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0:00:19 > 0:00:22- I've portrayed many heroes - in action-packed dramas.
0:00:23 > 0:00:27- I have a keen interest - in the world of the sword.
0:00:28 > 0:00:33- This week, we'll feature - the Battle of Waterloo...
0:00:34 > 0:00:37- ..we'll look at - a Welsh artist's fencing pictures...
0:00:37 > 0:00:40- ..and watch the graceful style - of salon fencing.
0:00:41 > 0:00:46- First, we'll look at the role of - the sword during a brutal rebellion.
0:00:47 > 0:00:53- The Civil War in the 17th century - tore the country apart.
0:00:54 > 0:00:58- Supporters of the Long Parliament - fought King Charles 1st's army.
0:00:59 > 0:01:02- Most of the Welsh - supported the King.
0:01:05 > 0:01:10- By now, the musket and cannon - were the army's standard weapons...
0:01:11 > 0:01:15- ..but most soldiers used a sword - in hand-to-hand combat...
0:01:16 > 0:01:18- ..especially the cavalry.
0:01:21 > 0:01:25- The blade was not dissimilar - to the sword of the Middle Ages...
0:01:25 > 0:01:29- ..but the handle was covered - by a heavy, elegant guard.
0:01:32 > 0:01:36- Battles were fought - between brother and brother.
0:01:36 > 0:01:39- There were sieges - in Pembroke and Raglan castles...
0:01:39 > 0:01:43- ..and battles were fought - in St Fagans and Powys.
0:01:45 > 0:01:47- Men weren't the only ones - on the battlefields.
0:01:48 > 0:01:49- Women died too.
0:01:50 > 0:01:53- During the Battle of Naseby - in 1645...
0:01:53 > 0:01:59- ..100 Welsh women were killed - as they supported their husbands.
0:02:13 > 0:02:16- European soldiers - started using spears and muskets...
0:02:17 > 0:02:20- ..to defend themselves against - the cavalry and their swords.
0:02:21 > 0:02:26- The cavalry's aim was to strike - a heavy blow on the infantrymen.
0:02:27 > 0:02:29- These are the army's shock troops.
0:02:35 > 0:02:39- Horses wouldn't rush through - the spears to reach the guns.
0:02:42 > 0:02:45- Safely under the shadow - of the spears...
0:02:46 > 0:02:50- ..an experienced marksman - could fire two rounds a minute...
0:02:50 > 0:02:51- ..towards the enemy.
0:02:52 > 0:02:57- During the breaks, the cavalry - had time to wreak some havoc.
0:03:01 > 0:03:06- They removed their armour - - it was useless against a gun.
0:03:11 > 0:03:14- During this battle, the King's army - defends the castle...
0:03:15 > 0:03:17- ..on the left-hand side - of the field.
0:03:29 > 0:03:34- Most of the King's Welsh infantrymen - wore sub-standard armour.
0:03:34 > 0:03:38- They relied on their cavalry - for support...
0:03:38 > 0:03:42- ..but the noblemen on horseback - didn't protect them.
0:03:42 > 0:03:47- Thousands of Welsh infantrymen - were killed fighting for the King.
0:03:49 > 0:03:53- Oliver Cromwell's Parliamentarians - won the Civil War...
0:03:54 > 0:03:56- ..after years of fighting.
0:03:57 > 0:04:01- Under the Puritans, the form - of government changed completely.
0:04:01 > 0:04:06- The old order ended and there were - many changes for the sword too.
0:04:09 > 0:04:13- The sword had a new lease of life - with the introduction...
0:04:13 > 0:04:16- ..of sword fighting and fencing.
0:04:16 > 0:04:20- Scholars started taking an interest - in forms of combat.
0:04:20 > 0:04:25- Among the many books published - is this one by Ridolfo Capoferro.
0:04:26 > 0:04:29- It's packed with detailed - descriptions about swords.
0:04:38 > 0:04:40- The illustrations - are rather graphic.
0:04:40 > 0:04:44- There is no attempt to hide the - effect swords can have on the body.
0:04:45 > 0:04:47- They also show - a new kind of sword...
0:04:47 > 0:04:52- ..one that was designed specifically - to strike a deadly blow.
0:05:00 > 0:05:05- This book, written by Gerard - Thibault and published in 1628...
0:05:05 > 0:05:08- ..illustrates and analyses - the movements of the sword.
0:05:09 > 0:05:12- It also shows the sword - moving into the world of fashion...
0:05:13 > 0:05:15- ..and sport.
0:05:18 > 0:05:24- A sword for court appearances - and social occasions was needed.
0:05:24 > 0:05:25- Here was the answer.
0:05:26 > 0:05:28- The rapier.
0:05:30 > 0:05:32- It was designed in Spain...
0:05:32 > 0:05:37- ..and accepted in Italy, home - of the Renaissance and fashion...
0:05:37 > 0:05:39- ..with much enthusiasm.
0:05:41 > 0:05:46- The rapier was the perfect accessory - for young, fashionable men.
0:05:51 > 0:05:55- The rapier was light and thin.
0:05:55 > 0:05:58- A gentleman could wear it all day - comfortably.
0:05:59 > 0:06:01- On the one hand, - it was fashionable...
0:06:01 > 0:06:06- ..and on the other hand, a dangerous - weapon to settle arguments.
0:06:08 > 0:06:11- In Europe, sword fighting, - or duelling...
0:06:11 > 0:06:13- ..was rife amongst the gentry.
0:06:13 > 0:06:17- If someone taunted you, - it was an excuse for a fight.
0:06:17 > 0:06:21- In Wales, duelling was a way - to settle a dispute.
0:06:21 > 0:06:25- It could happen - at any time and any place.
0:06:25 > 0:06:28- According to 17th century - court records...
0:06:28 > 0:06:32- ..swords could be seen - in taverns and churches...
0:06:32 > 0:06:34- ..and on the sea.
0:06:40 > 0:06:42- Welshman Black Bart - was the inspiration...
0:06:43 > 0:06:45- ..for Errol Flynn's Captain Blood.
0:06:56 > 0:07:00- He's holding a rapier.
0:07:00 > 0:07:04- The sword, not the gun, was the - weapon of choice in pirate films.
0:07:11 > 0:07:14- The real rapier had a deadly blade.
0:07:14 > 0:07:16- It was very long...
0:07:17 > 0:07:20- ..and a danger to anyone - who passed it.
0:07:22 > 0:07:26- In London, you had to leave - your sword at the city's gates...
0:07:27 > 0:07:30- ..or it would be cut short - there and then.
0:07:35 > 0:07:38- Early in the 19th century, - duelling was still popular.
0:07:39 > 0:07:40- If you weren't a soldier...
0:07:41 > 0:07:45- ..you had to learn combat skills - to defend your honour.
0:07:45 > 0:07:51- Teachers offered self-defence - lessons in salons.
0:07:58 > 0:08:01- This insane interest in duelling - continued.
0:08:04 > 0:08:07- However, it wasn't backed - by social reformers...
0:08:07 > 0:08:10- ..politicians or army officers.
0:08:12 > 0:08:16- Due to public protest, - a control system was introduced.
0:08:17 > 0:08:20- Now, you needed a referee - and a substitute for a duel.
0:08:22 > 0:08:24- The rapier - wasn't banned completely...
0:08:25 > 0:08:28- ..but a shorter weapon replaced it.
0:08:28 > 0:08:31- It was called an epee, - the court sword.
0:08:35 > 0:08:41- This epee has been decorated with - blue and golden roses and patterns.
0:08:41 > 0:08:45- It looks pretty - but it can very dangerous.
0:08:47 > 0:08:52- Wealthy men and women, and Italians, - had it by their side at all times.
0:08:54 > 0:08:58- Domenico Angelo - was born in Livorno, Italy.
0:08:58 > 0:09:01- Working with Welsh artist, - John Gwyn...
0:09:01 > 0:09:06- ..he produced the greatest book - about the art of sword fencing.
0:09:08 > 0:09:11- John Gwyn Delin - was born in Wrexham...
0:09:11 > 0:09:14- ..but made a name for himself - in London.
0:09:14 > 0:09:18- He drew 47 illustrations - for Angelo's successful publication.
0:09:21 > 0:09:23- Angelo himself posed for the moves.
0:09:23 > 0:09:28- Under the influence of his powerful - sponsor, the Earl of Pembroke...
0:09:28 > 0:09:32- ..Angelo opened a fencing - and riding school in London.
0:09:32 > 0:09:36- One of his most famous pupils - was King George III.
0:09:43 > 0:09:46- Fencing was seen - as good education...
0:09:46 > 0:09:50- ..which promoted discipline, - confidence and bravery.
0:09:50 > 0:09:54- The rich masters - learned to ride and dance.
0:09:58 > 0:10:02- Today, Andrew Dean - is trying to teach me.
0:10:03 > 0:10:07- Get back into the starting position - - the en guard position.
0:10:07 > 0:10:10- Quickly, you bring underneath.
0:10:10 > 0:10:12- You're already moving.
0:10:12 > 0:10:15- Straighten your arm - - it's going over my shoulder.
0:10:15 > 0:10:20- What some beginners do is have - all the energy in the back foot.
0:10:20 > 0:10:24- They leap forward. Your shoulders - and head go everywhere - bunny hops.
0:10:24 > 0:10:26- You get this...
0:10:26 > 0:10:31- ..which is great if you're doing - a pastiche of 1930s Hollywood.
0:10:31 > 0:10:35- When you're fighting, - your shoulders and head stay still.
0:10:35 > 0:10:38- Shoulders over your hips, - straighten that arm.
0:10:39 > 0:10:40- Recover.
0:10:41 > 0:10:43- Recover. Recover.
0:10:43 > 0:10:44- Then you're away.
0:10:45 > 0:10:47- I'm more of a bunny than a Nureyev!
0:10:50 > 0:10:52- That's it. Good.
0:10:54 > 0:10:56- And again. Good.
0:10:56 > 0:10:57- And then.
0:10:57 > 0:11:02- Can you see how important - it is to have that relaxing?
0:11:02 > 0:11:05- The moment your hands - look relaxed...
0:11:05 > 0:11:08- ..it puts tension - in your wrist, arm and shoulder.
0:11:08 > 0:11:11- It's difficult to get - that quick moment.
0:11:11 > 0:11:13- I'll just defend.
0:11:13 > 0:11:18- If I don't, there'll be a pool of - blood and we'll know it went wrong.
0:11:22 > 0:11:24- Good. That's sharper.
0:11:24 > 0:11:27- Better. Good. Good. Good.
0:11:27 > 0:11:29- Eh, Errol Flynn!
0:11:30 > 0:11:31- See you after the break.
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0:11:42 > 0:11:47- I have all the requirements needed - to become a gentleman.
0:11:49 > 0:11:52- Angelo had a keen eye for the girls.
0:11:52 > 0:11:54- During one fencing contest...
0:11:55 > 0:11:58- ..a pretty actress threw a bunch - of roses in his direction.
0:11:58 > 0:12:02- He wore the roses over his heart - and challenged his opponents...
0:12:02 > 0:12:05- ..to strike the roses - with their swords.
0:12:06 > 0:12:09- All who tried failed - and Angelo won the girl's heart.
0:12:11 > 0:12:15- Under Angelo's influence, the sword - moved from the battlefield...
0:12:15 > 0:12:18- ..to the training halls.
0:12:19 > 0:12:21- This famous move - is the Angelo deception.
0:12:24 > 0:12:27- A sly strike behind the back.
0:12:32 > 0:12:36- A good teacher, whatever the field, - is important.
0:12:36 > 0:12:40- Drama schools offer fencing lessons - for young actors.
0:12:42 > 0:12:46- The man who taught us - was a traditionalist.
0:12:49 > 0:12:51- He enjoyed showing us - the traditions...
0:12:52 > 0:12:56- ..not only of stage combat but also - the true tradition of fencing.
0:12:57 > 0:13:02- He gave us a number of lessons - before we'd even picked up a sword.
0:13:02 > 0:13:04- It was all to do with footwork.
0:13:04 > 0:13:08- Our teacher at the time would say, - "It's like dancing."
0:13:11 > 0:13:17- Men, at the time when fencing - was a popular pastime...
0:13:17 > 0:13:21- ..would learn two things - - dancing and fencing.
0:13:21 > 0:13:22- Both go hand in hand.
0:13:23 > 0:13:27- So much of it involves the feet.
0:13:28 > 0:13:32- We'd be in long rows for hours - just practising our lunges.
0:13:32 > 0:13:38- Lunge, recover, lunge, recover, - until our footwork was perfect.
0:13:39 > 0:13:43- By learning your skills properly, - you can shine in Hollywood.
0:13:44 > 0:13:50- What's interesting, since I'm not - playing a role at the moment...
0:13:50 > 0:13:53- ..it's an unpleasant feeling - to hold a sword.
0:13:53 > 0:13:58- If I was playing a part - and pretending to use a sword...
0:13:58 > 0:14:00- ..it would be a powerful feeling.
0:14:00 > 0:14:05- Just as I am now, standing here - talking to you, sword in hand...
0:14:07 > 0:14:09- ..there's danger in the air.
0:14:11 > 0:14:14- I have an instrument in my hand...
0:14:14 > 0:14:17- ..that could kill - or seriously injure you.
0:14:17 > 0:14:20- In your eyes, - I look far more dangerous...
0:14:20 > 0:14:23- ..than I would - without a sword in my hand.
0:14:23 > 0:14:29- Our teacher in RADA taught us...
0:14:29 > 0:14:33- ..that when your sword - is unsheathed...
0:14:35 > 0:14:39- ..there's a strong possibility - that you'll use the sword.
0:14:40 > 0:14:43- You should be ready to take - the impact of another sword...
0:14:43 > 0:14:49- ..by avoiding it or get ready - to strike your opponent in return.
0:14:52 > 0:14:56- Stars of another era - were pupils to Domenico Angelo.
0:14:59 > 0:15:04- Chevalier de Saint-Georges was - a talented Afro-Caribbean musician.
0:15:04 > 0:15:06- He was known as the black Mozart.
0:15:07 > 0:15:10- He was also a professional fencer.
0:15:11 > 0:15:15- Chevalier D'Eon was a diplomat, - a soldier and a cross-dresser.
0:15:15 > 0:15:18- He would wear women's clothing - in public.
0:15:20 > 0:15:24- Both were French. They were London - celebs in the 18th century.
0:15:25 > 0:15:29- Some of London's wealthy Welsh, - such as Sir Watkin Williams-Wynn...
0:15:30 > 0:15:34- ..would have watched these two - duelling in Angelo's salon.
0:15:34 > 0:15:38- Both were famous - for their fencing skills.
0:15:38 > 0:15:42- Domenico's school encouraged them - to fight in a contest.
0:15:43 > 0:15:47- SaintGeorges was in his 30s, - D'Eon was in his 50s...
0:15:47 > 0:15:52- ..but D'Eon won the contest - by seven strikes to one.
0:15:55 > 0:15:58- Fencing continued as a pastime...
0:15:58 > 0:16:02- ..but if you were eager for - bloodshed, you could join the army.
0:16:05 > 0:16:10- Another kind of sword was used - in the military world - the sabre.
0:16:10 > 0:16:12- Based on designs from the East...
0:16:13 > 0:16:18- ..this was the British - light cavalry sword in 1796.
0:16:18 > 0:16:22- It was a curved slashing weapon...
0:16:22 > 0:16:26- ..and it achieved infamy - at the Battle of Waterloo.
0:16:40 > 0:16:46- In 1815, the French Emperor, - Napoleon, escaped from prison...
0:16:46 > 0:16:50- ..and reformed his army - with astonishing speed.
0:16:52 > 0:16:55- Napoleon was determined - to conquer Belgium...
0:16:56 > 0:16:58- ..as he tried to rebuild his Empire.
0:16:59 > 0:17:02- He gathered a huge army - to face his enemy in the north.
0:17:02 > 0:17:06- His army were veterans - of earlier campaigns.
0:17:07 > 0:17:10- They faced - an inexperienced allied army.
0:17:13 > 0:17:17- Among the 80,000 soldiers - from Holland, Britain and Prussia...
0:17:18 > 0:17:20- ..was a regiment from Wales...
0:17:21 > 0:17:26- ..including infantrymen from - south Wales - the 23rd regiment.
0:17:31 > 0:17:35- Waterloo is a village - outside Brussels.
0:17:35 > 0:17:39- It attracts thousands of tourists - and historical societies.
0:17:40 > 0:17:43- This colourful event - has drawn the crowds today.
0:17:43 > 0:17:50- People actually watched the battle - when it happened in June 1815.
0:17:57 > 0:18:01- On the morning of June the 18th...
0:18:01 > 0:18:03- ..the heavy cavalry - attacked the French.
0:18:04 > 0:18:07- Captain Rees Gronow - later wrote in a letter...
0:18:07 > 0:18:12- ..about the incredible scene - - it shone like a wave in a storm.
0:18:17 > 0:18:19- Britain's cavalry counter-attacked...
0:18:19 > 0:18:23- ..under the leadership - of Lord Uxbridge...
0:18:23 > 0:18:25- ..who later became - the Marquess of Anglesey.
0:18:26 > 0:18:30- He continued to lead his men - after losing his leg in battle.
0:18:31 > 0:18:33- Gronow described - how the earth shook...
0:18:33 > 0:18:36- ..under the weight - of the French swordsmen...
0:18:37 > 0:18:40- ..and how the noise - of cold steel upon cold steel...
0:18:40 > 0:18:44- ..was like the din - of some monstrous metal forge.
0:18:44 > 0:18:46- The British held firm.
0:18:46 > 0:18:49- Napoleon's front line was broken.
0:18:53 > 0:18:56- 100 soldiers - from the Welsh regiment perished...
0:18:56 > 0:18:58- ..but they were part - of a campaign...
0:18:59 > 0:19:01- ..that routed - the French imperial guard.
0:19:08 > 0:19:10- The swords used - by the French cavalry...
0:19:11 > 0:19:13- ..were primarily stabbing weapons.
0:19:14 > 0:19:18- The swords used by the British - were designed to cut and slash.
0:19:18 > 0:19:20- The French complained...
0:19:20 > 0:19:24- ..because British swords - caused terrible wounds.
0:19:26 > 0:19:29- British swords acted like cleavers.
0:19:29 > 0:19:35- These pictures were drawn - by a surgeon during the battle.
0:19:43 > 0:19:46- Eventually, - Napoleon's fate was sealed...
0:19:47 > 0:19:51- ..when Prussia strengthened the - British front line on June the 18th.
0:19:56 > 0:20:03- After 10 hours of combat, 40,000 - soldiers were dead or injured.
0:20:03 > 0:20:08- Thousands of bodies were stripped - by looters during the night.
0:20:08 > 0:20:12- Women searched the carnage - for husbands or lovers.
0:20:17 > 0:20:20- Although the French - lost the battle...
0:20:21 > 0:20:24- ..their stabbing sword - had been more effective.
0:20:24 > 0:20:29- This was the style of sword the - British army would use in future.
0:20:39 > 0:20:43- By the 1840s, - breeches were no longer fashionable.
0:20:43 > 0:20:46- Men started wearing trousers.
0:20:47 > 0:20:52- The custom of duelling and carrying - a sword in public died away.
0:20:54 > 0:20:58- Duelling continued - behind closed doors, though.
0:21:00 > 0:21:04- The mensur is a traditional kind - of German fencing.
0:21:04 > 0:21:08- By fencing, - young men showed courage and honour.
0:21:08 > 0:21:12- Well, at least - that's what they said in Germany.
0:21:12 > 0:21:16- The mensur is still practised - in the older universities.
0:21:17 > 0:21:19- A duelling scar - was a badge of honour...
0:21:20 > 0:21:22- ..a sign that you had become a man.
0:21:25 > 0:21:29- I asked Alex, - my fencing instructor from Munich...
0:21:29 > 0:21:32- ..how he felt - about the tradition of the mensur.
0:21:36 > 0:21:39- The mensur developed - from the duelling tradition...
0:21:39 > 0:21:42- ..when men fought for honour.
0:21:44 > 0:21:48- Later on, it developed - into a form of discipline...
0:21:48 > 0:21:51- ..and a way of showing your courage.
0:21:56 > 0:22:00- Many who continue the tradition - of the mensur today try to be macho.
0:22:00 > 0:22:03- They want to show how hard they are.
0:22:03 > 0:22:06- What's important - is standing your ground...
0:22:07 > 0:22:10- ..and showing your commitment - to your club.
0:22:12 > 0:22:16- German people have negative - attitudes towards the mensur today.
0:22:16 > 0:22:22- They believe followers of the mensur - are linked to far-right politics.
0:22:23 > 0:22:25- That's not necessarily true.
0:22:29 > 0:22:32- The schlager is used - for mensur combat.
0:22:32 > 0:22:35- The sharp point - can give you a desirable scar...
0:22:35 > 0:22:38- ..if you're into that kind of thing.
0:22:38 > 0:22:40- Many rituals are linked - to the mensur.
0:22:41 > 0:22:45- The societies, especially - those in Heidelberg University...
0:22:45 > 0:22:47- ..are exclusive.
0:22:47 > 0:22:49- The Germans can be a strange bunch.
0:22:51 > 0:22:54- Girls used swords - in a far more interesting way.
0:22:54 > 0:22:58- This is an American advertisement - for The Farmers Bank.
0:22:58 > 0:23:00- Americans can be strange too.
0:23:02 > 0:23:05- This is an early attempt - to fight for women's rights.
0:23:06 > 0:23:08- The woman has out-fenced - the soldier.
0:23:08 > 0:23:11- He's trying to make excuses - to his mates.
0:23:11 > 0:23:13- He must have been blinded - by the moonlight.
0:23:13 > 0:23:16- If that didn't get him, - the First World War would.
0:23:21 > 0:23:27- The military still clung to swords. - Tradition demanded it.
0:23:27 > 0:23:30- The old guard were convinced...
0:23:30 > 0:23:34- ..that there was still a role - for the cavalry in the 20th century.
0:23:34 > 0:23:38- When World War I began, 500,000 - horses were in military service.
0:23:39 > 0:23:42- Cavalrymen were used - in the early exchanges...
0:23:42 > 0:23:45- ..but the decision - was futile and tragic.
0:23:48 > 0:23:53- The British army - had refined its fighting sword...
0:23:53 > 0:23:55- ..but it was too late.
0:23:55 > 0:23:57- Combat had been mechanized.
0:24:02 > 0:24:05- If this was the perfect - military sword...
0:24:06 > 0:24:09- ..it arrived just as - the age of the sword was ending.
0:24:10 > 0:24:12- Tanks and guns replaced it.
0:24:15 > 0:24:19- The sword found work - in another field.
0:24:22 > 0:24:23- In the movies...
0:24:23 > 0:24:27- ..the sword played an important part - in the fight against evil.
0:24:28 > 0:24:32- Next week, we'll see how it starred - in some of the greatest shows...
0:24:32 > 0:24:35- ..of film and sport - in the 20th century.
0:24:56 > 0:24:59- S4C Subtitles by Simian 04 Cyf.
0:24:59 > 0:24:59- .