Greenwich and the Tudors

Queen Elizabeth I was born in Greenwich Palace in 1533. Lying conveniently on the Thames, Greenwich was popular with the Tudors, and King Henry VIII, Elizabeth’s father, was also born at the site. Different buildings have been constructed, added to, rebuilt and destroyed throughout Greenwich’s history. These include the Tudor Greenwich Palace, the Palace of Placentia, and Inigo Jones's Queen’s House which still stands to this day.

The tree has been here throughout this time – or at least since the 12th century which is when experts believe it was originally planted.

Why is the tree named after Elizabeth I?

Legend has it that Elizabeth picnicked near the tree. Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn, his second wife and Elizabeth’s mother, were also supposed to have danced around this tree during their courting days. This carefree scene can’t have lasted long - Henry had Anne arrested for high treason and beheaded three years after their marriage.

The tree in Greenwich isn't the only oak that Elizabeth has been associated with. Another myth tells the story of when Elizabeth was declared queen in 1558, she was supposedly sitting under an oak tree on the grounds of Hatfield House. A deeply symbolic tree and indigenous to this island, the oak scene was meant to show that Elizabeth had a deep-rooted right to the English crown.

Queen Elizabeth's Oak in Greenwich has been dead for over 100 years and its hollow trunk was big enough to make a small room that may have been used to lock up people who misbehaved in the park. After dying in the 19th century, the old oak was propped up by ivy until it fell over in 1991. Nowadays, you can see it lying on its side and locked up itself to give it the status it deserves and prevent the wear and tear of people climbing on it.

Ultimately, we can't be sure of the truth of the stories around this tree. But it is a remarkable, ancient husk of bark nevertheless.

Inside the tree's enclosure is a sign which reads: