Character guide

Barnaby Rudge

major

Also known as Barnaby, poor Barnaby, sharp Barnaby, Rudge, bold Barnaby, Dear Barnaby

Simple-minded young man with a raven, caught up in the Gordon Riots.

Hugh

major

Also known as Maypole Hugh, Hugh of the Maypole, the Maypole

Wild, powerful ostler at the Maypole, later a leader in the riots.

Mr. Geoffrey Haredale

major

Also known as Mr. Haredale, Geoffrey Haredale, Haredale

Catholic gentleman, uncle to Emma, locked in a feud with Sir John Chester.

Edward Chester

major

Also known as Edward, Ned, Mr. Edward Chester, Mr. Edward

Son of Sir John, in love with Emma Haredale, estranged from his father.

Joe Willet

major

Also known as Joe, Joseph Willet, young Joe, dear Joe

Son of John Willet, leaves the Maypole, returns as a soldier.

Simon Tappertit

major

Also known as Sim, Mr. Simon Tappertit, Mr. Tappertit, Sim Tappertit

Apprentice locksmith, ambitious and rebellious, leads the 'Prentice Knights.

Miss Miggs

supporting

Also known as Miggs, Angelic Miggs, the faithful Miggs

Sharp-tongued servant to Mrs. Varden, secretly in love with Tappertit.

Mr. Dennis

supporting

Also known as Dennis, the grinning Dennis

Hangman, a brutal and self-serving participant in the riots.

John Willet

supporting

Also known as John, old John, old John Willet

Obstinate landlord of the Maypole Inn, father of Joe.

Dolly Varden

major

Also known as Doll, Dolly, Varden, Miss Dolly

Pretty, coquettish daughter of Gabriel Varden, loved by Joe and Tappertit.

Sir John Chester

major

Also known as Sir John, John Chester, Chester

Elegant, cynical, manipulative gentleman, father of Edward.

Mrs. Varden

supporting

Also known as Varden, Mrs. V.

Pious, domineering wife of Gabriel Varden, mother of Dolly.

Gabriel Varden

major

Also known as Varden, Gabriel, honest Gabriel, Mr. Varden

Honest, good-natured locksmith, master to Tappertit.

The Blind Man

supporting

Also known as blind man, Stagg

Mysterious blind man, a sinister figure connected to the Rudge family secret.

Gashford

supporting

Also known as Muster Gashford, dear Gashford, Mr. Gashford

Secretary to Lord George Gordon, cunning and treacherous.

Lord George Gordon

supporting

Also known as Lord George, Gordon, George Gordon

Eccentric nobleman who incites the anti-Catholic riots.

Solomon Daisy

minor

Also known as Solomon, little Solomon Daisy, Daisy

Clerk at the Maypole, tells the story of the murder.

Emma Haredale

supporting

Also known as Emma, Miss Haredale, Miss Emma

Niece of Geoffrey Haredale, in love with Edward Chester.

Grip

supporting

Also known as dear old Grip, old Grip

Barnaby's talking raven, a constant companion.

John Grueby

minor

Also known as Grueby, John, Honest John, bluff John Grueby

Loyal servant to Lord George Gordon.

Martha

minor

Also known as Martha⁠

Servant at the Maypole Inn.

Mr. Parkes

minor

Also known as Parkes, Long Parkes, Phil Parkes, Messrs. Parkes

One of the regulars at the Maypole Inn.

Mr. Cobb

minor

Also known as Cobb, Tom Cobb, Tommy Cobb

Another regular at the Maypole Inn.

Thomas Curzon

minor

Also known as Curzon, Thomas Curzon of the Golden Fleece

Landlord of the Golden Fleece, mentioned in the murder story.

Mary Jones

minor

Also known as Mary, Polly

A woman mentioned in connection with the riots.

Mr. Akerman

minor

Also known as Akerman

Governor of Newgate Prison.

Peak

minor

Servant to Sir John Chester.

Mrs. Rudge

supporting

Also known as the widow

Barnaby's mother, haunted by her husband's crime.

Sir George Saville

minor

Also known as Saville, Sir George

Historical MP, mentioned in the context of the riots.

Lord Mansfield

minor

Historical judge, his house is attacked during the riots.

King George III

minor

Also known as King George, King George the Third

The King, mentioned in the context of the riots.

Sir John Fielding

minor

Also known as Sir John

Historical magistrate, mentioned in the narrative.

Sir William Meredith

minor

Historical figure, mentioned in passing.

Lord Chesterfield

minor

Also known as Chesterfield

Historical earl, referenced by Sir John Chester.

Phil Parkes

minor

Also known as Phil, long Phil Parkes

One of the Maypole regulars.