Britain's veteran Churchyard yews.

Abstract

One of Britain's famous veteran churchyard yews fell victim to one of the many severe gales of the extended winter of 1961-62. It stood in the churchyard at Duffield, near Derby. Boisterous winds so severely damaged it that it had to be felled. This ancient tree is reputed to have been planted in commemoration of the Battle of Crecy where the English long-bow archers played a memorable role, turning the tide to an ever-memorable victory. It was with yew wood, of course, that the long-bows of England were made. Of late years cabinet makers have been scouring the country for yews, which with the exception of the oaks, are the most typical of all British trees. [...]