The iconic plane tree near Hadrian’s Wall was cut down by unidentified people. The tree became famous in the 1991 movie Robin Hood.
The 300-year-old plane tree, located near Hadrian’s Wall in the United Kingdom and remembered for its iconic appearance, was uprooted by vandals.
This plane tree, located near Hadrian’s Wall from the Roman Empire, which divides England into two in the east-west direction, was located within the Northumberland National Park.
The plane tree, which is estimated to be 300 years old, was also featured in the 1991 movie Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves, starring Kevin Costner, Margan Freeman and Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio, and attracted worldwide attention. The tree captured on camera in an important scene of the movie, which earned $390 million at the box office, was engraved in the memories of countless viewers.
The investigation continues against the person or persons who cut down the tree, which was described by the authorities as an “act of vandalism” and “cut down deliberately”.
Investigation Launched After 300-Year-Old Plane Tree Was Cut Down Near Hadrian’s Wall
Police announced that they arrested a 16-year-old boy and a man in his 60s after the incident, which is thought to have occurred on Thursday night.
The tree, located at the point known as Sycamore Gap (Plane Pass), was located near the historical Hadrian’s Wall, which was built approximately 1,900 years ago to protect the farthest northwestern border of the Roman Empire and is also on the UNESCO World Heritage list.
Sycamore Gap is considered one of the most photographed trees in England. The plane tree was also named British Tree of the Year in 2016.
Andrew Poad from the National Trust said:
“The tree has played an important and iconic role in the landscape for nearly 200 years, meaning much to local people and everyone who visits the area.”
Northumberland National Park Management said it was “working with relevant agencies and partners interested in this iconic symbol of the North East”.
The National Park took security measures in the area and closed the area to visitors.
Stating that they were investigating the incident, which was previously believed to be an “intentional act of vandalism”, police forces said that a 16-year-old young man was arrested in connection with the incident.
Northumbria Police said in a statement on X (formerly Twitter) that “the investigation is still at a very early stage.”
The following statement was made by the police forces for the man in his 60s who was arrested after the 16-year-old boy:
“We hope this second arrest shows how seriously we take the situation and our determination to find those responsible and bring them to justice.”
Cutting down of Iconic Plane Tree Near Hadrian’s Wall Causes Public Anger
“The vandalism has caused justified shock and anger among local residents and people,” Northumbria Police said in a statement.
Superintendent Kevin Waring added:
“An incredibly sad day. This tree was the symbol of the North East and was loved by many people who lived or visited this area.
“Anyone found responsible for what we believe to be a deliberate act of vandalism will be dealt with swiftly and appropriately.”
Some users on social media pointed out that a 16-year-old child could not cut such a large tree alone with a chainsaw.