Next >

A Duel on The Common

A Duel on The Common

Buy a copy

For prints:
Contact Merton Heritage Service. Tel.020 8545 3239 Email:

Partial / Incomplete Date c.1798
Area Wimbledon Village
Picture Reference Wim_​17_​4-1
Original Format Sketch
Notes / History This James Gillray cartoon depicts the famous duel fought by Prime minister William Pitt The Younger against M.P. George Tierney.

Although Wimbledon Common was the location of many similar conflicts - especially at the site that is now Queensmere Pond - this particular episode is as likely to have taken place on Putney Heath (about half a mile away) because the remains of Highwayman Jerry Abershaw can be seen marked on the gibbet in the background, and Abershaw's body was hung at Putney Heath.

Both sites were favoured as they were within a carriage ride from central London, and offered a greater degree of privacy.

This particular duel wasn’t fatal for either party.

Related items

Comments

* Required field