Dryburgh Abbey

The ‘well proportioned yew was supposedly planted by monks in 1136, predating the abbey and making it nearly 900 years old. Due to its relatively modest girth there has been some discussion as to whether it really is this old. However, historical records show a slow growth rate suggesting that there is indeed a good chance that it is the original tree’. Notes reproduced with permission from www.bordersforesttrust.org The tree’s circumference was reported by Sir William Jardine in 1837 as 12′ at 1′ from the ground. In 1890 a girth of 14′ 3” at 1′ was recorded.