In deepest Wiltshire, looking for two top rails for a pair of important oak gates, where the grain hopefully would follow the curve of an old design.
English oak is completely different from oak grown in any other country, even though it is the same species, Quercus robur. Encapsulated in the famous song even “Heart of oak are our ships, jolly tars are our men”. Ask any carpenter who has had to work it when it is seasoned because it is very hard! It really does last for centuries!
It is also so very beautiful, when it is first cut, green it is called and full of sap, it can be worked quite easily. Then left to weather it will become a lovely light silver grey and becomes more beautiful with the years. It just sits there, so tough, it is a wonder of the world.
