Chess Guide

History of Isle of Lewis Chess Set


Defined Tag: Isle Of Lewis Chess Set.

The Isle of Lewis chess set is steeped in history. The original Isle of Lewis chess set is in a British museum for all to see and reproductions have been made of the original set that is in high demand.

In the Spring of 1831, the sea eroded a sandbank on the Island's West coast at the South shore of Uig Bay, uncovering a stone building formed somewhat like a baking oven. This curious structure caught the eye of a peasant, who proceeded to break into it. He was astonished to see what he concluded to be an assemblage of Gnomes and Elves.

The original chess set from the Isle of Lewis chess set has 78 pieces in all, carved in Walrus tusk, which are thought to belong to eight or more incomplete chess sets. There seem to be no counterparts for the very simply adorned, compact, expressive figures with their strong, forceful faces. Experts are unanimous in declaring them the most astonishing collection of ancient chessmen in existence.

The details of the armor and costume in the set were used by experts at the British Museum to estimate the age of the chessmen to be from the later part of the twelfth Century (1150-1170 AD). The most unusual feature of the set is the Rooks, which take the form of foot officers rather than towers - a common theme in early Icelandic chess sets, where they were called "Centurions." This suggests that the chessmen might have been carved in Iceland and carried to Lewis.

The Isle of Lewis chess set is by far the most interesting chess set ever found. It is the same chess set that was used in the movie Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone. Studio Anne Carlton now offers the most authentic reproduction of this chess set, all hand made, hand painted and hand detailed. A description and pricing of the set can be found at www.chesscentral.com.