Found on woodland trails up and down the UK, are many felled remains of a wishing tree, that is, a tree with hundreds of coins embedded in its bark. The curious custom is the result of superstitious passer-bys who hammer the coins into the trunks with rocks, in the belief that it will bring them good fortune.
In many examples coins are present from centuries ago when it was believed that divine spirits lived within the trees who could be appeased by such offerings. In one wishing tree a florin dating from around the 14th century was found, whilst Queen Victoria wrote of a visit to a wishing tree in Scotland in 1877.
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The Oddment Emporium
Historical FictionA book based on actual events, a collection of fantastically odd short stories, a cornucopia of eclectic delights with accompanying images on every page.
