Sycamore Gap in Henshaw, England

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Sycamore Gap

Hadrian’s Wall is one of the most famous historical sites in the British Isles. Construction began around 122 CE and the wall stretched for 73 miles across northern England. It once marked the edge of the Roman Empire. Several sections and fortifications of the wall remain today and are a popular tourist attraction. However, one site owes its interest more to Hollywood than to the ancient Romans.

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There are several natural channels in the wall carved by glacial meltwater. In one such channel, a lone sycamore tree stands.

This has created a unique visual that has become a favorite of artists and photographers. Location scouts for the 1991 film Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves admired the location enough to feature it on Robin’s journey from the South of England to Sherwood Forest.

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Kevin Costner and Morgan Freeman’s brief visit has immortalized this spot, and it’s now referred to as the “Robin Hood Tree.”

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