Curiosity of the week: the wish tree

Wish trees come in a few different forms, this one has been covered in coins, which are said to have been left in the wood as offerings in exchange for a wish.  There are quite a few wish trees around the UK, we found this one is situated between Grasmere and Rydal in Cumbria.  Coins have been driven into the trunk of the dead tree creating this pretty effect.

Other wish trees have been found at Aira Force, also in Cumbria, and in the Highlands where the tree was made famous by a visit from Queen Victoria in 1877.  If you are out on a walk around the UK keep an eye out for similar trees as they have been found in Cornwall, Yorkshire and north Wales.

This practice of driving coins into the wood can also be found in the beams of old pubs.  In Cumbria The Punch Bowl in Askham is said to have coins that have been pushed into the splits in the old beams.  However there are plenty of examples of old pubs around the UK where airmen from the Second World War were said to have left coins in the wood for much-needed luck.  The Hatton Arms in Gretton, Northamptonshire and The Bulls Head in Clipston, Leicestershire are two examples of this.

If you know of a curiosity that you think should be featured, then drop us an email with a picture and a few words to info@contrarylife.com.  If you’ve spotted a quirky building, unusual architectural feature or some other random object on your travels around the UK then we want to hear from you!