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Summary

A beech tree of questionable antiquity scarred by fire and largely decayed. The custom is to walk backwards three times around the tree and express a wish.

Location

Protected Status: none recorded

Other References/Statuses

• Old DCC SMR Ref: SX86SW/10/2
• Ordnance Survey Archaeology Division: SX86SW29
• SHINE Candidate (Yes)

Monument Type(s) and Dates

• TREE (XVII to XVIII - 1601 AD? (Between) to 1800 AD (Between))

Full description

Mortimer, T. C. + Mortimer, A. E., 1942, Berry Pomeroy Castle, 37 (Monograph). SDV341302.

Wishing Tree at Berry Pomeroy Castle.

Ordnance Survey Archaeology Division, 1953, SX86SW29 (Ordnance Survey Archaeology Division Card). SDV341284.

Site visits 1951, 1952 and 1953
Note 3. The Wishing Tree is said by some to be as old as the castle itself, a probable exaggeration, but it is undoubtedly of great antiquity. The custom is to walk backwards three times around the tree and express a wish.
Note 4. The Wishing Tree, situated at SX84006232, is a beech tree of questionable antiquity scarred by fire and largely decayed. Other details: Photograph.

Ordnance Survey, 2024, Mastermap 2024 (Cartographic). SDV365834.

Wishing Tree marked.

Sources / Further Reading

Associated Monuments

Associated Finds: none recorded

Associated Events: none recorded

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