As reported in The Times (London) on 2 June 1821, a local surgeon, William Cuddie, was courting Mary, the daughter of the wealthy Brittlebank family of Oddo House in Winster.

The doctor later received a note: Sir, I expect satisfaction for the insult you dared to offer me at a time when you knew that my situation with a helpless Woman prevented my chastising you.

I shall be attended by a friend and prepared with pistols, and if you don’t meet I shall post you as a coward.Cuddie refused to reply to the letter.

The following afternoon three of the Brittlebank brothers and a mutual friend, Edmund Spencer, arrived in his garden with two loaded pistols.

Two of the Brittlebanks (Francis and Andrew) were tried in Derby in August 1821, but were found not guilty of murder, while their brother William fled with a £100 reward on his head.