28/08/2026
August 25 is Nottinghamshire Day — a chance to champion the county and celebrate the histories and traditions of the places where we live, work and spend our free time 🏰🏹🏴
🏹 Happy Nottinghamshire Day, one and all! 🏹
On this day, I think it is only fitting to remember the Major Oak, the 'King of Kings', which has stood at the centre of and at the spiritual heart of for over 1,000 years. This (once) living monument is a natural wonder and a national treasure and it has become a monument to itself. Its story is the very poetry of the landscape and it will continue to inspire generations to come. All hail the King of Kings!
Here's an excerpt from a CNN Travel interview I did earlier this year, paying homage:
“You got a sense its life force was receding, it was on its way out,” says Andrews, who became a faithful friend to the tree over the decades. “But that’s part of life, isn’t it? Even in death it’s still giving life to the forest, and its story is still unfolding.”
The Major Oak will be left in situ to gradually break down in a years-long process. “It’ll take a few decades to degrade which will be remarkable — watching the ‘king of kings’ dwindle away,” says Andrews. “The smaller branches will break off as climate change brings heavier rains. The bigger branches will remain longer. As it degrades, it’ll be a living piece of art in the landscape with a massive story to tell.”
Like Robin Hood, the Major Oak lives on! 🎯
📸 Visit Notts
! 🏹 Sherwood People's Forest Sherwood Forest Trust Visit Newark & Sherwood The Sheriff of Nottingham
