Hadrian’s Wall and its Trees

The felling of the Sycamore Gap tree in 2023 struck a deep chord across the world, reminding many of how trees define our landscapes and memories. Hadrian’s Wall and its Trees responds to that moment by celebrating the living and ancient trees that line the course of Rome’s northern frontier — and the enduring role of wood in its history.

Edited by David J. Breeze, with evocative line drawings by Mark B. Richards, this richly illustrated volume explores how trees have shaped the story of Hadrian’s Wall: from their presence in Roman construction and everyday life to their appearance in art, myth, and conservation today. Essays range from studies of ancient woodlands and Roman carpentry to reflections on individual trees that have become landmarks in their own right.

With contributions from archaeologists, artists, and heritage specialists, the book weaves together science, history, and emotion — demonstrating how trees, both ancient and modern, continue to give meaning to this extraordinary landscape. A testament to renewal and continuity, it invites readers to look anew at Hadrian’s Wall and the natural world that frames it.