In folklore, the Oak was associated with the Druids, who performed their religious rites in Oak groves. Oak trees can grow very tall and live for hundreds of years, so they often became local landmarks. Many parishes had a 'Gospel' Oak, where bible readings took place.
There are about 200 different species and sub-species of Oak, but those grown commercially fall into two main groups - white oak and red oak. These terms are very general and more than a little misleading, because the colour depends on many different factors and it can vary from a pale brown (in fact, almost white) to a dark brown and some have a definite reddish hue. Most Oak sold in Britain comes from Northern Europe, mainly from Poland and the Baltic counties, and has done so for centuries. Oak tankards are by far the most popular sort I sell, possibly because Oak is the most 'traditional' wood for tankards.
