Chess has been a favorite game of strategy and tactics since ancient times. Many notable characters in history have played the game of chess. For centuries chess pieces were of two extremes, either rudely turned or excessively elaborate. But in the early 1840's that all changed. Jaques of London, who had always been instrumental in the development and success of chess, were approached by Nathaniel Cooke, proprietor of the Illustrated London News, with a new and elegant design for chessmen. With the fine craftsmanship of John Jaques the initial design by Mr. Cooke, was polished, to produce a chess set that used symbols. The king had a crown. The bishop, a mitre. This made the pieces easily recognizable and much easier to reproduce. The press said the new design was a work of art, combining elegance and solidity. Of particular interest was the Knight, which was based on sculptures from the famous Elgin Marbles. British Chess World Champion, Mr Howard Staunton, was so struck by the clarification of the design that he allowed his name and signature to adorn every box of pieces made to this design. Few companies can say they influenced the development of a game the way Jaques of London has shaped the world's most famous and favorite board game.

This special 3 .5 inch, Oak cased limited edition chess set is made to commemorate the famous chess club, Simpsons. In 1828 a Coffee House and Chess Club opened their doors. It began as Grand Cigar Divan, but later changed the name to Simpson's-in-the-Strand. Soon becoming known as the "home of chess". It attracted such chess luminaries as Howard Staunton and is now one of London's most historic landmarks. In order to avoid disturbing the chess games in progress an idea formulated of placing large joints of meat on silver-domed trolleys and wheeling them to guests' tables. This is a practice at Simpson's that continues to this day.

When you purchase one of these 500 limited edition Simpsons 3 1/2 inch chess sets you can own a piece of chess history. Presented in a beautiful Oak box, and brass fittings, with each piece being perfectly weighted and carved to the highest standards expected of a Jaques' product.