I'd say Magnolia Grandiflora.

Definitely Magnolia grandiflora

Yup lovely flowers

And they smell lovely.

Another one for the wish list! :-)

Everyone, I just wanted to say a huge thanks to you all ... I had wondered whether this could possibly be a magnolia by the shape of the beautiful flower, but rather thought it was too late in the season! I think others who saw this beautiful tree at the weekend are going to be equally surprised!

Part of the beauty of the tree is that it's obviously very mature ... and it emblazens part of an old school house building, now being used for residential accommodation. It just happens to stand outside the kitchen window of my son's and his fiance's apartment ... how wonderful is that? ;-)

Anyway, thank you all again. I'm most grateful

GB