Marylebone was a retired spot for duels, and many took place there down to the time when duelling ceased. The quarrel which led to one in Elizabeth's reign is most typical of that age. Sir Charles Blount, afterwards Earl of Devonshire, handsome and dashing, distinguished himself in the lists, and won the approbation of Queen Elizabeth. She presented him with a chessman in gold, which he fastened on his arm with a crimson ribbon. This aroused the jealousy of Essex, who said with scorn, "Now I perceive that every fool must have a favour." Whereupon Blount challenged him. They met in Marylebone Park, and Essex was disarmed and wounded in the thigh.
