The Children of the New Forest

"The Children of the New Forest" by Frederick Marryat is a historical novel set in 1647 during the English Civil War, and showcases the lives of the orphaned Beverley siblings as they struggle for survival in a war-torn nation after losing their Cavalier father. Loyalty and the difficulties of becoming adults during the period are major themes, with the story starting with the historical setting of King Charles I's escape and the rise of the Parliamentary army. Now orphaned, the Beverley children come under the protection of Jacob Armitage, their father's loyal friend, who ensures their safety by teaching them new skills required for survival. Despite Miss Judith Villiers’ resistance to the threats of soldiers, Jacob's commitment to the Beverley children marks the beginning of their struggles as they adapt to a dangerous new life hidden in the New Forest.