A THOUSAND-YEAR-OLD yew tree which witnessed the Battle of Hastings has been cut down – sparking outrage.
A 40ft tree collapsed last week in a field near Uckham Lane, Battle, East Sussex.
6
A 1,000-year-old yew tree collapsed at the end of September
6
The 40ft tall tree stood in a field near Uckham Lane, Battle, East Sussex
The site is only a mile away from Senlac Hill – the generally accepted location for the Battle of Hastings in 1066.
Qualified tree surgeon Paul Lawrence discovered the tree uprooted and lying on its side – about 100 meters from its original location.
Do you know anything about the tree and how it fell? Get in touch: [email protected] OR call The Sun on 0207 860 1129
The farmer, 51, sprinkled his grandfather’s ashes at the foot of the tree.
“I first saw it yesterday morning when I was walking the dog,” he told the Argus last week.
Saying he had a “personal connection” to the tree, he added: “I was in complete and utter disbelief. The farmer was working around the field and felling overgrown trees, which I know should be done.
“I think it happened on Thursday. I was extremely emotional, I was also very angry.”
Mr Lawrence said he had contacted the council, adding: “I would like this to raise awareness of how many of these old trees are being lost. They are being lost by the sweep of the digger’s hand.
“To me they are as important as any ancient monument. There must be protection.”
Rother District Council told the local newspaper it would not comment as the tree was on private land.
The Sun has contacted Sussex Police.
It comes after the historic Sycamore Gap tree in Northumberland was cut down overnight between Wednesday and Thursday last week.
It is believed to be around 300 years old and detectives called it a “deliberate act of vandalism”.
It was among the most photographed trees in the United Kingdom, and was made famous in a scene in Kevin Costner’s 1991 film Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves.
Logging also damaged Hadrian’s Wall, one of Britain’s most famous UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Northumbria Police confirmed they are keeping an “open mind” as investigations into who slashed him continue.
6
The tree was popular with locals – who were devastated by its loss
6
Police are investigating how the Sycamore Gap tree was cut down – and who might have done itCredit: PA
6
The Sycamore Gap tree was very popular with tourists, appearing in many photos Credit: PA
6
The Sycamore Gap tree was cut down last weekCredit: Reuters
Categories: Optical Illusion
Source: HIS Education