The statue of King Olaf and Godred Crovan near to the outdoor chess table within the Courthouse grounds depicts the ancient kings locked in a chess-like contest, and was commissioned from local artist Amanda Barton as a Millennium project for the town. Her works also include statues depicting Vikings at the House of Mannanan, entertainers George Formby and Sir Norman Wisdom located in Douglas town centre, and motor cyclist Joey Dunlop whose statue is located at the Bungalow on the TT course.
This statue features two major figures from Manx history, King Godred Crovan, or King Orry, and his opponent King Olav I, his son. It is notable for its symbolism and multiple hidden meanings.
While the war-like Crovan – a Norseman born in the Isle of Islay – conquered the Isle of Man at the third attempt at the Battle of Skye Hill in 1079, his son had a reputation as a man of peace and law, and during his 40 year reign over Mann founded Rushen Abbey.
King Olaf appears to be playing classical chess whilst his father, leaning across the board, appears to be playing the more aggressive ancient Viking game of merels, perhaps symbolising the move from old ways to new.
But chess was new to Europe in the 11th century. The game brought to Britain by the Vikings from Scandinavia was Hnefatafl, which translates as "king's table". The pieces on the board could well be part of this game of unequal sides, with the more aggressive Orry attacking Olaf's King and other pieces. The game would certainly have been well known to these two kings.
Whatever the game, they are so engrossed in it they won't notice you searching for the cache. Passers by, however, are a different story so please employ stealth when searching.
Stillroaming: Check Mate!