For centuries, if a gentleman had a problem with another, the quarrel would often be solved (quite definitively) by way of a duel. At first, with swords, then with lances but, eventually, it would be solved with pistols.
The last recorded pistol duel in Cymru came on September 10, 1814, when a man by the name of John Beynon was challenged by one Thomas Heslop after the former had insulted a barmaid. If men are quite stubborn now, they were more so then – to turn down a duel was to cede one’s pride and honour and, therefore, despite the consequences, duels weren’t often turned down.
Thomas Heslop, a West Indian from Carmarthen, had been on a hunt during the day with John Beynon, from Llandyfriog, Ceredigion. Afterwards, they returned to the local inn for drinks. Heslop, unhappy with something which happened during the day, was in a foul mood. Beynon, in an attempt to cheer up his companion, made a crude remark about the barmaid… and this is where it all began because, unbeknownst to Beynon, Heslop was rather sweet on said barmaid.
We are less creative with our insults these days but Heslop retained the vocabulary of his day, immediately calling Beynon out as a “damned villain” and “a scoundrel”. Beynon would be challenged to a duel at Dan-warin fields between Llandyfriog and Adpar and, of course, the duel would be accepted.
Both men would meet in the middle, about turn and walk 10 paces in separate directions. Yet, it is said, that Beynon turned to shoot Heslop after only five paces – breaking tradition and vacating his honour.
Heslop would be pronounced dead at the scene; Beynon would be charged with manslaughter (converted to a mere fine because of his friends in the judiciary) and would be subsequently forced to flee to America, following the public outrage at both the softness of his charge and the manner of his duelling “victory”. He would never be heard from again. Or, at least, that is how the legend goes. It might be that the duel was perfectly legitimate and there was no fleeing to America but, hey, that would be boring.
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Niklas is the founder, owner, manager, editor, writer, video creator, voice over artist, and so forth, of Welsh Histories. He is passionate about the preservation of Welsh culture; the rejuvenation of the Welsh language and the promotion of Welsh history. Niklas currently resides in Pune, Maharashtra, with his beloved wife.