QUEEN ELIZABETH’S OAK

QUEEN ELIZABETH’S OAK

This huge oak tree dates back to the 12th century, and has a strong link to the Tudor Royal Family.

According to legend, King Henry VIII once danced around this oak tree with Anne Boleyn.

Their daughter Queen Elizabeth I, was said to have often taken refreshment, whilst relaxing in its shade.

By the time of the Tudors, the ancient oak tree in Greenwich Park, was already around 400 years old.

Greenwich Park, is one of the eight Royal Parks in London.

Although the tree died sometime in the 19th century, the patchwork of ivy that had grown around it had held it upright for a further 150 years!

The soil that had been propping up the decrepit old oak, was washed away, during a rain storm in 1991, leaving the tree free to fall back to earth.

The tree is still there, at a rather horizontal angle and covered in a wonderful variety of bugs and fungus.

Alongside it is a new baby oak, planted in its memory by The late Duke of Edinburgh back in 1992.

A plaque was erected, dedicated to the legacy of this grand and ancient tree.