Is any credit to be attached to the story: and if historical, can any reader inform me where it is recorded?
C. A.
St. John's Wood.
GOSPEL OAKS.
(Vol. v., pp. 157. 209.)
The replies of FABER, EXON., and P. T. to the inquiry of STEPHEN, concerning the origin of Gospel Oaks, are not very explanatory.
The oak was consecrated to the god of thunder—Ang.-Sax., Thunor; Gallic, Taranis; Irish, Toran; Anc. N. Thorr—as being more generally struck by lightning than any other tree; and the acorn was called by the Romans Jovis glans, the fruit of the supreme god.
"Quercus Jovi placuit."
Phædrus, III. 17.
"Magna Jovis antiquo robore quercus."
Virg. Georg. III. 332.