Canterbury Croquet Set With Storage Case

Jaques of London stands as the world's oldest toys and games manufacturer, an extraordinary family business passed from father to son through eight generations since 1795. Founded by Thomas Jaques, a farmer's son of French Huguenot descent, the company invented numerous beloved games including Croquet, Ludo, Snakes and Ladders, Tiddlywinks, Happy Families and revolutionised table tennis as Ping Pong. Their crowning achievement remains the iconic Staunton Chess Set, introduced in 1849 with revolutionary design based on the Elgin Marbles, now the standard for chess worldwide. During both World Wars, Jaques supported the nation by supplying millions of brushes to troops and creating secret MI9 escape kits with hidden map compartments. Holder of multiple awards for sustainability and educational excellence, this remarkable British institution continues handcrafting wooden toys and games from FSC-approved sustainable materials, teaching the world to play for over 229 years whilst earning prestigious recognition including Royal admiration since Queen Mary's 1948 purchase.