Community in shock as Holy Thorn in Glastonbury desecrated
People of Glastonbury are in a state of shock after a Holy Thorn site was attacked last night.
The crown of the iconic Holy Thorn tree on Wearyall Hill has been lopped off and dumped – leaving just a 6ft stump protected by an iron cage.
However, it appears attempts were made to remove the cage, implying the vandals wanted the entire tree.
If the tree survives without its crown, it should grow a new supply of thorn.
Police officers are on site this morning (Thursday) and conducting door-to-door enquiries to find any witnesses.
The attack came hours after the annual cutting ceremony by the eldest pupil of St John’s Junior School in Glastonbury Abbey yesterday. The cutting is sent to the Queen as a festive decoration.
Police have pointed out last night’s attack was confined to Wearyall Hill.
Inspector Mark Nicholson said: "A thorough investigation is now taking place and will continue. Police are appealing to anyone who would have been in this remote area, which is popular with dog walkers, to contact the police on 0845 456 7000."
Alternatively you can contact CrimeStoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
The tree was originally planted during the Festival of Britain in 1951 at the site of a stone slab. However, the tree died and a replacement was planted a year later.
Legend has it that Joseph of Arimathea visited the Somerset levels and stuck his staff into the ground of Wearyall Hill, causing the Holy Thorn to take root.
It has survived throughout the centuries, despite being cut down by Cromwell’s Roundheads during the Civil War.
The Holy thorn has no tree preservation order (TPO) which means the vandals are unlikely to be prosecuted. If it was protected by a TPO vandals could face a fine of up to £20,000.
We want to hear how you feel about this act of vandalism on something precious to Glastonbury? Add your comments to the story or email central@midsomnews.co.uk. We will publish the best ones in next week's newspaper.
29 Comments
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by David Davies, Bournemouth
Wednesday, December 15 2010, 10:01PM
“I have just read this on one of the forums. Any news on progress made?
Quote.So far, three Foxes, eight Voles, and six - very keen eye-sighted Barn Owls, are assisting Police in their enquiries. Thermal Imagery software has been imported from the MOD, and, as soon as the inter-face has been effected. the villains will be clearly identified. The tracking information is elementary, the more detailed stuff, will take a day or two extra. Can't wait to see those faces when the results are released! Unquote.”
by Philip David, Glastonbury
Sunday, December 12 2010, 9:22AM
“The history of the tree's origin is lost - that's why there is a legend.
That the Wirral thorn was taken from the original is part of that legend.”
by Jemma Jones, Wiltshire
Sunday, December 12 2010, 5:57AM
“Even though it was planted in 1952, I thought it was from a cutting of the original Holy Thorn tree? Do they have any more trees grown from cuttings of the same tree?”
by davidkolhoff, Fort Wayne, Indiana, USA
Saturday, December 11 2010, 3:37PM
“Glastonbury, I'm sorry to hear of the destruction to your tree. Such acts make no sense because they are senseless acts committed by morons.
I write, however, to also criticize your mayor, Mr. Coles, who is quoted in an AP article as speculating that those morons could be anti-monarchist or anti-Christian "or, someone who's an atheist." Really, Mayor Coles? You think someone would do this because he's an atheist. Just proves that the tree vandals in Glastonbury aren't the only morons present.
Your truly,
David the Atheist”
by David Kolhoff, Fort Wayne, Indiana, USA
Saturday, December 11 2010, 3:33PM
“Glastonbury, I'm sorry to hear of the destruction to your tree. Such acts make no sense because they are senseless act committed by morons.
I write, however, to also criticize your mayor, Mr. Coles, who is quoted in an AP article as speculating that those morons could be anti-monarchist or anti-Christian "or, someone who's and atheist." Really, Mayor Coles? You think someone would do this because he's an atheist. Just proves that the tree vandals in Glastonbury aren't the only morons there.
Yours truly,
An atheist from America”
by Dave Dowell, Burnham on Sea
Saturday, December 11 2010, 11:44AM
“Just plant another one!
The one that was cut down was only planted in 1952 according to the article, to replace one that had died from the year before.
So quite where you all think it acquired some kind of fabled sancitity from I have no idea. Get a grip people, it's a tree.
I'm sure the local Garden Centre can help you with getting another one. http://www.parkgardencentres.co.uk/cheddar/garden-centre.aspx”
by Vyvyan Baxter, New Zealand (formerly of Cheddar)
Friday, December 10 2010, 9:49PM
“While I deplore this needless act of desecration I have to ask why, if this tree is of such historical and spiritual importance, is their not a protection order on it? It may not have stopped the damage being done but at least those responsible would have been able to be prosecuted.”
by Caroline Pettit, Norfolk UK
Friday, December 10 2010, 8:45PM
“I was so shocked to hear the news, myself, husband and family have been coming to Glastonbury on years holidays and other visits for nearly fourteen years, we all love the town, it's people and of course the massive spiritual significance that Glastonbury is built on.
Why would someone do such a thing ?. I was there only just this September and spent a lovely evening on Wyreall Hill watching the sunset, the stars come out and the foxes scampering about. Both myself and my husband said it was one of the nicest evenings of our visit sitting up there next to the Thorn and how much we where looking forward to doing it again next year.
We are both so so saddened to hear this news and see these images, lets hope mother earth will help it grow and crown again in the spring.”
by Gustavo, Spain
Friday, December 10 2010, 5:40PM
“The attack on the Holy Thorn is a cowardly crime. It is an attack on a symbol that we were identified men and women of all religions, cultures and countries. when I made the pilgrimage to Glastonbury, I have visited this tree. My wife and I were married in their shade. Right now I just want to return to his crown flourish for future generations can enjoy it.”
by Kathleen, USA
Friday, December 10 2010, 4:27PM
“Thank you, Philip David of Glastonbury for your earlier post:
"I don't know why it's such a shock. Glastonbury is constantly being desecrated - it has been for centuries.
It's sanctity is not in a tree though - or in anything that can be destroyed." Your words have been the only thing I have read about this horrific act that has brought comfort to me - you are so correct in that Glastonbury sanctity cannot be destroyed by a reckless human act - -for Glastonbury lives in the realm of the heart and, though an act like this is a direct assault, it cannot cut the heart out of Glastonbury as She lives in the hearts and souls of all who seek her graces with an open heart and mind.”