The Lewis Chessmen DVD

The Lewis Chessmen are among the British Museum's most popular attractions. They were featured in the film 'Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone' and inspired the children's animation 'Noggin the Nog'. They are more than just quirky figures of powerful kings, anxious queens, serene bishops, mounted knights and fierce foot-soldiers. Carved over 800 years ago from walrus ivory, they have been described as 'the greatest Chessmen of the European Middle Ages'. This lively film looks at their story - a story that is full of mystery and intrigue - and discusses their place within the history of the ancient game of chess and the feudal society of the time.