A drawing of the tree was made circa 1700, at which time it was described as ancient and Edward Parsons, writing in 1834, described it as already 1,000 years old. However, by the late 19th century the Shire Oak had decayed to little more than a stump and it fell during a gale on 26 May 1941. The remains of the tree were removed, but part was sculpted by the "Mouseman" Robert Thompson into the likeness of the Madonna and child, which is now displayed in St Michael's Church. A commemorative plaque marking the position of the oak is mounted to the garden wall of the Original Oak pub.
