Table for the Nation comes to Lincoln Cathedral
A stunning 13-metre-long table, made from ancient, fossilised oak will be on display in Lincoln Cathedral from April.
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 will be installed on St George’s day, before being opened to visitors from Wednesday 24 April. 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
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
Retford, Lord of Pleshey
Janet Cooke
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.
Saturday 4 – Monday 6 May
Lincoln Festival of History Weekend Crafts
There will be craft activities on the Table for the Nation in the Nave all weekend during our usual visitor opening hours. You can create your very own crown to take home. Plus on Saturday there will be additional crafts in our Learning Centre where you can craft food fit for a King.
Friday 7 June, 1pm-3pm
People Planet Pastry
If you’re interested or curious about sustainability, come along to the People, Planet, Pastry event to meet like-minded business owners who are taking action on sustainability. Learn about what is going on locally, share insights on how to overcome barriers and make new friends!
Wednesday 14 – Saturday 17 August
Second-hand book sale.
The sustainable way to share stories – our second-hand book sale is your chance to pick up some bargain books. Treat yourself to a tome from the table, and not only are you getting yourself a good read, you’ll be helping the environment too!
More details to follow soon
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