The Tharston Oaks

There are several references to the famous ancient oak trees in Tharston. Extracts from Trade Directories give some details including who owned or managed the land upon which they stood:

"On Mr. Ringer's farm is a venerable oak, which measures 39½ feet in girth, and is supposed to be upwards of 500 years old." [White's Directory 1854]

"In the Oak-field, which belongs to William Ringer, Esq., stands an extraordinary oak tree, supposed to be at least 500 years old. Though of the pollard kind its boughs cover a space of 90 yards in circumference. At a foot from the base its trunk is 26 feet, and at five feet high 24 feet in circumference. At six feet from the ground it is divided into two great trunks, which, four feet higher, diverge into five grand divisions, each about the size of an ordinary tree." [White's Directory 1883]

"In the Oak-field, which belongs to William Ringer, Esq., stands an extraordinary oak tree, supposed to be at least 500 years old. Though of the pollard kind, its boughs cover a space of 90 yards in circumference. At a foot from the base its trunk is 26 feet, and at five feet high 24 feet in circumference. At six feet from the ground it is divided inte two great trunks, which, four feet higher, diverge into five grand divisions, each about the size of an ordinary tree." [White's Directory 1890]

"In a field on a farm in this parish, now occupied by Mr. H. Clamp, is a remarkable oak tree, eight yards in circumference, and supposed to be over 500 years old." [Kelly's Directory 1892]

"In a field in this parish, now occupied by Mr. Thos. Richard Potter, is a remarkable cluster of 8 fine oak trees about 15 yards apart; the largest is 33 feet and the smallest 16 feet in girth, and supposed to be over 500 years old." [Kelly's Directory 1892]

"In a field in this parish, now occupied by the Misses Hylton, is a remarkable cluster of 8 fine oak trees about 15 yards apart; the largest is 33 feet and the smallest 16 feet in girth, and supposed to be over 500 years old." [Kelly's Directory, 1904]

"In a field in this parish is a remarkable cluster of eight fine oak trees about 15 yards apart; the largest is 33 feet and the smallest 16 feet in girth, and supposed to be over 500 years old." [Kelly's Directory 1912]

Local rumour has it that one of the oak trees was set on fire by the son of Mr. Button the local carpenter!

Page last updated: 11 February 2019