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Could a 158-year-old tree at Wrest Park, Bedfordshire be Britain’s oldest surviving Christmas tree? English Heritage believes it is and is asking the public to get in touch if they know of an earlier one. The surviving Victorian Christmas tree will be decorated for the first time in a century this week.

The 100-foot Wellingtonia tree (Sequoiadendron giganteum) was planted in the grounds of Wrest Park, Bedfordshire in 1856 by Thomas, Second Earl de Grey, and was brought into the mansion annually for their Christmas celebrations. Once the festivities were over, it was re-planted. After growing too large to be brought indoors it stood forgotten in the extensive grounds for decades until English Heritage gardeners rediscovered its surprising past.

They found a reference to the tree’s original use as a Christmas tree during the Victorian period in an edition of “Gardener’s Chronicle” from June, 1900. The article stated: “It is said to have been planted by the late Mr Snow in 1856, and must therefore have been one of the first introduced into this country.”

“Mr Ford, the late gardener at Wrest Park ... has carried the plant many times from the conservatory to the mansion, and vice versa.”

John Watkins, English Heritage’s Head of Gardens and Landscape, said: “The Christmas tree at Wrest Park is a rare, documented example of a tree that was decorated and replanted annually during the Victorian period. It was planted shortly after the trend for Christmas trees began and we believe it is one of the earliest examples. If anyone knows of an earlier one, we’d like to hear about it! The team at Wrest Park are delighted to restore the tree’s festive cheer this December by decorating it for the first time in more than a century.

“Christmas trees were the height of festive fashion by the 1850’s after being adopted by the Royal family as part of their celebrations. Victorian families would bring in trees from their garden and adorn them with candles, sweets and homemade decorations. Visitors to Wrest Park will be invited to help decorate our special Christmas tree in this traditional style.”

The Wrest Park tree was planted under the care of the festively named gardener Seward Snow and was in regular use by Thomas, Earl de Grey and his daughter Anne. An image of the former head gardener, George Ford next to the tree accompanies the article in Gardener’s Chronicle.

Wrest Park and Gardens will play host to a range of festively themed events this December including traditional wreath making, an audience with Santa Claus and a carol concert.

If you know of an earlier living Christmas tree in Britain, email English Heritage the details along with an image at christmas@english-heritage.org.uk.

For more information please visit: www.english-heritage.org.uk.