It had lived through the Spanish Armada and stood by as Penshurst Place, owned by Henry VIII, was built nearby in 1341.

The ancient Sidney Oak had lived for what is believed to be 1,000 years when it died last year, and now its place in history has been marked with the unveiling of a plaque.

One of its saplings, which had self-seeded, now grows alongside where it stood.

Viscount De L’Isle, his son the Rtn Hon Philip Sidney and Pauline Buchanan Black from The Tree Council, were there to unveil the plaque and celebrate the new era with the Sidney Oak sapling.

The oak tree would have been in situ since before the medieval manor house was built and certainly stood watch during the period the estate was owned by Henry VIII.

During the Queen’s Golden Jubilee, The Tree Council designated the Sidney Oak as one of 50 Great British Trees, recognising its importance.

Pauline Buchanan Black said: "When we decided upon the 50 great Trees, this tree was a standout tree for two reasons - its cultural importance and it’s representation of nature’s circle of life."

However, its 1,000 years is no match for what is believed to be Britain’s oldest tree - a yew that first took root more than 5,000 years ago in Defynnog in Wales.

It was reduced to one propped limb after the Great Storm of 1987.

Penshurst Place has put out new signage on its estate footpaths. Marked by newly restored numbered and colour-coded signs, there are two trails, the Parkland Walk, which passes by the tree, and the 4K Riverside Walk.

For details go to penshurstplace.com