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The Cefn Mabli shovelboard, Tredegar House (National Trust), South Wales

It might look like a fine setting for a grand dinner, but this is actually for playing a game. The aim is to slide large brass discs along the narrow bench – the winner is the one to get closest to the end without falling off. Like shuffleboard with pennies, only on a much bigger scale.

This is the longest single plank oak table top in Britain, over 12 metres long. It was constructed during Cefn Mabli House during the Civil War, making it over 350-years-old.

Sadly, the table spent too long on its side in a damp basement, so it required extensive conservation. To move it to its current position in Tredegar’s orangery took 30 people including the local fire crew.