The Star and Garter Hotel: Lord Byron Duels with Mr Chaworth

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Sir Walter Besant, in The Fascination of London, published in 1903, continues his survey of Pall Mall with a mention of the duel in which the fifth Lord Byron killed Mr Chaworth:

The Star and Garter Hotel, nearly opposite the War Office, was a fashionable tavern in the time of Queen Anne.

Here took place the famous duel between the fifth Lord Byron and Mr. Chaworth in 1765.

They fought in the house by the light of only a single candle.

Byron killed his opponent, and was found guilty of manslaughter by his peers.

However, he claimed benefit of a statute of Edward VI, and was discharged.

The original dispute was merely as to which gentleman had the larger amount of game on his estate.

Among other famous taverns in this street are mentioned the King's Arms, under the Opera Colonnade in Pall Mall East.

Also the Rumpsteak Club, which consisted of five Dukes, one Marquis, fifteen Earls, three Viscounts, and three Barons, all in opposition to Sir Robert Walpole.

The King's Head, the George, the Smyrna Coffee-house, Giles' Coffee-house, Hercules Pillars, and the Tree, were among the ancient places of resort in this street - a foreshadowing of the palatial mansions of Clubland.

Next: Pall Mall: Thomas Gainsborough