Summary
First published: 1891
Type of work: Novel
Type of plot: Historical romance
Time of work: Fourteenth century
Locale: England, France, and Spain
Overview of the Narrative
Set against the backdrop of the turbulent fourteenth century, "The White Company" is a historical romance that journeys through England, France, and Spain. It follows the adventures of Alleyne Edricson, a young Englishman, as he navigates the complexities of medieval life. Through battles, personal challenges, and the pursuit of honor, the novel captures the essence of chivalry and the human spirit.
Main Characters
Alleyne Edricson: An earnest English youth thrust into the world beyond the abbey.
Samkin Aylward: A bold and seasoned bowman.
Hordle John: A brawny bowman with a rebellious streak.
Sir Nigel Loring: A nobleman of great courage and leadership.
Lady Maude: Sir Nigel's spirited and charming daughter.
Unfolding Events
The story opens with Hordle John, a novice at the Beaulieu Abbey, on trial before the stern abbot. John's boisterous behavior—drinking ale, bullying monks, and fraternizing with women—leads to his inevitable expulsion. Unperturbed, John defies punishment, dramatically escaping by hurling an altar at the monks and vanishing into the outside world.
Meanwhile, Alleyne Edricson, who has spent his life within the abbey walls, must prepare to leave as per his father's will. Uncertain about the secular world, Alleyne receives a cautionary farewell from the abbot but departs with blessings. His journey begins with a visit to Minstead, where his estranged brother holds sway as the socman, reputedly a man of ill-repute.
Encounters and Dilemmas
On his way, Alleyne witnesses unsettling sights: a pair of robbers met swift justice, deepening his fear of the world's dangers. Seeking refuge for the night, he arrives at the Pied Merlin Inn, a place teeming with unruly characters, including the raucous Hordle John. A minstrel's bawdy song prompts Alleyne's indignation, but John's intervention prevents the crowd from harming the young clerk.
Samkin Aylward then arrives, bearing urgent messages from France, recruiting for Sir Nigel's command in the impending conflict with Spain. As Hordle John eagerly joins the venture, Alleyne, committed to seeing his brother, declines the invitation.
Confrontation and Resolution
Alleyne's arrival at Minstead leads to a dramatic confrontation with his brother, whom he unknowingly challenges while defending a young woman from his grasp. This encounter ends with Alleyne and the woman fleeing into the forest, where she departs with a teasing smile, leaving Alleyne to reconsider his path. Deciding to join the White Company, he hurries to catch up with John and Aylward.
Alleyne finally meets Sir Nigel Loring, who initially appears unremarkable but soon proves his valor by fearlessly confronting a charging bear. Impressed, Alleyne resolves to serve this formidable knight and quickly becomes an integral part of Sir Nigel's household, even tutoring his daughter, Lady Maude, the very woman he had previously rescued.
Service and Allegiance
Alleyne's dedication earns him the role of Sir Nigel's squire, and he musters the courage to confess his affection for Lady Maude, who offers him her green veil as a token. As the English forces set sail to France, Alleyne, now a squire, finds his thoughts consumed by dreams of Lady Maude.
In Bordeaux, Sir Nigel and his company receive a warm welcome from Prince Edward, as they prepare for the arduous campaign to support Don Pedro's claim to the Spanish throne. Despite their noble intentions, the unruly White Company complicates matters by antagonizing the local populace.
Danger and Valor
While passing through Villefranche, Sir Nigel's group experiences the brutality of the surrounding feudal world firsthand. Hostility from oppressed peasants culminates in a...
(This entire section contains 930 words.)
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violent night, forcing the English to retreat to the keep, narrowly escaping destruction thanks to the timely arrival of the White Company.
As the campaign progresses, the White Company, led by Sir Nigel, becomes instrumental in the English efforts against Spain. However, during a reconnaissance mission, they find themselves besieged and nearly defeated, with Alleyne dispatched to seek reinforcements despite his injuries. The rescue arrives too late to save all, with only a few surviving, including Hordle John.
Return and Reflection
Back in England, Alleyne inherits his brother's estate following his untimely demise, receives knighthood, and marries Lady Maude, establishing a new chapter in his life. The return of Sir Nigel and Aylward, freed from Moorish captivity, brings joyous reunions and new beginnings. Hordle John serves as Alleyne’s loyal squire, and Aylward finds happiness with the innkeeper of the Pied Merlin.
Alleyne's later years are marked by continued service and distinction, returning to France several times to fight, each time earning respect and acclaim. His life concludes on a note of fulfillment, having lived up to the chivalric ideals that guided his adventures.
Critical Evaluation
Sir Arthur Conan Doyle regarded "THE WHITE COMPANY" as a major achievement, despite its relative obscurity compared to the famed Sherlock Holmes series. Celebrated in its time for its vivid depiction of chivalric ideals, the novel resonated with contemporary audiences seeking escape from industrial monotony. Doyle's meticulous research into the era of Edward III brought authenticity to the narrative, offering a blend of adventure and romanticism that captured readers' imaginations.
The novel thrives on its romantic plot and vivid characters, from the unyielding valor of Sir Nigel to the indomitable strength of Hordle John and Aylward. Despite the era's harsh realities, Doyle emphasized the nobility and honor inherent in chivalry, elevating these virtues into a timeless narrative. While modern audiences may favor the detective stories, "THE WHITE COMPANY" endures as a testament to Doyle's storytelling prowess and his ability to transport readers to a bygone age of heroism.
