Dear Lynn, the Palace was being built in 1497 AD but as the age of these I would have to ask the Palace. Normally you trim them back after Derby day which is a Horse race at Epsom and attended by H.M. Queen.
These things are massive and there are a lot of them. We do have some that are over 2400 years old in Hampshire, or so they say. It is very difficult to tell as the trees rejuvenate themselves even when they fall.
They are highly sacred as they were one of the only evergreen trees in the UK, the other being Holly. It is customary to see ones over 1000 + years old ones in graveyards as they were thought to ward of evil spirits. Indeed even now some people, hang yew outside their doors at Christmas to ward of evil spirits. In parts of the country where there is a lot of them in a circle it denotes a pagan burial site. Especially on clay scars, where you will often see them.
Beware for all parts of them are highly poisonous, and there is no known antidote if the leaves or indeed any part is eaten. The fruit is a drupe and is edible, but he Avril inside it is very toxic, do not take the risk!
They are now used in pharmaceutical work, and in very limited doses are proving successful for many things.
The wood is red inside and highly prized, but that is toxic to work with. It was used to make the English Long Bow, a lethal Bow and arrow.
Neil.
Younger ones as cones in front of the Royal Tennis court. That is the building which looks like a castle.
