Historic England Confirms Sycamore Gap Tree Over 100 Years Old After Illegal Felling

The iconic Sycamore Gap tree near Hadrian's Wall in Northumberland was confirmed by Historic England experts to be at least 100 to 120 years old when it was illegally felled in September 2023. Dendrochronological analysis of a cross-section of the tree trunk revealed that the two main stems, which had fused together after about 30 to 35 years, each had roughly 100 to 120 growth rings, indicating the tree was planted in the late 19th century, likely by landowner John Clayton. The tree was a beloved national landmark, famous for its scenic beauty and cultural significance, including its appearance in the 1991 film Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves. Its felling by Daniel Graham and Adam Carruthers sparked global outrage, leading to their imprisonment for over four years each. The investigation and ring-counting were challenging due to some less distinctive rings, but the wood was preserved for further analysis using advanced imaging techniques. Despite the tree's tragic loss, the research has provided valuable insights into its history and reinforced its importance as a long-standing feature of the landscape.