The so-called Milton Mulberry was planted in 1609 in the Fellow's Garden. Milton may well have known the tree, but did not plant it. This magnificent, sprawling tree is supported by props that were added after the tree was uprooted in a storm ni 1795. The tree is also supported by a mound which was added in the 19th century to encourage the heavy branches to layer (produce rooting shoots). Archive illustrations of the tree show it standing upright, albeit at an angle and without the mound. According to historian Nick Chrimes the tree was part of an attempt at sericulture as others were purchased and sheds were built for raising silkworms. [see the Appendix to the second edition of his fascinating book Cambridge: Treasure Island in the Fens]. Read the fascinating story here: https://www.moruslondinium.org/research/cambridge-mulberries

Find out more at www.moruslondinium.org/research/cambridge-mulberries

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