The “board” for an ancient game of strategy, dating back to the Roman Empire, has been re-discovered in the village of Gayle in the Yorkshire Dales National Park.

Ancient game of Merrills re-discovered in the
Yorkshire Dales

The game is locally called “Merrills” but is also known elsewhere in the UK as “Nine Men’s Morris” and “Mills”.

Etched into the top of the stone wall that runs alongside Gayle Beck is the “board”, which consists of three concentric and connected squares, giving 9 intersections for each square. The object of the game is to create a run of three of your own pieces in a row and to box your opponent in so that he can no longer move.

Gayle Mill Manager Paul Bisson said: “The Merrills ‘board’ may well have been carved by the first workers at the mill into the stone wall which was built to channel the beck through the middle of the village. It was probably a welcome pastime, much enjoyed as a break in their long hours at the spinning machines or carding the cotton or wool. But the game is not as easy as you might think!”

The game is thought to date back as far as the Roman Empire and was certainly very popular in medieval times. Boards have been found carved into the cloister seats at a number of English cathedrals, and there is a mention of ‘nine men’s morris’ in Shakespeare’s ‘Midsummer Night’s Dream’.

Now restored fully to working order, Gayle Mill opened to visitors last Easter and has been developing a range of special, traditionally crafted products for sale to the public. One of these is a wooden version of the game, and it is hoped that it will sell well at the Mill’s forthcoming Christmas Fayre on the day before Advent Sunday.

Gayle Mill Vice-Chairman Mike Thomson commented: “It is wonderful to take a piece of the Mill’s history and, using our skills and ingenuity, make it live again by enabling it to be enjoyed by all ages in this fascinating and challenging game – just right for the Christmas holiday period!”

The Fayre, presented jointly by Gayle Mill Trust and the Friends of Gayle Mill, will take place between 11am and 7pm on Saturday 29 November at the Mill. Amongst the attractions is a fascinating selection of seasonal presents, from exquisite clocks and elegantly turned bowls, decorations and jewellery to useful garden gifts such as planters, bird-feeders and birdboxes.

The Mill will be decorated in traditional Christmas style, and there are also activities for all the family to join in – you can have your portrait taken ‘Victorian style’ (dressed in period costume), or maybe you would like to try and make your own natural Christmas decorations. The admission charge (£1.50 adult, 50p child) includes free festive refreshments.

Further information can be obtained from Gayle Mill on 01969 667320 or on the website: www.gaylemill.org.uk.