Hadrian's wall in our time

The cutting down of the tree in Sycamore Gap on Hadrian’s Wall in September 2023 caused widespread shock in Britain and beyond, and for many was felt as a personal loss.

Since its appearance in the film Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves in 1991, the tree has become the iconic view of Hadrian’s Wall.

In a positive response to this sad event, David Breeze, author of several books on Hadrian’s Wall, invited 80 friends and colleagues to nominate their favourite view of the Wall.

The views are presented in a visual celebration with photographs and specially commissioned line drawings, each accompanied by personal reflections.

The wide-ranging contributions are testimony to the affection many hold for this evocative Roman frontier.