Burnley: Blindfold chess against 22

7:00pm Thursday 13th July 2006

THURSBY is a name steeped in Burnley's history.

The Thursby baronetcy was created in 1887 in Queen Victoria's Jubilee honours list, with the elevation of Colonel John Hardy Thursby, Lancashire's High Sheriff.

He lived at Ormerod House, Higher Red Lees.

Only he and his two sons, the eldest, John Ormerod Scarlett and his half brother, George James, held the title.

John junior was president of the British Chess Federation for 15 years, and was instrumental in bringing world class players such as Emanuel Lasker to Burnley.

The then world champion played against the best players from Burnley and Colne, who called themselves the Allies of Burnley'.

Sir John also helped another fine player, Mr J Blackburne, who came to the Mechanics Institute in the late 19th century to give a display of blindfold chess against six sighted opponents.

This tradition carried on even after his death in 1920, when Polish grandmaster Akiba Rubinstein gave a simultaneous display against 22 local players, losing only one game.

Sir John was one of the founding fathers of the East Lancashire League, which still thrives to this day.

George then assumed the title, but was rarely to be seen locally and in 1922 most of the estates were disposed of.

His main interest was horses and he was a successful jockey and in 1904 rode his brother's horse John o'Gaunt in the Epsom Derby, finishing second to St Amant, who took fright at the stormy conditions and bolted to victory.

This was referred to as the Thunderstorm Derby!

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