KING Cnut who gave Knutsford its name is making a long awaited return – more than 1,000 years after he first visited the town.
A life-size wood sculpture will be unveiled at Knutsford Heritage Centre today, Friday, as a permanent tribute.
Cheshire professional chainsaw wood sculptor Andy Burgess was delighted to take on the commission.
He visited the Peover Estate in Knutsford with Val Bryant, manager of the heritage centre, a few years ago, to choose the most suitable fallen tree trunk.
The oak has been donated by Henry Brooks of Tatton Estates.
Andy, 48, from Mobberley, said: “To be asked to make King Canute is a big honour.”
A passion for nature inspired self-taught Andy to become a wood artist 14 years ago.
With painstaking precision, he transforms windblown, diseased and fallen trees into works of art.
Every single carving is unique and he has used his skills to create many intricate animals and birds.
Turning a 10-foot section of English oak into a historic figure posed an exciting new challenge.
“The process of physically getting it into my barn with a fork lift truck was quite difficult as it was such a huge weight, around a ton and a half,” he said.
“I then commenced making it look like a man.
“Human figures are quite significant.
“To create one from a specific period gives you the chance to get nice details and finishes.
“The face is very difficult.”
Winchester Cathedral, where Cnut’s remains are kept in a mortuary chest, granted permission for the use of the image of a statue of King Canute to be used as a template for the carving.
Working with chainsaws and power tools is not only dangerous but demands total concentration.
“You’ve only got one go with a chain saw so you have to get it right,” said Andy.
“I was mindful of the crown as it had to be fragile yet you don’t want it to snap in transit.”
The Danish King and his army first arrived in England in 1016 and passed through the town.
He reigned as King of England until his death in 1035.
In the Domesday Book of 1086, Knutsford is recorded as Cunutesford, Canute’s ford.
Andy started carving in March.
“It has been a long process,” he said.
“I am pleased with how it has turned out.
“I am proud to have made this key figure. Everyone knows the name of King Canute.
“There is no reason why this shouldn’t last for 100 years, it is a lovely piece of oak.”
Friends and volunteers have donated £4,000 to fund piece.
The six-foot six-inch sculpture is now under wraps in a corner of the Heritage Centre garden.
The black plastic covering will be replaced with a deep purple velvet drape and unveiled a private ceremony, opened by Lord Ashbrook of Arley.
Rene Dinesen, the Danish Ambassador and Henry Brooks of Tatton Estates will reveal the carving.
The sculpture will then be on permanent display.
An exhibition entitled ‘Vikings, King Canute’ runs until July 29, with storyboards and artifacts on display.
Today, Knutsford records King Canute in a variety of ways.
Canute Place is in the town centre.
A King Canute mosaic is at the top of Heritage Way, featuring Canute holding back the sea.
A 10ft sculpture of King Canute wearing a billowing woven stainless steel mesh cloak and sword is on display in the garden of the Town Council offices.
Several businesses and organisations have Canute in their title.
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