Chess History: The Rook Mattered

What makes the rook in chess a fighting piece? In a siege on a castle, men could be on top of the tower and poor hot oil below or archers could fire their bows. Also, important prisoners could be locked up at the top of the tower which is not easy to escape from.

Located in the small town of Blarney just outside Cork, Ireland, lies the impresive and historic Blarney Castle from tne 14th century. In addition to being a military fortress, it is now a top tourist attraction. A tourist can hang upside down and kiss the blarney stone. It is said that if you kiss the blarney stone you will have the gift of public speaking. Diplomacy was an important tool for a King.