A map of labelled "Windsor Little Park," showing the town, castle and river Thames, with the surrounding parkland. A drawing of Windsor Castle is inset in the top left corner, next to a decorative scroll with the dedication "To the most Noble Charles, Duke of Marlborough, Knight of the most Noble Order of the Garter &c &c &c. This Plan of the Town and Castle of Windsor and Little-Park, Town and College of Eton, Is most humbly Inscrib'd by His Graces Dutiful Obedient Humble Serv[an]t W. Collier." Individual features are labelled, and a key on the right identifies smaller details. In the top right corner is a plan of proposed changes to the Gardens. Below the dedication is a long avenue of trees, labelled "Queen Elizabeth's Walk." Just beside these is another tree: a hand pointing to it labels this one "Sr John Falstaff's Oak."

Plan of the Town and Castle of Windsor and Little-Park and Town and College of Eton

John Pine, after William Collier

1742

Etching and engraving 

RCIN 701011

Image credit: Royal Collection Trust / © Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II 2021

After the '1797 tree' was felled, the claim of another tree was proposed and the identity of 'Herne's Oak' became a subject of heated debate.

This map, which includes a 1708 plan for the gardens of Windsor Castle, was central to the discussion. It includes a hand pointing out the location of 'Sr John Falstaffs Oak', at the top left by 'Queen Elizabeth's Walk'.

Topographically, it is not particularly helpful. It was used as evidence by advocates for both trees. However, by naming 'Sr John Falstaff' it identifies the centre of the discussion as Shakespeare - rather than ‘Herne’, the Windsor ghost Shakespeare is likely to have invented.

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Herne’s Oak, Windsor Park

Attributed to Samuel Ireland

c.1799

Ireland Herne's Oak 1799

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Herne’s Oak

Charles W. Marr, published by Hullmandel & Walton

c. 1820s-40s

Herne's Oak c19

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