LONDON — Although not the largest or oldest tree in Britain, the beloved sycamore tree that majestically graced Hadrian’s Wall in northern England for 150 years held a special place in the hearts of many. Nestled between two hills, the Sycamore Gap was a backdrop for many significant moments, including first kisses, marriage proposals, and even a location for scattering the ashes of loved ones.
Upon learning that the beloved tree had been felled under the cover of darkness last fall, local residents and admirers were left in shock. Questions arose about the motives behind such a senseless act and the identity of the perpetrators.
On Monday, the legal proceedings began to shed light on this incident, as two men were set to stand trial at Newcastle Crown Court, facing charges associated with the tree’s destruction and damage to the ancient wall erected by Emperor Hadrian in A.D. 122.
Details regarding the case and the defendants have remained sparse to maintain the trial’s integrity and the rights of those accused. Daniel Graham, 39, and Adam Carruthers, 32, have both entered not guilty pleas to two counts of criminal damage each. Prosecutors have placed the value of the fallen tree at over £620,000 (approximately $790,000), while the damage to the historic wall has been estimated at £1,100 (around $1,400).
At the defendants’ initial court appearance in May, prosecutor Rebecca Brown stated, “This is a case that will be instantly recognizable,” and explained that the tree was intentionally cut down on September 28 of last year, leading to the destruction of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. “The prosecution alleges that these defendants are complicit in a joint effort to carry out this act,” she added.
The news of the tree’s loss spread rapidly, sending shockwaves throughout the scenic Northumberland area. Local resident Catherine Cape expressed her disbelief, stating, “I still can’t come to terms with the fact that the tree’s not there. I am still really angry about it. I can’t understand why you would want to destroy something so beautiful.”
The sycamore gained additional fame through its appearance in the 1991 film “Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves,” attracting numerous visitors over the years. Tony Gates, the chief executive of Northumberland National Park, noted that prior to the tree’s destruction, about 80% of inquiries at the park’s main visitor center were related to visiting the tree.
With its expansive canopy offering a picturesque view framed by rolling hills, the tree was not only popular among tourists but also cherished by locals. For Cape, the tree held monumental family memories; she visited it on her first and second dates, watched her daughter take her first steps there, and met family members there during the COVID-19 lockdown when indoor gatherings were not permitted.
The sycamore also played a significant role in local tourism, drawing guests to a small cabin that Cape owns. Although bookings dipped following the tree’s removal, they have since largely recovered. She noted that after the loss of the tree, she now avoids passing by its former location, taking the highway instead to avoid the reminder of the empty space where it once stood.
The now-removed sycamore was taken away via crane and is being stored at a National Trust property. A section of the trunk has been displayed at the park visitor center, and seeds from the tree have been utilized to cultivate saplings, which will be distributed throughout the UK.
Interestingly, nature has shown resilience, as over two dozen shoots have been observed sprouting from the tree stump. Cape shares a poignant sentiment, stating, “The tree does still live on, but just not in the form that it was. We’ll never see it in our lifetime grow into a tree, or what it was before.”
