Fencing couple stage plague-era 'sword fight' in Edinburgh
Andy Taylor, 42, and his wife Charlotte, 48, wore plague masks as they had a face off in using Dussack foils dating from the same era, in Holyrood Park, Edinburgh.
Historically the beaked masks would have been filled with herbs, straw and spices, and were worn with a cloak, similar in theory to personal protective equipment (PPE).
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdDoctors treating plague victims also carried a cane to avoid touching patients.
Scientist Andy said: "The plague masks were a bit of fun, it was just a nod to covid.
"The plague masks would have been in use in the 17th Century by plague doctors around the time the fencing swords were introduced.
"We only got back to fencing again in September after seven or eight months."
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdThe couple run Stork's Beak: School of Historical Swordplay, in Edinburgh.
The medieval martial arts are based on European traditions.
Andy added: "It seemed like some fun at the time.
"The Dussack was a 17th Century weapon.
"The club has been going for around ten years, it has been most frustrating not being able to train."After just a month of being able to practice, it was taken away again.Andy added: "Sadly we are not able to fence currently due to the new Scottish restrictions."There is no evidence fencing or most other sports have led to Covid-19 outbreaks and the effects on health both mental and physical of not doing sport would surely outweigh the very small risk of exposure."
A message from the Editor:
Thank you for reading this story on our website. While I have your attention, I also have an important request to make of you.
The dramatic events of 2020 are having a major impact on many of our advertisers - and consequently the revenue we receive. We are now more reliant than ever on you taking out a digital subscription to support our journalism.
Subscribe to the Edinburgh Evening News online and enjoy unlimited access to trusted, fact-checked news and sport from Edinburgh and the Lothians. Visit https://www.edinburghnews.scotsman.com/subscriptions now to sign up.
By supporting us, we are able to support you in providing trusted, fact-checked content for this website.
Joy Yates
Comment Guidelines
National World encourages reader discussion on our stories. User feedback, insights and back-and-forth exchanges add a rich layer of context to reporting. Please review our Community Guidelines before commenting.