William Lucombe

[1][2] William Lucombe began his horticultural career as Head Gardener in the service of merchant Thomas Ball at Mamhead Park in Devon circa 1720.

The nursery flourished under his son Robert Taylor Pince, but began to decline in the late 19th century, and the site was sold to the city of Exeter in 1912.

The Lucombe Oak is a large semi-evergreen tree developing a deeply furrowed bark when mature.

Leaves to about 12 x 5 cm, glossy dark green above, grey beneath and edged with sharp teeth.

The Tree Register of the British Isles−TROBI Champion is at Phear Park in Exmouth, measuring 26 metres (85 ft) in height, with a trunk diameter of 261 centimetres (103 in) in 2008.