Jubilee Tree - a golden leaved sycamore. Photo A Curtis (2017).
The 'Jubilee Tree' was planted for Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee in 1897.
In an old photo, the newly planted tree can be seen encased by metal railings set into a curving stone base. Part of the stone base is still visible below the tree, on the grass below the new Library, the railings probably removed during the Second World War. The tree appears to stand nearer to the Methodist Church in the old photo but is today just outside the modern boundary wall that now incorporates the old Hearse House within the garden of Church House.
The old photo is paired with a recent one taken from the same location on the Past & Present page.
In an old photo, the newly planted tree can be seen encased by metal railings set into a curving stone base. Part of the stone base is still visible below the tree, on the grass below the new Library, the railings probably removed during the Second World War. The tree appears to stand nearer to the Methodist Church in the old photo but is today just outside the modern boundary wall that now incorporates the old Hearse House within the garden of Church House.
The old photo is paired with a recent one taken from the same location on the Past & Present page.
Towne Gate (circa 1900) showing the Hearse House (left), Jubilee Houses, Methodist Church and (just left of centre) the young Jubilee Tree surrounded by iron-railings.
The 'Jubilee Tree' at its best in spring. Although we locally know it as a 'Golden Maple', it is probably more likely to be the robust cultivar of the Common Sycamore, Acer pseudoplatanus 'Worleei', also spelt 'Worleii' or even 'Worley', the Golden-Leaved Sycamore Tree.
Compared to the surrounding trees, its early spring leaf colour is a bright yellow-green and the pale green colour is maintained in summer although much less distinctive. The variety is said to have been developed in Germany around 1879, but is now usurped by variagated and more colourful forms.
Compared to the surrounding trees, its early spring leaf colour is a bright yellow-green and the pale green colour is maintained in summer although much less distinctive. The variety is said to have been developed in Germany around 1879, but is now usurped by variagated and more colourful forms.
Base of Jubilee Tree showing remains of stone surround. Photo A Curtis (2014).
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