On the west coast of Lewis, in the majestic dunes of Uig Bay, a discovery was made in 1831 of what have since become known as ‘The Lewis Chessmen’.
How they got there remains a topic of speculation but their origin is more certain—it’s highly likely they were crafted in Trondheim, Norway sometime between 1150 and 1200 AD.
The pieces, elaborately carved from walrus ivory and whale tooth, depict throned kings and queens, mitred bishops, mounted knights, standing warders (rooks), and gravestone-shaped pawns.
They range in height from 3.5cm (the pawns) to 10.2cm (the kings), with the pieces having a number of similarities as well as variations:
THE KINGS
The kings are all seated on highly ornate thrones. They are wearing a cloak fastened above their right shoulder and are gripping the hilt of a sword with their right hand and the end of the sheath with their left. The variations occur in the length of the hair and beard, the form and expression of the face, and the detail on the back of the throne.
THE QUEENS
The queens are also seated on thrones. They wear veils under their crowns and are resting their head on their right hand (it is believed this is in contemplation rather than boredom!). The variations include what the left hand is doing—in some it is supporting the right elbow, while in others it is holding a veil or length of drapery or even a drinking horn—as well as the detail on the back of the throne.
THE BISHOPS
The bishops all wear mitres (ceremonial headdresses) and carry a crozier (hooked staff). Some are standing, others are seated on thrones. Some are grasping the crozier with both hands, while others are holding a Bible or making a sign of blessing with one hand.
THE THRONES
The various designs on the back of the thrones of the kings and queens include intricate patterns, elaborate foliage and beasts such as lions and dragons. Some of the bishops’ thrones show interlocking arches.
THE KNIGHTS
The knights are mounted on (comparatively small) horses and are all wearing helmets and carrying spears, swords and shields. The variations occur in the knights’ cloaks and in the designs and patterns on the shields.
THE WARDERS (ROOKS)
The warders are foot soldiers carrying a large sword and shield. Like the knights, the shields have various designs. Some of the warders are depicted biting the top of their shield, which has been attributed to the actions of berserkers—fierce Viking warriors who worked themselves into a frenzy before battle.
THE PAWNS
The pawns take the shape of inanimate slabs, some of which have engraved surfaces. [Apparently chess pawns were only personified in human form (to represent craftsmen, labourers, innkeepers, merchants, etc.) from the late 13th century.]
It is not known exactly how many chess pieces were uncovered in the 1831 find, but today, 67 of them are displayed in the British Museum (London) and 11 in the National Museum of Scotland (Edinburgh).
Life-size wooden models of the chess pieces are located in various places around Uig (the king in the photo at the beginning of this post is in Uig Bay, where the discovery was initially made), and there is also more information about the pieces at the Uig Museum.
Finally, if you’d like to purchase a high quality chess set complete with figures of the Lewis Chessmen, we would recommend one of these from The Regency Chess Company. We have a set in our B&B so if you’re visiting, you’re welcome to play it!
Further reading
The Lewis Chessmen, James Robinson (2004, The British Museum)
Image sources: www.britishmuseum.org
5 thoughts on “The Lewis Chessmen”
LOVE these – (we have one look-alike here) , would love a game of chess with these with you!
Well, next time you’re in the vicinity, Rachel 😉
! That’s a deal 🙂
Perfect timing, perfect 21st birthday present xxx. Thanks. Jen
You’re very welcome, Jen. I hope the recipient likes it 😊