The Well at the World’s End · Chapter
Of the Town of Cheaping Knowe explained
Ralph and the chapmen arrive at Cheaping Knowe, a walled town under a tyrant lord.
What happens
Ralph and the chapmen arrive at Cheaping Knowe, a walled town under a tyrant lord. Clement advises Ralph to consult the thrall-merchant about the Lady of Abundance. Ralph disguises Bull Shockhead as a chapman lad. He receives a safe-conduct from the lord and explores the town, witnessing cruel executions in the castle bailey and enjoying the gardens.
Themes in this chapter
Social Hierarchy and Freedom
The town is ruled by a tyrant lord who displays cruel justice; thralls are openly traded; Ralph must disguise Bull to protect him from being taken.
Quest and Adventure
Ralph continues his quest for the Lady of Abundance, seeking information from the thrall-merchant in Cheaping Knowe.
Characters to notice
- Ralph of Upmeads
Arrives at Cheaping Knowe with the chapmen; receives a parchment safe-conduct from the lord; explores the town and gardens.
- Bull Shockhead
Ralph's war-caught thrall; disguised as a chapman lad and his hair docked on Clement's advice.
- Clement Chapman
Leads the chapmen; advises Ralph on consulting the thrall-merchant and on disguising Bull; obtains the lord's safe-conduct for Ralph.
Key passages
“Fair lord, I rede thee when thou art in the market of Cheaping Knowe, bid master Clement bring thee to the thrall-merchant, and trust me that if such a fair image as that we were speaking of hath passed through his hands within these three months, he will remember it; and then thou shalt have at least some tale of what hath befallen her but a little while ago.”
Bull advises Ralph to have Clement take him to the slave merchant in Cheaping Knowe, who may recall if the beautiful woman they discussed was sold there recently, giving Ralph a clue to her fate.
Bull suggests a practical step in Ralph's quest.
“But with us chapmen, said Clement, he will not meddle, lest there be an end of chaffer in the town; and verily the market is good.”
Clement explains that the tyrant lord leaves the merchants alone because he doesn't want to ruin trade in the town.
Clement reassures Ralph about the lord's attitude toward merchants.