Lincolnshire is home to the famous Bowthorpe Oak, which was probably already a young sapling the year William the Conqueror arrived. Given the damage done in 1768, it’s a wonder that this ancient oak has survived this long.

Video of Bowthorpe Oak

History of the Bowthorpe Oak

The Bowthorpe Oak germinated from an acorn around the same time as the Norman Conquest of England. Today, it is more than 1,000 years old, and boasts a circumference of a whopping 13.5 metres (44 feet).

It’s perhaps somewhat surprising the historic living tree has made it this far. In 1768 a scheme saw the trunk hollowed out, and a door, floor, and benches for 20 people fitted. There was even a pigeon house constructed in the tree’s crown! 

This short film may be shaky and unedited, but in less than a minute and a half, you get a good sense of the age and dignity of this mighty oak tree in Lincolnshire.

Discover More Ancient Trees

If you want to know more about the Bowthorpe Oak, or discover more of these astonishingly ancient trees UK, head over to our page about The Oldest Trees In The UK.

Alternatively, see what other pages we have on English locations by heading to our Sitemap for England.