The Picts and the Martyrs facts for kids
First edition
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| Author | Arthur Ransome |
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| Cover artist | Arthur Ransome |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Language | English |
| Series | Swallows and Amazons |
| Genre | Children's books |
| Publisher | Jonathan Cape |
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Publication date
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1943 |
| Media type | Print (Hardcover & Paperback) |
| ISBN | 978-1-56792-430-5 (David R. Godine, Publisher: paperback, 2010) |
| Preceded by | Missee Lee |
| Followed by | Great Northern? |
The Picts and the Martyrs is an exciting adventure story. It is the eleventh book in Arthur Ransome's famous Swallows and Amazons series. This book was first published in 1943. It is the last story in the series that takes place in the beautiful Lake District area.
The book features two groups of friends. These are the Blackett sisters, known as the Amazons. It also includes the Callum siblings, Dick and Dorothea, who are called the Ds. A very important character, the Great Aunt, also plays a big role. The story shows many parts of life in the Lakeland area. A special place called the Dog's Home is based on a real hut. This hut was built in the woods near Coniston Water, close to where Ransome lived.
Contents
Meet the Characters!
- The Ds: Dick and Dorothea Callum, who are brother and sister.
- The Amazons: Peggy and Nancy Blackett, two adventurous sisters.
- The Great Aunt: Maria Turner, a strict but caring relative.
- Jacky Warriner: A local boy who helps the Ds learn about the woods.
- Sammy Lewthwaite: The friendly local policeman.
- Billy Lewthwaite: Sammy's brother, who works as a gardener.
- Cook: The cook in the Blackett family's home.
- Timothy Stedding: Also known as "Squashy Hat" from the book Pigeon Post.
What's the Story About?
The story begins with Dick and Dorothea, the Ds, visiting Beckfoot. They are there for the start of their summer holidays. Mrs. Blackett has gone on a cruise for her health. She is with her brother, James Turner, who the children call Captain Flint.
However, a surprise visitor arrives. The Great Aunt Maria finds out the Blackett girls are home alone. She decides to come and look after them. She doesn't know that the Ds are also visiting.
The Secret Plan
Nancy Blackett quickly makes a plan. She wants to make sure the Ds' holiday isn't ruined. She decides they will learn to sail the Scarab. This is a small sailboat their father bought for them. To keep their fun going, the Ds move out to the Dog's Home. This is a small hut hidden in the woods. They become secret "Picts." Meanwhile, the Blackett girls pretend to be "martyrs" to the Great Aunt.
Adventures in the Woods
A local boy named Jacky teaches the Ds many woodcraft skills. He shows them how to prepare a rabbit for cooking. He also teaches them how to "tickle trout" in the streams. Dick, who loves birds, gets to use his knowledge of nature. Dorothea, as always, adds a romantic touch to their adventures.
The Great Aunt tries to make the Amazon girls more "civilized." She makes them read aloud and recite poetry. She even makes them play the piano. But despite these challenges, the girls still have many adventures.
Escapes and Discoveries
One day, they manage to escape for a whole day. They go with Captain Flint's friend, Timothy, to a copper mine. This mine was first found in the book Pigeon Post. The Ds also bravely sneak into Captain Flint's study at Beckfoot. They need to get some chemical equipment that Timothy needs for his work. They also get to learn how to sail the Scarab properly.
The Great Aunt starts to suspect something. She thinks the Amazons might be secretly meeting the Swallows. Near the end of her visit, the Great Aunt goes missing. Everyone starts looking for her. She had gone to investigate her suspicions about the "Swallows."
The Big Reveal
The Ds find her on Captain Flint's houseboat. Timothy had been living there in a bit of a mess. The Ds are the very people the Great Aunt must not meet. But they bravely take her back to Beckfoot in their boat. They get her there just in time for her train. They manage to avoid telling her who they really are. They slip away before anyone can ask questions. Nancy helps save the Great Aunt from embarrassment. For this, Nancy gets praised in a letter to her mother.
