Ref. 12009GAZETTE & HERALD: Film makers invaded Hartham Park last week to shoot a duelling scene as part of a historical documentary programme.

Crews set up at the mansion in Corsham to film extracts for The Life and Influence of Joseph Manton on the Gun Trade. The programme will form part of a new six-part television series entitled The Masters, due to be transmitted through the UK History Channel this autumn.

Joseph Manton, gun maker and father of the London gun trade was born in 1766 and died in 1835.

He was a skilled artisan and craftsman who had a great influence on the design of the double-barrelled shotgun and set up a shop in London in 1793.

As Manton was also a prolific maker of duelling pistols, film producer/director Stewart Mackay reconstructed a duel at Hartham Park to demonstrate the full extent and capabilities of the weapons.