When Charles the First was King

When Charles the First was King

The narrative unfolds in a historical context during the reign of Charles I, focusing on the life of William Dale, a Yorkshire yeoman. The story begins with a vivid description of Yorkshire's natural beauty and the protagonist's deep connection to his homeland. William reflects on his upbringing, family, and the idyllic life on his farm, Dale's Field, where he has lived since birth. As tensions rise in England between the monarchy and Parliament, William's life is disrupted by the onset of civil war. The narrative captures the impact of these political upheavals on rural life, as William finds himself drawn into the conflict against his will. His father, a staunch Royalist, is murdered by a mysterious assailant, which William suspects to be Rupert Watson, the family's long-standing rival. This event marks a turning point in William's life, igniting a desire for vengeance and justice. In the aftermath of his father's death, William grapples with grief and responsibility. He takes on the role of protector for his mother and sister, Lucy, while also managing the farm. The story explores themes of loyalty, duty, and the harsh realities of war, as William navigates the challenges of adulthood amidst the chaos of a nation divided. As the war escalates, William's friends, including Jack Drumbleforth and Ben Tuckett, are drawn into the conflict, each motivated by their own reasons. The narrative highlights the camaraderie and bravery of young men who enlist to fight for the King, contrasting their youthful idealism with the grim realities of battle. The story culminates in a series of events that test William's resolve and character. He faces moral dilemmas, the weight of familial expectations, and the harsh consequences of war. Ultimately, William's journey is one of growth, as he learns to balance his personal desires with the responsibilities of leadership and the legacy of his family. Throughout the work, the author weaves historical events and personal narratives, creating a rich tapestry that reflects the complexities of loyalty, love, and the struggle for identity during a tumultuous period in English history. The story concludes with William coming to terms with his father's legacy, the impact of war on his community, and his own place within it, setting the stage for a future shaped by both personal and national conflicts.

By J.S. Fletcher · First published 1925 · Genre: Historical Fiction, Biography, Political Drama · 48 chapters · 154,700 words

First lines

It may be thought by some, who from prejudice or ignorance are not in a position to judge properly of the matter, that there is nothing in this part of England which is worth writing of or describing, so strange are the views held by outsiders of us Yorkshiremen, so peculiar the ideas which many people have respecting our land, people, and manners. There is an impression beyond our borders that we are never so happy as when engaged in a horse-dealing transaction, and it is quite true that we are fond of trade in that direction, and bad to overreach when it comes to a question of hard bargaining. Nevertheless, it is not true that we think of nothing else but horse-dealing, any more than that our county -- or, at least, some parts of it -- is not to be compared for natural beauties with other shires which have achieved more fame in that way. I have heard travelled men discourse of the fine scenery and beautiful landscapes of Cumberland and Westmoreland, and of the grandeur of Devon and Cornwall, not to speak of Derbyshire and some parts of Wales, comparing divers districts of these to the country in Switzerland and Italy, which is, I understand, as fair as anything this earth can show; but, in spite of that, it has always seemed to me that our own three Ridings can exhibit as many pleasing prospects as man need wish for; so that a Yorkshireman casting his eyes upon them must needs thank God that he has been placed to live his life amongst such delectable spots. For we have hill and valley, and broad tracts of luscious meadow-land where you may feed a thousand head of cattle and never hurt the luxuriance of the grass, and our rivers are comparable for quiet beauty with Trent or Severn, and our rocky defiles are oftentimes as wild as anything that you will meet in Scotland or Cumberland. Then, again, our seaboard is such as few countries can show the like of, consisting as it does of rough promontory and rocky headland, joined with long stretches of brown sand, across which the North Sea's waves come tumbling cold and icy from Norroway. Nay, when I begin to think in good earnest of the matter, and to remember what I have seen in other days -- for I have travelled somewhat myself -- I am certain that for diversity of scenery you may roam the wide world over and never find a country so fair, so rich in Nature's gifts, so pleasing to the eye, as my native Yorkshire.

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When Charles the First was King is listed on Textopian as a novel by J.S. Fletcher, dated 1925 CE.

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Historical Fiction · English Civil War · Royal Family · Monarchy · Politics · Power Struggle · Religion · Conflict · Tension · Drama · Action · Adventure

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