The Oldest Tree in Coventry

Hi all, Have been wondering recently as to which tree is the oldest in Coventry. It's probably not the oldest tree in Coventry - but the black mulberry tree (Spon Street/outside the Odeon cinema) is the oldest tree in the inner city (Coventry.gov.uk, 2018 page 13). Could the oldest tree be an ancient oak or perhaps a churchyard yew tree? Any ideas? Thanks, Luke.

Sounds like this one which was in the news in 1976

There is, of course, Jabet's Ash on Binley Road! Though not the original a claim is made that it was grown from, presumably, a series of cuttings from a former tree. Historically important as it was the place of meeting for the Mayor and others to receive royal or important visitors to the city. Mod's note Jabet's Ash does have its own thread on the forum here

At the far end of Stoke Green, against Bulls Head Lane, there was a very tall elm tree of considerable dimensions, which was known locally as Dick's Tree, because Richard planted it. Same road dividing the two parishes, Stoke, Coventry, stood Jabbet's Ash which occupied the site of a grim gibbet or gallows as early as the time of Henry II, upon which criminals and highwaymen were hanged. To the left of this tree towards Coventry was a very old road, celebrated in local rhyme - "Down Folly Lane, Tom Arnold came." It would appear Tom Arnold came by coach from London to give his experience in voting. Folly is derived from the Danish word 'fole' - lay meadow, people's meadow.

Just on the outskirts is the Baginton Oak. £350 was spent to save it in 1976 - it is supposed to be 300 to 350 years old.

Ten Shilling Wood in Canley, earliest map for it is 1776. The wood has been left unchanged for at least 200 years. There must be some very old trees in there but the winter has taken its toll this year. The bluebells will be out shortly and a picture they are too. Just around the corner from Pixrobin. PS, there is also Park Wood a bit farther along Charter Avenue and larger than Ten Shilling Wood.

Here's one I like, an oak measuring 406mm girth (1 metre high from ground). Plenty of character if not that old. Approximately 210 years old.

Yes, scrutiny, I can see Ten Shilling Wood as I glance up from my computer screen. I also spent many happy hours playing there as a child. It's very difficult now for me to get in on my scooter but here's the bluebells in April 2015.

This is the Oak at the side of Cannon Hill road for your appraisal. Derek.

Please don't speak too soon, it may come about that some twit on the council/parks & gardens will want it removed.

Hi Dream I hope not. We used to play around that tree as kids. None of us could climb it until we reached our teens, and then only one member of our gang could, who went into the army. The ironic thing is that you mention the council parks department. The director of parks used to live right on the corner of Hilary Road, immediately past the tree on the right in the second picture. It was a real shock when his death (suicide) was suddenly on the front page of the CET (I used to deliver them!), with a picture of his car being hauled out of the pool at Coombe Abbey, reminiscent of Hitchcock's Psycho. He had been missing for a few days, it emerged. My godfather's friend later went to prison because of his involvement, so I knew the full story and am posting the details on the Sorry State board.

Slim, A beautiful tree but alas children are not allowed the joy of climbing trees these days, what harm can they do and children are supposed to know no fear of such 'escapades'. Now they get their kicks in other ways! A very sad story and I can imagine the shock to read of such a thing on the front page.

All the more so as I was near their home, delivering the CET when I saw the picture. I didn't connect, and it was only when I got back that my parents told me the story. They didn't know about the suicide until then. They knew his wife had reported him missing. I believe it was in a Saturday's paper. I think I was still at school, probably in my final year, or it may have been the following year.

Oh dear Dream! I copy below part of another forum thread, for your consideration

If you will excuse me being facetious, surely the oldest tree in Coventry is the one that follows Coven and they can't take that away from us.