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Tells the story of the yew in the landscape through the millennia, and argues that the origins of many of the oldest trees act as markers of holy places founded by Celtic saints in the Dark Ages. With photographs of ancient yews and a gazeteer of the oldest yew trees in Britain, this volume covers all the evidence about the dating, history, archaeology and cultural connections of the yew.
- List of Illustrations
- Foreword by Professor David Bellamy, OBE
- Preface
- Acknowledgements
- Botanical Features of the Yew
- How Old are British Yews? The Churchyard Yew
- Yews at Abbey Sites
- Yews at Wells and Springs
- Old Yews in the Wider Historic Landscape
- Yews in Woods, Hedges and Gardens
- The Yew in Folklore Traditions
- Yew: An Archaeological Perspective
- Notes
- A Gazetteer of Ancient Yews in Britain
- Bibliography
- Index
Robert Bevan-Jones has been surrounded by foresters, timber merchants and craftsmen since infancy. his father and grandfather both started their own timber firms, and like his brothers, he has considerable experience in the industry, both preparing and selling native timber. He was educated at Shrewsbury School and the University of Hertfordshire.
'The mystique that surrounds ancient yew trees fires our imagination. They are magical and marvellous and have served us well for thousands of years. The Ancient Yew confirms this.' David Bellamy 'A detailed, highly readable and fascinating history of this remarkable tree.' Tree News 'A beautifully illustrated history...the color plates wonderfully capture the essence of the magnificent ancient yew.' Choice 'An absolutely fascinating in-depth study of what must surely be the largest herb in the world.' Herbs - The Journal of the Herb Society
