Bowthorpe Oak, Ancient oak tree in Manthorpe, England.
The Bowthorpe Oak is an ancient oak tree in Manthorpe with a trunk circumference of about 13.3 meters at 1.5 meters from ground level, making it among the largest pedunculate oaks in Britain. The tree grows on a working farm and can only be visited during specific seasons.
The tree originated around one thousand years ago and has been documented since 1768, when George Pauncefort built benches around its trunk. This early record suggests the tree's interior was already accessible and served as a gathering place.
The Tree Council selected this oak as one of fifty Great British Trees to mark a royal milestone, making it a symbol of national heritage and enduring natural legacy. Visitors find themselves standing before a living link between centuries of British history and the present day.
Access to the tree is through a working farm that operates only during certain times of year, so check opening days before visiting. The location is quite rural, so plan adequate travel time to reach it.
The tree's hollow interior was spacious enough to seat twenty people for dining – a remarkable natural chamber that is now rarely accessible. This unique cavity once made the tree itself a natural gathering hall for people across generations.
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