There’s a tree on a lonely road at Knowesgate, near Kirkwhelpington in Northumberland that bears an unusual fruit. Its branches are laden with shoes of all kinds. No one really seems to know how the custom began but there are many theories. Some say it was a couple of local tradesmen who adopted the alleged American tradition whereby prospectors used to hang old boots from a tree near to their excavations as a good luck charm. Others say they’re hung there to promote fertility or represent “walking” a life journey. Whatever its history, it’s quirky and an entertaining conversation piece
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