Where was the Sycamore Gap tree and was it in the Robin Hood film?

LOCAL residents and fans were left devastated when the Sycamore Gap tree was vandalised in September 2023.

The iconic tree became world famous after featuring in a Hollywood movie and was a staple landmark for those driving by Hadrian's Wall.

Where was the Sycamore Gap tree?

The 70ft-tall Sycamore Gap tree was located along Hadrian's wall, near Crag Lough in Northumberland.

The tree could be found in a dramatic dip to the right of Roman Milecastle 39, known as Castle Nick.

The Sycamore Gap tree was beloved in the local community and beyond - and even inspired its own beer in the nearby Twice Brewed Inn.

It was also known for being one of the most photographed trees in the UK and was awarded tree of the year in 2016.

How old was the Sycamore Gap tree?

The exact age of the Sycamore Gap tree is not known.

The tree is estimated, however, to have been several hundred years old.

Though the Sycamore Gap tree stood alone in recent years, it's thought that it originally stood alongside a number of other trees.

What happened to the Sycamore Gap tree?

The world famous tree was chopped down by a mystery vandal at the end of September 2023.

Following the incident, the public were asked not to visit the landmark until details of what had happened were identified.

A Northumberland National Park Authority spokesperson said at the time: "We can confirm that sadly, the famous tree at Sycamore Gap has come down over night.

"We have reason to believe it has been deliberately felled.

"It is not clear currently whether the tree is a victim of Storm Agnes or it is a deliberate act - though pictures indicate a clean and straight cut.

"We are working with the relevant agencies and partners with an interest in this iconic North East landmark and will issue more details once they are known".

Northumbria Police then launched a full investigation and carried out a number of enquiries ''to establish whether criminal offences have been committed''.

Then, in October, the tree was cut up and removed by the National Trust and taken to an unnamed property to be stored.

According to , Lady Jane Gibson, chairwoman of the Hadrian's Wall Partnership, said: "The wood from the tree has been taken away and stored for safekeeping at a secure location.

"There were concerns people were taking pieces of it for mementoes, like what happened with the Berlin Wall, when people would take a piece as a keepsake.

"It is now being safely stored as we work on potential future uses for the timber".

In early November it was reported that two men in their 30s had been arrested on suspicion of criminal damage and bailed.

DCI Rebecca Fenney-Menzies said the "very difficult and complex" investigation was ongoing as police continue to hunt the vandals responsible.

She added: "As always, we would continue to encourage any members of the public with information which may assist to get in touch – if you’ve seen or heard anything suspicious, we'd like to know.

"I'd also like to remind the public that this remains a live investigation so, for that reason, please avoid any speculation both in the community and on social media.

"Any information – no matter how small or insignificant you think it may be – could prove absolutely crucial to our enquiries".

Previously, a boy, 16, and a man in his 60s were held and bailed over the incident.

Was the Sycamore Gap tree in the Robin Hood film?

The highly-photographed tree featured in the 1991 Hollywood blockbuster Robin Hood Prince of Thieves.

The film starred Kevin Costner and Morgan Freeman and was directed by Kevin Reynolds.

Upon hearing the news that the Sycamore Gap tree had been damaged, Reynolds told the BBC: "I was just stunned. I was gutted. Then I was furious."

He added: "Sycamore Gap on Hadrian's Wall was one of the most quintessentially idyllic spots in the world and now it's gone, it's murdered, and for what reason?.

"Would you destroy the Taj Mahal, the Gullfoss Falls in Iceland or the Big Dipper?"