Violence in the Classroom: A Trial of Skill in Restoration London

What follows is a period account of a trial of skill between two English Masters-at-Arms that took place July 16, 1712. The article (though more of a review, written in a similar fashion to modern sports columns) was originally published by Sir Richard Steele (just five day after the event) on July 21, 1712 in the public British magazine, The Spectator (No. 436). Although at times a bit difficult to read due to the contemporary dialogue being used by the author, it is still insightful to the novice and learned reader alike. An aura of festiveness surrounds this account (as was often the case, many such trials were indeed held at village fairs) and tends help the reader catch a glimpse of what life was like for the people of Restoration period Britain.

Emphasis placed upon the two Masters-at-Arms highlighted in the account demonstrates the skill possessed by each individual and the tenacity and violence of their profession. Besides teaching the ‘Manly Arts of Defense’, Masters-at-Arms also had to uphold their credibility and station by accepting any challenges to combat that might be leveled their way. In was in this manner that Masters like James Figg (who was discussed briefly in an earlier ‘Violence in the Classroom’ article) were able to ascend the societal rank and attract the patronage of the higher classes.

Trials of skill held a significant role in the martial culture of Britain during the Restoration (and all other time periods as well). Through such feats, the martial culture was further defined and the national tradition of such upheld.

Trial of Skill, July 16, 1712

Being a Person of insatiable Curiosity, I could nor forbear going on Wednesday last to a Place of no small renown for the Gallantry of the lower Order of Britons, namely, to the Beargarden at Hockley in the Hole; where (as a whitish brown Paper, put into my Hands in the Street, inform’d me)there was to be a Tryal of Skill to be exhibited between two Masters of the Noble Science of Defence, at two of the Clock precisely. I was not little charm’d with the Solemnity of the Challenge, which ran thus:

"I, James Miller, Serjeant, (lately come from the Frontiers of Portugal), Master of the Noble Science of Defence, hearing in most Places where I have been of the Great Fame of Timothy Buck of London, Master of the said Science, do invite him to meet me, and exercise at the several Weapons following, viz.
-Back-Sword -Single Falchon
-Sword and Dagger -Case of Falchons
-Sword and Buckler -Quarter-Staff"

If the generous Author in James Miller to dispute the Reputation of Timothy Buck, had nothing resembling the old Heroes of Romance, Timothy Buck return’d Answer in the same Paper with the like Spirit, adding a little Indignation at being challenged, and seeming to condescend to fight James Miller, not in regard to Miller himself, but in that, as the Fame went out, he had fought Parkes of Coventry. The acceptance of the Combat ran in these Words:

"I, Timothy Buck of Clare-Market, Master of the Noble Science of Defence, hearing he did fight Mr. Parkes of Coventry will not fail (God willing) to meet this fair inviter at the Time and Place appointed, desiring a clear Stage and no Favour."

(…) James Miller came out first; preceded by two disabled Drummers, to shew, I suppose, that the Prospect of maimed Bodies did not in the least deter him. There ascended with the daring Miller a gentleman, whose Name I could not learn, with a dogged Air, as unsatisfied that he was not Principal. This Son of Anger lowred at the whole Assembly, and weighing himself as he march’d around from Side to Side with a stiff Knee and Shoulder, he gave Intimations of the Purpose he smothered till he saw the Issue of this Encounter.

(…) The Expectations of the Spectators was now almost at its Height, and the Crowd pressing in, several active Persons thought they were placed rather according to their Fortune than their Merit, and took it in their heads to prefer themselves in the open Area, or Pit, to the Galleries. This Dispute between Desert and Property brought many to the Ground, and raised others in proportion to the highest Seats by Turns for the Space of ten Minutes, till Timothy Buck came on, and the whole Assembly giving up their Disputes, turned their Eyes upon the Champions. Then it was that every Man’s Affection turned to one or the other irresistably. A judicious Gentleman near me said, "I could, methinks, be Miller’s Second, but I had rather have Buck for mine."

(…) The Combatants met in the Middle of the Stage, and shaking Hands as removing all Malice, they retired with much Grace to the Extremities of it; form whence they immediately faced about, and approach’d each other, Miller with a heart full of Resolution, Buck with a watchful untroubled Countenance; Buck regarding principally his own Defence, Miller chiefly thoughtful of annoying his Opponent. It is not easy to describe the many Escapes and imperceptible Defences between the two Men of quick Eyes and ready Limbs; but Miller’s Heat laid him open to the Rebuke of the clam Buck, by a large Cut on the Forehead. Much Effusion of Blood covered his Eyes in a Moment and the Huzzas of the Crowd undoubtedly quickened the Anguish. The assembly was divided into Parties upon their different ways of Fighting; while a poor Nymph in one of the Galleries apparently suffered for Miller, and burst into a Flood of Tears.

As soon as his Wound was wrapped up, he came on again with little Rage, which disabled him still further. But what brave Man can be wounded into more Patience and Caution? The next was a warm, eager Onset which ended in a decisive Stroke on the left Leg of Miller. The Lady in the Gallery, during this second Strife, covered her Face; and for my Part, I could not keep my Thoughts form being mostly employed on the Consideration of her unhappy Circumstance that Moment, hearing the Clash of Swords, and apprehending Life or Victory concerned her Lover in every Blow, but not daring to satisfy herself on whom they fell.

The Wound was exposed to the View of all who could delight in it, and sowed up on the Stage. The surly Second of Miller declared at this Time, that he would that Day Fortnight fight Mr. Buck at the same Weapons, declaring himself the Master of the renowned Gorman; but Buck denied him the Honour of that courageous Disciple, and asserting that he himself had taught that Champion, accepted the Challenge.

There is something in Nature very unaccountable on such Occasions, when we see the People take a certain painful Gratification in beholding these Encounters. Is it Cruelty that administers the Sort of Delight? Or is it Pleasure which is taken in the Exercise of Pity? It was methought pretty remarkable, that the Business of the Day being a Trial of Skill, the Popularity did not run so high as one would have expected on the Side of Buck. Is it that People’s Passions have their Rise in Self-Love, and thought themselves (in spite of all the Courage they had) liable to the After of Miller, but could so easily think themselves qualified like Buck?

As mentioned earlier, this account was originally published by Sir Richard Steel in The Spectator (no.436) on July 21, 1712. The account has been republished and the full text is available in both of the following sources:

The Spectator in Four Volumes, Vol. III London: Dent [Everyman’s Library], New York: Dutton (1907) 1967; p.348f.

Amberger, J. Christoph, The Secret History of the Sword: Adventures in Ancient Martial Arts, Burbank: Multi-Media Books 1998; p.187.