C.
GOSPEL OAKS.
(Vol. ii., p. 407.)
The inquiry of STEPHEN into the origin of "this delightful name," applied to some fine old oak trees in different parts of the country, has not elicited one answer, nor an additional note of other trees so designated. Oaks are not the only trees so honoured; for I remember reading of a "gospel elm," but where situated I do not recollect. Had your valuable publication been then in existence, I should most probably have made a note of it. It would be desirable to elucidate this interesting subject; and if your correspondents would send you a note of such as may be in their neighbourhoods, with the traditions attached to them, much curious and interesting information would be accumulated; and it is possible that some approximation to their date and origin might be arrived at. The Rev. A. G. H. Hollingsworth, in his History of Stowmarket, gives an account of a very fine one still remaining in the park of Polstead Hall, Essex, the seat of Charles Tyrell, Esq.:
"It stands (he writes) almost in front of the house, at a distance of about 150 yards, and close to the adjoining early Norman church. It rises like a small feudal tower out of the green field, to the height of twenty feet, and still possesses vigorous remains of the three enormous stems into which it was divided above. This earth-born giant is forty-three feet in circumference four feet from the ground, and the base slopes gradually outwards as the sides bury themselves in the earth, giving one the idea of a skilful architect's hand having systematically planted an enormous foundation for that stupendous mass of wood, with which 1000 or 1500 years must have loaded its shoulders. It is hollow within, and could seat eight or ten persons. The bark is generally gone, except in one or two places, where it winds like a stream of rough verdure to supply the branches, which still drop their acorns into your face as you gaze upwards, and are thus reminded of the passing seasons. Its wood is seared, knotted, and in some places looks like a piece of sculpture smoothed and wrought by hand into waving channels. By its side, and at a distance of some eight feet, is a tall oak of eighty years' growth,—a scion, no doubt, of such a mighty tree. But it looks puerile, and a child, when compared with its parent. And some idea may be formed of this, perhaps one of the last fast departing memorials of Roman and Saxon times, when on comparison it would take twenty or more such trunks of a hundred years' growth, to make up the bulk of the glorious size of this mighty pillar, thus erected by the hand of nature to the memory of past generations."
Mr. Hollingsworth appears to consider them relics of Druidism:
"When Christianity was first introduced into England, it was customary for the missionaries to select some one known gigantic tree as their place of assemblage. These leafy tabernacles were generally oaks of vast size and stature. Nor is it at all unlikely that some of them were thus chosen because from their gigantic bosoms the sacred mistletoe of the Druids had been cut, and they were consecrated by superstitious veneration in the minds of the people as sacred places. Nor were they inappropriate pulpits for the apostolic bishops and priests, who thus, in making their shades vocal with the gospel words, proclaimed by their voice and presence the victory of Christ over darkness and idolatry."—P. 18.
Can the following item in the will of John Cole, of Thelnetham, dated May 8, 1527, be considered as throwing any light upon their origin and use?
"Item, I will have a newe crosse made according to ] Trappett's crosse at the Hawelanesende, and sett vp at Short Groves end, where the gospell is sayd vpon Ascension Even, for ye wch I assigne Xs."
Bury Wills, p. 118.
BURIENSIS.