Merlin's Oak facts for kids
Merlin's Oak, also called the Old Oak, was a famous oak tree in Carmarthen, South Wales. It stood at the corner of Oak Lane and Priory Street. This tree is linked to the old stories about the wizard Merlin. However, it was probably planted around 1659 or 1660. This was done to celebrate King Charles II returning to the throne. A local legend said that if this oak tree ever fell, something terrible would happen to the town.
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History of Merlin's Oak
The tree was known by several names, including the Old Oak and Priory Oak. It was also called Querecus Robur. Carmarthen, where the tree grew, is believed to be the birthplace of Merlin, the famous wizard from legends.
The Prophecy of Merlin
People said that Merlin himself made a special prediction about the tree. The prophecy warned:
Should Merlin's Oak shall tumble down, Then shall fall Carmarthen town
Another version of this old story said that Carmarthen would flood if the oak tree fell. Because of this strong belief, town leaders worked hard to protect the tree for many years. Even though it was in the way of traffic, they thought it was safer to keep it standing.
How the Oak Tree Started
The exact beginning of Merlin's Oak is not fully clear. One story says that a schoolmaster named Adams planted an acorn in 1659. He was from the Queen Elizabeth Grammar School. He planted it to celebrate King Charles II becoming king again. Some people even think this Adams might be an ancestor of an American President.
Why it was Called Priory Oak
It is also possible that the tree once grew on the land of the old Carmarthen Priory. A priory was a type of monastery. The tree's spot was only about 91 meters (100 yards) from the priory's old gatehouse. This might be why it was sometimes called the Priory Oak. As the town grew, buildings and new roads were built around the old tree. It ended up standing in the middle of a busy street in this market town.
The Tree's Final Years
In the early 1800s, someone tried to poison the tree. It is believed a nearby shopkeeper did this. They might have been annoyed by people gathering under the tree's branches. The oak tree is thought to have died in 1856. Despite this, the town council refused to cut down the dead tree. They were worried about the prophecy.
As more cars came, the area around the tree became a traffic island. In 1951, a piece broke off the dead tree. You can still see this piece at the Carmarthenshire County Museum. Finally, in 1978, the last part of the tree's stump was removed. This was done to help traffic move better at the busy road junction.
Legacy of the Old Oak
Today, the remains of the Old Oak are on display. You can see them in Saint Peter's Civic Hall in Nott Square, Carmarthen. A new tree was planted in the same spot in 2009. This new tree continues the tradition of the famous Merlin's Oak.
See also
- List of individual trees
