Fox and Geese
The game of Fox and Geese dates back to the middle ages and is unusual in that the sides are unequal. The sly fox attempts to capture the multitudinous geese. Meanwhile, the geese try to hem the fox in so that he can't move. At one time a popular pub game, these days Fox and Geese is less well known but it's a game that is both historical and fascinating.
Medieval Fox and Geese (Cloth Board Game in Box)
Click any picture for a large version
Medieval Fox and Geese (Cloth Board Game in Box)
Ref: 007HK0
£26.90
£22.42 (Ex.VAT)
ETA: 1 working day + transit time
Price includes delivery for Eng/Wales/Lowlands.
- Classic medieval game - simple rules but interesting game play ensues
- Fascinating strategic game of unequal sides that can require deep thought
- Great fun for all while also helping them to learn about history and strategy
- Hand-made pieces with a hand-made cloth board made in Britain
- Board rolls up to be conveniently stored with the pieces in the presentation cardboard box
- Language of Rules/Instructions: English
Approx. Dimensions:
31 x 16 x 4cm12.2x6.3x1.6 inch
The earliest definite record of Fox and Geese is in the accounts of Edward IV in the fifteenth century. It is quite possible that it derives from the earlier Icelandic and Viking games of inequality such as Tafl or Hala-tafl that date from pre-10th century. Indeed Hala-tafl in Ancient Icelandic means "Fox Game".
Fox and Geese is a game of unequal sides in which the red fox tries to hop over the geese while the geese try to trap the fox by sheer weight of numbers so that he can't move. It's a game that is intriguing and which has stood the test of time admirably.
Our board is an elegant cloth Fox and Geese game with hand-made wooden pieces. Evidence for the play of Fox and Geese has been found in ancient digs and boards have been found inscribed on old buildings and even as graffiti by monks in medieval Christian cloisters! These boards enable you to enjoy some history while playing a great game that was popular for many centuries and was considered until quite recent times to be a traditional English pub game.
Suitable for museums, families - great for all, the board, pieces and rules come in a convenient cardboard presentation box so take up very little space when not in use.
Contains small parts. Unsuitable for people vulnerable to choking hazards..
Set of Fox and Geese pieces (1 red fox, 17 white geese)
Click picture for a large version
Set of Fox and Geese pieces (1 red fox, 17 white geese)
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Ref: 000W9K
Was: £11.99
£7.99
£6.66 (Ex.VAT)
Apologies - out of stock. Date new stock due: unknown.
A set of beautifully crafted wooden Fox and Geese pieces.
1 red fox and 17 white geese.
This set is the pieces only - no board is included.
Approx. Dimensions:
13 x 11 x 2cm5.1x4.3x0.8 inch
- Beautifully crafted wooden Fox and Geese pieces.
- 1 red fox and 17 white geese.
- Board not included
- Language of Rules/Instructions: English
- For ages: 6+
- Number of players: 2
- Average game time: 15 minutes
The Origin of Fox and Geese
Fox and Geese is a descendant of Tafl played on a cross shaped board. The first probable reference to an ancestor of the game is that of Hala-Tafl, the Fox Game which is mentioned in the Icelandic saga 'Grettis' which is believed to have been written after AD 1300 by a priest living in the North of the country. The next probable reference is in the accounts of the Royal Household of Edward IV of England (AD 1461-1483) for the purchase of two foxes and twenty-six hounds of silver over-gilt for two sets of Marelles. Finally, it has been suggested that a game called Freystafl which is mentioned in the later Iceland sagas might be one and the same as Fox and Geese. You can learn more about the history of Fox and Geese from the Online Guide to Traditional Games.
