Few other institutions can match the history of Glasgow University Union. Founded in 1885, the Union was the scene of Scotland’s last ever duel in 1899; swords were drawn and blood was spilled over the election battle for the University Rectorship.
Facts
Some quite interesting facts about fencing ... or they may just be rumours or actual lies.
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Scotland's Last Duel
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Modern swords
The foil has a blade made of pure steel, the swords maximum length is 3 feet and is not allowed to weigh more than 1.1 pounds. The sabre is a sword from the 18th century and is similar to the foil but weighs slightly less and is about one inch shorter.
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Bruce Dickinson
Bruce Dickinson, multi-millionaire and lead singer of the rock group "Iron Maiden" founded the Duellist International fencing equipment supplier. As competitive International fencer he travelled round the globe, with his guitar on one shoulder and his fencing bag over the other.
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The Oldest Fencing Club
The world’s oldest fencing club is the Confrérie de Saint-Michel, which was established in 1613 in Ghent, Belgium, where it still meets twice a week in the 17th century tower that has been its home for nearly 400 years.
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Bob Anderson - Fencing Master
Bob Anderson (1922-2012) was the fencing master who coached and acted as a stunt double in almost every modern film which contains any fencing. He also coached the British fencing team for 30 years. From Star Wars to James Bond; from Highlander to The Mask of Zorro; and from The Princes Bride to The Master of Ballantrae - he helped make them all. Reputedly during some rehearsals, he once slashed Errol Flynn in the thigh by accident, drawing blood, while the star was being distracted by a passing beauty. This led to Anderson's reputation among Hollywood insiders as "the man who stabbed Errol Flynn".
