The year 1698 saw an event which had featured in many guide
books and directories, when on August 21st the last duel fought
in Norfolk took place on Cawston Heath.
The contestants were Sir Henry Hobart MP of Blickling Hall and
Oliver Le Neve, a lawyer from Great Witchingham.
Le Neve, described as a great
sportsman and a great drinker, fought left-handed and was soon
wounded in the arm by Sir Henry who had a reputation as a
swordsman.
However, Le Neve then struck back and injured his
opponent so badly that he died next day at Blickling. As there
appear to have been no seconds or witnesses, the duel was illegal.
Le Neve fled to Holland but returned to England two years later,
having received a pardon.
It is said locally that details of the duel
came from a girl who was hiding in the bushes, and tales are still
told or this unfortunate event which is commemorated by the
Duel Stone which stands in a small National Trust plot near the
Woodrow Garage, Norwich Road, Cawston. |
