When Charles the First Was King · Chapter
Of My Journey to London explained
Will Dale returns home after two years of captivity at Pontefract Castle, only to find his mother has died.
What happens
Will Dale returns home after two years of captivity at Pontefract Castle, only to find his mother has died. He reunites with Ben, Lucy, Rose, and Jacob Trusty, who break the sad news. After the harvest, Will seeks redress from General Cromwell for the depredations suffered under Colonel Cotterel. Cromwell advises him to go to London to formally prosecute his claim, and provides a safe-conduct. Will sets out for London on December 1, 1648, amidst stirring national events.
Themes in this chapter
Family and Heritage
Will's deep attachment to his home and family; the preserved parlour as a shrine to his mother's memory; the grief and continuity of the household.
Civil War and Duty
Will's captivity, the siege of Pontefract, his appeal to Cromwell for justice, and his journey to London amidst the civil war.
Fate and Providence
Will's uncertainty about his family's fate during captivity; the sense of destiny in his journey to London at a pivotal historical moment.
Characters to notice
- Will Dale
Returns home after two years of captivity; learns of his mother's death; seeks justice from Cromwell; journeys to London.
- Ben Tuckett
Seen with Lucy and Rose listening to Jacob; has been managing Will's affairs at Dale's Field.
- Rose Lisle
First to recognize Will; expresses concern over his worn appearance; present at the reunion.
- Lucy
Part of the group listening to Jacob; present at Will's return.
- Jacob Trusty
Leaning over the wall talking earnestly; looks old and careworn; later visits the parlour to remember Will's mother.
- Oliver Cromwell
Will visits him at Knottingley during the siege of Pontefract; listens to Will's complaint and advises him to go to London.
- Parson Drumbleforth
Visits the parlour to sit and remember Will's parents; blesses the family.
- Colonel Cotterel
Imposed strict rules on captives at Pontefract; responsible for the depredations Will complains of.
Key passages
“I drew near to my house with many anxious feelings, not knowing what news might be in store for me.”
Will approached his home nervously, uncertain of what he would find.
Sets the tone of apprehension and uncertainty upon returning from captivity.
“I thought as I stood at the orchard gate that I had never seen aught so beautiful as this homestead of mine, which my eyes then beheld for the first time for two long years.”
Will felt his home had never looked so lovely as it did after two years away.
Highlights Will's deep emotional connection to his home and the passage of time.
“Rose suddenly sprang forward with a great cry of “ ’Tis Will!” and in another moment they were all round me, laughing and crying over me, and shaking my hand and clapping my back all at once.”
Rose recognized Will and everyone joyfully surrounded him, mixing laughter and tears.
Depicts the emotional reunion after Will's long absence.
“He then counselled me to go to London, where he himself would shortly be, and to there prosecute my claim in due form, promising me that he would do what he could to aid me.”
Cromwell advised Will to go to London to formally pursue compensation and offered his help.
Sets up Will's journey to London and the political context of seeking justice.
