Thames Oak
Certificate of Authenticity
The oak used in the making of this titanium band and tampers is from anactual section of the first Roman port facilities built in London around 63 AD
The wood was discovered during excavations by the Museum of London´s Archeological Service an a site just north of London Bridge.
Using the extremely accurate method of dendrochronology, with is used to calibrate dating, this wood has been certified, by University College London, to have grown from 186 BC to 63 AD.
Chronology
186 BC
The oak trees used to create the Roman port of Londinium began to grow
89 BC
Rebuilding of the Great Temple at Jerusalem
54 BC
Ceasar invades for the second time, crossing Kent at the point where London is to grow and evolve
1 AD
The Christian era begins
60 AD
Boudicca´s rising. London is burnt to the ground
63 AD
Dock facilities rebuilt using the oak that is now 200 years old. The trees were felled in the spring or winter of this year, then squared into baulks by a technique known as "notch and chop". The roughly squared faces were then dressed with adzes. This work was carried out before the baulks arrived on site, all that remained to be done was to measure and cut the lap joints during assembly.
Legend that Joseph of Arimethea comes to Britain, possibly beginning the spread of Christianity in secret.
497 AD
London becomes deserted, the Roman buildings fall into ruin, with evidence of people camping in the rubble. The Roman port facilities become buried until their discovery 1994-1996.
2000 Years in the Making
For 2000 years, as the importance and influences of Kings, Queen and Empires faded into distant memory, silt and gravel from the Thames washed over the timbers, to seal and preserve them.
Pieces of wood have been mounted, using 14ct gold pins, into the specially created pipe band and also turned to form the handle of the tamper.
