NHER 2466 (Monument record) - Ketts Oak

'Kett's Oak' (marked on Ordnance Survey). There seems to be no evidence for this attribution. The Ordnance Survey say the name is 'genuine' (!) but the references they give all refer to the Ketts' Oak that stood on Mousehold Heath, except one in the 'Eastern Arboretum' (copy in NCM Natural History Department) which claims that a map of the time of Charles II gives this name to this tree. However there is no historical evidence for connecting Kett with this area. Perhaps it is significant that (S1) marks the neighbouring estate of West Dereham Abbey as the seat of one Thomas
Kett.
E. Rose (NAU).

Ordnance Survey card says that the tree has a metal plaque in front of it. Mr. Pratt of Ryston Hall says the tree is still standing, 17 February 1977.
E.Rose (NAU).

The map is dated 1675. Bryant suggests that the tree was a meeting place of rebels from Fincham and Swaffham going to Norwich, but this sounds a little far-fetched.
E. Rose (NAU).

However, (S2) states that there was a camp of rebels at Downham Market at the time of Kett's Rebellion, although Kett himself was not involved with them; possibly the name may therefore have come about by association of ideas, if the rebels were in this area.
E. Rose (NLA), 15 March 1993.

Press cuttings (S3) and (S4) in file.