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The London Plane of Ely

Ely, Cambridgeshire

Recorded by: Not specified

  • Heritage Tree

About the tree

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Species:
London planePlatanus x hispanica
Form:
Maiden
Standing or fallen:
Standing
Living status:
Alive
Girth:
10.50m at a height of 1.50m (estimated) History
Veteran status:
Veteran tree

Location of tree

County:
Cambridgeshire
Country:
England
Grid reference:
TL5395780211
Public accessibility:
Private - not visible from public access (permission required to view)
Surroundings:
Landscape garden, Public or open space, Urban Tree

Comments ({{comments.length}})(2)

  • This tree is reputed to be the oldest plane in England and it is said to have been planted by Bishop Gunning over 300 years ago.

  • https://treecouncil.org.uk/future-of-350-year-old-great-london-plane-of-ely-boosted-by-the-national-lottery-heritage-fund/ Blog published 10th March 2025 confirming that the tree is still alive & well! Some information from the blog: The Great London Plane of Ely is situated in the gardens of the Old Bishop’s Palace, which is home to The King’s School Ely Sixth Form Centre. The tree was planted in around 1674, and is believed to have been a gift from King Charles II to the Bishop of Ely.

  • {{comment.comment}}

Back to summary

The London Plane of Ely

Ely, Cambridgeshire

Recorded by: Not specified

About the tree

Species:
London plane
Form:
Maiden
Standing or fallen:
Standing
Living status:
Alive
Girth:
10.50m at a height of 1.50m (estimated) History
Condition:
Holes or water pockets, Hollowing branches, Hollow trunk - with opening
Veteran status:
Veteran tree
Tree number:
45737
Local or historic name:
The London Plane of Ely
Tag number:

Location of tree

County:
Cambridgeshire
Country:
England
Grid reference:
TL5395780211
Public accessibility:
Private - not visible from public access (permission required to view)
Surroundings:
Landscape garden, Public or open space, Urban Tree
Ancient tree site:
--
Woodland Trust wood:
No

Wildlife

Epiphytes:
Lichen, Moss
Fungi:
Shaggy bracket (Inonotus hispidus), Species not listed
Invertebrates:
--
Bats:
--

Recorded by

Recorded by:
Not specified
Recording organisation:
--
Last visited:
08/04/2026
First recorded:
27/07/2009