Merlin's Oak, Ancient oak tree site in Carmarthen, Wales.
Merlin's Oak stood at the intersection of Oak Lane and Priory Street as a prominent landmark in Carmarthen's medieval layout. The tree was notable for its size and age, shaping the town's appearance for centuries until its eventual removal.
A schoolmaster from Queen Elizabeth Grammar School planted the tree in 1660 to commemorate King Charles II's return to the throne. The oak survived for more than three centuries before removal in the late 1900s.
The tree holds deep roots in Welsh folklore and remains central to the town's identity and storytelling traditions. Walking through Carmarthen today, locals still share the old legends that connect this spot to the town's fate and character.
Fragments of the original oak tree are displayed at two locations in Carmarthen: Saint Peter's Civic Hall at Nott Square and Carmarthenshire County Museum. Visiting both sites gives you a fuller picture of the story across different parts of the town.
Shortly after the removal of the dead tree stump in 1978 for traffic improvements, Carmarthen experienced significant flooding. This striking confirmation of the local legend surprised many and deepened the town's connection to its folklore.
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