Record Details

NHER Number:9504
Type of record:Hedgerow
Name:Hethel Thorn

Summary

A hawthorn tree, first mentioned in the 13th century when it was in use as a boundary marker. The tree is now over 700 years old, and was reputedly a meeting place for rebels in the reign of King John.

Images - none

Location

Grid Reference:TG 1709 0050
Map Sheet:TG10SE
Parish:BRACON ASH, SOUTH NORFOLK, NORFOLK

Full description

Hawthorn tree.
Mentioned as a boundary mark in 13th century.
Legend says was a meeting place of rebels in the time of King John.
Used as a supply of mistletoe.
This hawthorn bush remains, about 2m high, in a field with a notice board.
E. Rose (NAU) 9 November 1978.

The notice board also states that it was a tradition for local children to count the props holding up the branches after dancing round the maypole.
The tree is now only a shadow of what it was when 18th and 19th century engravings were made.
E. Rose (NLA) 5 October 1998.

Monument Types

  • NAMED TREE (Undated)
  • BOUNDARY MARKER (Medieval - 1066 AD to 1539 AD)

Associated Finds - none

Protected Status - none

Sources and further reading

---Newspaper Article: Eastern Daily Press. 1991. Thorn is star of open day. 12 June.
---Record Card: Ordnance Survey Staff. 1933-1979?. Ordnance Survey Record Cards. TG 01 SE 1 [3].
---Record Card: NAU Staff. 1974-1988. Norfolk Archaeological Index Primary Record Card.
---Secondary File: Secondary File.
---Record Card: Clarke, R. R. and NCM Staff. 1933-1973. Norwich Castle Museum Record Card - Miscellaneous. Bracon Ash.
<S1>Newspaper Article: Eastern Daily Press. 1984. Gale warning for the Old Thorn. 15 November.

Related records - none

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