The Club was founded in May 1948 by Commander A G Oliver and its first venue was St Luke's Parish Hall, Bath. Commander Oliver had 20 years of fencing experience and was the Navy's 1947 fencing champion. He was assisted by W J Irving who was also an accomplished fencer and the Royal Navy and Royal Marines foil champion in 1928, 1929 and 1930.

After several changes of venue the Club settled at Bath Central Youth Club. There in 1965 the Club acquired its first electric box. The Club later moved to New King Street for 10 years and in 1975 moved to the Bath Sports Centre. After a spell of 14 years in the middle of Bath the Club moved to Kingswood School, Lansdown.

The availability of space, an early start to the evening and the coaching effort provided by an active committee lead to an explosion in membership numbers. Bath Sword became the largest Club in the SW region. In 2003 the Club moved again to the University which doubled the amount of space it could use.

Coaches Past and Present

The Club recognises the efforts of its dedicated coaches over the years: Commander Oliver, Professor Joe Fields, Ken Pearson, Larry Grosfils, Tom Norcross, Mike Webster, Steve Roose, Professors Norman Golding and Sue Benney, Dennis Hunt, Dick Richards, Ralph Burgess, Lynne and Andy Bornemisza.

The Sword In Bath

An excellent book, written by Club member Gerry Christie, covers the history of sword making, combat, duelling and the evolution of modern sport of fencing.

Fencing was a necessary skill in Georgian Bath. The last legal duel in England took place here in 1778.

The Sword In Bath is available at £8.99 from the club desk.

 

© 2011 Bath Sword Club