‘Instant connection to the past’: how the Major oak affected those who saw it

People relax in front of the Major oak in Sherwood Forest. Photograph: Adam Vaughan/EPA

An image of the Major oak captured circa 1900. Photograph: Heritage Images/Getty Images

The tree, which sparked creativity and curiosity for generations, is destined to live on in people’s affections.

“I have loved this tree since I was a child,” wrote Pat Hutton from Stroud in Gloucestershire. “Visiting Granpop, who lived in Worksop, from our home in Cleethorpes, we would always find time to go to Sherwood Forest and visit the Major oak. My imagination in full flow, I could see Robin Hood and his merry men hiding there … Sadly, I haven’t seen it for many years, but it lived in my memory, and will live on there.”