Sweet Chestnut, Castanea sativa if you don’t mind.
It’s October 1851 and welcome to my wood, since 1725 this is where I’ve stood. It’s only now I sense changes like I never thought I would.
The Ellesmere’s, have carved a garden inside my very wood, fortunately, I wasn’t in the way because of where I stood.
To the East chimneys are smoking, industry abound, with Naysmith’s steam hammer shaking the very ground.
To the South beyond the narrow sea is Chat Moss, with hardly a tree.
To the North and West are coal mines, really dangerous places to be.
I suppose being in a garden is safest for a tree.
Queen Victoria and the Duke of Wellington are here in Worsley. They travelled along the Iron road and then by the narrow sea.
On board the Ellesmere’s barge there was so much to see, there were thousands of scrubbed up faces just full of glee, but, I’m sure they are all hungry and there’s not much in for tea.
Suddenly as darkness fell and I began to rest, the whole wood lit up brightly, what could this manifest be? Fortunately, I’m wearing my Autumn crown which lit up regally, as everyone can see!
The the royal party came out onto the terrace and all stood in awe. “Electric light” said Naysmith with a certain amount of glee, followed by my chestnuts, no doubt, with game for their tea.
I’ve never cast a daylight shadow to the South of where Im stood, I really hope this doesn’t last for good.
The days are often thick with smoke and now its light at night. I much prefer brightness in the daytime and darkness in the night!