Prior to the mid 1700’s the land on which Old Knobbley stands was part of the Earl of Oxfords Estate. During this time the area was Park Land, it is believed that Old Knobbley was a part of the park and is one of 3 or 4 remaining trees of similar age that stretch, in a line, across 2 (or so) miles.
During the mid 1700’s the land was divided up, the new owners the Rigby family planted Oak trees to be pollarded and used locally for many different purposes. Some of the Rigby’s Oak trees remain in the woodland today, however the majority of the oaks are much younger, less than 100 years and are either self sown or unwittingly planted by jays.
The Rigby family and their descendants, the Normans, held the land until around 1945 when Furze Hills was taken over by the British Army. The army proceeded to build about 20 huts on the land. When the Army vacated the huts, at least one family squatted there. The huts have since been demolished (although there are some areas of overgrown concrete floors and foundations within the wood which can still be seen to this day).
Later when the cold war was prominent in everyone’s minds, a ‘Secret Bunker’ for nuclear defence purposes was constructed nearby. Government officials would shelter there and govern the region if the worst happened. A vast hole was dug out of the ground and the concrete structure slowly took shape as local kids played footie on the playing field next door. The ‘Secret Bunker’ remains today, although not so secret and currently empty (after a spell of being open to the public).
Mistley Parish Council purchased Furze Hills after the 2nd World War and it remains in their careful hands.
Old Knobbley’s website was first created in 2000. Since becoming famous Old Knobbley has featured in many books including:
- Old Knobbley the Oak Tree (biography in the form of a children’s illustrated book)
- Hidden Trees of Britain by Archie Miles,
- Bear Grylls Great Outdoor Adventures: An Extreme Guide to the best Outdoor Pursuites by Bear Grylls,
- The British Oak by Archie Miles
In 2014 Old Knobbley was nominated in England’s First Tree of the Year competition Old Knobbley came second place missing the top title by just 465 votes. The winner was the Major Oak of Robin Hood fame.
Old Knobbley was in the news again in 2018 when the historic tree was set on fire.
Old Knobbley has a facebook page where people often share photos of their visits to see the ancient tree.