172 THE ANTIQUITIES [LETT. 



Antiquaries seem much at a loss to determine at what period 

 this tree first obtained a place in churchyards. A statute 

 passed A.D. 1307, and 35 Edward I., the title of which is 

 " Ne rector arbores in cemeterio prosternat." Now if it is 

 recollected that we seldom see any other very large or ancient 

 tree in a churchyard but yews, this statute must have prin- 

 cipally related to this species of tree; and consequently their 

 being planted in churchyards is of much more ancient date 

 than the year 1307. 



As to the use of these trees, possibly the more respectable 

 parishioners were buried under their shade before the improper 

 custom was introduced of burying within the body of the 

 church, where the living are to assemble. Deborah, Kebekah's 

 nurse, 1 was buried under an oak; the most honourable place 

 of interment probably next to the cave of Machpelah, 2 which 

 seems to have been appropriated to the remains of the patri- 

 archal family alone. 



The further use of yew-trees might be as a screen to churches, 

 by their thick foliage, from the violence of winds ; perhaps also 

 for the purpose of archery, the best long bows being made of 

 that material : and we do not hear that they are planted in the 

 churchyards of other parts of Europe, where long bows were 

 not so much in use. They might also be placed as a shelter 

 to the congregation assembling before the church doors were 

 opened, and as an emblem of mortality by their funereal 

 appearance. In the south of England every churchyard almost 

 has its tree, and some two ; but in the north, we understand, 

 few are to be found. 



The idea of R. C., that the yew-tree afforded its branches 

 instead of palms for the processions on Palm Sunday, is a good 

 one, and deserves attention. See Gent. Mag., vol. i. p. 128. 



1 Gen. xxxv. 8. 2 Gen. xxiii. 9. 



