About
Thought to be around 1,000 years old, the giant old oak tree known as the Capon Tree is one of the few surviving trees that once made up the ancient Jedforest.
It is believed that much of the historic forest was cut down for ships during attacks by the Spanish Armada in the late 16th Century. Capon Tree is thought to have survived this fate because its twisted trunk meant it was useless for cutting into planks for making ships.
Today, the tree is held together with concrete and metal struts support its branches, due to a crack running down the trunk. The section that has split off from the main trunk now lies on the ground but continues to support fresh leaves each spring, indicating it is still alive.
This oak tree was selected as one of the 50 Great British Trees by the Tree Council in 2002 to celebrate the Queen's Golden Jubilee, and in 2024, it was shortlisted for "Tree of the Year".
The Capon Tree is an important symbol in the local area. Each July for the past 75 years, it has been visited during the Jethart Callant's Festival, when the Callant is adorned with a sprig from the Capon Tree on his lapel, collected as he rides from nearby Ferniehirst Castle back to Jedburgh.
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Know Before You Go
Nearby stands a much younger oak sapling, planted in 1996 to mark the 50th anniversary of the Jethart Callant’s Festival.
Across the A68 is another ancient oak, the King of the Woods, also believed to be a survivor of the ancient woodland.
To visit, park in Jedburgh and follow the path running alongside the A68 for about 20 minutes until you reach the gate shown in the pictures. There are signs and the name on the gate, so it can't be missed.
Published
November 7, 2025
