BATTLE OF BANNOCKBURN CHESS SET
OUR 700th ANNIVERSARY EDITION BATTLE OF BANNOCKBURN CHESS SET COMES IN A PRESTIGE, GOLD-BLOCKED PRESENTATION BOX AND WILL ADD STYLE AND INTRIGUE TO ANY HOME OR OFFICE..
WHETHER YOU BUY FOR YOURSELF OR AS UNIQUE AND PRESTIGIOUS GIFT FOR OTHERS, THE BATTLE OF BANNOCKBURN CHESS SET IS A FAMILY HEIRLOOM – AND MOMENT IN HISTORY CAPTURED FOR POSTERITY
AN INTRODUCTION
As a proud Scot, I was stirred to the Battle of Bannockburn and its significance in the history of Scotland and England – as neighbours, enemies and finally allies – by the historic novel “Path of the Hero King”, the second book in the trilogy, “The Bruce” by Nigel Tranter.
I made the unlikely discovery on a bookshelf while on a holiday in Spain and was transported by Tranter’s time machine, back into the deepest and most passionate heart of our nation’s history. On my return to the cooler welcome of Scotland, I immediately sought out and consumed books one and three, since when my fascination for Bannockburn has not wavered and the stories of heroism, treachery, salvation and ultimate freedom that flooded the years before and after those two days in June 1314, have captivated me ever since. It was my great pleasure and honour to meet an collaborate with Nigel Tranter in the course of creating the very first set and it is to his honour and memory, as a delightful gentleman and an exceptional scholar, that I dedicate this 700th Anniversary edition of the Battle of Bannockburn Chess Set.
John W Morgan
THE 700TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION BANNOCKBURN CHESS SET
This set is our salute to the greatest King of Scots and to Nigel Tranter, Scotland’s most celebrated historic novelist. The characters for each chess piece were discussed and selected with Nigel Tranter himself. The costume accuracy was ensured by costume historian, Andrew Spratt, the figures crafted by artisan model maker, Steven Trickett and encouragement provided in spades by historian and gentleman, Neil Oliver.
Our simple job was to pull their talents together to produce what is surely one of the great chess sets of this or any other time.
The leading Scots and English who played vital parts in the drama culminating in the Battle of Bannockburn have been included. Most were at Bannockburn. A few were dead before 1314 but such was their contribution to the build-up towards the final confrontation that they have earned their place in this chess set. In any tale that is told of the build up to Bannockburn, it is impossible to exclude William Wallace who gave his life, not for a throne or any personal gain but for an ideal – the freedom of his nation. It was his selflessness in that cause which constrained the conscience of Bruce, eventually spurring him into enduring and decisive action.
For the English, Bishop Hugh de Cressingham, made chancellor of Scotland by Edward I and hated by the Scots with a passion, was slain at the Battle of Stirling Bridge. All these and more are immortalised by history and captured for you again in the finest Pewter craftsmanship. The inspiration for this chess set came from Nigel Tranter’s historic novel “The Path of the Hero King”, the second in “the Bruce Trilogy”.
If you have not read the whole story then perhaps they and the chess-pieces themselves will inspire you to do so.
NEIL OLIVER
Archeologist, historian, author and broadcaster
Bannockburn is a word of magical power for Scots. Bellowed at the sky or muttered under the breath, those three syllables conjure images of stubborn warriors, of faith in a dream, of clear-eyed determination to see the job done and damn the consequences. Such belief was in the very heart and soul of Robert the Bruce, who found the path to immortal victory at Bannockburn. Opponents who face one another across this majestic chess set should take inspiration from a man who never gave up, who understood that the strength to fight on comes from within.
Let the game begin.
Neil Oliver.
THE PIECES – SCOTLAND
Our Bannockburn Chess Set is highly detailed in every way. From the research into the characters, the accuracy of their costumes to the classy finish of the pewter pieces and board itself.
We don’t expect you to make a leap of faith purchase without showing you the work we’ve put in. So, here you go. Here’s a detailed bio of each piece, a 360º view of the all the individual players and, hopefully, a really good feel for what your investment will bring. Sit back, grab a wee dram and enjoy the start of your journey into chess history!
FULL SET 360º ANIMATION
You can click the arrows in the corner to see full screen and also click the chess set itself and drag left or right to hold on the part of the board you choose.
THE PIECES – ENGLAND
THE BOARD
All the squares in this stunning, metal inlaid board carry the thistle of Scotland or the rose of England.
The corners are the royal seals of Bruce and Edward ll while the remaining corners carry the unique
700th anniversary heraldry
