English Chess Forum

In his latest Minor Piece Richard James writes about the early history of chess clubs in the area of Richmond and Twickenham


"It may prompt to serve the lovers and supporters of chess to more frequent intercourse"

is not a phrase one would expect to read in a description of a chess club, but yesteryear perhaps?

https://britishchessnews.com/2021/09/24 ... orge-bohn/

My latest Minor Piece features Henry George Bohn, Staunton's publisher and a member of the original RIchmond Chess Club.

https://britishchessnews.com/2021/10/04 ... wood-ryan/

I've started a new series of articles about the members of Twickenham Chess Club between 1880 and 1906.

The first article introduces you to George Edward Norwood Ryan, who, apart from his administrative roles, was one of the club's strongest players in its early years.

I'll be walking past his house on my way to the current Richmond & Twickenham Chess Club this evening.

https://britishchessnews.com/2021/10/15 ... th-brewer/

My latest post introduces you to the 1882 President and Secretary of Twickenham Chess Club: an alcoholic clergyman and the father of an aviation pioneer.

I've written two more articles about members of Twickenham Chess Club in the 1880s.

https://britishchessnews.com/2021/11/08 ... y-britten/

Wallace and Bashley Britten (great name!): were they related to each other, or to a famous composer who shared their surname?

https://britishchessnews.com/2021/11/24 ... is-coward/

Arthur Sabin and Randulph Lewis Coward: were they related to each other, or to a famous playwright and song writer who shared their surname?

Read the articles to find out more.

Re-Noel Coward and Waldegrave Road, Teddington, a later resident at the same house was Julian Clary, also in the entertainment business. I have no idea if he has an interest in chess.

Kevin Thurlow wrote: ↑

Thu Nov 25, 2021 5:48 pm

Re-Noel Coward and Waldegrave Road, Teddington, a later resident at the same house was Julian Clary, also in the entertainment business. I have no idea if he has an interest in chess.

Julian Clary was born in Surbiton but grew up in St Mark's Road, Teddington according to online sources. He now lives in Goldenhurst Farm, Kent, where Noel Coward lived for many years (and had a chess table set up).

"Julian Clary was born in Surbiton but grew up in St Mark's Road, Teddington according to online sources. He now lives in Goldenhurst Farm, Kent, where Noel Coward lived for many years (and had a chess table set up)."

Ah, I must have misrembered the interview I saw. I found an extract of JC's book, where he talks of buying NC's house in Kent. It was interesting as I worked next door to NPL for too many years.

I've recently posted some more articles about members of Twickenham Chess Club round about 1890.

https://britishchessnews.com/2021/11/27 ... y-meymott/
Sydney Meymott was a stalwart of Ealing Chess Club for many years but started his chess career in Twickenham.

https://britishchessnews.com/2021/12/06 ... -gardiner/
George Courtenay Vialls and Thomas George Gardiner were distinguished military men who also played soldiers with wooden pieces.

https://britishchessnews.com/2021/12/09 ... -ganthony/
Robert Davy Ganthony was a dentist and artist with some interesting relatives, but only a brief association with competitive chess.

https://britishchessnews.com/2021/12/22 ... ll-part-1/
Cecil Alfred Lucas Bull was one of the leading problemists of his day, specialising in mates in 3, and also a strong player. Part 1 looks at the first part of his life spent in Twickenham and Teddington.

https://britishchessnews.com/2021/12/23 ... ll-part-2/
My second article on Cecil Alfred Lucas Bull looks at his later life after he emigrated to South Africa.

https://britishchessnews.com/2022/01/10 ... inson-fox/
Arthur Makinson Fox was another chess-playing dentist (and, in his spare time, musician) with interesting relatives and a lifelong passion for his, and our, favourite game.

Much more to come: do look out for further articles.

Thanks Richard. Good stuff.