Historical fencing in Scotland
There is some evidence on historical fencing as practised in Scotland in the Early Modern Era, especially fencing with the Scottish basket-hilted broadsword during the 17th to 18th centuries. Most of our current knowledge of these arts derives from various combative treatises or Martial arts manuals, as well as written anecdotes (i.e. battle accounts, folklore, etc.) and artistic representations from different periods and locations in Scottish history (see Penicuik Sketches). Scottish fencing masters The following is a list of fencing masters that were very influential in their day, and have contributed to our current knowledge of the martial practices of Scotland (see Combat Treatises below): William Machrie – a Scottish fencing master who taught in Aberdeen and Edinburgh, Scotland in the late 17th, and early 18th centuries. He was also known as "Judge and Arbitrator of all who make any publick Trial of Skill in the Noble Art of the Sword, within the Kingdom of Scotland". Sir William Hope (1660–1724) – a Scottish fencing master who wrote a number of books on fencing, his most important works being the "New Method" (dedicated to William Keith, 9th Earl Marischal of Scotland), and the "Vade-Mecum". Donald McBane (1664–c.1730) – Born in Inverness,