Allerton Oak

Allerton Oak is an ancient oak tree in Calderstones Park and among the oldest trees in England. The tree has a girth of about 5.5 meters and is supported by metal poles installed in 1907 to hold up its heavy branches.

The tree dates back to before the Norman Invasion of 1066 and served as a gathering place for medieval court sessions. It played an important role in the local community long before formal courthouse buildings were constructed.

During World War II, soldiers from Liverpool shared acorns and leaves from the tree as good-luck tokens, spreading its connection far beyond the city. The practice shows how this tree became a symbol of hope for people during difficult times.

The tree is located in Calderstones Park and is easy to reach by following the marked paths through the park. Visitors should be respectful of the metal supports holding the branches and remember this is a living monument that needs care.

The tree survived a major explosion from a gunpowder ship on the River Mersey in 1864 that left a large crack in its trunk. Despite this injury, it continued to grow and still bears marks of this historical wound today.

Location: Liverpool

GPS coordinates: 53.38258,-2.89281

Latest update: December 8, 2025 20:03