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Legend has it that it was King Arthur's Round Table. Alas that is but mere fable, but the idea of equality for all those who sat round it being brought in by its circular form filtered down into the ideals of the Medieval chivalric code. Such was the popularity of the Arthurian legacy that Round Table Tournaments were held round the country at which the participants would have enjoyed feasting and jousting. This table is 5.5m across and is made of oak. Dendrochronology dates it to the mid to late 13th century and one theory is that it was made for Edward I's celebration of his daughter's bethrothal on 20th April 1290. He was known to have held this near Winchester and to have attended five Round Table tournaments such was his level of enthusiasm for all things King Arthur.
During its early years it was plain, but a certain Henry VIII [always known for his modesty😏] had it painted for his visit to the city in 1516. Surprise, surprise that's the Tudor Rose in the centre and a depiction of himself above it. I first saw this as a newly arrived student back in 1985 and my first thought was that it bore more than a passing resemblance to a darts board. Here I am many years later with exactly the same thought. What a philistine. For anyone wanting to see this gem for themselves it's housed in the Great Hall. There is an entry fee, but we got in for free because we were dancing beneath it not on it!
Arilx
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Another philistine here! Perhaps Henry VIII was a secret Bull's Eye fan!
ReplyDeleteLot easier to make fun of his taste 500 years after the fact, innit?
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful table! I've not come across that word, Dendrochronology, before. Thank you for, as always, teaching me something new!
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