time or other cattle, either from wantonness when fall, or from hunger when empty (from both which circumstances we have seen them perish), will be meddling, to their certain destruction; the yew seems to be a very improper tree for a pasture-field.
Antiquaries seem much at a loss to determine at what period this tree first obtained a place in churchyards. A statute passed A.D. 1307 and 35 Edward I., the title of which is “Ne rector arbores in cemeterio prosternat.” Now if it is recollected that we seldom see any other very large or ancient tree in a churchyard but yews, this statute must have principally related to this species of tree; and consequently their being planted in churchyards is 01 much more ancient date than the year 1307.
As to the use of these trees, possibly the more respectable parishioners were buried under their shade before the improper custom was introduced of burying within the body of the church, where the living are to assemble. Deborah, Rebekah’s nurse,* was buried under an oak; the most honourable place of interment probably next to the cave of Machpelah,† which seems to have been appropriated to the remains of the patriarchal family alone.
The farther use of yew-trees might be as a screen to churches, by their thick foliage, from the violence of winds; perhaps also for the purpose of archery, the best long bows being made of that material; and we do not hear that they are planted in the churchyards of other parts of Europe, where long bows were not so much in use. They might also be placed as a shelter to the congregation assembling before the church doors were opened, and as an emblem of mortality by their funereal appearance. In the south of England every churchyard almost has its tree, and some two; but in the north, we understand, few are to be found.
The idea of R. C. that the yew-tree afforded its branches instead of palms for the processions on Palm Sunday, is a good one, and deserves attention. See “Gent. Mag.” vol. 1. p. 128.
*Gen. xxxv. 8. † Gen. xxiii. 9.
