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The clang of clashing swords rang out last week in front of the Chapel as the Fencing Club put on a demonstration that was tied to a medieval Italy history course.

Students and faculty gathered Thursday as Brian Peddie ’11, an instructor of the Fencing Club, gave a brief history on the evolution of fencing from the early broadsword to the modern rapier.

Student volunteers from �ؾ���’s Fencing Club use rapiers as part of a sword fighting demonstration held outside Memorial Chapel. (Photo by Andy Daddio)

Peddie and four club volunteers demonstrated various combat scenarios using Italian rapiers that would have been used in the early 1600s.

Peddie described how the light and thin rapier allows combatant to be quicker, more agile, and affords more control. Another advantage the rapier has is that it is longer than a broadsword.

“The extra inch doesn’t seem like much,” Peddie said as he lunged forward, “but then I’m running you through, and you’re barely scratching me.”

Peddie had contacted Alan Cooper, associate professor of history, about putting on the demonstration.

Cooper seized the chance to present a supplemental experience to his History 331 Medieval Italy course. He described the demonstration as a chance for his students to watch the subject matter jump off the page.

The event also helped promote �ؾ���’s Fencing Club.

The club has about 30 members, many of whom have never picked up a rapier before attending their first meeting. Members meet three times a week to practice.

Peddie, who has eight years of fencing experience, had a special training session with club volunteers about historic sword fighting prior to the event.

The audience in front of the Chapel grew as the fencing students threw their protective coats at each other and engaged in four-on-one melees. Onlookers cheered on their favorite combatants, offered tips, and groaned when their favorite fencer was “killed.”

Cooper expressed hope that his students would be inspired by the demonstration, saying he hoped it would encourage them to think beyond the textbook, to see history as a living entity.

Students and faculty members watch the sword fighting demonstration. (Photo by Andy Daddio)