History of Oak
There are approximately 450 species of Oak, 25 of which are native to Europe.
In the past large areas of Europe were covered with deciduous forest in which Oak pre-dominated, but today only a small proportion remain due to agriculture and expansion of town and cities.
In Britain the oak tree provides a habitat for more organisms, in particular insect, than any other species of tree.
The Oak tree can reach up to 40 metres tall with a trunk circumference of up to 12 metres and regularly live up to 500 years old.
Individual trees of over 1,000 years old are listed on a special register.
The use of oak by man, can be traced back through the centuries.
It was used widely in the middle ages to create fine furniture and for interior panelling in important buildings, some of which can still be seen today in places such as the House of Commons in London.
Oak timber was used in the construction of ships and was the main building material for the British Royal Navy until the 19th Century.
Today Oak is still considered to be the King among wood species, used in homes as flooring, and decorative detailing, it is still the timber of choice when making beautiful handcrafted furniture to provide future heirlooms.
The timeless quality and durability of Oak allows future generations to enjoy it with the years only adding to the natural beauty of the timber.
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ALPHA OAK FLOORING & JOINERY LTD
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Pantyffynnon Farm,
Llanddarog,
Carmarthen
SA32 8BH
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Throughout the ages the oak tree has been held in high regard.
Ancient Kings wore crowns of oak leaves and during Roman times, victorious commanders were given circlets of oak leaves to wear in their parades.
Oak leaves continue to form part of some military decoration to the present day.
Oak timber was favoured for its strength and durability in the construction of Tudor Houses, with craftsmen using the even grain to produce fabulous decorative carvings.
The bark of the oak tree was used in the leather tanning industry because of its high tannin content.
Large amounts from managed woodlands were harvested during the industrial revolution.
Much folklore and legend contains mention of oak trees, with many parishes having a ‘gospel oak’ where people would meet to hear readings from the bible.
In Somerset stand two ancient oaks, ‘Gog’ and ‘Maygog’ named after the last giants to roam Britain. They are said to be the last remainder of an oak lined processional route up to Glastonbury Tor.
The Major Oak in Sherwood Forest is a popular tourist attraction and is supposedly where Robin Hood and his Merry Men made their plans.
King Charles 2nd, after the battle of Worcester in 1651, hid from the Roundheads in a large Oak Tree at Boscobel. Then in 1660 he declared the 29th May as Royal Oak to celebrate the restoration of the monarchy.
Subsequently oak was widely used in the building of ships for the Royal Navy.
Thanks to Paul Kendle from Trees for Life for information contained in this article.
