Check mate!

Our Year 8s are going medieval in Year 8 Humanities this term, learning all about life in Europe during the Middle Ages. Chess is an artefact of medieval life, with the modern game of chess near identical to the one played in Europe almost one-thousand years ago. Originating in India in 600 CE, chess spread to Persia and then across the Arab world. Chess was likely introduced to Europe by the Moors during their conquest of North Africa and Spain. When chess arrived in Europe, they changed the elephant piece to the bishop. This shows the significance Christianity to people in medieval Europe. The feudal hierarchy is represented in the game of chess. If you’re interested in playing chess at school, then head to Board and Card Game Club in Room 223 at lunchtimes on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

by Tom Varns (Head of Humanities)