Marilyn's Photos - June 19 2026 - Robin Hood's Tree

 

thought the Robin Hood story was myth and legend.  Today I find out that Robin Hood's Major Oak Tree has died.  It was around 1,200 years old and considered one of Britain's biggest oak trees.  They think cause of death was compacted soil caused by millions of visitors over the years and climate change - there were five very hot and droughty summers.  Isn't that interesting to see all the poles holding up the limbs.  It looks like it lived in a stationary walker.

And what about Robin Hood?  It is considered to be a blend of fact and fiction, with no single historical person match.  The name Robin Hood, or Robehod was a generic alias for criminals in the 13th and 14th centuries. There are chronicles and accounts of Robin's life in the Sloane manuscripts in the British Museum - well, there are multiple accounts of such a person. I don't see anything relating to archeological relics or evidence besides the romanticized stories.  Particularly the account of his death. So if the account of his death is factual, wouldn't they be able to find some remains in his resting place.  "A mound in Kirkless Park, within a bow-shot of the house, can still be seen and is said to be his last resting place." In comparison, the last remains of Little John have a designated resting place and head stone.  "Little John's grave can be seen in Hathersage churchyard in Derbyshire."  It has been there since the early 1600s. The grave was opened in 1784 and a large thigh bone was discovered and removed.  Back then, these were souvenirs. There was also a bow and cap taken into the church's possession, and while no longer at the church, the bow is still occasionally put on display.  The cap is long gone. This week I went to the gardens that will be showcased in the Grimsby Garden Club Garden Tour on July 4th.  My role was to take pictures of the gardens.  I've taken pictures of this garden a number of times - a Romantic traditional country garden with its white picket fence covered in roses and clematis. Read past POTD's at my Blog: http://blog.marilyncornwell.com Purchase at: FAA - marilyncornwell.com Redbubble - marilyncornwellart.com