A clone of Samuel Johnson’s beloved willow tree has been planted at Stowe Pool in Lichfield.
The fifth-generation willow, grown from a tree dating to the 1700s, has been planted in Lichfield to honour Samuel Johnson, the city’s influential figure in English literature. As it was greatly admired and enjoyed by Samuel, successive generations have replanted the willow in his memory.
As the author of the first English dictionary, Samuel Johnson (1709-1784) is local hero in Lichfield, with a local museum dedicated to his legacy. However, one thing you may not know is that he was fond of a particular crack willow that grew beside Stowe Pool, a reservoir near Lichfield Cathedral. The majestic tree was close to his father’s parchment factory and was originally known as the Lichfield Willow, but later renamed Johnson’s Willow in his memory.
“The Johnson Society is grateful to Lichfield District Council for its hard work and collaboration on perpetuating Johnson’s Willow. Today’s replanting means that this unique link with Samuel Johnson and his era will live on.”
John Winterton, Heritage Officer of the Johnson Society
“I am very proud we have been a part of this historic tree planting. Well done to Paul Niven, our community gardener, who took the cutting and has been tending it for almost three years, so that Johnson’s Willow can be enjoyed at Stowe Pool for years to come.”
Councillor Iain Eadie, Cabinet Member responsible for Parks, Lichfield District Council
The original tree blew down in 1829, and descendants have been planted in the same spot ever since. In October 2021, the fourth generation, suffering from decay, was felled. Luckily cuttings had been taken several years earlier and grown in the Lichfield District Council’s Community Garden at Beacon Park, resulting in a batch of fifth generation trees. One was chosen to continue the long line of willows at Stowe Pool; three are growing at the National Memorial Arboretum, Staffordshire.
For more on Samuel Johnson and his willow, @SamJohnsonSoc on twitter or visit: johnsonnew.wordpress.com