A discourse on the nature of the North Downs Musketeer Academy

Persons introduced in this discussion:

The Most Illustrious Thomas Pemberton, Gentleman Scholar.

and

The Most Excellent Captain Ernest Brock, Chief Instructor of the North Downs Musketeer Academy and Captain of Brock's Badgers.

T.P. Having long and greatly desired (my dear friend) to learn this noble science, and especially of you, who did put the first weapons into my hands: wherefore (seeing so good opportunity is so fitly presented) I could wish that we might spend this time at some discourse concerning North Downs Musketeer Academy, to the end that I might thereby, both the better retain the title which I have already learned, and also add some new lesson thereunto.

E.B. Of Course my friend, for that I have found you to be a man of a noble spirit as also to the end that hereafter when time shall serve, you may be better known unto sundry Gentlemen my good friends, I am content to yield unto your request, and therefore demand boldly any thing wherein you desire to be resolved.

T.P. Sir, I have no doubt that you will fail me in any part of your promise, for the which favor I acknowledge my self infinitely beholding unto you. I shall desire you therefore, according to your judgment and skill, to resolve and instruct me in such doubts as do occur unto me, for I know, and many noble men and Gentlemen do likewise know, that you are exquisitely able not only to resolve us of any doubt readily, but also to instruct us in this matter perfectly.

E.B. Sir, I desire nothing more than to please and satisfy you and such other Gentlemen my good friends, and therefore you may expound questions at your pleasure.

T.P. For as many years as I have known you, you have taken great pains in teaching the gentlemen who attend the North Downs Musketeer Academy. Pray, Explain to me what is the nature of your academy?

E.B. The North Downs Musketeer Academy is part of a loose association of Schools of Defense known as the The Company of Cavalier Gentlemen. The Membership is exclusive to those of the gentle classes as our schools are training grounds for those Gentlemen who may seek commissions in regiments of foot such as musket and pike or regiments of the horse such as dragoon or cuirassier. Many of our members have become Officers of note in the Trained Band known as Brock's Badgers. In addition to instruction in the art of defense, we also ensure that the Gentlemen of the Academy are lectured in etiquette to ensure that regardless of lack of prior education they will always comport themselves as the perfect Gentleman.

T.P. I am curious sir, as I have heard of other organizations whereby a man may learn of these things and of other things. Has your Academy or the Company itself any association with these other groups?

E.B. My deep friendship with you calms my Choler at such a question. We are associated with no other organization save those others in the Company of Cavalier Gentlemen. While we do maintain a friendly rivalry with some, Their ways are not our ways and the lessons we teach are often different in subtle ways. Our lessons in this noble Art are such that you may attain unto the perfect knowledge of this science. With this knowledge, you will survive the affairs of honor that you, as a Gentleman, will find your self in.

T.P. Dear friend, I thank you and do quickly withdraw my words that your choler might be further reduced. Still, I stand here perplexed. I am new to the company of so many Gentlemen. What are these Affairs of Honor of which you speak?

E.B. Your words calm me and thus we shall speak no more of such things. The Affair of Honor is the means whereby a man may rebuke and injury or defend his words. At one time we would appeal to some representative of His Majesty and be given opportunity to settle such things with a Judicial Duel. In the dark days we now live in, it is sometime necessary for a Gentleman to see to his honor himself. To that end, in the company we have men, designated as Presiders who may stand in judgment over a duel. These men insure that all proper forms are met that Honor might be satisfied in a Just and Proper duel.

T.P. With this knowledge, I am satisfied that such lessons in the Art of defense are necessary, and yet I am concerned. How might a man practice without risk to his person?

E.B. As I was taught by my master, we learn with blunted swords that we may not draw the blood of our fellows. We wear on our necks Gorgets crafted by men of skill and cover our faces with a mask of steel mesh that no blow may cause grievous harm. Sill, as was discovered by the noble Achilles, no armor is perfect. To that end, the most perfect armor we fight with is that of control. We should know the nature of our selves and our swords and in using our control help keep our fellow scholars from harm.

T.P. Dear Friend, I am satisfied that I might learn of the sword in safety. I have decided that I wish to join your company. Pray tell me the requirements of a Scholar.

E.B. Certainly sir. Each scholar pays to the Academy the sum of $50, once per quarter for a total of $200 a year. With these monies we provide a space to play and equipment for those gentlemen who have not yet found equipment that meets their high standards. Gentlemen are expected to wear stout black breeches and a white shirt. Good shoes suitable for these athletic endeavors should be worn on the feet that they might better meet the floor, and gloves should be worn on the hands that they might better grip the sword. It is expected that gentlemen will occasionally want to wear other finery, but such things are discouraged as both Vanity and Envy distract one from swordplay.

T.P. You have shared with me the requirements of attendance, but I have no knowledge of the nature of your lessons. Will you tell me of them? What will you teach me when I attend?

E.B. A Gentleman's first four lessons are those of the foundation of the system which we teach. On his fifth lesson he will be tested of his knowledge of the lessons. Any man who has learned this foundation so that it be second nature to him will find himself in an excellent to defend both his person and his honor.

T.P. But tell me sir of courtesy, those which have not been your scholars and yet have learned some manner of the Art, are they therefore required to learn this foundation?

E.B. In truth sir, while they may learn and conceive much their learning will be hindered and without the foundation which I will reveal unto you are they are not so capable as those whom I have taught. The true foundation verily and the true beginning from whence you may learn all things belonging to this art, is in these lessons, and from it will I begin, and you shall perceive of what great importance this beginning is, and how without it hardly or never any commeth to true skill and perfection. For this reason all must learn our foundation.

T.P. You have with so many reasons and proofs shewed the necessity of this foundation, that in truth I greatly esteem and honor it, and could wish that every man of honor would seek to know it and practice it, that it might be more esteemed: but now that I know the excellence of these lessons, I learn them. To this end, I have in my position a sword of quality. Might I use this weapon in my lessons?

E.B. Bring this weapon to your first lesson. Be it blunted and safe as so judged by my eye and that of my Provost Marshal you may use this weapon for your lessons. Be aware that your weapon should be of a length with those of your fellow scholars that you will be able to use it to defend your honor. Should your blade, with it's length confer advantage, it falls to your opponent to allow or refuse it.

T.P. I understand that within the Academy and also within the Company, men are ranked by fame and their names are known to all. How is done?

E.B. Each year all of the gentlemen participate in a Fame Game that we might know who among us exemplifies those gentlemanly qualities which we all hold in esteem. When a gentleman acts in the cause of honor or assists another gentleman to that purpose, he may garner Fame for him self or shine his light on his fellows. The gentleman who, at the end of the year, has become the most famous is awarded a prize that he may be recognized by his fellow Gentlemen.

T.P. Is it necessary that I participate in this game? Surely amongst scholars such as those in your academy I will have no cause to defend my honor.

E.B. You have moved a question whereof I am grieved to speak, when I consider the number of scholars and friends I have lost through incorrect application of our foundations. Men, being imperfect creatures, may never be wholly free from giving offence to another. In this we are lucky for what reason would we have to practice the art of defense if no man would ever try and offend us?

T.P. You have with so many reasons and proofs shewed the necessity of this worthy game, that in truth I greatly esteem and honor it, and could wish that every man of honor would seek to know it and practice it, that it might be more esteemed. I do note that you speak only of Gentlemen, are your lessons such that only Men may attend?

E.B. Such is the nature of our time that only Men wear swords and are expected to defend their honor. While some may think it strange I believe that women too may achieve an excellence with arms to match that of Diana. However as a courtesy to all, and as an indication of the respect we bear them, lady Scholars are treated as one would treat any other Gentleman.

What is the North Downs Musketeer Academy?

The North Downs Musketeer Academy is one of the aspects of Ottawa Classical Swordplay. It is a group dedicated to historical recreation of the dueling culture of England prior to the English Civil War.

From it's own perspective:

The North Downs Musketeer Academy is part of a loose association of Schools of Defence known as the The Company of Cavalier Gentlemen. The Membership is exclusive to those of the gentle classes as our schools are training grounds for those Gentlemen who may seek commissions in regiments of foot such as musket and pike or regiments of the horse such as dragoon or cuirassier. Many of our members have become Officers of note in the Trayned Band known as Brock's Badgers.

In many ways the Company may be seen as a crucible where we may be purfied of our baser and less worthy qualities. The onus is upon the student of the Company to forever prove their eligibility for instruction. It is only when we become complacent in such matters that we begin to slide into error.

Members of the Company will receive instruction in proper and effective use of the Rapier, the weapon of a Gentleman. The rapier is used to demonstrate a person's rank as well as to settle disagreements between Gentlemen that are not otherwise solvable. In the words of our Founder, M. Jean Louis "A Gentleman who is not competent with this weapon is a Gentleman who is unprepared to meet the rigorous demands of honour." Moreover, The Gentlemen of the Company will also receive instruction in the arts of war, necessary for those hoping to take their place as an officer.

In addition, our Academy also ensures that Gentleman know how to conduct themselves in all social situations. Knowing the importance of a Gentleman's honour, we pay particular attention in insuring that Gentlemen know how to conduct themselves in a duel so that both their own and the Company's honour is maintained.

Coming soon

This will eventually be sthe site of the North Downs Musketeer Academy blog.