An Indian rubber tree planted by former Hamilton postmaster William Bennett Perot has been cut down after being found to be full of decay.

Part of the tree, which was planted in 1847, collapsed onto a preschool roof this month.

As a result, the Corporation of Hamilton brought in tree surgeons from Brown & Co to determine its viability and overall health as well as suitable treatment.

A Corporation of Hamilton spokeswoman said: “Outwardly, the tree looked healthy and vigorous with abundant foliage and a full crown.

“Upon internal inspection, the tree was found to be riddled with numerous cavities and significant decay and rot, not uncommon for a subtropical species of its age.”

Brown & Co suggested that the tree should be cut down to keep residents in the city safe.

The spokeswoman continued: “Any efforts to save the tree would only serve to prolong its inevitable fate and it would remain a safety issue to the public as well as the surrounding buildings.”

Patrick Cooper, a City engineer, said: “The tree’s historical significance is not lost on us but fortunately the tree can and has been propagated to enable it to have a new life to be enjoyed by future generations.”

Andrew Bermingham, from the Bermuda Historical Society, called the City’s decision “very very unfortunate, but it had to be removed”.

Mr Bermingham thanked the City, Charles Gosling, the mayor, and Dwayne Caines, the corporation chief executive, for consulting with environmental groups and considering all other options before deciding to cut down the tree.