In November 1938 the Grace Darling League planted the tree to commemorate the centenary of her bravery when at 7 in the morning of 7th September 1838 she rowed with her father William Darling, to the wreck of the steamer ‘Forfarshire’ and rescued nine survivors.
The tree itself is about 100 yards from the Pagoda on the Albert Bridge side. It is believed to be a Turkey Oak (Quercus Cerris) and that it will continue to grow to a magnificent height. It pollinates much more easily than an English oak and is discouraged by the Parks Department from being planted too close to our native oaks to avoid hybrid varieties. But here it stands on its own close to the river.