Wraysbury, near Staines, Surrey, TW19 5AD
Ankerwycke Yew
Tiny historic site
Place photograph
5.8
Wildland
Under 1 hour
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Cost
Atmospheric
Feel
Why it's Wildland
5.8A huge yew stands beside the remains of St Mary’s Priory on the Thames: a remarkable living landmark whose history is entwined with, but does not settle, the story of Magna Carta.
A single ancient tree gives this small riverside visit unusual depth: the Ankerwycke Yew stands beside priory ruins, while the disputed Magna Carta connection and story of Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn reward a slower look. It is a compact, distinctive encounter with living history rather than a full-day destination on its own.
Atmospheric · Ancient-feeling · Peaceful
Find your way
Open mapWraysbury, near Staines, Surrey, TW19 5AD
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The experience
Visit the ancient yew and nearby priory remains, taking time to consider the tree’s debated connection to Magna Carta and the local story linking it to Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn.
Things to do
See the Ankerwycke Yew
Take time to appreciate the ancient tree’s scale and form; the Ancient Tree Forum estimates it to be around 2,500 years old.
15–30 minutes
Look for the priory remains
The yew stands close to the ruins of St Mary’s Priory. Explore only where access is permitted and do not enter restricted structures.
15–30 minutes
Weigh the Magna Carta story
Some accounts place the 1215 Magna Carta event by the yew; others place it at Runnymede across the Thames. The location is disputed, making the landscape itself part of the story.
10 minutes
Make a day of it
Quick escape · Under 1 hour
The yew and the priory
- 01
Check access arrangements before travelling and follow the reported short walk from the small National Trust car park.
- 02
Spend time with the Ankerwycke Yew and take in its setting beside the remains of St Mary’s Priory.
- 03
Consider the differing accounts of the tree’s connection to Magna Carta; the exact signing location is disputed.
Half day · Half day
Make a longer walk of it
- 01
Begin at the Ankerwycke Yew and nearby priory remains, subject to current access.
- 02
Continue to Runnymede across the Thames only if you have confirmed a suitable route and crossing; the supplied sources do not establish a direct crossing itinerary from the tree.
- 03
At Runnymede, explore the riverside landscape and the Magna Carta memorials described by the National Trust.
Verified history
The Ankerwycke Yew stands close to the ruins of St Mary’s Priory. The Ancient Tree Forum estimates the tree to be around 2,500 years old and notes that accounts differ over whether Magna Carta was sealed beside it or on the other side of the Thames at Runnymede. The same source reports that the tree is said to be where Henry VIII had early liaisons with Anne Boleyn in the 1530s; this should be treated as a reported story, not a firmly established event.
Folklore & legend
Local accounts associate the yew with Henry VIII’s early meetings with Anne Boleyn. The Magna Carta connection is also disputed: some accounts identify the tree as the place, while others place the event at Runnymede across the Thames. Neither story should be presented as certain fact.
Hidden details
A tree with a disputed Magna Carta connection — The tree is part of competing accounts of where Magna Carta was sealed in 1215; the Ancient Tree Forum notes that other accounts place the event at Runnymede across the Thames.
The priory beside the yew — St Mary’s Priory once stood close to the tree; its remains make the site more than a tree stop.
When to go
· Daylight; check access arrangements before travelling.
The supplied evidence does not identify a standout season for visiting the yew. A dry spell may make the short approach and exploration easier.
Check conditions and current access before setting out; the supplied evidence does not specify the route surface or weather-related closures.
Worth pairing with
Runnymede
The National Trust describes riverside meadows, wetlands, memorials and artworks at Runnymede. The Magna Carta story connects the two places, although a direct crossing route from Ankerwycke is not established by the supplied evidence.
What to look for
Look closely at the yew’s substantial, weathered form and its setting beside the remains of St Mary’s Priory. The Ancient Tree Forum estimates the tree to be around 2,500 years old. Treat stories connecting it to Magna Carta and Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn as disputed history or legend, not established fact.
The story
Folklore & legend, Saints & pilgrimage, Royalty
Best time to go
Any season; choose a dry spell for the short walk and time to explore the tree and priory remains.
A dry daytime visit is practical for the short walk and exploring the tree and ruins. No seasonal opening schedule for the Ankerwycke site is confirmed in the supplied evidence; check before visiting.
How long to spend
Under 1 hour
Perfect for
Solo · Couples · History lovers · Walkers · Photographers
Before you go
Address
Phone
Website
Listed hours
- Monday: Open 24 hours
- Tuesday: Open 24 hours
- Wednesday: Open 24 hours
- Thursday: Open 24 hours
- Friday: Open 24 hours
- Saturday: Open 24 hours
- Sunday: Open 24 hours
Check before visiting.
Google rating
Practical information
Opening & access
The Ancient Tree Forum describes the site as open access, reached by a short walk from a small National Trust car park. Confirm current access and parking arrangements before travelling; the supplied National Trust page covers the wider Runnymede and Ankerwycke property.
Parking
The Ancient Tree Forum describes a small National Trust car park near the tree. Check current availability, access and any charges before setting out.
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Toilets
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Food & drink
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Dogs
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Accessibility
A short walk from the car park is reported, but route surface and accessibility at the Ankerwycke tree are not established by the supplied evidence. Check before visiting.
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Cost
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Check before visiting
Water
River
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Around Ankerwycke Yew
Within 50 km · approximate straight-line distances
