A Welsh oak folding top table

A Welsh oak folding top table, the 19th century crossbanded veneered top, inscribed underneath 'Ceubren yr Ellyll', on a later turned folding base, 30.5in (77.5cm) h, 43.25in (110cm) w, 28.5in (72.4cm) d. The inscription to this table translates as; 'Spirits Blasted Tree'. According to the legend, a large oak tree on the roadside near Nannau, in Merionethshire, hid the slayed body of Howel Sele, until it was blown down in a storm. Sir Robert Vaughan Bart, M.P. had the wood made into work tables, cabinets, drinking vessels etc.