The trees of Preston Green
In the nineteenth century, Preston Green was criss-crossed by roads wide enough to drive a cart
along. It was dominated by five elm trees. Planted in 1761, the elms commemorated the coronation
of King George III.
Sketch map 1872c showing Preston Green and the five elms.
Red Lion
Nearly two hundred years later, the saplings had grown into giants and a report said that some were
in a dangerous condition - although, it was added, there was no need for them to be felled. The
representatives of the deceased owner of the Green, Mr Barrington-White, debated the future of the
elms with Hitchin Rural District Council.
In January 1946, the County Surveyor wrote that he was not aware of any suggestion that the trees
should be felled – but before his letter was delivered, the first elm had been cut down. Despite efforts
to halt the destruction of the four remaining trees, they too were felled.
A consequence of this unsatisfactory situation was that Preston Green (together with land at Crunnells
Green and the verge between the eastern boundary of Temple Dinsley and the St Albans Highway)
was purchased for £5 which was raised by public subscription. After consulting the Conservator of the
Forests of the City of London, lime and thorn trees were planted to replace the elms.
On the occasion of the coronation of another monarch, Elizabeth II, in 1953 another tree was planted
at Preston Green – an oak. The sapling had sprouted from an acorn taken from the tree at Hatfield
Park under which Elizabeth I had been sitting when she heard news that she had acceded to the
throne.
The young tree was planted by the oldest Preston resident, Herbert Sharp (88 – baptised 12
November 1865) and one of the youngest boys, William Stanley (3) who was the grandson of Mrs
Harry Worthington (see below. I suggest that Bill is the little boy who is fourth from the left in the front
row).
Preston Green in 1946 after the elms were felled
Views of Preston Green after the new trees were planted
Preston Green not dominated by trees - Pryor House can be clearly seen
Autumn 2008 - the trees are growing more mature
