Black Beauty · Character

Squire Gordon

The kindly squire of Birtwick Park who inspects a young black colt, pronounces him promising, and becomes Beauty's first real master.

supporting

Also known as young Gordon, Mrs. Gordon

First appearance: part i iv birtwick park

As a supporting figure in Black Beauty, Squire Gordon is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

Examines Black Beauty at age four and expresses interest in buying him after he is broken in.

In the storyMy Breaking InOpen this moment free

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Squire Gordon of Birtwick Park is the sort of master every horse hopes for — he examines eyes, mouth, and legs with care, and speaks of breaking a colt gently rather than roughly. His household is shadowed early by grief: his only son George dies in a hunting accident, a loss that hangs over the estate and colors the squire's later decision to leave for a warmer climate. His kindness establishes the standard against which Beauty measures every later home.

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See Squire Gordon in part i iv birtwick park

Character Web

23 connections

A slice of how Squire Gordon sits in the book — open the reader for the full interactive map.

Relationship types

Other

Character groups

Barker family and friends
Protagonist
Beauty's rescuers and early caretakers
Veterinarian and minor characters

+18 more in the full Character Web

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Narrative arc

Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Exposition.

Setup
Escalation
Breaking point
Aftermath
Closing

This chapter marks the dramatic climax because it presents the emotional and psychological peak of Black Beaut…

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In the story

Squire Gordon appears across 13 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

My Breaking In
Examines Black Beauty at age four and expresses interest in buying him after he is broken in.
A Fair Start
The master who names Black Beauty and tests his paces.
Ginger's Story Continued
Notices Ginger's improvement and strokes her neck, expressing hope for her full recovery.
Merrylegs
Referenced as 'our master' who praises Merrylegs' good temper and trustworthiness to Mrs. Blomefield.
Plain Speaking
Confronts Mr. Sawyer for abusing a pony and debates Captain Langley about checkreins.
A Stormy Day
The master on the journey; initially urges Black Beauty forward but later acknowledges the horse's superior instinct.
James Howard
Arranges James's new position and tests John's opinion.
The Old Hostler
Mentioned as James's master and a fine judge of horses; his son's death in a riding accident is discussed.
The Fire
Master who arrives during the fire, praises James, and later visits the horses.
Going for the Doctor
Gives the urgent order to ride for the doctor and later visits the ill Beauty.
Joe Green
Acts as magistrate in the case against the carter, hearing Joe's evidence.
The Parting
Master who arranges the sale of the horses and thanks John for his faithful service before leaving.
XXVIII: A Job Horse and His Drivers
Mentioned as an example of a good driver who kept his horses to their best paces and manners.

Chapter companion notes

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See Squire Gordon in part i iv birtwick park

See Squire Gordon in My Breaking In