Two males have been arrested after the Sycamore Gap Tree was cut down earlier this week. The famous tree located on Hadrian’s Wall in northern England was viewed as an iconic landmark.
Northumbria Police have announced the arrest of a second person in connection with the felling, which they describe as a male in his 60s. They had previously arrested a 16-year-old boy and charged him with suspicion of causing criminal damage.
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The Sycamore Gap Tree was located along Hadrian’s Wall near Housesteads Roman Fort in Northumbria. The tree was felled in the early hours of September 28th, likely cut down with a chainsaw at the base of its trunk. A white line spray painted on it just below the cut, leading authorities to believe it was a deliberate act.
In a statement, Detective Chief Inspector Rebecca Fenney-Menzies of Northumbria Police commented “The senseless destruction of what is undoubtedly a world-renowned landmark – and a local treasure – has quite rightly resulted in an outpour shock, horror and anger throughout the North East and further afield. I hope this second arrest demonstrates just how seriously we’re taking this situation, and our ongoing commitment to find those responsible and bring them to justice.
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“Although another arrest has been made, this investigation is still in the early stages, and we would continue to encourage any members of the public with information which may assist to get in touch. If you’ve seen or heard anything suspicious that may be of interest to us – I’d implore you to contact us.”
Photograph courtesy Steve Tibble
The Sycamore Gap Tree was planted in the 1800s and in the 20th century became known as a landmark for its striking beauty. Medievalists will know the tree from its appearance in the 1991 film Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves. For years afterwards, it was called the Robin Hood Tree.
It’s fame led it to being named England’s Tree of the Year in 2016, and funds were set aside to help protect its roots from the large amount of foot traffic around it. Thousands of people hiked to the site each year to visit and photograph the tree.
Photograph courtesy Steve Tibble
“The tree has been an important and iconic feature in the landscape for nearly 200 years and means a lot to the local community and to anyone who has visited the site,” says Andrew Poad, General Manager at Hadrian’s Wall and Housesteads Fort for The National Trust. “Currently, we’re focussed on making the site safe, and helping staff and the community come to terms with the news. We’ll be working with Northumberland National Park, other partners and the local community to consider plans for the site and the tree in the future, and we’ll inform people as soon as we know.”
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The Northumberland National Park Authority also released a statement, saying “We are still coming to terms with loss of the tree at Sycamore Gap and we are deeply touched by all the messages and support we have received. The tree meant so much to so many and people are, of course, keen to know what comes next. Currently, we are focused on making the site safe, and supporting staff and the community. We will be working with the National Trust and other partners to consider opportunities and make plans for the site and the tree.”
Two males have been arrested after the Sycamore Gap Tree was cut down earlier this week. The famous tree located on Hadrian’s Wall in northern England was viewed as an iconic landmark.
Northumbria Police have announced the arrest of a second person in connection with the felling, which they describe as a male in his 60s. They had previously arrested a 16-year-old boy and charged him with suspicion of causing criminal damage.
The Sycamore Gap Tree was located along Hadrian’s Wall near Housesteads Roman Fort in Northumbria. The tree was felled in the early hours of September 28th, likely cut down with a chainsaw at the base of its trunk. A white line spray painted on it just below the cut, leading authorities to believe it was a deliberate act.
In a statement, Detective Chief Inspector Rebecca Fenney-Menzies of Northumbria Police commented “The senseless destruction of what is undoubtedly a world-renowned landmark – and a local treasure – has quite rightly resulted in an outpour shock, horror and anger throughout the North East and further afield. I hope this second arrest demonstrates just how seriously we’re taking this situation, and our ongoing commitment to find those responsible and bring them to justice.
“Although another arrest has been made, this investigation is still in the early stages, and we would continue to encourage any members of the public with information which may assist to get in touch. If you’ve seen or heard anything suspicious that may be of interest to us – I’d implore you to contact us.”
The Sycamore Gap Tree was planted in the 1800s and in the 20th century became known as a landmark for its striking beauty. Medievalists will know the tree from its appearance in the 1991 film Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves. For years afterwards, it was called the Robin Hood Tree.
It’s fame led it to being named England’s Tree of the Year in 2016, and funds were set aside to help protect its roots from the large amount of foot traffic around it. Thousands of people hiked to the site each year to visit and photograph the tree.
“The tree has been an important and iconic feature in the landscape for nearly 200 years and means a lot to the local community and to anyone who has visited the site,” says Andrew Poad, General Manager at Hadrian’s Wall and Housesteads Fort for The National Trust. “Currently, we’re focussed on making the site safe, and helping staff and the community come to terms with the news. We’ll be working with Northumberland National Park, other partners and the local community to consider plans for the site and the tree in the future, and we’ll inform people as soon as we know.”
The Northumberland National Park Authority also released a statement, saying “We are still coming to terms with loss of the tree at Sycamore Gap and we are deeply touched by all the messages and support we have received. The tree meant so much to so many and people are, of course, keen to know what comes next. Currently, we are focused on making the site safe, and supporting staff and the community. We will be working with the National Trust and other partners to consider opportunities and make plans for the site and the tree.”
Top Image: Courtesy Northumbria Police
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