Cedar
It is probably Cedrus libani, usually known as the Cedar of Lebanon, a tree often planted in Victorian and Edwardian times in churchyards. It symbolises strength and spirituality.
The foundation stone for the Crowthorne church of St John the Baptist was laid in 1872, and the church was consecrated in 1873.
The churchyard houses Commonwealth War Graves from both World Wars. Three brothers from the Boyde family are commemorated there, although all were buried abroad. Private Arthur Boyde, Royal Sussex Regiment, was twenty when he died in 1916 at the Somme. His brother, Corporal George Boyde, of the Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry, died in 1917. Private Walter Boyde, from the same regiment, died in 1919, after the cessation of war, possibly from war injuries. One can only imagine what grief must have been visited upon the Boyde family.
In addition, a cross in the churchyard honours those who died and were buried without memorials.
The churchyard is a peaceful, well-kept ground, with headstones for tiny children, and others for those who lived a long and fruitful life. Fresh posies appear on graves from time to time, and not always for the most recently deceased.
The poor Boyde family. It is nice that we're today writing and thinking about them and their sacrifice.
ReplyDeleteThe tree does evoke feeling of safety and permanence.
The shock and grieve many families experienced during the two wars is very hard to understand.
ReplyDeleteMy father served at the Somme, invalided out with crippling leg wounds. He limped for the rest of his life, never spoke of the war, like a lot of other people who've seen combat. There were families who lost all their sons. My mother knew one family like that. Terrible to take all of them into the leaving women at home often with no one left to support the family.
ReplyDeleteThose cedar trees feature in Victorian novels, where families gathered for afternoon tea on Sunday!
Into the military left out a word.
ReplyDeleteIt's a magnificent tree. As sad as they can be, cemeteries are nice places to visit.
ReplyDeleteHow sad about the Boyde family. I can’t imagine how the mother felt losing all three of her sons.
ReplyDeleteThen she needs cedar is a magnificent tree and perfect for a cemetery. I have three California Incense Cedars in my front yard ( they resemble a redwood) and one small one in my back yard. I’m a tree lover so I always notice the trees. 🌲
I am not morbid, but I find cemeteries very peaceful.
ReplyDeleteSo sad to lose so many from one family. I dread another world war, there are five within my family of an age to be called to fight, though none are in the military. We had a huge cedar here within the grounds that got uprooted by a huge wind storm quite recently. Last year I think, it crushed one parked car.
ReplyDeletePerhaps it's odd, but I find most cemeteries/graveyards peaceful and inspiring. They're storied places, and stories (even the saddest ones) bring me solace.
ReplyDeleteThe cedar is magnificent.
ReplyDeleteThat Cedar is wonderful Janice - if it symbolises strength & spirituality then it is perfect for a church yard.
ReplyDeleteA well kept churchyard is such a lovely place to wander, sit and wonder. The cedar is an awesome tree
ReplyDeleteIt's a fine looking tree, our church yard at Portchester castle, St Mary's has some ancient yews.
ReplyDeleteOver the tops of graves, the giant cedars look and feel protective.
ReplyDeleteSad for the Boyd family to have lost so much. That is a beautiful Cyprus tree
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