English: Yew Tree, St James Church Medieval people perceived the yew tree to be a symbol of immortality. This belief is almost certainly a throwback to pagan times. There is evidence to suggest yew trees encircled Bronze Age round barrows and other burial sites. Another reason the yew was confined to the churchyard is that it is deadly poisonous to livestock (which were not allowed to wander onto the hallowed ground). The mature yew also provided a source of bow making timber to keep the Englands archers supplied with weapons.