Frances Mary Peard
Prentice Hugh
"Prentice Hugh" by Frances Mary Peard is a novel written in the late 19th century. The story is set in the late 13th century and follows a spirited young boy named Hugh Bassett, who faces challenges and adventures during a fair in Stourbridge and dreams of becoming a soldier. The narrative explores themes of bravery, friendship, and the dynamics of social class in medieval England. The opening of the book introduces us to Hugh, a courageous lad of about eleven who fights off a group of boys bullying him for defending a monkey from their cruel intentions. Following the conflict, Hugh meets a Franciscan friar and Edgar, an older boy, who are amused by his grit. As the story unfolds, we learn about Hugh's family background, including his deceased mother and father, Stephen Bassett, who is a wood-carver striving to secure a future for his son. The scene transitions from a lively fair to the intimate dynamics of their home life, sharing their aspirations and concerns, ultimately setting the stage for their journey to Exeter in search of new opportunities. Throughout this beginning, the reader is drawn into a vivid historical setting, filled with rich descriptions of the period, and the personal ambitions of the characters.