A rare Victorian oak concentric extending dining table, circa 1860, attributed to Gillows, in the manner of examples patented by Jupe, together with three sets of ebonised leaves and leaf carrier, the moulded frieze above four turned tapering uprights incorporating fluted and lappet carved detail, the x shaped platform base carved with S scroll decoration and a central patera boss terminal, terminating in scroll carved platform feet, 78cm high. The four varying diameter's of the table are 200cm, 295cm, 350cm, and approximately 400cm respectively For a similar table (with only two sets of leaves) see Sotheby's Important English Furniture (Horlick Collection), 5th June 2007, Lot 251 (sold for £90,000). Another related table (with one set of leaves) was sold at Brightwell's (Leominster,Herefordshire) on the 5th February 2004, Lot 1221 (£77,500). The underside of the table bears a paper label titled Sir E.S.W. for Sir Ernest Salter Wills the third Baronet of Hazelwood and Clapton in Gordano. The table was originally made for Littlecote House near Hungerford in Berkshire. LITTLECOTE HOUSE The original manor house and deer park dates from around 1290 and was later rebuilt and extended in around 1520. It was at Littlecote that Henry VIII courted Jane Seymour and they married at Wulf Hall nearby in 1536.Queen Elizabeth I was received at Littlecote in 1601 by which time further additions had been made, including The Long Gallery, and the early medieval hall had been converted into a Chapel. During the Civil War Littlecote became a Cromwellian stronghold, but when Charles II was returned to the throne in 1660 the family received a Royal Pardon and entertained the King to 'a costly dinner' during his progress to Bath. On the way to London to claim the throne in 1688, William of Orange stayed for two nights after meeting with the Commissioners of King James II. With the arrival of the 18th century Littlecote enjoyed more peaceful times, and restoration work around 1810 led to the building of The Orangery and The Chinese Room whilst the landscaped gardens were extensively restored.Remains have been found indicating that there was a Bronze Age settlement at Littlecote. In addition, the foundations of a Roman Villa with a well preserved highly decorative mosaic floor has also been discovered in the grounds.