St. George for England: A Tale of Cressy and Poitiers
1884
St. George for England: A Tale of Cressy and Poitiers
1884
The year is 1346. England stands on the brink of catastrophe as French armies mass across the Channel. Into this world of shifting loyalties and brutal warfare steps Walter Fletcher, a boy born of mystery and raised by a blacksmith's hearth. His mother Lady Alice fled a terrible fate, finding shelter in a rural village where she gave birth to her son before vanishing from the narrative. What remains is Walter, apprenticed to the forge, learning the weight of sword and shield while war drums grow louder. When Edward III calls his banners, Walter answers. He marches with English knights to Cressy, that glorious August afternoon where French nobility falls like summer wheat before the longbowmen's arrows. Then to Poitiers, where the captured King of France becomes a guest of the English crown. Through it all, Walter transforms from blacksmith's apprentice to seasoned warrior, his coming-of-age intertwined with the fate of nations. This is adventure history at its 19th-century best: a boy hero, legendary battles, and the rough chivalry of an age when war was both brutal and beautiful.
About St. George for England: A Tale of Cressy and Poitiers
Chapter Summaries
- 1
- A mysterious woman with a child arrives at Geoffrey Ward's forge in Southwark during a storm. She is revealed to be Lady Alice Somers, who dies after entrusting her son Walter to the care of Giles Fletcher and his wife.
- 2
- Walter, now grown, overhears a plot in the Lambeth marshes involving a knight and river pirates planning to attack a boat. He organizes his friends to prevent the attack but arrives too late to stop it entirely.
- 3
- Walter and his companions rescue Dame Alice Vernon and her daughter Edith from the river pirates' attack. The plot is revealed to have been orchestrated by a mysterious knight seeking to harm the Vernon family.
Key Themes
- Honor and Chivalry
- The story emphasizes the ideals of knightly conduct, courage in battle, and protection of the innocent. Walter embodies these virtues throughout his journey from apprentice to knight.
- Social Mobility
- Walter's rise from apprentice to knight demonstrates that merit and valor can overcome humble birth. His true noble heritage is revealed, but his worth is proven through deeds.
- Loyalty and Friendship
- The bonds between Walter and Ralph, and Walter's relationships with his mentors, show the importance of faithful service and mutual devotion in medieval society.
Characters
- Walter Somers (Walter Fletcher)(protagonist)
- Son of Sir Roland Somers, raised as an apprentice armorer by Giles Fletcher. A skilled warrior who becomes a knight and esquire to the Black Prince.
- Ralph Smith(major)
- A blacksmith's apprentice who becomes Walter's devoted man-at-arms. Strong and loyal, wielding a mighty mace in battle.
- Geoffrey Ward(major)
- Master armorer who trains Walter and reveals his true parentage. A skilled craftsman and wise mentor.
- Giles Fletcher(major)
- Bowyer who raises Walter as his own son. Married to Bertha, who was nurse to Walter's mother.
- Dame Alice Vernon(major)
- Widow who holds Walter's father's former lands. Mother to Edith and Walter's protector.
- Edith Vernon(major)
- Young daughter of Dame Alice Vernon, Walter's beloved and future bride. A ward of the king.
