The Poem Tree

The Poem Tree was a magnificent 300-year-old beech tree situated in Oxfordshire, England. It derived its unique name from a 20-line poem that Joseph Tubb carved into its bark during the summer of the 1840s. Inspired by the picturesque landscape and rich history of the area, Tubb spent two weeks etching his verses, which referenced notable landmarks such as Grim's Ditch, The Ridgeway, and Dorchester Abbey.

Unfortunately, the tree succumbed to rot and harsh weather, ultimately collapsing in 2012 after having died in the 1990s. Recognizing the significance of Tubb's work, a stone with a transcription of the poem was placed near the tree in 1994 to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the carving.

Before the poem became too worn to read, British geographer Henry Osmaston made a rubbing of it in 1965, preserving its details. The tree's health had already begun to decline in the 1980s, and by the time it fell, the poem was barely legible.

Today, a plaque on a Sarsen stone marks the spot where the Poem Tree once stood. The remains of the fallen tree have been left in place, serving as a natural habitat and a poignant reminder of its storied past.