Framlingham - Saint Michael's Church (Suffolk)

One of the nicest examples of wellingtonia can be found in the grounds of the church of Saint Michael in Framlingham. Just a short walk from the market square, this historic church holds many interesting features, including the ornate tombs of notable people going back through many centuries. The oldest is that of Thomas Howard, 3rd duke of Norfolk. Thomas died in 1554, a year after the chancel was rebuilt. He was a rather fortunate man, since although in 1547 king Henry VIII had ordered that he was to be executed, the king died the night before the event was due and so Thomas managed to hang on to his head for another seven years. Coincidence? Perhaps not... The most notable feature of the church, however, is the Giant Redwood in the graveyard. This fine example has a nice shape, and although quite close to a Yew, is not cramped by the surrounding trees. If you are passing, and have time, I can recommend stopping for a pot of tea at the cafe in the market square, then a wander around the church and the tree, followed by a walk to the ruins of Framlingham castle.

Common Names	Latin Names	Girth	Date Measured
Giant Redwood, Wellingtonia	Sequoiadendron giganteum	4.77m	November 2004
Girth was measured at 1.5m from ground.