These two trees are essentially brothers, but what sets them apart is the astonishing environment in which they have developed and grown

These two trees are very different in size and nature, but are united by the central element of their history – fire.

Despite their very different climatic situations, these two venerable trees have defied the passage of time.

Despite their obvious differences, what characterises and links these two trees most is the human attachment to them. Friars live beside the Italian Cypress tree, perpetuating the legend linked to it and to Saint Francis of Assisi. For the Upmeyer Oak, which bears the name of its benefactors, the same family has been looking after it down through the generations.