Oak trees would have once littered the countryside in the United Kingdom and whilst they are still the most prevalent tree in England, their numbers have dwindled dramatically. They have been mentioned in folklore tales and songs throughout the ages and provided shelter and food for many woodland animals. Druids would once have worshipped between these trees and couples married beneath the spreading branches and villagers would carry acorns as lucky charms believing they would bring them good health and prosperity.
Oak trees and the Royal Navy have long had a close relationship. This is due to the fact that the wood from the trees is strong and durable and makes for a great construction material and this was the material of choice for the Navy until the latter part of the 19th Century. It is still used in construction nowadays to build houses, furniture and even a Bespoke Oak Carport like the ones you can see at www.bespoaktimberframes.co.uk
Oak trees live for around 1,000 and the can grow up to around 45 metres tall with a canopy equally as wide. This is one of the man reasons that these trees are steeped in magic and mystery. There are a number of well-known oaks throughout the country and here are a few of them along with their individual stories.
A Royal Oak to save a future King
The Royal Oak in question is located in the grounds at Boscobel House. The story goes that the young prince – soon to be King Charles II hidden from the Roundheads after the Battle of Worcester in 1651. If the Parliamentarians had found the young prince the future of the country and monarchy would have been very different.
An oak that watched royalty dancing
Queen Elizabeth’s Oak dates back past the 12th Century and is once thought to have been where King Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn danced around as well as being a popular picnic spot for Queen Elizabeth I. The tree was unfortunately damaged and brought down completely during a storm in 1991 but the main part f the tree has been left lying in its once proud standing place.
The Oak that sheltered some merry men
Probably one of the most famous Oak trees in stories and folklore is that of the tree in Sherwood Forest that reportedly provided shelter and a home for Robin Hood and his band of Merry Men.
