Verdun Tree

A very special tree planted in St Albans to commemorate one of the bloodiest battles of the First World War now has an information panel to explain its significance. This was achieved through pressure from members of the Society.

The district council installed the panel, and it was unveiled by St Albans Mayor, Cllr Frances Leonard. Members of the St Albans branch of the Legion attended the ceremony, along with representatives of the Civic Society and the council’s then portfolio holder for heritage, Cllr Annie Brewster.

Cllr Brewster said: “The Verdun Tree is a wonderful historical monument in the very heart of our city that has not received the interest it deserves. This smart new information panel puts it firmly in the spotlight and brings the moving story behind the tree back to life. It will be read by many thousands of people in the years to come. The Civic Society is to be congratulated for the work it has done to ensure the only tree that survived the battle is now going to get more attention. It is fitting that this panel was unveiled on Remembrance Day and in the centenary of the battle itself.”