The Major Oak of Sherwood Forest
Oh Merry Meeeenn! That's one of the first thoughts that comes to mind when you see the name "Sherwood Forest". No, we're not talking about the Sherwood Forest Faire in Texas. We're talking about THE Sherwood Forest, of Nottinghamshire County, in the heart of England! It's impossible to count how many books, movies, and other forms of entertainment have been inspired by the tale of Robin Hood (although, unlike some other Robin Hoods, we know at least one that can speak with an English accent). With all the myths, legends, and rumours that have sprung throughout the decades, we'll focus on one that is quite real and still around to this very day: The Major Oak, the very tree believed to be the hideout of Robin Hood's outlaw gang.
The Major Oak gained its present name of Major from Major Hayman Rooke, who first documented the oaks of Sherwood in the late 1700s. No one can say its exact age, but it's widely believed to be between 800 - 1,200 years old. Despite this uncertainty, it has been confirmed to have reached "ancient tree" status - when trees reach 400 years old - by 1710, when St. Paul's Cathedral was built using timber harvested from Sherwood Forest. It is what is considered a "maiden" tree, having a single main trunk and a substantial round branch structure, leaving very little room for any competing trees to invade its space and inhibit its growth over the centuries. In fact, the numbers on this tree are quite staggering: Its trunk circumference is 11 meters (36 feet) and the crown at its peak vitality was 28 meters wide (92 feet)! Knowing these facts, it's easy to be awestruck by imagining what the tree could have witnessed. Countless hunting trips hosted by famous English kings, the growth and decline of trees as they were harvested for landmark buildings, and of course how easily it could have hidden a rogue group of men (in tights) from a greedy and dangerous Sheriff of Nottingham!
Alas, this brief history does have its sad notes. As of June 2026, it has been determined by the RSPB, who cares for the forest, that the tree has officially met its "death" due to no leaves having been produced this past spring. The tree over the past decade has been showing signs of decline due to poor health, but until this year, has continued to produce leaves every season. So while the tree itself may no longer be living, it will continue to be a source of inspiration and insight to people all over the world, while continuing its service as the home and breeding ground for much of the wildlife that has the privilege to call Sherword Forest its home, for many more years yet to come.
Want to live out your own role within the tale of Robin Hood? Shop our Robin Hood hats and begin your own adventure with Robin's Merry Men!
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