ENGLISH SCHOOL, 18TH CENTURY A head and shoulders portrait of William Chaworth (1726-1765)

Note: On 26 January 1765, William Chaworth was killed by his distant cousin and neighbour William Byron, 5th Baron Byron (1722-1798), in a dispute at the ‘Star and Garter’ tavern (on the site of the Carlton Club), Pall Mall, in London. The fight resulted from an argument the two had been engaged in over cups of wine, with both insisting they had more game on their estates. Lord Byron and his cousin retired to a dim room to resolve their disagreement and it was there that Lord Byron thrust his sword through Chaworth’s stomach. Chaworth lived until the following day, expressing his disgust that he had not been of sound enough mind to insist they fight in a location outfitted with better lighting before finally succumbing to his injury. Lord Byron was tried for Chaworth’s death, but was found guilty only of manslaughter. He claimed the benefit of the statute of Edward VI and so instead of being “burned in the hand” was forced to pay a small fine.