Gospel Oak, Polstead facts for kids

The Gospel Oak was a very old and famous tree in a place called Polstead, in Suffolk, England. People believed it was linked to Saint Cedd, a religious leader from long ago. He might have planted it or taught under its branches. This special oak tree got its name because a church service was held under it every year for over a thousand years! It was said to be the oldest tree in Suffolk when it finally fell down in November 1953. Today, a younger tree, which grew from a seed of the original, stands nearby and is now used for the yearly service.

The Gospel Oak: A Historic Tree

This ancient tree is strongly connected to Saint Cedd, who lived a very long time ago (he died in 664 AD). Saint Cedd was a monk from a place called Lindisfarne monastery in Northumbria. He traveled around and shared his religious teachings, known as the gospel, in different parts of England like East Anglia, Mercia, and Northumbria.

People think the Gospel Oak started growing around the same time Saint Cedd was alive. A popular story says that Cedd and his fellow monks used to preach under this very tree. They did this for many years before the local church, St Mary's Church, was even built in the village. Other stories suggest that Saint Cedd himself, or one of his followers, actually planted the tree. The Gospel Oak is one of two trees linked to Saint Cedd. The other is the "Great Oak" in Great Yeldham, Essex, which was also in the area where Cedd was a bishop.

What is a "Gospel Tree"?

It is believed that the Gospel Oak has been the location for a special yearly church service for more than a thousand years. This ceremony is thought to be a very old tradition called Rogationtide. During Rogationtide, people would walk around the edges of their parish (a church area) in a procession. The local priest would lead the way. This walk was a way to mark the boundaries of their land and to ask God for good weather and a successful harvest.

These processions often stopped under an old, important tree in the parish. At these trees, the priest would read a sermon from the g gospels. Because of this, these trees became known as "gospel trees." We know for sure that an annual service has been held at the Polstead tree in the first week of August since August 3, 1902. The Reverend Francis John Eld led that service.

The Oak's Later Years

In 1903, some people said the Gospel Oak was the oldest tree in all of England. However, this is probably not true, as there are other trees known to be even older. Still, it is thought to have been the oldest tree in Suffolk, possibly around 1,300 years old.

Later on, the tree became part of the land around Polstead Hall. You could see it clearly from the churchyard. By the year 1900, the tree's trunk was very wide, measuring about 36 feet (11 meters) around! Sadly, the mighty tree finally fell down in November 1953. As of 2010, you could still see its remains near the village war memorial.

A new, younger oak tree grew naturally from a seed of the original Gospel Oak nearby. This new tree has been used as the place for the annual service ever since the first tree was lost.