The Heath in the 1950s was different to how it is now. Throughout the early 1940s it was home to American troops and the site had few trees, making the tree a prominent sight. Over the years, the woodland section of the Heath developed and more oak trees began to grow, possibly seeded from the Queen’s Oak itself. Holly also became widespread and eventually obscured the tree from view, and as a result it had been forgotten.
The tree was rediscovered in October 2021 by Rob Eyre, who was surveying trees to catalogue the trees in public spaces for the Town Council. Rob found a tree surrounded by six-foot iron railings and surrounded by holly, but at the time no-one was sure what it was for other than that it appeared to be a memorial tree.
Mystery solved
The mystery was solved two years later by volunteer researchers Jenny Collis and Mary Gracie of the Knutsford Heritage Centre who found the 1953 coronation programme in the Town Council’s archive. The programme stated that an oak tree would be planted along with a line of ash trees in Ladies Mile.
Pam Walker, Manager of Knutsford Heritage Centre said
Knutsford Heritage Centre is delighted that, through research by two of the Centre’s volunteers, another small part of the town’s history has been re-discovered and restored.
With the mystery solved, Friends of the Heath and Cheshire Wildlife Trust, who manage the woodland on behalf of Tatton Estate, began clearing the area around the oak tree to make it visible once more. Friends of the Heath installed new posts around the tree.
Nick Johnson, Chair of Friends of the Heath said
We are thankful to the ‘Friends’ who gave their time, effort, and skills to restore this special Oak to the public gaze. May it thrive to remind us of our heritage and the dedication and work of one of our greatest monarchs.
The tree was rededicated to the late Queen Elizabeth II
On Monday 2 June 2025, Town Mayor Cllr Bryan Hartley re-dedicated the tree to the late Queen. Speaking at a small gathering with Friends of the Heath, Knutsford Heritage Centre and Tatton Estates, Bryan paid tribute to the late Queen, saying:
Today, as we unveil this new plaque, we rededicate the Queen’s Oak — in lasting memory of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II whose reign was defined by duty, dignity, and a deep connection with the people of this country.
We hope this tree continues to stand not only as a marker of that historic Coronation, but as a living symbol of continuity, community, and the strength of nature and memory combined.
Longstanding tradition to plant an oak for a coronation
Planting an oak on the heath to commemorate the coronation of the new monarch was a tradition at least dating back to King Edward VII when a tree was planted at the Manchester Road side. The trees for Kings George V and George VI have been lost, and a tree was planted to mark the coronation of His Majesty King Charles III.
Henry Brooks of Tatton Estates said:
It was a delight to be able to see the Coronation Oak today for the unveiling of the plaque, thanks for the research work from Knutsford Heritage’s Volunteers and the clearing and fencing done by the Town Council, Friends of the Heath and Cheshire Wildlife Trust. The mayor’s speech was a poignant reminder of the life of service our late Monarch Queen Elizabeth II. I was honoured on behalf of the Estate to join our community in commemorating Her Majesty
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