The Sycamore Gap Tree: Why Britain's most famous tree got cut down

It was one of the world's best-known trees and the most photographed in the United Kingdom. However, in September 2023, two people cut it down for no apparent reason.

At first glance, the Sycamore Gap Tree was a simple sycamore. However, there was more than met the eye. According to the National Trust, one of the institutions in charge of the surrounding area, it was planted between 1860 and 1890 by John Clayton, the owner of the land at the time.

According to the Northumberland National Park website, the Sycamore Gap Tree was about 50 feet tall (15 meters) and had a trunk diameter estimated at 30 inches (90 centimeters).

The tree was located in a natural depression next to Hadrian's Wall, near the town of Once Brewed, in Northumberland.

The defensive wall was built by the Roman emperor Hadrian in the first half of the 2nd century and marked the border between the Roman province of Britain and Caledonia.

As the BBC explains, this place has always been an attraction for visitors, due to its beauty and the unusual position of the tree. However, there is another reason why this sycamore became known throughout the world.

In 1991, the Sycamore Gap Tree became famous after appearing in the film 'Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves', starring actors such as Kevin Costner, Morgan Freeman, Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio, Alan Rickman, and Christian Slater.

Photo: X / @smithskaye

The film's director, Kevin Reynolds, said it was one of the “most quintessentially idyllic spots” in the world, according to the BBC.

The Sycamore Gap Tree earned the nickname “the Robin Hood Tree” after its Hollywood debut. Additionally, in 2016 it was declared England's Tree of the Year at the Woodland Trust Awards.

However, this arboreal symbol, enjoyed by entire generations, is now gone. On the night of September 28, 2023, it was cut down. A police investigation revealed the alleged culprits in April 2024: Two local men who will have to face trial.

Due to its size, the trunk was cut into pieces and removed on October 12, 2023. Some seeds and twigs rescued from the sycamore were planted to give life to new specimens, according to the National Trust. However, it will take at least 20 years until an adult sycamore can grow and take its place.