The Queen Elizabeth Oak is a large sessile oak tree (Quercus petraea) in Cowdray Park near the village of Lodsworth in the Western Weald, West Sussex, England. It lies within the South Downs National Park. It has a girth of 12.5–12.8 metres (41–42 ft),[1] and is about 800–1,000 years old. According to this estimate it began to grow in the 11th or 12th century AD. In June 2002, The Tree Council designated the Queen Elizabeth Oak, one of fifty Great British Trees, in recognition of its place in the national heritage. According to the Woodland Trust, the tree is the third largest sessile oak tree to be recorded in the United Kingdom after the Pontfadog Oak in Wales and the Marton Oak in Cheshire, although this tree is now fragmented.[1]

Queen Elizabeth Oak
Queen Elizabeth Oak in September 2008
Map
SpeciesSessile oak (Quercus petraea)
LocationCowdray Park near Lodsworth, West Sussex, England
Coordinates50°59′46″N 0°42′02″W / 50.99613°N 0.70066°W / 50.99613; -0.70066
Girth12.5–12.8 metres (41–42 ft)
Date seededBetween 1000–1200 AD
CustodianMichael Pearson, 4th Viscount Cowdray
WebsiteWoodland Trust record

According to legend, Queen Elizabeth I stood near the tree with an arrow ready in her bow waiting for a stag to be driven within range for her to shoot it, although she was unsuccessful.[2]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ a b "Queen Elizabeth Oak, Cowdray Park". Woodland Trust. Archived from the original on February 22, 2014.
  2. ^ Cambridge University Forestry Association (1923). Journal, Volumes 1-4. p. 41.
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