Heavitree
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Heavitree is a district of Exeter, Devon, England. Its name is thought to derive from heafod treow (old English for "head tree"), which refers to a tree that either served as a neutral meeting place for Saxon kings, or as a convenient place for hanging criminals.
In 2002, a yew tree in Heavitree churchyard was included among the "50 Great British Trees" to celebrate the Golden Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II. However, it is unlikely that this is the actual tree from which Heavitree gets its name.
Heavitree stone is a type of red sandstone that was formerly quarried in the area and was used to construct many of Exeter's older buildings, including the Guildhall (the oldest municipal building in England that is still in use).