Fenland Black Oak table’s second residency: Rochester Cathedral, Kent

The table will be on display at Rochester Cathedral until 1 March 2024

A giant 13m long table made from ancient 5,000-year-old Fenland black oak and bronze is travelling from Ely Cathedral to Rochester Cathedral for its second public residency.

The tree, which was unearthed in Wissington Fens, south west Norfolk in March 2012, has been made into a table large enough to seat 50 people.

Unveiled by The Princess Royal in May 2022, the ‘Table for a Nation’ was dedicated to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II in commemoration of her long reign.

The table was the brainchild of Fenland black oak specialist, Hamish Low, of Kent-based Adamson and Low cabinetmakers. Lead craftsman and chair of the project, Hamish has called upon much support over the last 10 years.

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Discovery of the Jubilee Oak in March 2012

This project has been entirely funded by private individuals who’ve shared the vision along with various charitable foundations and trusts. Full details of sponsors can be found on the project website as well as display panels at the cathedral.

Other support has come from The Building Crafts College in Stratford, London who granted access and use of workshop facilities as well as encouraging students from their cabinetmaking and woodworking courses to become involved.

The table made its journey – on board an articulated lorry owing to the sheer size – from Ely, Cambridgeshire on 2 March 2023 and installed in readiness for its year-long residency at Rochester Cathedral, Kent.

“The Table has generated a huge amount of interest, and visitors have been hugely engaged by its history and beauty, as well as the skill and craftsmanship involved it its creation,” commented The Very Revd Mark Bonney, Dean of Ely.

To find out more about The Fenland Black Oak Project, visit the website.

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The Fenland Black Oak Project

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