The Old Elm Tree at Moretonhampstead, Devon, 1811.
This old photo is in Florence's photo album. Her grandfather Moses Woolland and her father Frederic were born there. Moses born in 1800 knew this Elm tree when he was a child. In 1811 the tree was recognised as an old specimen.
Something to note. Isn't it marvellous to see a street in Devon free of cars and the blight of 'street furniture' I'll bet it's not like that now.
Does this old tree still stand?
Latest 4 response(s) from a total of 4 for the featured photo
bugseye1 Said:
Response related to photo:
The Old Elm Tree at Moretonhampstead, Devon, 1811.
Date: 17 Jun 2008 | Responder location: Frome, United Kingdom
The tree was known by various names; The Cross Tree, The Dancing Tree and The Punchbowl Tree. It had seeded itself within a market cross, was used for dancing and was pollarded into a punchbowl shape by the local pub landlord. On 13th of October 1891 a violent storm blew down much of the tree including a large part of the hollow trunk and much of the upper canopy. Following this a man named Harvey managed, with the aid of bands and iron nails, to restore the mighty elm. Bravely the tree struggled for its life but once again, 12 years later another storm completely destroyed it. Following this tragedy, Mr A. C. Loveys planted a new tree but this too was doomed and never managed to establish itself. Another attempt at replacing the old tree was undertaken in 1912, this time a copper beech was planted and its is this tree that stands on the site today.
I would like to consider this photograph for inclusion in a book I'm producing on Britain's Ancient Trees, would you be interested?
chrisoc Said:
Response related to photo:
The Old Elm Tree at Moretonhampstead, Devon, 1811.
Date: 22 Jul 2008 | Responder location: United Kingdom
My thanks to bugseye1 for the history of the Old Elm Tree. The other photo of this ancient tree was in Florence Harvey's photo album. This tree may be the replacement tree you spoke of which was shaped like a punchbowl. At least it has a shape like a bowl without its leaves. I assume this photo was taken in winter.
I'd be happy to let the 1811 photo be included in your book of ancient trees bugseye1. Perhaps we can make direct contact at some point to discuss it.
Is the old cross monument still there I wonder.
floksnog Said:
Response related to photo:
The Old Elm Tree at Moretonhampstead, Devon, 1811.
Date: 28 Jun 2011 | Responder location: Chagford, United Kingdom
The old cross is still there (with its weird 'thor's hammer' style cross), though the copper beech is currently on death row (due to be felled this winter) due to a honey fungus infestation. I think it will be replanted - it is well loved! All the buildings around it are called "dancing tree house" "dancing tree cottage" "dancing tree studio" etc
chrisoc Said:
Response related to photo:
The Old Elm Tree at Moretonhampstead, Devon, 1811.
Date: 3 Jul 2011 | Responder location: United Kingdom
To floksnog...thanks for your response. Can this copper beech be the same tree that Florence Harvey photographed in the 1920's? It's due to be felled and a new young tree planted in it's place, I love that there will be continuation. I would hope to get down to Moretonhampstead one day, time permitting, to see if much has changed since the 1811 photo. I expect there are multi yellow road markings and traffic lights....sign posting and other street furniture.
That the old cottages in the area are all named dancing tree....it's delightful. Is there an ancient story there as to why this is so?
Thank you Floksnog of Chagford
Add a Response | Show all responses this Album | Show all response for above photo
The mystery,history and Archive of the Harveys of Bristol, a wealthy Victorian family 1866 to 1937.
The mystery is how this original personal family archive belonging to Florence Harvey came to be found in my deceased mother's house in Essex ten years ago.
Florence was living in Sri Lanka in the 1930's so how did it arrive in England and why did my mother have it?
My great aunt may have brought it back to England but why was it not returned to the Harvey family?
Does this Victorian family not have descendents to whom it could have been returned?
Why do the documents,archives and photos cease about 1937 when Florence Harvey's mother died?
The Harvey family have no connection to my own family.
It is our intention to return the Harvey family archive to Florence's descendents if they can be found.
Read their story on my eBay blog jeannchris and see their images here through time from 1866 to 1937.
Other photos in this Album
Click these thumbnails to see the detail for each picture.
