Many legends surround the mighty 'Major Oak' of Sherwood Forest, but one thing can be certain and that is its incredible size, for this ancient tree not only has a girth of 10 metres (33ft) but also a spread of 28 metres (92ft) making it the largest oak tree in the whole of Britain. It also weighs an estimated 23 tonnes!
Due to its enormous spread, many of its branches are supported with props, and have been since Victorian times, helping the tree to stay intact and healthy. The area directly around it has also been fenced off to keep visitors feet from compressing the soil above and around its roots.
People think that it was named because of its size, but in fact it was named after Major Hayman Rooke, a local historian who described the tree in 1790.
People from all over the world decend on Sherwood Forest to see this remarkable tree, which is said to have been a favoured hideout of Robin Hood and his merry men.
