The tomb of Robert of Normandy (c.1054-1134) can be found in Gloucester Cathedral. Robert was the eldest son of William of Normandy (William the Conqueror). Turbulent family relationships meant that on the death of his father in 1087 Robert became Duke of Normandy but not King of England. In 1106 he was imprisoned by his youngest brother, King Henry 1, and spent the remaining twenty eight years of his life a prisoner in Cardiff castle. His tomb effigy is remarkable for two reasons. Firstly it was not made until a hundred years after his death, in 1240, and when it was, instead of the usual stone it was was carved from Irish bog oak (with a few metal additions such as spurs and sword).
Bog oak is a particularly hard form of ancient wood with excellent durability.
photo © T. Boughen Camera: Lumix FZ1000 2
