129. Crouch Oak
It’s remarkable where ancient trees can turn up. One of the very oldest oaks in England grows between a main road and a housing estate in Surrey.
The Crouch Oak is an ancient tree. One of the very oldest oaks anywhere – it could be approaching 1,000 years old – it is a defining feature of the Surrey commuter town of Addlestone with streets, GP practices and even a pub named after it. The tree’s fame has been helped by its conspicuousness: it grows close to the busy Chertsey Road on the edge of a mid twentieth-century housing estate. Another thing named after in fact, it is the street it stands next to, Crouch Oak Lane. Why it is called the Crouch Oak is something I am unable to shed light on – but I am sure there are some theories!
Species details
Pedunculate Oak
Quercus robur
Where to find it
Crouch Oak Lane, Addlestone KT15 1TS
///belong.fallen.sulk | 51.373423, -0.492552
Other ancient oaks
Limited edition photographic prints
Ideal Christmas gifts for tree lovers! I have released a series of high quality photographic prints available in limited editions of 25. Each image is 14x10 (that’s 356x254mm), and is available framed or unframed. A certificate of authenticity will accompany each print signed by me and showing the edition number. There are nine images of London trees available now, I hope to add more from other twins and cities in the future. Order now in time for Christmas!
My best guess is that its name is derived from some Gaelic or Old English word or name pronounced similarly.