It is thought to date from the time of the Danelaw in 9th-century England and is a shire oak, a tree that was used as a meeting point for local assemblies.

[2][3] The Skyrack Wapentake would have met regularly to resolve legal disputes, make decisions and to muster for war.

[1] As Headingley grew the oak was incorporated into Otley Road and Saint Michael's Church was constructed to the south of it.

[2] 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.

[2] The remains of the tree were removed, but part was sculpted by the "Mouseman" Robert Thompson into the likeness of the Madonna and child,[5] which is now displayed in St Michael's Church.