The Palace Lectures – Fencers and Fight Books
‘The History of Fencing in the 15th to 17th Centuries’
- Thursday 10th April
- 6pm – 7pm, Gates open 5.45pm
Throughout the medieval and early modern period, fencing and the study of arms was considered one of the hallmarks of noble and princely activity. Much of what is known about fencing at this time is captured in ‘fightbooks’, treatises written by fencing masters and which often contained beautiful pictures of martial techniques. In this talk, Dr Rob Runacres will discuss the development of fencing in the period as illustrated by the extensive fightbook literature.
Rob Runacres is a historian and fencing instructor, specialising in the history of Italian fencing masters and princely education. He is the founder of the Renaissance Sword Club, where he teaches rapier and associated sword forms. Several of his fightbook translations have been published and he regularly gives talks on early modern martial arts.
The Palace Lectures are a series of talks across the year. Covering an assortment of intriguing and interesting topics the talks are delivered by historians, gardeners and subject experts.
Tickets
- Adult – £5
- Student – £4
- Friend of the Palace – Free