been used as the place of execution for spies and traitors in the Wars 

 of the Ptoses. This tree measures in circumference 24 ft. five feet from 

 the ground, and its huge and widely-extended arms, standing out at 

 right angles some 8 ft. or 9 ft. from the ground, seem to be well 

 adapted for the use then made of it. A short distance from this tree 

 is a remarkably fine row of stately Beech trees, some of which are 

 12 ft. to 14 It. in circumference. 



Leaving the Deer Paik, we cross the turnpike read to 'Wheat 

 patch Grove.' The firjt object of interest we come to is a 

 remarkably fine Yew tree, 26 ft. in circumference, standing a i'ew 

 yards from the boundary of the Counties of Worcester and 

 Hereford. This tree was used as a court of justice in formed' 

 times. The proprietor — for the time being — of Kyre Park was qualified 

 to act as Magistrate for both counties, and when a Herefordshire case 



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