Archaeology Notes

Event ID 866249

Category Descriptive Accounts

Type Archaeology Notes

Permalink http://canmore.org.uk/event/866249

NT27SW 4 2008 7255.

Corstorphine Plane. Situated at NT 2072 0855 is a golden or bronze sycamore tree brought as a sapling from the east by a monk in 1429. It is 763 feet high with a girth of 13 feet at 5 feet from the ground. Theory is that it marked the end of the avenue leading to Corstorphine Castle. In 1679 James, Lord Forrester was killed by his own sword beneath this tree by Christian Hamilton or Nimms, for which she was beheaded. Since then she is supposed to haunt the tree.

A N Robertson 1945; Elwes and Henry 1908; Name Book 1855; F H Groome 1901.

The evidence of age and historical associations of the tree is not sufficient to warrant use of German Text. Its traditional interest appears to justify its inclusion in Stump Character.

OS 6"map annotated by C W Phillips.

(NT 2008 7254) The tree is still standing, in good condition; the base is protected by a low stone kerb.

Visited by OS 23 December 1953.

This tree was blown over during a storm in December 1998.

Information from C Drew, 23 February 2000.

The Corstorphine Trust suggests tree was almost 55 feet high [source of suggested 763 feet height above is unknown].

Information from A Old, 22 April 2009.