Hello Friends! I just finished a post (it's the next post below this one) on the Musee Carnavalet and as I was getting off of the computer and saw this, I just had to share, in case you have not heard...Marie Antoinette's tree in her treasured Hamlet has toppled from the severe storm that hit France and Spain. The tree survived the French Revolution, the years, and a devastating 1999 storm, but high winds have toppled a huge and ancient beech tree planted for Marie Antoinette over two centuries ago in the Versailles grounds.
All photos via Fox News"Imagine how an old tree in Versailles is vulnerable to the wind," gardener Alain Baraton told AP Television News on Tuesday. "That was all it took to cause the tree to fall and crash."
The 82-foot tall Purple Beech tree, one of the very last trees in the Queen's hamlet dedicated to her in the vast royal park, was felled Friday by a fierce winter gust.
The 223-year-old tree's collapse exposed a jumble of roots, dirt and grass, was the latest victim to the Queen's Versailles vegetation after her most loved Oak tree died in a severe heat wave (in 2003).
The beech(in case you love the Latin form: Facus Sylvatica Purpura) had its own plaque showing the year it was planted (1786). 10 years ago, it had been damaged but survived an even more destructive storm that knocked down thousands of trees at Versailles and devastated the grounds.
Following that storm, the tree's roots had grown moldy and shrunk, they could no longer hold the weight.
The beech will get an unceremonious and unroyal (however, Green)finish: It will be cut up and sold to paper makers.
Just as I was finishing this post I saw a report that said at least 21 people died in the winter storm that hit France and Spain last week and my thoughts and prayers go out to those families. Much more important than a tree. I had no idea in my little corner of the world that it had been so severe. I hope people will be able to recoup their land, their crops, homes, etc.
Poor tree... the colours of it are... or I should say were gorgeous!
ReplyDeletePeople often say that weathering a storm makes you stronger but in this case the reverse was true. The strength of centuries is knocked over from a hard push after the weakening blow. Don't you wonder if Marie A ever sat under this tree, or touched it, or recognized it? Thanks for the interesting post, you have so much compassion for others, Judith, even trees. (I'm also a friend of these 'earth partners.') Have you read my last post on perspective and change? I wrote about falling down, too. :-) <3
ReplyDeletePeople often say that weathering a storm makes you stronger but in this case the reverse was true. The strength of centuries is knocked over from a hard push after the weakening blow. Don't you wonder if Marie A ever sat under this tree, or touched it, or recognized it? Thanks for the interesting post, you have so much compassion for others, Judith, even trees. (I'm also a friend of these 'earth partners.') Have you read my last post on perspective and change? I wrote about falling down, too. :-) <3
ReplyDeleteOh how sad!!!
ReplyDeletePoor tree , what a pity !
ReplyDeleteO my how sad for the tree but worst for lost of life.I wish they would do more for the tree than use it for paper.Hugs Marie Antionette
ReplyDeleteI am doubly saddened. The history lover side of me is pained by the loss of this 'memory' tree- and then I think of the unimaginable loss that family and friends of those killed by the storm must be feeling. Sadly,this storm with all its tragedies is now a part of history as well.
ReplyDeleteMy Dear Judith, isn't it strange how much a tree can bring you so much emotions. I always protect my very own ones in the backyard when someone complains about them, especially in the autumn for all the leafs coming off and swirl around. I kind of like that.
ReplyDeleteStorms are however horrendous, there are still fresh memories of the last major storm in 2005, in the south of Sweden. A quantity of timber of a size of normal airport runway was stored.....
I do not fancy storms very much, can't sleep.
Xoxo,
Ingela
what a tragedy. That tree has seen things that many of us can only dream of. Thanks for sharing this Judith. xoxo.
ReplyDeleteWhat a shame, I am sad to hear about this storm! One hit the country when I lived there as well and caused so much destruction! My thoughts and prayers go out to all touched by this tragic thrasing of nature.
ReplyDeleteSo very sad .
ReplyDeleteI can't help but seeing it as an omen for the stormy times we live -- -and so much of our world crumbling.
Judith de SFe
I have read only a little about this dreadful storm. I didn't realize its destuction had been so great. I am truly sorry and send you my thoughts and prayers.
ReplyDeleteOh...my...I had no idea it had been so violent..i thought there were big storms in the southwest only..
ReplyDeletei was glad to read that le Marais is one of your favorite districts in Paris. I used to live rue Vieille-du-Temple and loved it !
there is one museum though in that area, i've never been to and it's a shame because it holds amazing objects and items, it's the Musée de la Serrurerie (locksmithing).
Perhaps you visited it...
à bientôt !
Very sad... Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteBy the way, you have a lovely blog!
Best wishes.
You are welcome to visit mine, at
crossoflaeken.blogspot.com
Hi Judith,
ReplyDeleteI read your last post and was so sad. What is happening with the weather? It all feels very ominous. I will say a prayer for all the people who have lost loved ones and that there are no more. Thanks for all your words of encouragement about my new blog. I am a little nervous with this new world and eager to figure it all out. Your blog is beautiful and I am looking forward to reading more!
Carol
gatheringshome.com
Hi Judith!
ReplyDeleteThanks for visiting. When you find out why the "xoxo" is bad, please let me know as I don't want to offend anyone. However, until then.. XOXOXO*smiles*
Oh my gosh, I have been in a bubble! This is the first I've seen of this story. How very sad. I am going to look for my photographs of the Hameau to see if I have it in one of my shots.
ReplyDeleteThanks for keeping me up to date on the latest news from Versailles!
Love,
Catherine
What a tragedy. On all counts.
ReplyDelete:(
xo Isa
Oh my Gosh! That is truly so sad. I guess the plus is the tree will be made into paper~which is lovely!
ReplyDeleteI feel awful... I had no idea that so many people died.. here in the US unless I watch the BBC...
ReplyDeleteThe tree crashing gives me a weird uneasy feeling.. So many things are happen and all are full of such drama.. makes you think... and pray ... and hope
That is really sad.
ReplyDelete