The King of the Peak. By Allan Cunningham
The narrative unfolds in a northern county, where a farmer hosts a gathering by his fireside during a wintry evening. The atmosphere is lively, filled with tales and songs, as the farmer encourages his guests to share stories. One guest recounts the history of Haddon Hall, once a vibrant residence of the Vernons, now silent and dilapidated. The tale reflects on the grandeur of the past, contrasting it with the present desolation. The story shifts to the legendary Sir George Vernon, known as the King of the Peak, celebrated for his hospitality and the beauty of his daughters, Margaret and Dora. A hunting festival at Haddon Hall attracts nobility, showcasing the splendor of the era. Amidst the festivities, tensions arise regarding Dora's suitor, Lord John Manners, leading to a clandestine meeting between the lovers. The narrative explores themes of love, nostalgia, and the passage of time, as the characters grapple with their desires and the constraints imposed by their social standings. The story culminates in a dramatic escape, highlighting the conflict between personal happiness and familial duty, ultimately leaving the fate of the characters intertwined with the legacy of Haddon Hall.
By Dinah Mulock · First published 1859 · Genre: Historical Fiction · 8,031 words
First lines
It happened once in a northern county that I found myself at a farmer's fireside, and in company which the four winds of heaven seemed to have blown together. The farmer was a joyous old man; and the evening, a wintry one, and wild with wind and snow, flew away with jest and mirth and tale and song. Our entertainer had no wish that our joy should subside; for he heaped the fire till the house shone to its remotest rafter, loaded his table with rustic delicacies, and once when a pause ensued after the chanting of one of Robin Hood's ballads, he called out, "Why stays the story, and what stops the rhyme? Have I heated my hearth, have I spread my tables and poured forth my strong drink, for the poor in fancy and the lame in speech? Up, up; and give me a grave tale or a gay, to gladden or sadden the present moment, and lend wings to the leaden feet of evening time.
What this Textopian page supports
The King of the Peak. By Allan Cunningham is listed on Textopian as a short story by Dinah Mulock, dated 1859 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Short story
- Author: Dinah Mulock
- Date: 1859 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Historical Fiction
- Length: 8,031 words
- Structure: 1 section, 62 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Difficult (10th-12th Grade)
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- Work identity for The King of the Peak. By Allan Cunningham by Dinah Mulock
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Discussion starters
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Genres
- Historical Fiction — The title and author suggest a historical setting, specifically one involving a monarchy or a ruler.
Tags
adventure · mountains · exploration · nature · friendship · courage · survival · journey · discovery · conflict · heroism · landscape