Oldland

1873 – Science Gossip: In the churchyard was a grand old yew, it has the appearance of three very large yew trees, the trunk having been divided down to the very base. The old clergyman said “this time old yew is known to be over a thousand years old and it has a record of it having been split by lightning about 150 years ago, and that it has the appearance you see of a grove of three distinct trees.” One portion of this second yew was totally erect and the other two leaned downwards, at an angle so acute that visitors could easily step between each part.
1990 – Allen Meredith: 17′ girth
May 2003 – Tim Hills: The yew leans outwards over the wall and has demolished 18” of it. Many new branches grow from lower bole and swell its girth.
2014 – Peter Norton: Four yews grow here, the significant one overlooking the footpath leading up to the church from the small parking area. Its position is south of the church. It was not possible to obtain a measurement above the 10′ drop. Of the 3 younger yews, a female north of the church is around 9′ in girth, a male to the east is 9′ 11”, and at the foot of the slope close to the minor road is a female girthing 11′ 6”. This tree has been allowed to branch layer. In
February 2020: The ancient yew fell in a storm, demolishing the wall and blocking the lane below.