Guernsey’s oldest oak not part of restoration of Notre Dame
AN OFFER from Guernsey to provide local oak for the rebuilding of Notre Dame Cathedral has not been taken up.
Sausmarez Manor owner Peter de Sausmarez offered to donate a 60ft oak, believed to be between 200 and 300 years old, for the cathedral’s restoration after its iconic spire caught fire two years ago last week.
The spire and ‘forest’ of oak beams supporting the roof were destroyed.
‘I never heard anything from them at all,’ said Mr de Sausmarez.
‘But I suspect that they may have had millions of people offering their oaks and so probably could not reply to every offer.’
The tree remains in the grounds at the manor.
‘It is still growing in a good spot with lots of light,’ said Mr de Sausmarez. ‘We hope to put it to good use in years to come if it isn’t taken. It is possible that it’s the oldest and largest oak on the island.’
About 50 members of the UK’s Historic Houses Association, of which Mr de Sausmarez and the manor are a part, offered to donate tree samples after seeing the fire, which was believed to have been caused by an electrical fault.
Previously the association assisted after a fire broke out in Windsor Castle.
Donations could be used to reconstruct carvings, arches, panelling, pews, doors or any other wooden element of the restoration work.
Mr de Sausmarez said it would have been lovely to have a piece of Guernsey in such an important landmark.
It is hoped that Notre Dame will reopen for mass in 2024, when French president Emmanuel Macron aims for the interior to be restored to coincide with Paris hosting the Olympics.
