This image published in Picturesque Rides and Walks during 1817, depicted men dressed as sailors climbing into the upper branches of the Fairlop Oak. One Jack tar is balancing precariously on one leg and waving a small hat.

In February 1820, strong winds caused the Fairlop Oak to fall (some later reports dispute this), leading Mr. Long Wellesley to order its removal. The builder, Mr. Seabrooke, acquired timber from the tree to craft pulpits for the then-under-construction St. Pancras Church. The wood was also repurposed to create chests, tables, snuff-boxes, and tea caddies.