Will of the Mill

by George Manville Fenn

"Will of the Mill" by George Manville Fenn is a novel written in the mid-nineteenth century. The story is set in a Huguenot settlement in the Derbyshire dales, where the lives of two boys—Will, the mill owner's son, and Josh, the vicar's son—intertwine with that of a visiting artist. Together, they embark on youthful adventures that unfold amidst the challenges of life, including a mysterious fire at the mill and the threat of flooding. At the start of the novel, we are introduced to the idyllic setting of Belle Dale and the close friendship between Will and Josh. The pair engages in playful antics, such as a mischievous attempt to tease the sleeping artist by hoisting his umbrella. However, tensions rise as incidents occur at the mill, including a fire and the unsettling character of James Drinkwater, who becomes obsessed with the mill owner. The opening chapters set the stage for a story filled with youthful escapades, personal conflicts, and a dramatic exploration of themes such as friendship, loyalty, and the struggle against adversity.