From the Telegraph:

Vandals have destroyed a historic tree whose roots can be linked back to the origins of Christianity nearly 2,000 years ago.

The Holy Thorn tree on Wearyall Hill in Glastonbury, Somerset, is regarded as one of Britain’s most important symbols of Christendom, and is said to be derived from the original planted by Joseph of Arimathea.

The tree is one of several Holy Thorns located around Glastonbury but is arguably the most significant because of its placing on the spot where Joseph visited.
....

Katherine Gorbing, director of Glastonbury Abbey, said: “The vandals have struck at the heart of Christianity. Like the whole town, we are shocked and appalled.

"The tree holds a very special significance all over the world and thousands follow in the footsteps of Joseph of Arimathea, coming especially to see it.

This is the most important tree in Glastonbury and is of exceptional spiritual significance.

Below is a picture of the tree before it was destroyed.



From the website of Glastonbury Abbey:

Arriving at Glastonbury, which was then a series of island hills rising from the flooded Somerset Levels, it is believed that Joseph of Arimathea climbed Wearyall Hill to plant the staff which once belonged to Jesus (which came into his possession at the time of his nephew's death - Joseph being Jesus' last surviving male relative). As the staff was pushed into the fertile soil of Wearyall Hill, it is recorded that it magically took root and sprouted branches and leaves - ecoming Glastonbury's famous Holy Thorn tree.

I love the story, as did many others. How sad that the tree is destroyed.

H/T to Nicholas Knisely at The Lead.

UPDATE: From a suggestion in the comments, I found the Celtic Tree Lore website from which I copied the following quote:

At dawn on Beltane a young woman who wants to remain beautiful for the rest of the year, can go bathe in the dew of the Hawthorn tree while chanting this rhyme:

"The fair maid, who on the first of May,
Goes to the fields at the break of day,
And bathes in the dew from the hawthorn tree,
Will ever strong and handsome be".

What if the lady is not beautiful at the beginning of the year? Does the dew from the hawthorn tree make her beautiful?