Tower of London chess pieces set

Tower of London chess set

The royal palace and fortress of the Tower of London, founded by William the Conqueror shortly after 1066, is one of the world's most famous and spectacular castles. Known for housing the Crown Jewels, its Yeoman Warders ('Beefeaters') and its ravens, the Tower is today the most visited historic site in Britain.

The White Tower, oldest of all the Tower's buildings, was originally built as a royal palace and fortress, but has also served as a prison, a royal chapel, a record office and a large storehouse for arms, armour and gunpowder.

The White Tower still stands at the centre of the Tower of London and today houses displays of arms and armour, an echo of the working arsenal that it once was. The medieval Chapel of St John the Evangelist on the first floor is still in use, five centuries after it witnessed the betrothal of Queen Mary I to King Philip II of Spain.

The characters featured in the Tower of London chess set:

King - King Henry VIII

Henry Tudor was only 18 when he succeeded to the throne. Described as a man of exceptional learning, beauty and culture, his was an immensely energetic reign. He strengthened the English Navy, incorporated Wales into England, made Ireland a kingdom, waged wars in France and Scotland, and involved himself deeply in the religious controversies of the time.

He declared himself Supreme Head of the English Church and was then excommunicated by the Pope. In his later years, however, he appeared an overweight, cruel and savagely ruthless ruler, executing his advisers and wives – in a determined effort to secure a male heir. Henry died in January 1547 and was laid to rest beside his third wife, Jane Seymour, in St George's Chapel, Windsor.

Queen - Queen Anne Boleyn

Anne Boleyn, the second wife of Henry VIII and was said to have married the King in secret in January 1533, four months before his divorce from Catherine of Aragon was finalised. When she failed to produce the much-wanted male heir, she became vulnerable to courtly political intrigue.

By 1536, the King was persuaded that she had committed adultery with, amongst others, her brother George. When one of the accused confessed under torture, they were all condemned and Anne was sent to the Tower of London. She was beheaded on Tower Green on 19 May 1536 and is buried in the Tower's Chapel of St Peter ad Vincula.

Bishop - Cardinal Thomas Wolsey (1475-1530)

Cardinal Wolsey was of humble birth but quickly rose to become one of Henry VIII's most trusted advisers. He was made Lord Chancellor in 1514 and virtually governed the country in the early years of Henry's reign, but fell from favour when he failed to secure Henry's divorce from Catherine of Aragon. He was arrested, but died before he could be sent to trial.

Knight - Tower Raven

It is not known when the ravens first came to the Tower of London but their presence is protected by legend. It is their absence rather than their presence that is feared at the Tower - legend has it that if the ravens ever leave, the Tower and the kingdom will fall. It is said that Charles II decreed that there should always be at least six ravens at the Tower, a tradition which is still upheld today.

Rook - The White Tower

The original Tower of London, begun by William the Conqueror around 1080, it would have made a safe and impressive home for the newly crowned Norman invader. During its long life - it is almost as old as the Millennium - it has served many purposes including royal residence, royal observatory, record office, state prison and gunpowder store. It is still home to the Royal Armouries today.

Pawn - Yeoman Warder

No one is exactly sure where the common name, 'Beefeater' comes from but it would be absolutely correct to say that the men and women guarding the Tower today prefer the title Yeoman Warder. In fact the full and proper title is Yeoman Warder of Her Majesty's Royal Palace and Fortress the Tower of London, Member of the Sovereign's Body Guard of the Yeoman Guard Extraordinary. As well as their duties at the Tower, Yeoman Warders attend the coronation of the sovereign, the Lord Mayor's show and other state and charity occasions.