Hentland

1867 – Woolhope Transactions p122: In Hentland churchyard is a Yew tree which is very interesting, from the fact of its age being known. Tlie Parish Register contains this notice :—That the Yew tree between the Bell house and the stile was given by Philipe Swayne of Daviston : at the request of John Nurse curate of
Hentland, and was removed and transplanted in the churchyard there upon Shrove Tuesday, being the 13th day of February Anno Dom. 1615. The “Daviston” is, doubtless, the neighbouring farm of “Dason” of our day. The tree remains in the same place, and the stem now measures at the giound level 12 feet in girth, and at 5 feet, 9 feet 9 inches. It is a growing healthy tree, rather tapering towards the top, and less dense in foliage than is common with the yew. It has evidently been the object of considerable attention, as it bears marks of careful pruning. From N. to S. its boughs spread 55 feet, and from E. to W. 48 feet. Supposing the tree to have been 10 years old when placed there, it is now 263 years old, and thus rather supports the suppositicn that the age of a yew tree may be known by allowing a century for every foot in diameter.
August 1982 – Allen Meredith: Much growth from the trunk, I measured it at 3′ from the ground and made it 13 feet 10 inches (422cm), quite a large tree for its age. Although the tree was planted in the churchyard in 1615, the tree was of some age before its removal, perhaps 20 to 30 years. It would be reasonable to assume the tree was growing in 1580, so this tree is about 400 years old. The tree is of vigorous growth, no hollows and WNW from the church.
October 2003 – Tim Hills: 400 year old trees with a known planting date can act as markers when considering the age of larger, older trees. Growth of this yew is upwards rather than outwards – there has been much cutting back of branches facing the church. Bulges at 5′. Girth was 14′ 2” (432cm) at the ground.