Sacred ancient ‘solstice’ tree visited by thousands of Druids every year destroyed in ‘arson attack’
Sacred ancient ‘solstice’ tree that is more than 500 years old and visited by thousands of Druids every year is destroyed in ‘arson attack’
- The 40ft-high Whiteleaved Oak in Herefordshire was left engulfed in flames
- Believers say it has powers which made it ‘venerated by spiritual devotees’
- Summer solstice festivities often see it adorned with trinkets, flags and ribbon
- The cause of the blaze is being investigated and arson has not been ruled out
Published: 10:53 EDT, 8 July 2020 | Updated: 10:53 EDT, 8 July 2020
A sacred ancient ‘solstice’ tree which dates back 500 years and attracts thousands of Druids each year has been destroyed in a suspected arson attack.
Dramatic pictures show the 40ft-high Whiteleaved Oak near Eastnor Castle in Herefordshire engulfed in flames.
Believers say the tree – nominated for UK tree of the year in 2014 – possesses powers which made it ‘venerated by spiritual devotees’.
The huge gnarled oak grows on the 52nd latitude, meaning the sun is visible for 16 hours 44 minutes during the summer solstice – the longest day of the year.
Festivities often see the tree adorned with trinkets, prayer flags and brightly decorated ribbon.
But now the ancient oak has been reduced to a charred stump after a huge fire on Sunday night.
Dramatic pictures show the 40ft-high Whiteleaved Oak near Eastnor Castle in Herefordshire engulfed in flames
More than 12 firefighters battled the blaze for several hours before the flames were finally extinguished
But now the ancient oak has been reduced to a charred stump after the fire on Sunday night
More than 12 firefighters battled the blaze for several hours before the flames were finally extinguished.
The cause of the blaze is being investigated but arson has not been ruled out.
Meanwhile firefighters warned people to take care when visiting the countryside.
A Hereford and Worcesters Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said: ‘It is with great sadness we report that at approximately 11.30pm on Sunday night, Ledbury Fire Station attended a tree fire in Eastnor near Eastnor Castle.
‘The tree was well alight when we attended and unfortunately it was not possible to extinguish quickly.
‘Great efforts were made by the crew from Ledbury and also by a crew from Upton Fire station.
‘The crews ran out hose approximately 120 metres and used an appliance to shuttle water to and from the incident all through the night.
‘Foam was also used to blanket the tree in great efforts to save it.
The huge gnarled oak grows on the 52nd latitude, meaning the sun is visible for 16 hours 44 minutes during the summer solstice
Festivities often see the tree adorned with trinkets, prayer flags and brightly decorated ribbon, as seen in the film ‘Welcome Home, a movie about him’
The 500-year-old tree is featured in the documentary film ‘Welcome Home, a movie about him’
‘This once magnificent tree in question is a very well known and admired tree called The Whiteleaved Oak.
‘I am led to believe this tree is visited by people from all over the world and plays a large part in the rituals of Druids.
‘The White Leaved Oak is thought to be around 500 years old and is featured on many websites and books.
‘The cause of the fire is unknown, however please be careful when visiting the countryside, especially when visiting somewhere that is as sacred or precious to many people.’
Dave Throup, Environment Agency manager for Herefordshire and Worcestershire, tweeted: ‘Such a shame the famous Whiteleaved Oak on the southern Malverns is no more.
‘Of considerable historic and cultural importance. Can’t be replaced.’
The cause of the blaze is being investigated but fire chiefs said they are not ruling out arson
In 2014, Brian Haynes, a resident of the hamlet of Whiteleaved Oak for 30 years, nominated the tree in a Woodland Trust competition to find the ‘tree of the year’.
Speaking at the time, Mr Haynes said: ‘I nominated the tree because it is very special, but also because of all the people it attracts.
‘The tree has been venerated by spiritual devotees over time from all over the world.
‘Druids and dowsers, witches, Pagans, Rainbow Warriors, north American Indians, Extra Terrestrial Ambassadors from London hoping to attract flying saucers and Mayan astrologers are just some of the people who have visited the tree over the years.’
Mr Haynes has written a book about the tree and the tales associated with it, and he says it deserves to be crowned Tree of the Year.
