In those days, when everyone with any pretensions to gentility wore a sword, and duelling was rife, it is no wonder that exhibitions of skill in that weapon were favourites. Like modern prize fights, they drew together all the scum and riff-raff, as well as the gentry who were fond of so-called sport. They were disreputable affairs, and were decried by every class of contemporary. The preliminaries were swagger and bounce, as one or two out of a very large number will show[389]:—
'At the Bear Garden in Hockley in the Hole.
A Tryal of Skill to be Performed between two Profound Masters of the Noble Science of Defence on Wednesday next, being this 13th of the instant July 1709 at Two of the Clock precisely.
'I, George Gray, born in the City of Norwich, who has Fought in most Parts of the West Indies viz. Jamaica, Barbadoes, and several other Parts of the World; in all Twenty-five times, upon a Stage, and was never yet Worsted, and now lately come to London; do invite James Harris, to meet and Exercise at these following Weapons viz.:—
| Back Sword, | Single Falchon | |||
| Sword and Dagger, | AND | |||
| Sword and Buckler, | Case of Falchons. |
'I, James Harris, Master of the said Noble Science of Defence, who formerly rid in the Horse guards, and hath Fought a Hundred and Ten Prizes, and never left a Stage to any Man: will not fail (God Willing) to meet this brave and bold Inviter at the Time and Place appointed, desiring Sharp Swords, and from him no Favour.
'☞ Note. No person to be upon the Stage but the Seconds. Vivat Regina.'
'At the Bear Garden in Hockley in the Hole.
A Tryal of Skill to be Performed between these two following Masters of the Noble science of Defence, on Wednesday the Fifth of April, 1710, at Three of the Clock precisely.
'I, John Parkes from Coventry, Master of the Noble Science of Defence, do Invite you Thomas Hesgate, to meet me and Exercise at these following Weapons, viz.:—