Remains of beech tree, preserved in The Barbican, City of London, photographed September 2025.

‘Part of a Beech Tree (Fagus sylvatica) over 500 years old which fell in the forest of Burnham Beeches Buckinghamshire during a storm in January 1990.

Burnham Beeches was purchased by the Corporation of London on behalf of the nation in 1880.  The forest was the favourite haunt of Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy (1808-1847) during his frequent visits to the area he used to sit under this tree gaining inspiration to write several works including the incidental music to ”A Midsummer’s Night’s Dream”.

Presented by the Barbican Horticultural Society to preserve these historic links.  Unveiled by Carl Davies Composer/Conductor 10th April 1993.’