A new competition. A remarkable local legacy. Who will lift the cup?
We’re excited to announce that The Mary Rudge Cup is coming to Leominster Chess Club next Spring.
Named in honour of one of the most remarkable figures in our town’s chess history, this new tournament will celebrate competitive chess, friendly rivalry and the rich heritage of the game in Leominster.
Whether you’re a seasoned tournament player or looking to take your first steps into competitive chess, we’re looking forward to bringing our club community together for an exciting new chapter.
🏆 Tournament details coming soon
We’re currently preparing the details for the inaugural Mary Rudge Cup, including the format, schedule and how to enter.
Watch this space — full details will be announced soon!
📩 Register your interest
Interested in taking part? We’d love to hear from you!
Get in touch to let us know you’re interested, and we’ll keep you updated as soon as more information becomes available.
Who was Mary Rudge?
Mary Rudge was born in Leominster in 1842 and went on to become one of the outstanding chess players of the Victorian era.
After moving to Bristol, she developed her reputation through competitive chess, taking on male opponents at a time when opportunities for women in the game were limited. She became renowned for her playing strength and determination, earning recognition as one of the leading women chess players in the world.
Her greatest achievement came in 1897, when she won the first international women’s chess tournament in London, scoring an extraordinary 18½ points out of 19 games.
Mary’s story is one of talent, perseverance and breaking barriers in a game that was far from equally accessible to everyone. Although her achievements were not always given the recognition they deserved during her lifetime, her place in chess history is now celebrated.
Born right here in Leominster, Mary Rudge is an inspiring figure for our local chess community. By naming our new tournament in her honour, we hope to celebrate her legacy and encourage a new generation of players to enjoy the challenge and excitement of competitive chess.
The next move belongs to you.
♟️ The Mary Rudge Cup — coming to Leominster Chess Club Spring 2027.