A BEECH tree which grew from a sapling during the early years of Queen Victoria’s reign has been felled.

The 90ft copper beech in Queens Garden, Bromley, was estimated to be around 160 years old but had been left severely decayed by meripilus giganteus - a disease which destroys tree roots.

Executive councillor for environment Colin Smith said: “It was quite moving and not just a little humbling watching it come down.

“Until its sad end, this magnificent tree had literally seen history pass by - Charles Darwin’s famous book, the Origin of Species, had just been published and the nearby Palace Estate was still open land.”

A new tree will now be planted in its place - one of an estimated 860 due to be planted by the local authority this year.