Last year, I invited a number of authors to send suitable characters from their books to interview for an imaginary job in my imaginary company. Now a New Year is upon us, and as CEO of this company I've decided that my workforce needs to learn new skills for 2022. I've invited some more characters along to the blog, this time to deliver some workshops, and my staff have gathered in the company employees' gym, where we have erected safety ropes...
AW: Right you lot, phones off, and best behaviour please, because today's guest is a member of the nobility. Let's give a warm welcome to Sir Robert Devereaux, Earl of Essex and his assistant, Master Gelly Meyrick!
[AW: Stop sniggering Simons]
EoE: Secondly, I understand that duelling is strictly forbidden, but there are times when a gentleman has to defend his honour. People might think you short-tempered, of lacking self-control, but if someone calls you a liar, or has otherwise impugned your courage or good name, what better way to restore honour than to fight with rapiers?
Some of you will have heard how I lost a duel against Charles Blount. I’d like to explain I had no idea he was left-handed, which confused me, and Blount delivered his challenge in person, demanding satisfaction for being publicly offended, so I had no choice other than to accept. In truth, I consider I was lucky to only suffer a wound to my thigh!
For this demonstration, I’m using an Italian rapier, designed for duelling. The slender, two-edged blade is counter-balanced to provide greater control. (Swishes the rapier in the air.) This one has a blunted tip to reduce accidental wounding of my sparring partner, my long-suffering and loyal Welsh manservant, Master Gelly Meyrick.
Firstly, there are several ways to grip a rapier, but I recommend wrapping your index finger around the quillion, or cross-guard, which reduces fatigue and provides better point control. Your thumb can point up the flat of the blade, or rest on top of your index finger. A loose grip with the other three fingers gives you a good range of movement.
Now I’d like to talk about your ‘guard’, which is the angle of your wrist, and the position of your body. The more upright your upper body is, the more defensive your posture, and the more you lean forward, the more aggressive your stance. Extending your arm provides maximum defence, keeps your opponent at a distance, and allows you to dominate their blade.
You should not have your left foot forward, as this reduces the coverage of the sword to the body. It also makes it harder to lunge, so keep your right foot forward, and adjust your distance quickly without compromising your guard. To step forwards, move your front foot forwards, and follow with the rear, and to move back, move your back foot first, then follow it with the front.
Now for the lunge. (Demonstrates with an aggressive lunge at Gelly Meyrick, who moves just in time to avoid being impaled.) The lunge is the extension of your body in line to attack, usually with a thrust, (like this) but also with a cut, (like this). When lunging, as with any attack, you initiate the move with your sword arm, followed by your body, and finally your leg. Your lead foot points forwards, towards your opponent, and your back leg should straighten. The lunge is the fastest way to attack, but there is a lot that can go wrong. (Grins.)
The ‘pass’ is a movement which requires major commitment, and therefore risk. Don’t use the pass to adjust your distance, or change guard with your rapier, as we don’t want to have your left foot forward in guard. The passing step is best used when the distance is closed, and having your left foot forward becomes an advantage. (Demonstrates with a sudden pass at Gelly Meyrick, which catches him off guard.)
Now what we call ‘stringering’ means to gain an advantage over your opponent by pre-parrying their blade, allowing you to strike or parry on the line that you have positioned yourself with relative safety. Some fights involve a constant game of stringering, disengaging, and further stringers by each swordsman. (The room echoes to the clash of rapiers, as they strike each other’s blades.)
Finally, my teacher, the late Sir Philip Sidney, used to say, ‘when you use a rapier to lunge against someone, it’s not just to kill them. You have to defend yourself at the same time. The lunge is fast, but leaves you vulnerable. The pass keeps you upright, and in a strong position. Strike, and parry your opponent’s blade with a single action!’
(They both bow to the audience)
Robert Devereux, Earl of Essex, is one of the most intriguing men ofthe Elizabethan period. Tall and handsome, he soon becomes a ‘favourite’ at court, so close to the queen many wonder if they are lovers.
The truth is far more complex, as each has what the other yearns for. Robert Devereux longs for recognition, wealth and influence. His flamboyant naïveté amuses the ageing Queen Elizabeth, like the son she never had, and his vitality makes her feel young.Robert Devereux’s remarkable true story continues the epic tale of the rise of the Tudors, which began with the best-selling Tudor trilogy and concludes with the reign of Queen Elizabeth I.
Haha! I love the concept of 'stringering'! Thank you, Tony, for a very instructive post.
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