A CHERISHED tree planted by the founders of a County Durham museum has been felled after nearly 150 years at the site.

The Monkey Puzzle tree was installed by John and Joséphine Bowes, when they founded The Bowes Museum, in Barnard Castle, in 1871.

Documents from the museum's archives tell of how it was purchased that year for 15 guineas and cost more than any of the paintings the couple had bought for the museum, trumping even the pearls of the collection by El Greco or Goya.

Provided by a Mr Lane of Great Berkhampsted, the tree - an endangered species native to South America - was transported from the South by train.

The journey was troublesome as it was too large for one carriage but the Bowes’ hopes were answered when it became the first tree to be planted in the grounds and stood proudly when the museum was officially opened in 1892.

Letters between John and Josephine and their agent also reveal how important the tree was to them.

In the museum’s blog, a letter from John’s agent in 1861 revealed there were a number of monkey-puzzle trees at John’s nearby family home at Streatlam Castle but these had perished after a harsh winter.

The blog, which is entitled Strong Roots: A Eulogy for a Tree, was written in 2016 and said: “This specific genus of tree may well have had some sentimental value for him.

"It is clear from the correspondence that Joséphine, too, was attached to it, as a letter from 1872, a year after it was planted, shows Joséphine to be especially concerned that the tree thrive in its new environment.

“She is, John tells us, ‘anxious to know how the araucaria sent from London is going on’.”

In 2016 the tree came to the end of its life, with its trunk the only part of it remaining.

Thankfully, a previous museum curator in the 1980s had anticipated the scenario and had a new one planted beside the original.

A spokeswoman for the museum confirmed the tree was felled on Tuesday, May 5, on the advice of the museum's tree surgeon.

Jon Old, the museum’s conservation manager said: "In the interests of public safety, it had to come down.”

However, thanks to plans by the museum's newly established Bowes Centre ofr Art, Craft and Design, the tree will live on in a new piece to be designed from its trunk.

Matthew Read, director at The Bowes Centre said: “As part of the newly established Bowes Centre for Art, Craft and Design’s vision and activity, we are planning an exciting creative project involving local highly skilled craftspeople to turn the Monkey Puzzle wood and its important heritage into desirable craft pieces.

“Watch this space to hear more about how you can get involved in this innovative project to give John Bowes’ tree the legacy it deserves.”

To find out more about the history of the tree and it's connection to the museum visit thebowesmuseum.wordpress.com/2016/11/04/strong-roots-a-eulogy-for-a-tree/

For more information about the museum visit thebowesmuseum.org.uk