Emma A not so hardy tree in London has fallen
What was one of the “secret” places to visit in London is now covering the world’s front pages as what is known as The Hardy Tree has fallen. The old ash tree which is (was?) encircled with overlapping gravestones has fallen over.
The St. Pancras cemetery was impacted by the growth of rail. In order to expand the railway, graves within St Pancras cemetery would have to be moved. Architect Arthur Blomfield assigned the job to his assistant, Thomas Hardy who oversaw the work.
Legend has it that gravestones were placed together on a mound with an ash tree planted in the middle as a memorial. The tree became known as The Hardy Tree after the Under the Greenwood Tree, Far from the madding crowd and Tess of the D’Urbervilles author.
The tree may have given up guarding the gravestones, but the unusual site is still there…for now.
Where
St Pancras Old Church, Pancras Road, London, NW1 1UL
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