THREE magnolia trees were planted across Devon this week to commemorate the installation of the Archbishop of Canterbury, in recognition of her three years as Bishop of Crediton in the diocese of Exeter, a post which she held from 2015 to 2018.

The Bishop of Exeter, Dr Mike Harrison, said that the trees had been chosen for a number of reasons, one of which was that the Archbishop herself had recently planted two magnolia trees at the entrance to Lambeth Palace to symbolise “new beginnings, hope and patience” in her ministry.

“Picking up on that theme, and conscious of her connections with Devon as a former Bishop of Crediton, we are marking her installation as the new Archbishop by planting three magnolia trees [in Devon].

“Just as magnolia trees symbolise perseverance, renewal and joy we pray that these dimensions may be evident in her ministry in the coming years, and we give thanks for her willingness to take on this daunting but vitally important leadership role.”

One of the three trees was planted in churchyard of Holy Cross parish church in Crediton, which is the seat of the Bishop of Crediton. The second was planted in the grounds of the Hospiscare ward at Searle House in Exeter, in recognition of the Archbishop’s service as the NHS’s Chief Nurse and Vice-President of Hospiscare.

The third tree was planted by the Bishop of Exeter in the garden of the Bishop’s Palace, next to Exeter Cathedral.