Summary

Download PDF PDF Page Citation Cite Share Link Share

In March of 1775, as the day faded into a turbulent twilight, a group of men gathered in the bar parlor of the ancient Maypole Inn, nestled on the border of Epping Forest in Chigwell parish. Chief among them were two individuals who captured the keen interest of John Willet, the establishment's proprietor. One was an elegantly dressed young man lost in thought, and the other, a mysterious traveler draped in an old riding coat, kept his face obscured beneath a hat.

Edward Chester's Urgent Journey

Shortly after the young gentleman, Edward Chester, departed, Joe Willet, John's son, revealed that Edward's horse had gone lame. Undeterred by the inclement weather, Edward resolved to walk the twelve miles to London, driven by the hope of attending a masquerade where he would see Emma Haredale. The name "Haredale" piqued the stranger's interest, prompting him to listen attentively as Solomon Daisy, the parish clerk, recounted the infamous murder of Reuben Haredale, Emma's father, which had transpired twenty-two years earlier.

A Dark and Unsolved Mystery

Reuben Haredale, once the master of The Warren near the village, was discovered murdered in his own home. The family's steward, named Rudge, and a gardener vanished without a trace, although months later, Rudge's body was found in a pond, identified solely by his clothing. The gardener's whereabouts remained a mystery. Following this tragic event, Emma Haredale resided at The Warren with her bachelor uncle, Mr. Geoffrey Haredale.

A Sinister Encounter

The enigmatic traveler hastily departed on horseback, narrowly avoiding a collision with Gabriel Varden, a locksmith from Clerkenwell, who glimpsed the stranger's scarred and ominous visage by lantern light. On his journey back to London, Varden stumbled upon Edward, injured and lying by the roadside, with Barnaby Rudge dancing nearby. Barnaby, son of the late steward Rudge, was a boy born with intellectual disabilities on the very day of the murder. Varden, assisted by Barnaby, took Edward to the Rudge household and tended to his wounds.

Unlocking Secrets

The following morning, Varden recounted his night's encounters to his daughter, Dolly, and Simon Tappertit, his apprentice. Dolly, aware of Emma's affection for Edward, grew anxious. Visiting the Rudge residence to check on Edward, Varden found him recovering well. During his conversation with Mrs. Rudge, a soft knock at the shutter revealed the fierce eyes of the mysterious horseman. The man fled, and Varden suspected him of being the highwayman responsible for Edward's attack. Mrs. Rudge, deeply unsettled, implored Varden to remain silent about the visit.

Families at Odds

Meanwhile, John Chester, Edward's father, a man of vanity and ambition, met with Geoffrey at the Maypole. Despite a long-standing enmity between the two families, they found common ground in their opposition to the union of Emma and Edward. John sought a Protestant heiress for his son, not the niece of a Catholic squire. Geoffrey promised to dissuade Emma from pursuing Edward, sparking considerable interest among the villagers who overheard their conversation.

A Desperate Move

The mysterious stranger returned to demand sustenance and money from Mrs. Rudge, who, terrified by his threats, decided to relocate with her son to a distant village. Geoffrey, honoring his promise, barred Edward from The Warren. When Edward confronted his father about the arrangement with Geoffrey, John mocked his son's romantic aspirations and cautioned him against being led by his heart.

Entangled in Schemes

Edward, defying his father's wishes, enlisted Dolly's help to deliver a letter to Emma, who replied in kind. However, Hugh, the brutish innkeeper at the Maypole, intercepted it on John's orders, who was determined to keep the lovers apart. He quickly ensnared...

(This entire section contains 1061 words.)

Unlock this Study Guide Now

Start your 48-hour free trial and get ahead in class. Boost your grades with access to expert answers and top-tier study guides. Thousands of students are already mastering their assignments—don't miss out. Cancel anytime.

Get 48 Hours Free Access

Mrs. Varden, Simon, and John Willet in his machinations, while Joe Willet grew increasingly resentful of his father's interference.

Turbulent Times

As tensions simmered, Joe, frustrated by the favoritism shown to Simon in Dolly's affections, decided to join the fight in America. Dolly wept at the news of his enlistment. Five years passed, and on the anniversary of Reuben's murder, John Willet presided over the Maypole once more. Solomon returned with startling news of a sighting at the village churchyard—a man presumed dead long ago.

A New Threat Emerges

On their way home after informing Geoffrey, John Willet and his companion were halted by Lord George Gordon, leading an anti-Catholic crusade, alongside his secretary Gashford and servant John Grueby. Staying overnight at the Maypole, they revealed their intent to rally the disaffected masses. Despite Geoffrey's opposition, John, now a baronet, aligned himself with the Gordon cause.

Chaos in London

As fate would have it, Barnaby and his mother ventured into London just as the Gordon riots erupted. Separated from her, Barnaby was swept up in a mob led by Hugh and Simon, witnessing the destruction of Catholic properties. Captured, Barnaby found himself imprisoned in Newgate.

An Unlikely Rescue

In an act of revenge, Gashford directed part of the mob to attack The Warren. En route, Simon, Dennis, and Hugh plundered the Maypole, leaving John Willet helpless. Geoffrey, seeking Barnaby and his mother, rushed back to find his home in ruins, with Solomon at his side. Discovering a familiar face amidst the wreckage, Geoffrey apprehended Barnaby, the alleged murderer, and had him imprisoned in Newgate.

Justice and Redemption

Rioters soon set Newgate ablaze, releasing its inmates, including Barnaby, who was freed by Hugh. Meanwhile, Simon and Dennis kidnapped Emma and Dolly, imprisoning them in a dilapidated cottage. Amidst the chaos, Geoffrey sought refuge but was trapped by rioters, only to be rescued by Edward and Joe, the latter now a war hero.

A Final Reckoning

Ultimately, Barnaby, his father, and Hugh were sentenced to death, betrayed by Dennis. With the riots quelled, Edward and Joe successfully rescued Emma and Dolly. Gashford betrayed Lord Gordon, who was arrested, while Simon, gravely injured, was found in the same house as the young women.

Peace Restored

Despite his wife's pleas, Mr. Rudge showed no remorse before his execution, which he shared with Dennis and Hugh. Varden managed to secure Barnaby's release, proving his innocence. Geoffrey finally permitted Edward and Emma's union, but before leaving England, he confronted John in a duel, killing him. Fleeing abroad, Geoffrey died in a religious sanctuary, while Gashford ultimately took his own life. Meanwhile, Dolly and Joe Willett found contentment managing the Maypole, and Barnaby enjoyed a peaceful life on Maypole Farm with his mother and his lively raven, Grip.

Next

Chapter Summaries

Loading...