title: Pistols at Dawn: A History of Duelling
author:  Richard Hopton 
description: Richard Hopton was a barrister before becoming a full-time writer; he is the author of The Battle of Maida 1806 (Leo Cooper). He lives in Fulham.
zlib_text: ![](index-1_1.png)
  
  
  
  
  
  ## Prologue
  
  
  _1808, England_
  
  
  **T** HEY MET AT DAWN. It was a narrow opening in the trees, just off the
  forest path, but a well-known spot nonetheless. An old rock there, partially
  hidden in the brush, nearly two feet round, was reputed to mark the site of
  some ancient battle. It was now known as The Dueling Rock.
  
  
  At least seven duels were verified to have taken place there over the years,
  many more were mere rumors. There were other places in the south of England,
  of course, for men to settle their differences, but none quite so renowned as
  The Dueling Rock. Men even came from as far away as London to satisfy their
  honor at this site in Kent.
  
  
  Sebastian Townshend and his best friend Giles had explored the area as
  children, fascinated, as boys will be, by tales of honor and bloodshed. They
  were neighbors and had grown up together as their estates bordered each other.
  The Dueling Rock was located in the forest north of their homes.
  
  
  It was the natural place