Robin Hood, England's most famous outlaw who robbed from the rich and gave to the poor, is forever linked to a tree known as the Major Oak. Located near the village of Edwinstowe, about 110 miles North of London, the huge oak tree is said to have been the home base of Mr. Hood and his famed Merry Men, including Little John. Although there are no major historical links that definitively link the tree to the man, it is the right age. The tree is estimated to be between 800 and 1,000 yearss old. The first historical references to a 'Robin Hood' occur in 1228 on the roles of an English justice. The ungainly tree is supported by what appear to be wooden posts as its massive limbs would snap without the buttress.
A favorite method of generating cash is to sell acorns from the Major Oak, several people have been cautioned against doing so and internet scams are recorded. In 2003 some 260 oak saplings grown from the Major Oak were planted as part of a national project. The Major Oak is so named because of Major Hayman Rooke, an ex-military man and amateur archeologist, who described the tree in 1790. The Major Oak is on several lists of important historical places and trees, including being named "one of 50 Great British Trees."
Anyone interested in Robin Hood should make a visit to the Major Oak. Much of the economy of the area is based on tourism and people are friendly and proud of their rebelious heritage.