An ancient tree that sits at the centre of a tiny nature reserve in Norfolk has been named one of Britain's "greatest".
The Hethel Old Thorn is in the village of Hethel, near Wymondham, and is believed to be one of the oldest hawthorns in the country.
It dates back to the 13th century and is thought to have been a meeting point for rebels during Kett's Rebellion in 1549.
Generally, hawthorns are linked to spirituality and witchcraft.
They are believed to carry a protective energy that wards off evil spirits and their blooms can be used in a series of spells and divination practices.
READ MORE: Study names Norfolk one of the best counties in England
The site of the tree has been protected and the plot surrounding it is now one of the UK's smallest Wildlife Trust nature reserves.
Today, it can be reached via a public footpath which leads past the ancient Hethel church.
The Telegraph included the hawthorn in a round-up of the 20 greatest trees in the country and called it "remarkable".
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