The demise a year ago of the eponymous tree at Sycamore Gap near the remains of Hadrian’s Wall robbed the people of Northumberland of a natural landmark with a world profile.

PA news agency photographer Owen Humphreys had been a regular visitor to the tree, which stood in isolation in a dip in the Roman fortifications that link the Irish Sea and North Sea.

It was a perfect focal point for amateur and professional photographers in daytime, night-time or during the Northern Lights and Mr Humphreys’ work ensured it was seen around the world.

Sycamore Gap tree felled
People take an evening walk at Sycamore Gap in Northumberland (Tom White/PA)
Summer Weather – Hadrian’s Wall – Northumberland
The eponymous tree could be found at Sycamore Gap at Hadrian’s Wall (Owen Humphreys/PA)
Sycamore Gap
Rare noctilucent clouds appear over the famous Sycamore Gap tree (Owen Humphreys/PA)

The tree was famously used as a location in the 1990s film Robin Hood: Prince Of Thieves, with the title character, played by Kevin Costner, evading enemies with the support of Morgan Freeman playing his Moorish ally Azeem.

Amid the ancient remnants of Hadrian’s border wall, it was a popular visiting spot.

With the Northern Lights often visible in the remote part of Northumberland, it would regularly return to the spotlight, with photographers such as Mr Humphreys sharing its attractions with a wider audience.

Sycamore Gap
Light shines through the tree (Owen Humphreys/PA)
Sycamore Gap
Stars and the Northern Lights are seen above the Sycamore Gap tree (Owen Humphreys/PA)
Northumberland landmarks by night
The tree at Sycamore Gap, Northumberland, taken (clockwise from top left) in daylight, with noctilucent clouds, the Milky Way and the Northern Lights (Owen Humphreys/PA)
Sycamore Gap
A clear night under the Milky Way at Sycamore Gap (Owen Humphreys/PA)
Sycamore Gap
Stars fill the night sky above Sycamore Gap (Owen Humphreys/PA)
Spring weather Mar 7th 2016
Colours of the Northern Lights behind the Sycamore Gap tree (Owen Humphreys/PA)
Spring weather Mar 7th 2016
The Northern Lights work their magic (Owen Humphreys/PA)

The felling of the tree prompted a police investigation.

Sycamore Gap tree felled
People look at the tree at Sycamore Gap, next to Hadrian’s Wall, which was ‘deliberately felled’, the Northumberland National Park Authority said (Owen Humphreys/PA)