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Pocahontas Heacham mulberry tree DNA test 'inconclusive' | Pocahontas Heacham mulberry tree DNA test 'inconclusive' |
(1 day later) | |
Tests aiming to establish the truth of a legend claiming that Pocahontas planted a mulberry tree in Norfolk have proved inconclusive. | Tests aiming to establish the truth of a legend claiming that Pocahontas planted a mulberry tree in Norfolk have proved inconclusive. |
The Native American travelled to England in 1616 with husband John Rolfe after helping save a colonialist's life. | The Native American travelled to England in 1616 with husband John Rolfe after helping save a colonialist's life. |
Legend has it she planted a mulberry tree at a manor house in Heacham, where Rolfe was from. | Legend has it she planted a mulberry tree at a manor house in Heacham, where Rolfe was from. |
But DNA analysis of the tree and others have proved inconclusive. | But DNA analysis of the tree and others have proved inconclusive. |
Rolfe and Pocahontas spent 10 months in England - before her death in Gravesend, Kent, in 1617 - when it is said that while visiting her husband's family home in Heacham, she planted a tree in the area, | |
The tree - in the same spot, but now in the grounds of Heacham Manor Hotel - still produces fruit. | |
From prisoner to palace guest | From prisoner to palace guest |
Researchers at the Forestry Commission carried out DNA research following claims by a retired Heacham resident who has extensively researched the Pocahontas legend. | Researchers at the Forestry Commission carried out DNA research following claims by a retired Heacham resident who has extensively researched the Pocahontas legend. |
It was hoped this might establish a DNA connection between the hotel's tree and other very old mulberry trees at Buckingham Palace, Syon House in west London and Narford Hall, Norfolk. | It was hoped this might establish a DNA connection between the hotel's tree and other very old mulberry trees at Buckingham Palace, Syon House in west London and Narford Hall, Norfolk. |
It was thought Pocahontas might have visited one of these trees and collected seeds, and research could establish whether they were forebears of the Heacham tree. | It was thought Pocahontas might have visited one of these trees and collected seeds, and research could establish whether they were forebears of the Heacham tree. |
Joan Cottrell, from the Forestry Commission, said scientists had "attempted to fingerprint" eight trees "but failed to get clear results". | Joan Cottrell, from the Forestry Commission, said scientists had "attempted to fingerprint" eight trees "but failed to get clear results". |
She said tests showed the eight trees "probably" belonged to the same clone, but that the work was "not conclusive". | She said tests showed the eight trees "probably" belonged to the same clone, but that the work was "not conclusive". |
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