Table for the Nation comes to Lincoln Cathedral
A stunning 13-metre-long table, made from ancient, fossilised oak is on display in Lincoln Cathedral.
Created from a section of the nation’s most significant tree, a gigantic 5000-year-old Fenland Black Oak, the table is a masterpiece of craftsmanship. The Table for the Nation was installed on St George’s day, and it will remain in residency at Lincoln Cathedral for a year.
In 2012, the year of Queen Elizabeth II’s Diamond Jubilee, an exceptionally well-preserved section of black oak was found in a field in Norfolk – this became known as the Jubilee Oak. It is thought that the tree would have originally stood more than 55 metres tall, before falling into the peat where it lay undisturbed for 5,000 years.
The Fenland Black Oak project, led by Hamish Low, carefully dried and processed the valuable wood and worked with designers to find the best way to preserve this rare discovery. They chose a table as it allowed the wood to be kept at its full length, and to be viewed in all its glory.
Sponsor a Seat
You can sponsor a seat at the table for £65 for the duration of the table’s visit to the Cathedral.
Sponsorship includes:
- Recognition of your chosen name on the sponsors board and on the Table page of the Cathedral website for the duration of the installation
- Early notification of Table events
Please click on the button below to donate and sponsor your seat.
Thank you to our generous seat sponsors:
David Goodridge (Late)
Mr & Mrs David Oliver
Sam Owen
The Suthern Family
Kate Vickers
Ruth Wilkinson
Matthew Tarling, donated by Kate Vickers
Amber Hardy, donated by Kate Vickers
Lesley Kirrage, donated by Kate Vickers
Samantha Mellows, donated by Kate Vickers
For Cathedral staff, donated by Kate Vickers
For Cathedral volunteers, donated by Kate Vickers
The Suthern Family
MyLocal/The Lincolnite
Janet Cooke
Edward Strange
Retford, Lord of Pleshey
A Howe and Sons Ltd
Gordon Allison
Denby Transport Ltd
Mr & Mrs Giles Walter
George Orbell (Late)
Caroline Kenyon
Jillian Horberry
Lincoln Cathedral Needlework Guild
Neville Wentworth Ward
Martin and Janet Shippey
Owen & Caroline Miles
Gina Mettam – How to Stor
What’s on at the Table for the Nation
The Table is a wonderful attraction in its own right. When you visit the Cathedral, you can learn more about the Jubilee Oak, the Fenlands Black Oak Project, and the table itself from the display which accompanies the table.
However, the table has been made to be used, and throughout the year there’ll be events, activities and talks around the table for you to enjoy. See below for details, and don’t forget to check back soon to see what has been added.
May to August
Peace Doves
The beautiful installation is made up of 12,000 paper doves which will be suspended above the Cathedral’s Nave.
The artwork will be on display from 5 September to 14 November 2024. But first we need your help to write messages of peace, love and hope on the doves.
Saturday 21 September, 9.30am-3pm
Lacemakers at work
Try your hand at traditional lacemaking!
The Lincoln Lace Maker team will be at the Table for the Nation, ready to show the intricate work that goes into making lace. Have a close-up look at some of the delicate and detailed lace they’ve produced as they’ll have a selection of work on show.
Free with your Cathedral admission
Tuesday 29 October, 9.30am-3pm
Lincoln Cathedral Needlework Guild
Come along and see the talented volunteers of the Cathedral Needlework Guild as they work on the new chapter cope. They’ll be happy to chat about how they create these intricate pieces, and will have a selection of their other work on display, including a stock of stoles.
Free with your Cathedral admission
Available to Hire
Host your event at the Table for the Nation
The beautiful 13 metre table which comfortably seats 48 people is available for private hire.
Designed to be used, this stunning black oak table is perfect for everything from meetings to dinners, either on its own, or as part of larger events.
To learn more about hiring the table, please contact events@lincolncathedral.com or 01522 561632.
If you are hosting an event at the Table for the Nation, our catering partner Salted Orange can provide a range of food options to suit every event, from grazing menus and canapés to full sit down meals.
Click the link below to look at sample menus.
Take a look at the sample menu