Great British Tree Biography: 50 legendary trees and the tales behind them

The Great British Tree Biography explores the fascinating stories associated with trees throughout the history of the British Isles, including the Glastonbury Hawthorn, Oswald's Tree, and the Knole Oak. It also investigates the influence of British trees in folklore, art, literature, music, legend, and myth.

Format: Hardback
Length: 192 pages
Publication date: 02 September 2021
Publisher: Pavilion Books

Inspired by the rich history of Britain, this captivating book delves into the fascinating stories associated with trees throughout the history of the British Isles. Spanning from the very tree under which the first trade union was formed to the branches upon which outlaws were hanged, The Great British Tree Biography offers a comprehensive exploration of the diverse tapestry of trees that have shaped the nation.

How much did you know about the Glastonbury Hawthorn? This remarkable tree, located on the grounds of Glastonbury Abbey, blooms on Christmas Day and is believed to descend from an original thorn planted by Joseph of Arimathea. But that's not all—there's also Oswald's Tree, where the dismembered body of Oswald, the Christian King of Northumbria, was said to have been hung by Penda, King of Mercia, as a warning to others. The town of Oswestry, in fact, takes its name from this historical site.

There are countless other intriguing tales woven into the fabric of British history, each centered around a unique tree. Take, for instance, the lime that stubbornly grows on a cricket pitch in Kent, the ash tree surrounded by 19th-century gravestones in St Pancras churchyard, and the Knole Oak, immortalized in Virginia Woolf's Orlando and featured in The Beatles' iconic song "Strawberry Fields Forever." Each of these trees has its own unique story to tell, adding to the rich tapestry of Britain's natural heritage.

In addition to recounting these historical anecdotes, journalist Mark Hooper also investigates the profound influence of British trees on folklore, art, literature, music, legend, and myth. He weaves a fascinating tale of Britain's woodlands through the stories of individual trees, shedding light on the ways in which these majestic creatures have shaped the cultural and artistic landscape of the nation.

The Great British Tree Biography is a beautifully illustrated book that offers a captivating glimpse into the diverse history and significance of trees in the British Isles. Whether you're a nature enthusiast, a history buff, or simply someone who appreciates the beauty of the natural world, this book is a must-read for anyone interested in exploring the rich tapestry of Britain's woodlands.

Weight: 658g
Dimension: 164 x 228 x 25 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781911641339