Yorkshire
Castle Howard
Castle Howard is a stately home in North Yorkshire, England, 15 miles north of York. Set in the Howardian Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Castle Howard is a private residence and has been home of the Carlisle branch of the Howard family for more than 300 years. Castle Howard was commissioned by the 3rd Earl of Carlisle in 1699 and took over 100 years to complete.
The grounds, gardens and parkland contain many magnificent veteran and ancient oak trees, particularly in its woodlands and even the visitor car park, where one can fin the many ancient 'Armada Oaks' including one that likely exceeds 550 years old.
We were privileged to be able to tour the grounds with the custodian, Nick Howard, in 2018, who kindly showed us several of the iconic old oaks.
Woodland Gate Oak
Species: Quercus robur (Pedunculate Oak)
Estimated Age: 402 years.
Form: maiden.
Girth at 1.5m: 5.89m (measured in 2019)
Estimated Year of Birth: 1621
Reigning Monarch at the time: James I.
Story: We had the great honour of being shown round the grounds by the Honourable Nick Howard personally, including these woodlands, not normally in bounds to the public.
Approximate sizes available (get in touch for prices):
125-175cm, 7 Litre pots (2 available)
Oakling ages: 6-year-olds (seed gathered in 2019).
ID code: BP 1657.
The Grace
Species: Quercus robur (Pedunculate Oak)
Estimated Age (in 2025): 500 years.
Form: graceful maiden.
Girth at 1.5m: 6.65m (measured in 2019).
Estimated Year of Birth: 1525.
Reigning Monarch at the time: Henry VIII.
Story: a beautiful graceful maiden oak near to the boating lake. Quite a splendid specimen.
Approximate sizes available (get in touch for prices):
150-250cm, 15 Litre pots (1 available)
175-275cm, 20L (2 available)
Oakling ages: 6-year-olds (seed gathered in 2019).
ID code: BP 1658.
The Gatekeeper
Species: Quercus robur (Pedunculate Oak)
Estimated Age (in 2025): 316 years.
Form: natural pollard.
Girth at 1.5m: 5.13m (measured in 2019).
Estimated Year of Birth: 1709.
Reigning Monarch at the time: Queen Anne.
Story: this tree has some characteristics of an ancient oak but would perhaps be more accurately described as a veteran. It sit close to the Castle entrance - the Gatekeeper, watching and guarding.
Approximate sizes available (get in touch for prices):
125-175cm, 7 Litre pots (2 available)
150-250cm, 15 L (1 available)
Oakling ages: 6-year-olds (seed gathered in 2019).
ID code: BP 1659.
Watchful Friend
Species: Quercus robur (Pedunculate Oak)
Estimated Age (in 2025): 341 years.
Form: natural pollard.
Girth at 1.5m: 5.36m (measured in 2019).
Estimated Year of Birth: 1684.
Reigning Monarch at the time: Charles II.
Story: another very visible oak near the Castle entrance that will, over the years, have had millions of people whizzing by at the speed of humans!
Approximate sizes available (get in touch for prices):
125-175cm, 7 Litre pots (3 available)
Oakling ages: 6-year-olds (seed gathered in 2019).
ID code: BP 1660.
Tudor Burr
Species: Quercus robur (Pedunculate Oak)
Estimated Age (in 2025): 510 years.
Form: natural pollard.
Girth at 1.5m: 6.72m (measured in 2019).
Estimated Year of Birth: 1515.
Reigning Monarch at the time: Henry VIII.
Story: a beast of a burry oak in the car park area - one of the so-called Armada Oaks, dating back to the Tudor era.
Approximate sizes available (get in touch for prices):
125-175cm, 7 Litre pots (3 available)
Oakling ages: 6-year-olds (seed gathered in 2019).
ID code: BP 1661.
Armada Papa
Species: Quercus robur (Pedunculate Oak)
Estimated Age (in 2025): 589 years.
Form: natural pollard.
Girth at 1.5m: 7.27m (measured in 2019).
Estimated Year of Birth: 1436.
Reigning Monarch at the time: Henry VI.
Story: the biggest of the 'Armada Oaks', with a very strong presence and quite a potent energy around it. It was born sometime around 1436 Britain, that witnessed the failed Burgundian Siege of Calais, a significant episode in the Hundred Years' War where Philip the Good, Duke of Burgundy, unsuccessfully tried to retake the English-held port after betraying his English allies, ultimately retreating when an English relief force arrived under Humphrey, Duke of Gloucester.
Approximate sizes available (get in touch for prices):
125-175cm, 7 Litre pots (3 available)
Oakling ages: 6-year-olds (seed gathered in 2019).
ID code: BP 1662.