Ivy Street Chess Piece
Medieval, 13th century
Found in the water channel that ran down Ivy Street, Salisbury.
This finely carved chess piece is made from walrus ivory –
which probably came from Scandinavia. It is the figure of
a king on horseback, protected by a ring of foot soldiers around
the base. Dating from the time of the founding of New Sarum
(or Salisbury), could this have been owned by a wealthy citizen
or official involved in the building of the cathedral and city?
The loss of this precious object must have been keenly felt by
its owner.
The chess piece is featured in this behind the scenes tour video on YouTube
