Egerton Castle was a multi-talented English author, antiquarian, and competitive swordsman active during the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. Born into a wealthy London family, he was the grandson of the prominent publishing magnate and philanthropist Egerton Smith. Castle pursued a diverse array of professional and personal interests throughout his life, serving as a lieutenant in the Second West India Regiment and later as a captain in the Royal Engineers Militia, while also establishing himself as an expert and keen collector of bookplates.\n\nAs a novelist, Castle is particularly remembered for his collaborative literary partnership with his wife, Agnes Sweetman Castle, with whom he co-authored several novels. His writing career coexisted with his deep passion for historical arms. He became a pioneering figure in the revival of historical fencing, working closely with his colleague Captain Alfred Hutton to reconstruct and practice historical fencing techniques.\n\nCastle's dedication to swordsmanship extended to international competition. His expertise in the discipline led to his selection as the captain of the British épée and sabre teams during the 1908 Summer Olympics. Through his varied contributions to literature, military service, and martial arts history, Castle remained a prominent figure of his era until his death in 1920.
