By Daniel Etchells at The Globe Theatre in London

Britain took on Germany in Beazley International Fencing Challenge match at The Globe Theatre in London ©Getty ImagesA unique international fencing exhibition match, between Great Britain and recently-crowned world champions Germany, has taken place here, on the site of theatre dating to the 16th century built to stage William Shakespeare's plays. 

The event was the most recent in a series of "pop-up fencing" events which Beazley, an insurance company that sponsors British Fencing, has put on around London to help the BFA in their goal of raising awareness of the sport and attracting more people to take it up and participate.

Georgina Usher, British Fencing's chief executive, was present at the event, and spoke highly of the impact that the collaboration with Beazley has had. 

"Beazley has been fantastic and the partnership we have with them means a great deal," she said.

"They not only support our world-class programme, they also help us with our development work which is just as important.

"It's not just about the current stars and the stars of the future.

"It's also about everybody getting a chance to participate in a sport and this one is a slightly different sport.

"It's a sport where people can come in and to a large extent have their own personality."

British and German fencers pose for the camera outside the Globe Theatre before the Beazley International Fencing Challenge match between the two teams ©Getty ImagesBritish and German fencers pose for the camera outside the Globe Theatre before the Beazley International Fencing Challenge match between the two teams ©Getty Images

Gabby Williams, appointed the British Fencing's development director earlier this year, outlined her primary aims in the role 

"My initial focus is building on the work that the BFA have already put in over the last few months," she said.

"That's very much about understanding our markets. Who currently fences? Who doesn't fence? And importantly, how do we get those who don't fence engaged and involved in our sport.

"We need to measure how many people are taking part in our sport so that as we develop over the next few years we're able to demonstrate an impact."

Germany came out victorious on the night but fencing as a whole was ultimately the biggest winner. 

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