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A lone veteran known as the Covenanters’ Oak stands just off the main avenue to historic Dalzell House, on the outskirts of Motherwell, North Lanarkshire.
The Covenanters
It takes its name from the members of the Scottish Presbyterian movement which, in 1638, covenanted to defend their church from the influence of Charles I and his attempt to introduce the English Prayer Book.
The Hamilton family, who held Dalzell Estate at the time, were sympathetic to the Covenanters’ cause and provided protection to its more troublesome ringleaders.
One such notable character was the Reverend John Lauder, who is said to have preached to 400 Covenanters under the boughs of the great oak, which provided a natural gathering point for clandestine religious meetings.
12th century deer park
The huge English, or pedunculate, oak (Quercus robur) is thought to be an isolated survivor of an extensive deer park and hunting estate planted by King David I in the mid-12th century, which would make it a contemporary of the veterans just across the River Clyde at Cadzow.
The imposing trunk now measures an impressive 6.69 metres (22 feet) in girth. The fine old oak stands to this day in good health, a living reminder of a tumultuous period in Scotland’s religious history.
Where to see the Covenanters' Oak:
Next to the main driveway about 400 metres (440 yards) west of Dalzell House in Dalzell Estate, off Dalzell Drive on the southern outskirts of Motherwell, North Lanarkshire. The country park is managed by North Lanarkshire Council, and free public access is available throughout the year.
Image: copyright Archie Miles
