King Charles visited Lichfield Cathedral today to view the Table for the Nation, a remarkable piece fashioned from ancient Fenland Black Oak that has served as a gathering point for local communities.
The monarch arrived at the cathedral, which has served as a worship site for more than thirteen centuries, where the historic table sits prominently within the Nave.
The Right Reverend Jan McFarlane, Dean of Lichfield, and the Right Reverend Michael Ipgrave, Bishop of Lichfield, welcomed the King upon his arrival.
The ancient timber originated from a massive oak tree discovered in a Norfolk field during 2012, coinciding with Queen Elizabeth II’s Diamond Jubilee celebrations.
King Charles visited Lichfield Cathedral today to view the Table for the Nation, a remarkable piece fashioned from ancient Fenland Black Oak that has served as a gathering point for local communities.
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PA
The preserved wood, dubbed the Jubilee Oak, had remained buried in peat for five millennia after the towering tree, estimated to have reached over 55 metres in height, toppled naturally.
Craftspeople transformed this extraordinary find into the Table for the Nation, designed as an emblem of national solidarity and optimism during the late Queen’s jubilee year.
Despite its rarity and historical importance, the table serves practical purposes rather than being purely decorative, actively facilitating community gatherings and hospitality.
During his visit, the King engaged with committed volunteers from various local organisations who had assembled around the historic table.
The monarch arrived at the cathedral, which has served as a worship site for more than thirteen centuries, where the historic table sits prominently within the Nave.
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PA
Representatives from Liberty Jamboree, MusicShare, cathedral embroidery volunteers and the city’s Foodbank shared their experiences with the monarch.
The King was shown how the table has encouraged partnerships and reinforced local bonds throughout the community.
A significant collaborative effort is currently in progress, with community members contributing individual squares to construct a 13-metre table runner.
The King was shown how the table has encouraged partnerships and reinforced local bonds throughout the community.
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PA
This ambitious textile project will reach completion shortly before the table’s scheduled relocation in April 2026, marking the end of its residency at Lichfield Cathedral.
The Table for the Nation has welcomed countless organisations from throughout the region since arriving at Lichfield Cathedral in May 2025.
Before concluding his visit, the King took time to greet members of the local community who had gathered outside the cathedral.