There are about 800 yew trees in the churchyards of England and Wales, which is a large proportion of the British population. Internationally, Britain is a stronghold of veteran yew trees and so these churchyard yews are really important on a global level. They are a national treasure which deserves recognition and celebration. The yew tree in Kemble churchyard is believed to date from Anglo Saxon times, so may have been planted when land in Kemble was granted to the Abbot of Malmesbury in 682.
It is difficult to work out the age of a yew tree such as Kemble's because the centre is hollow with a new tree growing in the middle.
We have estimated its age with the aid of string, a tape measure and a reputable yew tree age calculator* as between 1000 and 1300 years old, which makes it an ancient tree, predating the establishment of England as a country.
* We used the calculator from Tree-Ring Services - Yew Trees
The conservation charity, Caring for God’s Acre holds a ‘Love your yew week’ in February. In 2026, we have been asked to clear beneath the tree’s canopy, taking out plants such as ivy, which might affect its growth. In November 2025 we had a working party to remove ivy, brambles and Lords and Ladies, so our tree should be ready for the year ahead.
Caring For God's Acre – the conservation charity for burial grounds across the UK