Yew trees

Renowned for their longevity (one in Sheffield is over 2000 years old), yew trees are found in many church yards.

Because of their great age, yews were associated with pre-Christian burial grounds.

Recent research shows that Bronze Age round barrows were encircled with yews.

In symbolic terms, yews do not only represent death, but also resurrection. Their evergreen foliage was highly valued, and used for religious and secular festivals.

Even today, yews are still being planted in church yards, and serve as a reminder of an earlier, pagan age.

Find a list of ancient yew trees in churchyards to visit on ExploreChurches.  

(text and images courtesy of Heritage Inspired)