About the Set

This chess set is all about Cambridge and Oxford: generous and powerful founders and benefactors, inspiring academics, stunning surroundings and an 800 year old university rivalry. Find out below how each of the strategic chess pieces relates to the atmosphere of Cambridge and Oxford, past and present.

King and Queen

Both cities have thrived over the centuries, supported by benevolent clergy, nobility and civic benefactors. The resulting buildings, colleges, and churches that these benefactors supported can be seen across the cities. The courtyards and facades of these buildings are often graced by the statues of their founders. The King and Queen pieces were chosen from these benefactors to represent their immense influence.

Cambridge: King Henry VIII of England and Lady Margaret Beaufort
Oxford: William Herbert 3rd Earl of Pembroke and Queen Caroline of Ansbach

King Henry VIII statue and Cambridge King figurine — Cambridge King

3rd Earl of Pembroke statue and Oxford King figurine — Oxford King

Cambridge Queen figurine and Lady Margaret Beaufort statue — Cambridge Queen

Oxford Queen figurine and Queen Caroline of Ansbach statue — Oxford Queen

The Bishop

Inspiring academics laid the foundation for the reputation of both universities and continue to influence affairs both at home and abroad. The Bishop piece was chosen to represent research and teaching.

Cambridge: Sir Isaac Newton
Oxford: John Locke

Cambridge Bishop figurine and Sir Isaac Newton statue — Cambridge Bishop

Oxford Bishop figurine and John Locke statue — Oxford Bishop

The Knight

Strolling around town and crossing one of the many bridges, the knight revealed himself: there he came down the river, the knight on his noble steed. Punting has been a pastime in both cities since the early 20th century. The movement of novice punters zigzagging down the river even resembles the movement of the knight on the chess board.

Cambridge Knight figurine and picture of punting in Cambridge — Cambridge Knight

Oxford Knight figurine and picture of punting in Oxford — Oxford Knight

The Rook

Both universities require students to live locally, stipulated as a distance from an historic church tower. These towers were chosen to represent the Rook piece as integral cornerstones to University life.

Cambridge: Church of St Mary the Great
Oxford: Carfax Tower (Remnant of the 12th-century St Martin´s Church)

Cambridge Rook figurine and Church of St Mary the Great photo — Cambridge Rook

Oxford Rook figurine and Carfax Tower photo — Oxford Rook

The Pawn

And last but not least: The Pawn. The quintessence of what both cities and universities are about: imparting knowledge to the next generation of students and being an inspiration for new ideas and solutions.

Cambridge Pawn figurine and Graduating student photo — Cambridge Pawn

Oxford Pawn figurine and Graduating student photo — Oxford Pawn

Booklet: History of the Set

Browse the booklet to learn more about the history behind the pieces. This booklet is included with the Oxbridge Chess set.