# Davy Llewellyn — The Maid of Sker character guide

> Davy Llewellyn in The Maid of Sker by R. D. Blackmore.

**Role:** major

**Also known as:** David Llewellyn, old Davy, Fisherman Davy, Davy, Llewellyn, David

**First appearance:** 0001-the-maid-of-sker

## Who they are

A poor, proud fisherman with a navy coat and a cottage he'd match against any castle, who hauls an orphan girl off the shore and talks himself into keeping her.

## In the story

### [The Maid of Sker](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_maid_of_sker_se/chapters/the-maid-of-sker)

The narrator and central figure, a fisherman from Sker.

### [Fisherman Davy a Fish Out of Water](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_maid_of_sker_se/chapters/i-fisherman-davy-a-fish-out-of-water)

The narrator and protagonist, an ancient fisherman from Glamorganshire, who is persuaded by his neighbors and a wealthy patron to write down the story of a curious adventure.

### [Hunger Drives Him A-Fishing](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_maid_of_sker_se/chapters/ii-hunger-drives-him-a-fishing)

Narrator and protagonist; a grieving widower and former sailor, now a fisherman, who must provide for his granddaughter.

### [The Fish Are as Hungry as He Is](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_maid_of_sker_se/chapters/iii-the-fish-are-as-hungry-as-he-is)

Narrator and fisherman, reflecting on his past and his luck at Sker.

### [He Lands an Unexpected Fish](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_maid_of_sker_se/chapters/iv-he-lands-an-unexpected-fish)

The fisherman narrator, who catches a derelict boat and finds a sleeping child aboard.

### [V: A Little Orphan Mermaid](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_maid_of_sker_se/chapters/v-a-little-orphan-mermaid)

Davy discovers Bardie on the shore, cares for her, and decides to take her to the Sker-house. He reflects on his duty and providence.

### [Finds a Home of Some Sort](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_maid_of_sker_se/chapters/vi-finds-a-home-of-some-sort)

Narrates the chapter, brings Bardie to Moxy Thomas's home, reflects on his past with Moxy and the bleakness of Sker.

### [Boat Versus Bardie](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_maid_of_sker_se/chapters/vii-boat-versus-bardie)

Narrator and protagonist; reflects on his actions, justifies his possession of the boat, and plans to visit Bardie.

### [VIII: Children Will Be Children](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_maid_of_sker_se/chapters/viii-children-will-be-children)

Observes Bardie's playfulness, learns of her arrival at Sker, and decides to take her home for safekeeping.

### [IX: Sandhills Turned to Sand-Holes](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_maid_of_sker_se/chapters/ix-sandhills-turned-to-sand-holes)

Narrates the storm, recalls naval experiences, shows courage and concern for Bardie and Bunny.

### [Under the Rock](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_maid_of_sker_se/chapters/x-under-the-rock)

Observes the wreck of a slave ship, reflects on the storm, and searches for Bardie and Bunny, finding them safe.

### [XI: A Wrecker Wrecked](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_maid_of_sker_se/chapters/xi-a-wrecker-wrecked)

Narrator and protagonist; reluctantly follows Evan's orders while caring for Bardie and Bunny.

### [How to Sell Fish](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_maid_of_sker_se/chapters/xii-how-to-sell-fish)

The narrator and fish seller, who uses cunning and deceptive practices to sell his fish, reflecting on his skills and the public's ignorance.

### [The Coroner and the Coronet](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_maid_of_sker_se/chapters/xiii-the-coroner-and-the-coronet)

Narrator and observer of the inquest; mistakes the dead child for Bardie, then discovers she is alive.

### [In Accordance with the Evidence](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_maid_of_sker_se/chapters/xiv-in-accordance-with-the-evidence)

Foreman of the inquest jury; protects Bardie from being forced to view the dead baby; reflects bitterly on the miscarriage of justice.

### [A Verdict on the Jury](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_maid_of_sker_se/chapters/xv-a-verdict-on-the-jury)

Serves as foreman of the first jury and remains present for the second inquest, comforting young Watkin and later playing a trick on Hezekiah Perkins.

### [XVI: Truth Lies Sometimes in a Well](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_maid_of_sker_se/chapters/xvi-truth-lies-sometimes-in-a-well)

Davy is the narrator, reflecting on his promise to play the violin at the Jolly Sailors and his unease from Evan Thomas's prophecy. He is cautious and proud, holding a grudge against Hezekiah for a past slight.

### [For a Little Change of Air](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_maid_of_sker_se/chapters/xvii-for-a-little-change-of-air)

Davy cares for Bardie, brushes her hair, and decides to keep her despite the cost. He takes her to sea to escape the funeral.

### [XVIII: Public Approbation](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_maid_of_sker_se/chapters/xviii-public-approbation)

Basks in public acclaim after the shipwreck, reflects on the newspaper accounts, and enjoys his new status at the Jolly Sailors.

### [XIX: A Craft Beyond the Law](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_maid_of_sker_se/chapters/xix-a-craft-beyond-the-law)

Narrator and protagonist; secures the derelict boat, bribes witnesses, and reflects on his reputation and legal savvy.

### [Confidential Intercourse](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_maid_of_sker_se/chapters/xx-confidential-intercourse)

Narrates the chapter, makes a doll for Bardie, and learns about her past through her play.

### [XXI: Cross-Examination](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_maid_of_sker_se/chapters/xxi-cross-examination)

Davy is the narrator and subject of the cross-examination. He feels persecuted by Justice Stew but appreciates Sir Philip's gentlemanly conduct.

### [Another Disappointment](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_maid_of_sker_se/chapters/xxii-another-disappointment)

Reflects on his past and enjoys a quiet evening, but is interrupted by the justices. He offers to guide them across the sands and receives money from Sir Philip for Bardie and Bunny.

### [Sound Investments](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_maid_of_sker_se/chapters/xxiv-sound-investments)

Acts as trustee for Bunny and Bardie, invests their money in a fishing partnership, and reflects on his moral and financial duties.

### [A Long Goodbye](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_maid_of_sker_se/chapters/xxv-a-long-goodbye)

Narrator preparing to ship out with Captain Fuzzy, making his will and bidding farewell to Newton.

### [XXVI: Braunton Burrows](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_maid_of_sker_se/chapters/xxvi-braunton-burrows)

Davy serves as mate and helmsman, reflecting on his departure from Bardie and asserting discipline over the crew.

### [A Fine Spectacle](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_maid_of_sker_se/chapters/xxvii-a-fine-spectacle)

Narrates the chapter, attends Barnstaple fair, observes the two parsons.

### [XXVIII: Something About Him](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_maid_of_sker_se/chapters/xxviii-something-about-him)

Narrator and seeker of knowledge about Parson Chowne; uses storytelling to gain the trust of locals.

### [A Visit to a Parson](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_maid_of_sker_se/chapters/xxix-a-visit-to-a-parson)

Narrator and protagonist; reflects on his own intelligence and superiority, travels to Parson Chowne's house, and agrees to spy on Sir Philip Bampfylde.

### [XXX: On Duty](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_maid_of_sker_se/chapters/xxx-on-duty)

Davy is frustrated by the delays in Barnstaple, keen to return home to Bardie and his parish duties, and takes on the role of watching Narnton Court for five shillings a week.

### [XXXI: Two Lovers](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_maid_of_sker_se/chapters/xxxi-two-lovers)

Narrator observing the lovers from his hidden punt, feeling uneasy about spying and recalling his own romantic past.

### [XXXII: Among the Savages](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_maid_of_sker_se/chapters/xxxii-among-the-savages)

Narrates the chapter; reflects on his moral conflict, his interactions with Parson Chowne, and his attempts to reach Barnstaple Fair.

### [XXXIII: In a State of Nature](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_maid_of_sker_se/chapters/xxxiii-in-a-state-of-nature)

Narrator; observes Chowne's household, learns about Chowne's past, and is confronted by Chowne about a guinea.

### [Waiting and Learning](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_maid_of_sker_se/chapters/xxxiv-waiting-and-learning)

Returns to the Rose of Devon, finds the ketch laid up, and contemplates his situation.

### [The Polite Ferryman](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_maid_of_sker_se/chapters/xxxv-the-polite-ferryman)

Sets up a ferry service, advertises himself, and later fights with Parson Chowne.

### [Under Fairer Auspices](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_maid_of_sker_se/chapters/xxxvi-under-fairer-auspices)

Visits Narnton Court to speak with Miss Isabel Carey, offers to serve her interests, and accepts a £5 note and a gun.

### [Two Poor Children](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_maid_of_sker_se/chapters/xxxvii-two-poor-children)

The narrator, who reflects on his own role and interactions with the French maid.

### [A Fine Old Gentleman](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_maid_of_sker_se/chapters/xxxviii-a-fine-old-gentleman)

Davy narrates his ferry work, his thoughts on women, and his visit to Sir Philip to warn him about Stoyle Chowne.

### [Notice to Quit](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_maid_of_sker_se/chapters/xxxix-notice-to-quit)

Reflects on his failed ferry business, his admiration for Isabel Carey, and his determination to confront the spies who sabotaged his boat.

### [Forcible Ejectment](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_maid_of_sker_se/chapters/xl-forcible-ejectment)

Narrator; reflects on his life, burns Chowne's property, hides from authorities.

### [XLI: The Right Man in the Right Place](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_maid_of_sker_se/chapters/xli-the-right-man-in-the-right-place)

Rejoins the Royal Navy as a gunnery instructor, quickly promoted to first instructor; reflects on his past and the war.

### [The Little Maid, and the Midshipman](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_maid_of_sker_se/chapters/xlii-the-little-maid-and-the-midshipman)

Teaches sailing lessons, advises Rodney, and keeps his stabbed schoolbooks.

### [XLIII: A Fine Price for Bardie](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_maid_of_sker_se/chapters/xliii-a-fine-price-for-bardie)

Hosts a Sunday feast for Bardie and Bunny, contemplates leaving his home, and feigns drunkenness to uncover Hezekiah's scheme.

### [Provides for Education](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_maid_of_sker_se/chapters/xliv-provides-for-education)

Makes a new will, arranges education for Bunny and Delushy, confronts Justice Stew, and visits Colonel Lougher and Lady Bluett to secure Bardie's education.

### [XLV: Introduces a Real Hero](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_maid_of_sker_se/chapters/xlv-introduces-a-real-hero)

Narrates his experiences serving under Captain Nelson and his return to England after seven years.

### [After Seven Years](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_maid_of_sker_se/chapters/xlvi-after-seven-years)

Narrates the journey and reunion with Heaviside; reflects on his own past and the Captain's sorrow.

### [Mischief in a Household](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_maid_of_sker_se/chapters/xlvii-mischief-in-a-household)

Narrates the chapter, recounts his escape from Chowne and his stay at Narnton Court, where he is summoned by Sir Philip to discuss Captain Bampfylde.

### [A Breathless Disinterment](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_maid_of_sker_se/chapters/xlviii-a-breathless-disinterment)

Narrator and chief digger; leads the disinterment and identifies the dolls.

### [One Who Has Interred Himself](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_maid_of_sker_se/chapters/xlix-one-who-has-interred-himself)

Davy narrates the chapter, describing his discovery of the dolls and hat, his audience with Sir Philip, and his reflections on home.

### [A Brave Man Runs Away](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_maid_of_sker_se/chapters/l-a-brave-man-runs-away)

The narrator, now sixty years old, reflects on his popularity at Narnton Court and his decision to flee to avoid romantic entanglement with Polly Cockhanterbury.

### [Triple Education](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_maid_of_sker_se/chapters/li-triple-education)

Returns after seven years' absence and reclaims credit for Bardie's education; receives his saved pay from Master Berkrolles.

### [Great March of Intellect](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_maid_of_sker_se/chapters/lii-great-march-of-intellect)

Reflects on generational decline, kicks dissenters, receives a letter from Captain Bampfylde offering a master's berth, and joins a boating party.

### [Beating Up for the Navy](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_maid_of_sker_se/chapters/liii-beating-up-for-the-navy)

Now Master aboard the Bellona, Davy is tasked with a recruiting cruise and recounts his successful impressment of Parson Chowne's savage colony and others.

### [Taming of the Savages](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_maid_of_sker_se/chapters/liv-taming-of-the-savages)

Davy advises Captain Bampfylde on taming the new hands, takes pity on Hezekiah, and personally grooms and cares for the wild boy Harry.

### [LV: Upon Foreign Service](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_maid_of_sker_se/chapters/lv-upon-foreign-service)

Narrates the chapter, reflects on the war, his service, and the secret wedding.

### [Exiles of Society](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_maid_of_sker_se/chapters/lvi-exiles-of-society)

Narrates the chapter; describes the fleet, the battle, and his journey with the cannibals; encounters Parson Chowne.

### [Many Weak Moments](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_maid_of_sker_se/chapters/lvii-many-weak-moments)

Recovering from illness, cared for by Colonel Lougher and Bardie; reflects on his weak state and the harsh winter.

### [LVIII: More Haste, Less Speed](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_maid_of_sker_se/chapters/lviii-more-haste-less-speed)

Narrates his naval service as Master of the Excellent and later on the Goliath, leading the inshore squadron under Captain Troubridge.

### [Nelson and the Nile](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_maid_of_sker_se/chapters/lx-nelson-and-the-nile)

Master of the Goliath; provides a first-hand account of the Battle of the Nile, claiming credit for the stratagem to turn the enemy's line.

### [LXI: A Savage Deed](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_maid_of_sker_se/chapters/lxi-a-savage-deed)

Narrates the chapter; wounded in battle, loses his left arm, and reflects on the battle's events.

### [LXII: A Rash Young Captain](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_maid_of_sker_se/chapters/lxii-a-rash-young-captain)

Recovering from his wound, Davy receives Captain Bluett and plans to use Jack Wildman's confession to clear Sir Philip Bampfylde's name.

### [Polly at Home](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_maid_of_sker_se/chapters/lxiii-polly-at-home)

Visits Polly, courts her, and shares his plan for a discovery.

### [LXV: So Does Poor Old Davy](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_maid_of_sker_se/chapters/lxv-so-does-poor-old-davy)

Defends his honor against Colonel Lougher's accusations, retrieves Bardie's jemmyset from Sker, and tows the old boat across the channel.

### [LXVI: The Maid at Last Is 'Dentified'](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_maid_of_sker_se/chapters/lxvi-the-maid-at-last-is-dentified)

Arranges the reunion of Delushy with Sir Philip, presenting evidence of her identity.

### [Dog Eats Dog](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_maid_of_sker_se/chapters/lxvii-dog-eats-dog)

Narrates the chapter, accompanies Rodney Bluett to confront Chowne, and expresses reluctance and fear.

### [The Old Pitcher at the Well Again](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_maid_of_sker_se/chapters/lxviii-the-old-pitcher-at-the-well-again)

Reflects on Chowne's death and provides moral commentary, recalling his earlier prediction about Chowne's fate.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_maid_of_sker_se/characters/narrator_davy
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_maid_of_sker_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_maid_of_sker_se/characters