125. Old Town Copper Beech
A reminder of another era is a welcome sight in Swindon.
Swindon’s former Museum and Art Gallery on the Bath Road is distinguished by an eye-catching copper beech which towers above the buildings, acting as a much loved Old Town landmark. As it grows next to a stretch of early-nineteenth-century buildings, it is likely the tree was planted at that time, a legacy of old Swindon before the railway arrived.
Species details
Copper beech
Fagus sylvatica ‘Purpurea’
Where to find it
Swindon Museum and Art Gallery, Bath Road, Swindon SN1 4BA
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Copper beech notes
Copper beech is a bit of a misnomer. It is the common name for these magnificent purple-leaved trees I first came across when I was a child, and I always wondered where they got that ‘copper’ name from. Having been enjoying copper beeches for decades, I have concluded the name refers to the fleeting few days in spring when the new leaves unfurl displaying a brilliant orange-tan colour that appears translucent, and quite plausibly like shining copper. Although ‘copper beech’ is not really the most accurate name, I do so much prefer it to the more logical ‘purple beech’. It sticks in the memory for its very inaccuracy, and to call something ‘purple-leaved’ lumps a magnificent form of beech in with other purple-leaved trees like purple-leaved Norway maples, and plums, both of which I am far less fond.
Other copper beeches
Last tree walk of the year
Next Saturday, 2nd November, I’ll be leading a guided walk around Finsbury Park in north London. Being a fair weather tree guide, this will be, barring a last minute booking, my final tree walk of the year. So if you’ve been meaning to come on one of my walks, this is your last chance until the spring. It’s in collaboration with the Friends of Finsbury Park, and it’s free!
Gorgeous!
We have one of those growing across the street! Or perhaps it's a Maple cultivar. My wife thinks it's a plum, but I don't think so. No plums!