Estimated to be between 4,000 and 5,000 years old, the Llangernyw Yew in Wales is considered to be one of the oldest and largest trees in the world, and definitely Europe.

The Llangernyw Yew is one of the oldest still-standing trees in Europe. Image credit: Stemonitis

Located in the village of Llangernyw in Conwy County Borough, North Wales, the ancient Llangernyw Yew is a unique specimen of the yew species, known for its longevity, durability, and ability to survive in harsh environments. Yew trees have been revered since ancient times and have been associated with various mythologies, beliefs, and rituals.

The tree is often associated with death, rebirth, and immortality, and is believed to have mystical and spiritual powers. Indeed, the tree’s cleft trunk gives the impression of being an entrance to the afterlife, with a small field of tombstones resting just on the other side of a wooded gateway.

Portal to the afterlife. Image credit: Emgaol

The Llangernyw Yew is said to have been planted in the Bronze Age, around the same time as Stonehenge was built. The tree has survived countless wars, invasions, and natural disasters, including floods, storms, and fires. It is estimated that the tree is 20 meters (65 feet) tall, and its trunk has a circumference of 12 meters (40 feet). Its canopy covers an area of approximately 200 square meters (2,150 square feet), making it one of the largest yew trees in the world.

Over the years, the Llangernyw Yew has been a witness to many historic events and has served as a meeting place, a landmark, and a symbol of endurance and resilience. The tree has also been the subject of many legends and stories, and its enigmatic allure is further heightened by its significance in Welsh mythology. It is believed to be connected to a spiritual entity referred to as Angelystor, also known as the “Recording Angel,” who, on Halloween, predicts the names of parishioners who are destined to pass away before the following year’s Halloween from the altar of a nearby church. To discover if their names were on the Angel’s list, people gather under the church’s east window and listen attentively.

Angelystor, also known as the “Recording Angel,” who, on Halloween, predicts the names of parishioners who are destined to pass away before the following year’s Halloween. Source

According to folklore, a local man named Siôn Ap Rhobert once challenged the existence of the spirit on Halloween night, only to hear his own name being called out, and tragically passed away within a year.

Although the spirit of Angelystor associated with the yew tree has not been scientifically proven, its existence is supported by thousands of years of written records, similar to the tree’s age.

Could Angelystor really dwell here? Image credit: Woodland Trust

The Llangernyw Yew has been a protected site since the 1920s and has been maintained and cared for by the local community and conservation groups. The tree is regularly pruned and monitored for any signs of decay or disease, and measures are taken to protect its roots and prevent soil erosion. The Llangernyw Yew is also featured on the UK’s National Register of Historic Trees, which recognizes trees that are of cultural, historical, or ecological significance. Yes, we should definitely preserve and protect this natural heritage for future generations.