116. Elephant Tree
Does a battered oak in west London embody Ealing truth or Ealing comedy?
An Ealing urban myth recounts how a Victorian circus elephant dropped dead while trooping down Castlebar Road and was promptly buried, its grave marked by an oak on Carlton Road which became known as the Elephant Tree. The tree, an obstacle in the middle of the street, is certainly in the right place, but it must be hundreds of years old, predating this legend.
Species details
Pedunculate oak
Quercus robur
Where to find it
Carlton Road, London W5 2DJ
///custom.plants.linen | 51.516858, -0.309248
Join a tour to this tree
On Sunday 1st September, I’ll be leading a walk from Ealing to Acton where we will visit this tree, and another I have previously featured on Substack, the astonishing Acton Swamp Cypress.
Find out more and book tickets for Urban Myths and Magnificent Trees.
The poor thing! It looks as if someone pollarded it (perhaps preparatory to removing it in entirety.from the road) was stopped by sentimental villagers, or gave it up as a bad job. The tough old tree showing true grit, sent forth new growth from one branch and lives yet! Indomitable Tree might be a better name!