The White Company · Chapters
Chapters explained
Chapter companions for The White Company by Arthur Conan Doyle.
Chapter 1
Dedication
The author dedicates the book to the hope of the future reunion of the English-speaking races, presenting this chronicle of their common ancestry.
Chapter 2
The White Company
The chapter introduces the formation of the White Company, a band of archers and men-at-arms led by Sir Nigel Loring, as they gather at the Pied Merlin Inn and set forth on their journey to France. Alleyne Edricson, recently departed from Beaulieu Abbey, joins the company alongside Hordle John and Samkin Aylward, marking the beginning of their martial adventures.
Chapter 3
How the Black Sheep Came Forth from the Fold
The great bell of Beaulieu Abbey summons all monks back to the cloisters for an urgent assembly. Abbot Berghersh presides over a disciplinary hearing in which Brother Ambrose accuses the novice John of three counts. When John is sentenced to be scourged from the precincts, he violently resists, seizing a prie-dieu as a weapon, then flees the Abbey down the Lyndhurst Road.
Chapter 4
How Alleyne Edricson Came Out Into the World
Alleyne Edricson, a young man raised in Beaulieu Abbey, prepares to leave the monastery at age twenty as per his father's dying wish. He receives a blessing from Abbot Berghersh, who quizzes him on his education and worldly knowledge. Alleyne packs gifts from the monks and sets out, first intending to visit his brother, the Socman of Minstead, despite warnings about his brother's violent nature. The chapter ends with Alleyne looking back at the Abbey with a heavy heart.
Chapter 5
How Hordle John Cozened the Fuller of Lymington
Alleyne Edricson, on his journey from Beaulieu Abbey to Minstead, encounters a series of comic misadventures involving the roguish Hordle John. First, he meets Peter the Fuller, who has been tricked by John into exchanging his clothes for a monk's habit, only to be left nearly naked when John runs off with both sets of garments. Alleyne retrieves clothes for Peter from a charcoal-burner's wife, but John returns and cozens the fuller a second time, leaving him in only a shirt and shoes. Alleyne then meets John himself, who is struggling with the oversized robe he took from Peter. The chapter highlights Alleyne's naivety and the contrast between his sheltered monastic upbringing and the wiles of the outside world.
Chapter 6
How the Bailiff of Southampton Slew the Two Masterless Men
Alleyne continues his journey and encounters various wayfarers, including a deceitful friar, a quarreling chapman and his wife, and two tumblers who perform acrobatics. He then witnesses the bailiff of Southampton and his posse capture and execute two criminals—a white man and a black cook—who had robbed a merchant. Despite Alleyne's plea for a trial, the bailiff summarily beheads the white man, while the black man is shot by an archer. The chapter ends with Alleyne weeping by the roadside, horrified by the violence and injustice he has seen.
Chapter 7
How a Strange Company Gathered at the Pied Merlin
Alleyne Edricson, newly arrived at the Pied Merlin inn, observes a diverse and quarrelsome group of wayfarers. He is reunited with his former cloister companion Hordle John, who has left the monastery. The company debates social class, the English king, and the aftermath of the Black Death, while Alleyne works on a panel and listens to the heated talk.
Chapter 8
How Samkin Aylward Wagered His Featherbed
Samkin Aylward, a seasoned English archer fresh from the French wars, arrives at the Pied Merlin inn with six bearers carrying plundered goods. He boasts of his exploits and challenges the patrons to join him in France. Hordle John, a former monk of immense strength, takes offense at Aylward's taunts and accepts a wrestling wager: if John wins, he gets Aylward's featherbed; if Aylward wins, John must join the White Company. After a fierce bout, Aylward uses a trick to throw John, winning the wager. John agrees to join the Company, and Aylward reveals he is heading to Christchurch to recruit Sir Nigel Loring.
Chapter 9
How the Three Comrades Journeyed Through the Woodlands
Alleyne, Hordle John, and Samkin Aylward travel through the forest, discussing faith, sin, and the nature of true knighthood. Aylward recounts his experiences with the White Company and Pope Urban, while Alleyne defends the piety of monks. They encounter a bleeding penitent on the road, and Aylward reveals a letter from Sir Claude Latour to Sir Nigel Loring, which Alleyne translates. The trio agrees to journey together toward Minstead.
Chapter 10
The Three Friends
Alleyne Edricson, having finished his morning prayers, catches up with his companions Hordle John and Samkin Aylward. They encounter a roadside cottage where two young boys are training their left arms to hold a bow steady, under the instruction of their father, Robin Heathcot, a former border archer who lost his thumbs and fingers to the Scots. The father intends for his sons to avenge him by serving under Johnny Copeland. Aylward shares his experiences of warfare in France, Spain, and the Low Countries, and tries to persuade Alleyne to join him and John on their journey to France. Alleyne declines, feeling duty-bound to visit his brother, the Socman of Minstead. Despite their reluctance to part, Alleyne leaves his friends and continues toward Minstead.
Chapter 11
IX: How Strange Things Befell in Minstead Wood
Alleyne Edricson encounters his estranged brother, the Socman of Minstead, while defending a woman from his advances. After a tense confrontation, Alleyne learns the woman is of noble birth and that the Socman has been pursuing her for her dowry. The chapter also features a brief encounter with King Edward III and his hunting party, and a run-in with a serf who initially threatens Alleyne but relents upon learning his identity.
Chapter 12
How Hordle John Found a Man Whom He Might Follow
Alleyne, Hordle John, and Sam Aylward arrive at Twynham Castle, where they meet Sir Nigel and Lady Loring. Aylward delivers a letter from Sir Claude Latour, and Sir Nigel learns of the White Company. Hordle John demonstrates his strength by moving a heavy stone, and Alleyne is accepted as a clerk for the company.
Chapter 13
How a Young Shepherd Had a Perilous Flock
Alleyne Edricson is offered the position of squire to Sir Nigel Loring and tutor to the Lady Maude. He examines the hall of Castle Twynham, is caught reading a romance by the Lady Maude, and accepts the role.
Chapter 14
How Alleyne Learned More Than He Could Teach
Alleyne Edricson, having taken service under Sir Nigel Loring, undergoes a profound internal transformation as he compares the cloistered life of Beaulieu Abbey with the vibrant, martial world of Castle Twynham. He trains in the tiltyard alongside fellow squires and finds himself drawn to the Lady Maude Loring, whom he tutors in various subjects. Their lessons are marked by Maude's mercurial moods and fierce protectiveness of Alleyne, revealing a growing mutual influence. Meanwhile, preparations for war against France sweep across England, with Sir Nigel gathering a formidable company at Twynham Castle despite his poverty.
Chapter 15
XIII: How the White Company Set Forth to the Wars
The White Company assembles at dawn in the castle bailey, with Sir Nigel Loring bidding farewell to Lady Mary and receiving her glove as a token. Alleyne Edricson shares a tense, emotional parting with Lady Maude, who gives him her green veil. The company marches out across the Bridge of Avon, led by Black Simon and followed by men-at-arms, archers, and sumpter horses.
Chapter 16
How Sir Nigel Sought for a Wayside Venture
Sir Nigel and his squires encounter a man carrying a severed leg, a blind beggar at a shrine, and Hordle John's mother as they journey through the countryside. Sir Nigel instructs his squires on the pursuit of honor and recounts past skirmishes.
Chapter 17
How the Yellow Cog Sailed Forth from Lepe
The Yellow Cog departs from Lepe with Sir Nigel Loring, Alleyne Edricson, and the company aboard, pursued by two pirate galleys under Tête-noire and a Genoese captain. Sir Nigel prepares for battle, ordering the crew to raise mantlets and pavises, station men aloft, and arm themselves. The archers and seamen take to their knees for prayer as the cog sails into the open channel, with the pirates closing in.
Chapter 18
How the Yellow Cog Fought the Two Rover Galleys
The Yellow Cog is attacked by two pirate galleys, one Norman and one Genoese. Sir Nigel Loring employs a ruse to lure them close, then unleashes a devastating volley of arrows. A fierce boarding battle ensues, with Sir Nigel, Sir Oliver, and their men fighting valiantly. The Genoese leader is slain, and the pirates are defeated. The Norman pirate leader is captured but escapes by jumping into the sea. Alleyne is wounded but survives.
Chapter 19
How the Yellow Cog Crossed the Bar of Gironde
The Yellow Cog faces a fierce storm as it approaches the Gironde estuary. With a damaged hull and reduced crew, master Goodwin Hawtayne struggles to navigate. Sir Nigel Loring remains preoccupied with heraldic matters, while Sir Oliver Buttesthorn grumbles about the ship's motion. Alleyne Edricson, recovering from a blow, comes on deck and gazes at the coast of France with romantic longing. After a tense passage, Hawtayne recognizes the point of La Tremblade and skillfully pilots the cog through the dangerous channel of the Gironde bar, bringing the ship to safety.
Chapter 20
XVIII: How Sir Nigel Loring Put a Patch Upon His Eye
Sir Nigel Loring, upon landing in Bordeaux, binds a black patch over his left eye as a vow to honor his lady and to perform a deed in Spain. He and Sir Oliver Buttesthorn, accompanied by their squires Alleyne Edricson, Ford, and John Norbury, ride through the city, marveling at its wealth and architecture. They proceed to the Abbey of St. Andrew to seek an audience with the Prince, where they are greeted by Sir William Felton and later embraced by the legendary Sir John Chandos.
Chapter 21
XIX: How There Was Stir at the Abbey of St. Andrew's
Sir Nigel Loring and Sir Oliver Buttesthorn arrive at the Abbey of St. Andrew's, where the Prince of Wales holds court with the exiled kings Pedro of Castile and James of Majorca. Sir John Chandos introduces them to the assembled nobles, including Sir William Felton, the Captal de Buch, Sir Hugh Calverley, and Sir Robert Knolles. The prince receives petitions, then confronts Don Martin de la Carra over King Charles of Navarre's broken promises regarding the mountain passes, ultimately sending a stern warning and dispatching Sir Robert Knolles and Sir Hugh Calverley with a message.
Chapter 22
How Alleyne Won His Place in an Honorable Guild
Alleyne and Ford find themselves among a group of English squires in the outer hall while the prince's council meets. After some banter, a burly squire named John Tranter provokes Alleyne by insulting him and roughly tousling his hair. Alleyne responds by throwing his glove in Tranter's face, challenging him to a duel. Despite attempts at peacemaking, the two fight with swords by the Garonne. Alleyne's sword is broken in the notch of Tranter's heavier blade, but he has shown courage and skill, earning the respect of the onlookers.
Chapter 23
How Agostino Pisano Risked His Head
Alleyne and Ford, now squires at the Prince's court in Bordeaux, explore the bustling, dangerous streets at night. They encounter a lame old man and a young girl being harassed by drunken English archers. Alleyne and Ford intervene, and are joined by Aylward and Hordle John, who disperse the attackers. The grateful old man, Agostino Pisano, invites them to his home, revealing that the precious object he carried was a sculpted head.
Chapter 24
XXII: How the Bowmen Held Wassail at the Rose de Guienne
Alleyne and Ford are drawn into a raucous gathering of archers at the Rose de Guienne tavern, where Aylward regales the company with tales of the Battle of Poitiers and his plundering adventures, while news spreads of an upcoming tournament between English and Gascon knights.
Chapter 25
XXIII: How England Held the Lists at Bordeaux
The chapter describes the grand tournament held at Bordeaux, where five English knights defend the lists against challengers from across Europe. The event draws a massive crowd, and tensions arise over the selection of champions. The Prince of Wales, Don Pedro, and other nobles watch as the jousting begins, with Sir Nigel Loring among the English champions.
Chapter 26
How a Champion Came Forth from the East
A mysterious French knight challenges the English champions in a jousting tournament before the Prince and his court. He defeats Sir William Beauchamp, Sir Thomas Percy, Lord Audley, and Sir Thomas Wake in rapid succession. Sir Nigel Loring then fights him on foot with swords, wounding him slightly before the prince calls a halt. The stranger's squire reveals his name in secret to Sir John Chandos, who vouches for his noble birth. The knight refuses to drink or reveal his identity, but is welcomed by the prince.
Chapter 27
How Sir Nigel Wrote to Twynham Castle
Sir Nigel Loring struggles to write a letter to his wife, Lady Loring, and enlists Alleyne Edricson to compose a clearer version. Alleyne pens a letter that includes news of Sir Nigel's honor at the joust, their finances, and a personal greeting to Lady Maude. Sir Nigel then gently probes Alleyne about his secret love, warning him of the dangers of aiming too high given his brother Edric the Socman's claim to Minstead. Sir Oliver Buttesthorn bursts in, angry at being passed over for the jousting and threatening to send cartels to Chandos, Felton, and even the prince, but Sir Nigel calms him down.
Chapter 28
How the Three Comrades Gained a Mighty Treasure
Alleyne Edricson, Aylward, and Hordle John set out from Bordeaux to Montaubon to rejoin their company, with Alleyne preoccupied by thoughts of his love for Lady Maude and his conversation with Sir Nigel. Along the way, they encounter a fraudulent pilgrim who sells fake relics, exposing his deceit when he flees at their approach.
Chapter 29
XXVII: How Roger Clubfoot Was Passed Into Paradise
Sir Nigel, Alleyne, Ford, and Aylward travel toward Villefranche, encountering the Norwich merchant David Micheldene, who seeks protection from the robber-knight Roger Clubfoot. They later find Clubfoot hanged, with a richly dressed man counting coins beside him.
Chapter 30
XXVIII: How the Comrades Came Over the Marches of France
Sir Nigel and his company, accompanied by Bertrand du Guesclin and his wife Lady Tiphaine, travel through Auvergne. They stop at an inn where Lady Tiphaine captivates the Englishmen with her talk of chivalry and honor. After a brief altercation involving Aylward and Hordle John with a boastful French champion, the party proceeds to the Castle of Villefranche, where Sir Nigel and Du Guesclin exchange compliments and cross swords in a friendly bout.
Chapter 31
How the Blessed Hour of Sight Came to the Lady Tiphaine
At the Castle of Villefranche, Sir Tristram de Rochefort hosts a feast for Bertrand du Guesclin, Sir Nigel Loring, and their companions. During the meal, the Lady Tiphaine experiences a prophetic vision, revealing a siege at Twynham Castle and warning du Guesclin of imminent danger. The company debates the nature of her powers, but Sir Nigel defends her honor, and du Guesclin explains that her gift comes from God.
Chapter 32
How the Brushwood Men Came to the Château of Villefranche
Alleyne Edricson retires late after attending to Sir Nigel, but is disturbed by Ford, who reports a vision of his beloved Tita. Later, from his window, Alleyne observes dozens of stealthy figures—the brushwood men—creeping from one wood to another under moonlight. The chapter culminates in a sudden assault: the Jacks have infiltrated the castle via a secret passage, murdering the seneschal and most of the garrison. Sir Nigel, Du Guesclin, and a small party rally to defend the Lady Tiphaine, deciding to retreat to the keep as the castle burns around them.
Chapter 33
How Five Men Held the Keep of Villefranche
The party, guided by a French squire, attempts to reach the keep of Villefranche but faces a massive peasant uprising. After a fierce struggle, they secure the keep but are besieged by thousands of peasants and engulfed by fire. The defenders, including Sir Nigel, Du Guesclin, Alleyne, Aylward, Hordle John, and Lady Tiphaine, hold the staircase against repeated assaults, but the peasants set the keep ablaze, forcing the group to the top of the tower. As the fire spreads, the archers shoot at the mob below while the leaders contemplate their desperate end.
Chapter 34
How the Company Took Counsel Round the Fallen Tree
Sir Nigel Loring and his company, having survived an attack, regroup and debate whether to join the Prince's campaign in Spain or remain in Auvergne for plunder. Sir Claude Latour argues for staying, but Sir Nigel's call to honor and duty persuades most of the archers to follow him to Dax. Thirteen bowmen defect with Latour, while the rest prepare to march.
Chapter 35
How the Army Made the Passage of Roncesvalles
The English army, led by the Prince and Sir John Chandos, marches through the perilous Pass of Roncesvalles into Navarre. Sir Nigel Loring grumbles about the lack of honorable combat, lamenting the modern ways of war that rely on hostages and payments rather than chivalric feats. Alleyne Edricson observes the vast host and learns from Aylward of the impending conflict with Du Guesclin and the French forces supporting King Pedro's rival.
Chapter 36
How the Company Made Sport in the Vale of Pampeluna
While the council meets in Pampeluna, the White Company encamps in a neighboring valley and engages in archery practice. Old bowmen Johnston and Aylward critique the younger archers, and a Brabanter crossbowman challenges the English longbowmen to a contest. Johnston wins honor for the Company by shooting both a falcon and a stork with two rapid arrows, proving the longbow's speed over the arbalest.
Chapter 37
How Sir Nigel Hawked at an Eagle
Sir Nigel and his company traverse the rugged terrain of Navarre, spy on the Spanish camp, and execute a daring raid to capture a royal figure from the enemy's midst.
Chapter 38
How Sir Nigel Took the Patch from His Eye
Sir Nigel removes his eye patch, declaring his vow fulfilled after defeating a Spanish knight. News arrives of the Socman of Minstead's death and the siege of Twynham Castle. Alleyne confesses his love for Lady Maude to Sir Nigel, who reacts coldly. The English knights engage in a skirmish with Spanish forces, where Sir Nigel kills Sebastian Gomez in single combat.
Chapter 39
How the White Company Came to Be Disbanded
The White Company fights a desperate battle against Spanish and Breton forces in a Cantabrian valley. Despite fierce resistance, they suffer heavy losses, including Sir Nigel Loring captured and many men killed. The chapter ends with the Company disbanded and Alleyne Edricson severely wounded.
Chapter 40
XXXVIII: Of the Homecoming to Hampshire
Alleyne Edricson returns to Hampshire after the war in Spain, having been knighted by the Black Prince. He and Hordle John journey home, where Alleyne learns that Lady Maude Loring, believing him dead, is about to enter a nunnery. He rides to Romsey and intercepts her at the church door, and they choose love and the world over the cloister. Later, they are married at Christchurch Priory, and Alleyne prepares to search for Sir Nigel Loring, who is missing. He unexpectedly finds Sir Nigel and Aylward alive at an inn near Pitt's Deep, leading to a joyful reunion.
