Congresbury Church

The Yew trees in the church yard are said to be the relatives of an ancient tree which sprouted from a staff planted in the ground by St Congar. Yew trees grow very slowly and are often found in ancient churchyards. In many cases they are the descendants of ancient trees planted when the church was first built. The story may be a folk memory related to the original planting.

The site seems to have been important in ancient times and may be a developed site of early worship. King Ine was so impressed by the story of the sprouting staff that he gave lands to a Monastery nearby.

There is also a legend that King Edgar was cursed when he rode through the sacred area while hunting. He is said to have died soon afterwards.

Directions: Congresbury reached from A370 from Bristol or junction 21, M5.