Wellingtonia
Wellingtonia (Sequoiadendron giganteum)
- Diameter - (a) 1.33 metres (b) 1.27 metres, Height - (a) 20 metres (b) 20 metres
- Age (Estimated) - 50-80 years
- Crown Spread: (a - on road) North - 4 metres, East - 4 metres, South - 4 metres, West - 3.5 metres (b - in house) North - 5 metres, East - 5 metres, South - 5 metres, West - 5 metres
The Wellingtonia or Giant Redwood is one of the tallest species of tree in the world and comes from the west coast of the United States. Some have been known to exceed a height of 100 metres (over 300ft) and 27 metres in girth. It can live for up to 3,400 years or more and was first introduced to Britain in 1853. It is now one of our most spectacular trees.
These giants could be said to represent two large gateway pillars into Branksome Dene Chine. They stand guard over the final resting place of Charles William Packe who had the mausoleum build for both he and his wife by William Burn in 1869.
Unfortunately, in 1976 the building was broken into and the tombs were desecrated. On 25th March 1991 the Packe family transferred the ownership of the mausoleum to The Borough of Poole. The Council then set aside £25,000 to be spent of restoration of this listed building, and the work was completed in 1993.
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