George Silver

George Silver lived in England in the late 16th and early 17th century. He studied and taught fencing and published two studies, Paradoxes of Defence and Brief Instructions on my Paradoxes of Defence.

Silver believed that the rapier was a very poor weapon and that the shorter backsword was superior to both the rapier and the longsword for the military.

Some believe this lead to the widespread use of the hanger in 17th century English armies. Others see his thoughts as a confirmation of contemporary practise.