RE: Wychbury | Forum — The Modern Antiquarian

Alchemilla Apr 15, 2005 14:26:51

Replying to Forrester

Greetings everyone!

Haven't been around for a while and have been missing out obviously!

I am in awe of all the information here, I've never really been able to find much out about Wychbury historically, only the folklore side of it and I'm devouring this information!

My parents used to live at the back of the Gypsies Tent (now Badgers Set) pub and I spent a lot of time as a child making dens in the trees and playing on the ramparts. I still visit regularly and am increasingly dismayed by the amount of trees that people seem intent on destroying and trying to burn.

I have a wonderful article somewhere from an early copy of the Black Country Bugle which has a lot of information regarding archaeological finds at Wychbury which I will dig out and type/scan in. If you all know about this already let me know and I'll shut up!

Around the time of the bypass protest I remember someone telling me about another Bugle article that mentioned seven Celtic warriors being buried under seven sacred yew trees on the hill! I'd love to read this if anyone has a copy.

Best wishes to you all,

Alchemilla

Forrester Apr 15, 2005 14:54:02

Replying to Alchemilla

All good stuff! My uncle said the warriors were chieftains of the defeated side (so, i guess the Celts) who had been such noble opponents that they were honoured in this way, but also the deep roots of the Yew were thought to keep spirits underground instead of wandering around doing mischief. Great to hear that i didn't just imagine all this 30 years and more ago!! I'm also fascinated by the St. Kenelm stuff, so if you know any thing about that (i have a feeling it may be connected in some analeptic way) let me know more.....

Forrester Apr 15, 2005 15:55:19

Replying to Alchemilla

So, Carl Baldacchino of the West Midlands Police thinks "Who Put Bella in the Wych Elm?" is "Just a joke". Honi Soit qui Bell y pense....

wychburyman Apr 15, 2005 23:50:27

Replying to Alchemilla

what a delightful place to grow up.

there is a book written about yews, their age and their historical significance. The Wychbury yews are cited. I forget the author because I've downed too muchwine!