On a recent trip to France our transport supervisor, Gabor, visited Versailles and brought us back these fantastic photos of the 60 ton trunk of Marie Antoinette’s Oak Tree.
The Oak tree, which died during France’s devastating heat wave in 2003 after standing for more than three centuries, is now preserved in the gardens for admirers.
Unlike Marie-Antoinette, the 66-foot-tall tree escaped the blade. It was simply uprooted and pulled down after being shorn of its branches.
Marie-Antoinette’s Oak was planted around 1685 when famed landscape artist Andre Le Notre fashioned astonishing gardens around the Versailles Palace, the lavish residence of French kings from 1682 until the French Revolution in 1789.
In the years preceding the revolution the queen enjoyed calmer summer days in the shadow of the tree, sometimes dressed as a shepherdess.
The Versailles gardeners were careful to gather the trees acorns ten years ago and they have planted all those small trees in the grove that will forever remain the ‘Grove of Marie-Antoinette’s Oaks’.
Chauncey’s French Reclaimed Oak flooring may not be from Marie Antoinette’s Oak tree but it is certainly fit for royalty!
Have a look at the Chauncey’s website to find out more about our stunning oak flooring.
Oak Apple day was originally celebrated to commemorate the restoration of Charles I to the English throne on May 29th 1660, as Charles was said to have hidden in an oak tree during the Battle of Worcester. People wore a sprig of oak on the anniversary of his crowning to show that they were loyal to the king. Those who didn’t risked being set upon, pelted with eggs or having their bottoms pinched! Consequently, this day also became known as Pinch-Bum-Day.
Some parts of Britain still hold events. In Castleton, Derbyshire they parade a garland through the village on horseback. The three foot high King Garland is made from a wooden frame to which small bunches of wild flowers and leaves are bound. This heavy flower tower is then lifted onto the shoulders of the “King.” After touring the village pubs on horseback, the King is relieved of his floral encumbrance which is then hoisted to the top of St Edmunds Church tower.
Our new ‘Flooring for Life’ banner went up a few days ago – after much discussion and thought we eventually decided where to place it – who knew that placing a sign could cause so much debate?
