One of the last veteran trees of the Royal Forest of Knaresborough crashed to the ground yesterday, further shortening the dwindling list of ancient survivors. 

The oak tree, in a field off Hall Lane at Blubberhouses, is believed to be around 400 years old, meaning it was mature even when the royal hunting forest was dismembered and sold off in 1770. 

Hollowed out and rotting at its base, it is thought to have fallen victim to the recent dry weather. 

The tree is included in the Ancient Tree Inventory, which is maintained by the Woodland Trust, and is listed as measuring 5.67m (18ft 7in) around its trunk. 

David Rhodes, a local historian who has studied the Royal Forest of Knaresborough, said: 

The Royal Forest of Knaresborough lasted for over 600 years. Created in the 12th century, it was used as one of the monarch’s many hunting grounds and was a favourite of Henry II and King John. It stretched from Knaresborough, right across what is now Harrogate, and up well into the Washburn Valley. 

The tree, a common or pedunculate oak (Quercus robur), stood on land owned by Yorkshire Water and leased to a tenant farmer. Contractors rerouting the A59 around Kex Gill had fenced it off to ensure that its roots were not disturbed by digging, and it is not thought that the roadworks affected it. 

The Stray Ferret contacted Yorkshire Water to find out its plans for the remains of the tree, but has not yet received a response.

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