When Charles the First Was King · Chapters

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Chapter companions for When Charles the First Was King by J. S. Fletcher.

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Chapter 1
Of the Land I Live In
William Dale, a Yorkshire yeoman, introduces himself and his beloved home county. He reflects on the beauty and richness of the West Riding landscape, describes the towns and villages of the region, and sets the stage for his memoirs of the English Civil War, during which he witnessed the king's execution and the siege of Pontefract Castle.
Chapter 2
Of My Family, Friends, Neighbours, and Enemies
The narrator describes his family background, daily life at Dale's Field, his father's routines, the household customs, and the long-standing feud with the Watson family over a strip of moorland. He also recounts an attempted highway robbery his father survived.
Chapter 3
Of My First Meeting with Rose Lisle
On a spring afternoon in 1631, young Will Dale encounters the cowherd Jacob Trusty, then ventures into the woods to climb an elm tree for a stormcock's nest. He falls and is discovered by a little girl named Rose Lisle, who introduces herself and mentions she will soon leave for London. Will feels a pang of regret at the thought of her departure.
Chapter 4
Of Philip Lisle and His Good Horse Caesar
Will Dale spends two afternoons with Rose Lisle, exploring the woods and sharing stories. On the second day, he meets her father, Philip Lisle, who gives them a ride on his horse Caesar and gifts Will a guinea. Later, Jacob Trusty reveals that Philip Lisle is the notorious highwayman Black Phil. Will buries the guinea and a primrose from Rose in a leaden box, keeping his new friends a secret.
Chapter 5
Of My First Going to School
Will Dale is sent to school under Dr. Parsons after Parson Drumbleforth persuades his parents. He meets new friends—Jack Drumbleforth, Ben Tuckett, and Tom Thorpe—and faces hostility from Dennis Watson, the son of his family's enemy. Dr. Parsons advises Will to learn thoroughly and avoid unnecessary fights. Will eventually stands up to Watson's bullying with his friends' support.

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Of the Land I Live In

Of My Family, Friends, Neighbours, and Enemies

Of My First Meeting with Rose Lisle

Of Philip Lisle and His Good Horse Caesar

Of My First Going to School