The Gauntlet (novel) facts for kids
The Gauntlet is an exciting children's book written by Ronald Welch. It was first published in 1951. This novel is a special kind of story called a time slip adventure. It takes place in two different years: 1951, which was the "present day" when the book was written, and way back in 1326. Most of the story happens around Carreg Cennen Castle in Wales. You'll also find parts of the adventure at Kidwelly Castle and Valle Crucis Abbey.
Contents
What is The Gauntlet About?
This book tells the story of a boy named Peter Staunton. He goes on an amazing adventure through time. It's a historical novel, meaning it mixes a fictional story with real facts about the past.
Peter's Time-Traveling Adventure
The story starts with Peter Staunton and his friend Gwyn Evans. They are on holiday in the beautiful Brecon Beacons area. While exploring, they discover an old, rusty iron glove. This type of glove is called a gauntlet.
The Magic Gauntlet
When Peter tries on the gauntlet, something strange happens. He starts to hear sounds from long ago. He hears things like horses galloping. He also learns that other people have had similar experiences with the gauntlet. It seems to have a special power.
Life in Medieval Times
Peter becomes very interested in the past. He spends time learning all about what life was like in medieval England. One day, he falls asleep in the garden of Carreg Cennen Castle. When he wakes up, he is no longer in his own time! He has traveled back to the medieval period.
Peter's Experiences in 1326
While in the year 1326, Peter has many exciting adventures:
- He attends a big medieval feast.
- He visits an old abbey, which is a type of monastery.
- He watches a thrilling joust, where knights fight with lances.
- He even takes part in a battle! The castle is under attack by the Welsh.
- During the battle, Peter gets hurt and passes out.
- Before he wakes up, he buries a small dagger. This dagger is called a misericorde. He hides it in the castle's herb garden.
Back to the Present Day
Peter then wakes up back in his own time, the year 1951. He tries to tell his friends about his amazing journey. They think he was just dreaming.
The Buried Dagger
Peter remembers burying his dagger in the past. He wants to prove his adventure was real. He searches for the spot where he buried it. Eventually, he digs up a very old, rusty knife. But it's not completely clear if it's the exact same dagger he buried. The mystery makes the story even more interesting!
