The English Boy at the Cape: An Anglo-African Story facts for kids

The English Boy at the Cape: An Anglo-African Story is an exciting children's novel written by Edward Augustus Kendall. It was first published in 1835. Before writing this book, Kendall traveled a lot. He visited America, worked in Canada, and explored places like the West Indies, British India, and the Cape Colony. When he returned to England, he became a strong supporter for the rights of people who were poor, especially children.

This novel was one of the very first stories ever set in South Africa. Around the time the book was written, how children were treated in the Cape was a big problem. Britain was sending thousands of children who needed homes to its colonies. These children were often sent to work in tough conditions. In the 1830s, some teenagers were sent to the Cape by a group called the Children's Friend Society.

Some of these young people could read and write. They were determined enough to pay for stamps with their small wages to send letters home. These letters described the difficult conditions they faced. While some children were fine, others reported being treated very badly. Their families then shared these letters with newspapers, which published them. The stories caused such a big stir that the Colonial Secretary ordered an investigation. Because of this, no more children were sent to South Africa. However, Canada and Australia continued to receive children from Britain until the mid-1900s.

A Story of Friendship and Fairness

In The English Boy at the Cape, Kendall shares a powerful message about being kind to everyone, no matter their religion or background. The story follows a young English boy named Charles. He ends up living on the streets in Cape Town. A kind Muslim family takes him in. They teach him important lessons about being clean, being good, going to school, and working hard.

A Difficult Moment

One shocking event in the book happens when a group of British sailors, who have been drinking, break up a Muslim festival. They wrongly accuse the people celebrating of worshipping the devil. Even Charles gets hurt in the fight. People of all different backgrounds, except the English and Dutch, help those who are injured. Charles is cared for by "the Jew Benjamin." Throughout the long story, various local people also help and care for Charles.

Publication Details

The English Boy at the Cape: An Anglo-African Story was published in three volumes in London by Whittaker in 1835.