The Child of the Cavern · Character

Simon Ford

An old overman who refused to leave the exhausted Dochart pit, Simon Ford bet his last years on a hidden seam and was proved right.

supporting

Also known as Simon, old Simon, VI Simon Ford, Old Simon, Old Simon Ford

First appearance: IV: The Ford Family

As a supporting figure in The Child of the Cavern, Simon Ford is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

The old foreman of the Dochart pit, who remained faithful to the mine after its closure.

In the storyI: Contradictory LettersOpen this moment free

See Simon Ford in I: Contradictory Letters Book page

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Simon lives in the old cottage with Madge, stubbornly certain that a great coal field lies beyond the failed dyke. His discovery of firedamp draws James Starr back, and his dream of building Coal Town beneath the earth…

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See Simon Ford in IV: The Ford Family

Character Web

6 connections

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

Relationship types

Other

Character groups

Ford family patriarchs
Cavern dwellers and allies
Protagonist

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Narrative arc

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

Setup
Escalation
Breaking point
Closing

The emotional and psychological peak occurs as the threat of Silfax’s vengeance—his vow that Nell shall never…

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In the story

Simon Ford appears across 16 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

I: Contradictory Letters
The old foreman of the Dochart pit, who remained faithful to the mine after its closure. He sends a secret letter to Starr requesting a meeting.
On the Road
Old overman who lives in the Dochart pit; his invitation prompts Starr's journey.
IV: The Ford Family
The old overman, proud and hopeful, welcomes Starr and insists on revealing his secret after dinner at the very spot.
V: Some Strange Phenomena
Remains skeptical of supernatural explanations, continuing his work in the mine with Harry despite strange occurrences.
Simon Ford's Experiment
The old overman leads the expedition, passionately recounting his firedamp experiments and expressing deep emotional attachment to the mine.
VII: New Aberfoyle
The old overman whose experiment succeeded; he is overjoyed and eager to resume work.
VIII: Exploring
Old overman, enthusiastic about the mine's potential, plans to build a new cottage in the cavern.
IX: The Fire-Maidens
His cottage is found empty; he and his family have been absent since December 6.
X: Coal Town
Built a new cottage on the shores of Loch Malcolm; proud of Coal Town and rarely leaves the mine.
XII: Nell Adopted
Present during Nell's recovery; listens to the account of her rescue.
XIII: On the Revolving Ladder
Becomes increasingly attached to Nell; plans a grand wedding celebration for Harry and Nell.
XIV: A Sunrise
Takes leave of the travelers but does not join the excursion, preferring to stay in the cottage.
A Final Threat
Old Simon Ford is resting with Madge at their cottage when the flood hits; he quickly assesses the danger and calms the fleeing miners, demonstrating his experience and leadership.
The “Monk”
Identifies Silfax as the old 'monk' of the Dochart pit and explains his history and madness.
XVIII: Nell’s Wedding
The old overman, uneasy about Silfax's threats, and present at the wedding.
The Legend of Old Silfax
Celebrates the wedding and jokes about a golden wedding with Madge.

Chapter companion notes

Spoil-light check-ins for Simon Ford unlock in the free preview.

See Simon Ford in IV: The Ford Family

See Simon Ford in I: Contradictory Letters