A Duel on The Common
| 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. |
