Having spare time to play games rather than work was a sign of wealth and status in medieval times.

Some wealthy people played chess and this piece was found recently on the site of the former Peace Garden in front of the Herbert. It dates from the 1300s or 1400s and has been carved in the Islamic rather than the European style, which is more lifelike.

The piece is made of animal bone with ring and dot decoration. The carved 'Λ' shape on the front represents a throne indicating that the piece is either a king or queen. The king piece would have been slightly larger than the queen but without both to compare it is impossible to say which we have found.

The missing bone plug from the top would have been carved to look like a head. This may have given us a valuable clue in identifying it.  Both sets of pieces were made of bone, one left naturally white and the other painted red.

You can find out more fascinating information about medieval Coventry in the new History Gallery.