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Hernes Oak, Windsor Great Park, Berkshire
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Hernes Oak, Windsor Great Park, Berkshire
Hernes Oak, in Windsor Great Park, Berkshire, felled in 1796. Associated with the legend of Herne the Hunter, the tree features in Shakespeares comedy, The Merry Wives of Windsor. Date: 1790
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Media ID 23149890
© Mary Evans Picture Library
1790 1790s Berkshire Comedy Ghost Herne Hunter Legend Legends Merry Shakespeare Windsor Wives
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EDITORS COMMENTS
1. Title: "Hernes Oak, Windsor Great Park, Berkshire: A Tree Steeped in Legend and Literature" This evocative image captures the majestic beauty of Hernes Oak, a venerable oak tree that once stood proudly in Windsor Great Park, Berkshire, during the late 18th century. The tree, which fell in 1796, was a notable landmark in the park and is deeply intertwined with local folklore and Shakespearean literature. The tree's association with legends dates back to the 16th century when it was believed to be the haunting ground of Herne the Hunter, a ghostly figure said to roam the woods of Windsor Forest. Herne the Hunter, depicted as a horned man riding a horse, was often seen by local residents and travelers, adding an air of mystery and intrigue to the area. The tree's most famous connection, however, is to William Shakespeare's comedy, "The Merry Wives of Windsor." In the play, the character of Falstaff attempts to woo two married women, Mistress Ford and Mistress Page, by sending them identical love letters. He signs the letters as "M.F.F." (Master of the Forest of Fallowfield), leading the women to believe that the Forest of Windsor's master of the forest, Master Page, is the sender. In an attempt to expose Falstaff's deceit, the women invite him to meet them at Hernes Oak on a moonlit night, under the pretense that they will be alone. This photograph, taken around 1790, offers a glimpse into a bygone era, allowing us to imagine the tree in all its glory before it was felled. The image serves as a poignant reminder of the rich history and folklore that surrounds Hernes Oak and its connection to Windsor Great Park, Berkshire, and the works of William Shakespeare.
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