The Ormiston Yew

Image: © kim traynor Taken: 9 Jul 2013

An awesome example of living nature. The tree is believed to be at least a thousand years old and the same as that mentioned in a land charter from 1474. According to 'The Yew-Trees of Great Britain and Ireland' (1897), it was reported in 1792 that its spreading branches covered a fifth of an acre. http://www.forestry.gov.uk/forestry/INFD-6UEJNQ http://www.ancient-yew.org/userfiles/file/Ormiston.pdf The tree stands close to the now ruined Ormiston Hall which in the 16th century was the home of Sir John Cockburn of Ormiston, a strong supporter of the Lutheran preacher George Wishart. The Protestant reformer John Knox was tutor to the sons of the Laird of Longniddry when Wishart preached in the area in 1545. It was at Ormiston that Wishart was arrested by James Hepburn, Lord Bothwell and delivered to Cardinal David Beaton in person at Elphinstone Tower south of Tranent. Wishart was taken to St. Andrews and burnt as a heretic. Knox, who had been acting as the preacher's sword-wielding bodyguard, had wanted to stay by his side when it became clear he was in danger of arrest. Wishart insisted, however, that Knox return to Longniddry, saying "Nay, return to your bairns, and God bless you. Ane is sufficient for a sacrifice". According to local tradition Knox himself preached at the tree. See also Image and Image

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