T. baccata 



tree a very good illustration is presented in 

 Strut? s Sylva Britannica. When in full vigour 

 the trunk of this was variously stated to be from 

 50 to 56^ feet in circumference, and that when 

 it became hollow it divided into two parts, and 

 funeral processions were in the habit of pass- 

 ing through it. Strutt's illustration shows such 

 a procession. Strutt also gives a picture of 

 the " Fountains Abbey Yews," and another of 

 the "Ankerwyke Yew" which stands in the 

 grounds attached to Ankerwyke House at Staines. 

 This latter tree is stated to overlook the famous 

 island in the Thames where Magna Charta was 

 signed, and it was probably a mature tree at that 

 time. It is also of historic interest as figuring as 

 a trysting place between Henry VIII. and Anne 

 Boleyn, and the following poem describing the 

 two events which the tree witnessed is given by 

 Strutt : 



"What scenes have pass'd since first this ancient Yew 

 In all the strength of youthful beauty grew ! 

 Here patriot Britons might have musing stood, 

 And plann'd the Charta for their Country's good ; 

 And here, perhaps, from Runnymede retired, 

 The haughty John with secret vengeance fired, 

 Might curse the day which saw his weakness yield 

 Extorted rights in yonder tented field. 

 Here too the tyrant Henry felt love's flame 

 And, sighing, breathed his Anna Boleyn's name. 

 Beneath the shelter of this Yew-tree's shade 

 The royal lover woo'd the ill-starr'd maid, 

 And yet that neck round which he fondly hung, 

 187 



