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Histories of Northamptonshire
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Bishop and Queen Chess Pieces

Norman 1100 - 1199 Medieval to Tudor

These two discarded 12th century antler chess pieces were made in a workshop and are evidence of Northampton as a bustling medieval centre.

Discarded (partially worked) antler chess pieces © NMAG
Discarded (partially worked) antler chess pieces

The remnants of a medieval workshop excavated in Angel Street, Northampton sheds light on Northampton's prominence in England in the 1100s.

Among the artefacts were two discarded chess pieces, a king or queen’s head and a bishop, each with intriguing imperfections. The king or queen was likely abandoned during production, after a flaw was revealed where the antler’s spongy core made it impossible to position the right eye correctly. Similarly, the bishop was nearly complete, but an accidental cut on the right-hand face caused a width imbalance, rendering it unsuitable for use. These incomplete pieces are rare finds, as chess pieces typically surface intact and at the locations they were used not manufactured.

The Angel Street artefacts offer a rare glimpse into a workshop where pieces were discarded before reaching their final form. This discovery highlights Northampton as a bustling medieval hub, with its royal castle hosting state gatherings and religious houses dotting the landscape. Skilled craftsmen here may have catered to the lords and nobles who frequented the town, supplying them with finely crafted chess sets.

Number 37 of the objects selected for the A History of Northamptonshire in 100 Objects exhibition 2025.

Northampton
Contributed by Jack Brown, Historic Environment Record

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