The cutting down of the tree in Sycamore Gap on Hadrian’s Wall in September 2023 caused widespread shock in Britain and beyond, and for many was felt as a personal loss. Since its appearance in the film Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves in 1991, the tree has become the iconic view of Hadrian’s Wall. The wide-ranging contributions are testimony to the affection many hold for this evocative Roman frontier.

Contents

 

A Note on Terminology

Foreword – Rory Stewart

 

Introduction

The Tale of a Tree: Sycamore Gap on Hadrian’s Wall – Jim Crow

The Iconic Landscapes of Hadrian’s Wall – David Breeze

 

Individual Contributions

In the Beginning

Before the Wall

Hadrian and his Wall

Hadrian’s Wall from East to West

The Cumbrian Coast

Soldiers and Sweethearts

Religion on the Wall

Communications

Beyond the Wall

Antiquarians and Archaeologists

Last Words