Kett's Oak facts for kids
Kett's Oak is a very old and famous oak tree in Norfolk, England. It's so special that it's one of the 50 Great British Trees! You can find this ancient tree (which is a type of Quercus robur or English oak) right next to the B1172 road, between the towns of Wymondham and Hethersett.
This tree is famous because of an important event that happened there in 1549. It's the traditional spot where Robert Kett and his brother William gathered a group of people. This meeting led to a big protest known as Kett's Rebellion.
Contents
The Story of Kett's Rebellion
Why People Protested
In 1549, many people in England were unhappy. One big reason was the "enclosure" of common lands. Imagine a big field that everyone in a village could use to graze their animals or collect wood. This was called "common land." But rich landowners started putting fences around these common lands, making them private. This meant ordinary people lost their access to important resources.
Another problem was the rising cost of living. Things like food and other necessities were becoming very expensive. People felt that the government and wealthy landowners were not listening to their concerns.
The Rebellion Begins
Robert Kett and his brother William were leaders who spoke up for these unhappy people. They gathered a large group of men at Kett's Oak. Here, they talked about their problems and decided to protest. This gathering marked the start of Kett's Rebellion. The rebels marched towards Norwich, which was one of England's largest cities at the time.
The Rebellion's End
Sadly, the rebellion did not succeed. The government sent soldiers to stop the protest. Robert and William Kett, along with other rebels, were captured. They faced serious consequences for leading the rebellion. Nine of these hangings happened right at Kett's Oak, as a warning to others.
Looking After Kett's Oak Today
Even though it's a very old tree, Kett's Oak is not in perfect health. It has a big crack that has been filled with cement to help it stay strong. Iron bands are also wrapped around the tree to hold it together.
People are working hard to keep this historic tree alive. In August 2020, experts from Norfolk County Council put something called biochar near its roots. Biochar is like a special charcoal that helps improve the soil and makes plants healthier. They hope this will help Kett's Oak stay strong for many more years.
Images for kids
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An 18th-century engraving of the tree during Robert Kett's rebellion of 1549.
