Prentice Hugh

Prentice Hugh, written by Frances Mary Peard and published in 1887, is a juvenile fiction novel set in the late 13th century. It follows the adventures of an eleven-year-old boy named Hugh Bassett, who dreams of becoming a soldier while navigating the challenges of a motherless family and social class dynamics in medieval England. The story begins with Hugh defending a monkey from bullies at a fair in Stourbridge, leading to encounters with a Franciscan friar and an older boy named Edgar. The narrative is notable for its vivid historical setting and exploration of themes such as bravery, friendship, and the aspirations of youth.