Sir Rowland Hill’s Intellectual Pursuits and Publishing – Rhythmamachia: A Renaissance Game
Portrait of Sir Rowland Hill, Mercer’s Copy
Our blog is currently going through texts published by the Rowland Hill/Rouland Hall press, and this post looks at the 1563 text :
THE MOST NOBLE ancient, and learned playe, called the Philosophers game, invented for the honest recreation of students, and other [sober?] persons, in passing the tediousness of time, to the release of their labours, and the exercise of their wittes. Set forth with such playne precepts, rules and tables, that all men with ease may understande it, and most men with pleasure practice it.
An on-line transcript of the book can be found here.
********
This book is one of a couple from the imrpint that has a dedication to Robert Dudley a powerful English statesman and a close associate of Queen Elizabeth I. He held several important positions from her accession in her court and was a long-time suitor for her hand in marriage.
Lime-washed oak ceiling of Sir Rowland Hill’s prayer room, showcasing the careful craftsmanship of the 16th century.
Sir Rowland Hill, put a Rithmomachia board into the prayer room at his house here at Soulton Hall.
1554 illustration of a Rithmomachia board and pieces by Claude de Boissia
Rithmomachia was a popular strategic board game during the Renaissance, something beyond chess.
The Rithmomachia Pavement in the Prayer Room of Soulton Hall – 2022, awaiting conservation.
It appealed to intellectuals due to its intellectual stimulation, cultural significance, educational value, and social interaction.
A rare survivor! This doorway is the last remaining Tudor door at Soulton Hall. It leads to Sir Rowland Hill’s prayer room and the fascinating “rhythmamachia” floor
