Recently came across this in a small, locally published book, the wonderfully entitled Circumcisions by Appointment: Life in Eighteenth Century Manchester, by Roy Westall, and thought it might be if interest.
QUARTER-STAFF AND BROADSWORD PLAY
Thomas Barritt (1743-1820), a local antiquary, lived in Hanging Ditch (in Manchester, England). Amongst his manuscripts he wrote the following curious narrative:
"When I was a boy about eight years old, a noted prize fighter came to Manchester, by name Thomas Barret, an old man, with his face cut and scarred all over, so that for the most part he went by the name of 'Old Chopping-block.' He taught the science of defence (or what I should think was sometimes offence), in a large room at the Old Boar's Head, Hyde Cross. While in town he articled with a stranger to show their feats of arms in public, in a yard near Salford Chapel; at which place I attended to see the exhibitionwhich was performed upon a stage in manner following:
First the champions entered the lists in their shirts, and bare-headed, with each a quarter-staff, about two yards long and as thick as the handle of a pikel. These they brandished and whirled about with surprising dexterity; not forgetting every now and then to reach each other a lusty souse upon the sides, shoulders, or head, which was no ways displeasing to the spectators. This exercise being ended, and a little time spent in refreshing, the combatants approached each other with basket-hilted broadswords, and each a target (i.e. a large shield or buckler) upon their left arm; seconds likewise being appointed, and upon the stage with poles, to prevent them going to extremeties.
In a little while both targets, not being covered with leather, were slit in pieces; and Old Chopping-block after this received a cut upon his cheek near the nose. He immediately returns the compliment, cutting his antagonist directly upon the brow; by which both their faces were almost covered in blood. After some few flourishes with their wepaons old Barret receives another wound on his face, near the former, which he seems not to approve; and spying an opening in his adversary, gives him such a slice on his forehead and with such earnestness, that the seconds, thinking it is not prudent that the business should be continued any longer, parted them.
This affair, however, not subsiding, a second challenge was given and place appointed, which was the Old Boar's Head yard, where I again attended a few days after. The fellows again mounted the stage with swords; but old Barret, taking the advantage, cut his antagonist in the side, which was declared unfair play. Thus the combat ended, which was the last sword-play I ever heard of in England. In some while after Thomas Barret went to Ireland, and there followed the same business, and in a combat received a cut in his belly, which let his bowels out and ended his days."
Anyone know anything about Barret or others of his ilk in that period?
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