A tree which stood at a dip in Hadrian's Wall became one of the UK’s most famous attractions after appearing in an iconic film.
The Sycamore Gap tree situated in Hexham, Northumberland claimed a name for itself after starring in the film Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves back in 1991.
In 2016, it was also awarded Tree of the Year at the Woodland Trust’s awards with 2,542 votes and received a £1,000 grant.
How old is the Sycamore Gap tree on Hadrian's Wall?
The Sycamore Gap tree is thought to be around 300 years old, reports the Daily Mail, and is looked after by Northumberland National Park and the National Trust.
The Northumberland National Park website explains: “The Roman Milecastle 39 is just to its left. It’s known as Castle Nick, as it sits in a nick in the hillside.
“The site was excavated between 1908 and 1911 and re-excavated between 1982 and 1987.
“In the south-east corner was a stone oven and the south-west corner a rectangular building with a sunken floor associated with Roman finds.
“The milecastle appears to have been occupied until the late 4th century. In the 18th century, a possible milking house was built in the west corner.
It adds: “The circular wall nearby protects a small replacement sycamore sapling from the local sheep, who would otherwise nibble on it.”
Has the tree at Sycamore Gap been felled?
Unfortunately this morning (September 28), many visitors learnt that the Sycamore Gap tree had come down overnight, with authorities claiming it had been “deliberately felled.”
You can follow our live blog for updates here.
In a statement, Northumberland National Park Authority said: "Northumberland National Park Authority can confirm that sadly, the famous tree at Sycamore Gap has come down overnight. We have reason to believe it has been deliberately felled.
"We are working with the relevant agencies and partners with an interest in this iconic North East landmark and will issue more details once they are known.
"Sycamore Gap was voted English Tree of the Year in 2016 in the Woodland Trust’s awards and is much-loved by people from across the world.
"Northumberland National Park Authority would like to ask the public not to visit the site at this time whilst we work with our partners to identify what has happened and to make the site safe."
Northumbria Police confirmed an investigation has been launched.
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