The Richleighs of Tantamount facts for kids
First US edition
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| Author | Barbara Willard |
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| Cover artist | C. Walter Hodges |
| Genre | Children's literature |
| Publisher | Constable (UK) Harcourt, Brace & World (USA) |
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Publication date
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1966 (UK) July 1, 1967 (USA) |
| Media type | Print (Hardcover) |
| Pages | 189 |
The Richleighs of Tantamount is an exciting historical novel for children. It was written by the British author Barbara Willard. The book was first published in the United Kingdom in 1966. Later, it came out in the United States in 1967. C. Walter Hodges created the drawings and the cover art for the first edition.
Contents
About the Story
This book tells the tale of four young brothers and sisters. Their names are Edwin, Angeline, Sebastian, and Maud. They live in a huge London mansion during the Victorian era (around the 1870s). Their parents are very rich. The children have always dreamed of visiting Tantamount. This is an old castle on the coast of Cornwall, built by their very old relative. They often look at a giant painting of the castle in their living room. They wonder about its mysterious past.
Their lives change one summer when their father gets very sick. Their parents decide to go on a sea trip to help him get better. The children are sent to stay at the castle. When they arrive, they start exploring. They soon realize that the castle, even though it's grand, has been ignored for many years. It's falling apart! Their teachers and servants are shocked by the castle's condition. They quickly leave. But the children decide to stay by themselves.
Life as Castaways
The children feel like they are castaways, like people stranded on an island. They enjoy their new freedom, even though things are tough. They make friends with two local kids, Nancy and Dick. Later, Nancy and Dick disappear, and the Richleighs get worried. They start to suspect that the castle is being used for illegal activities. They think people might be smuggling goods or even causing shipwrecks on purpose to steal from them.
In the end, Tantamount castle is destroyed by fire. Luckily, the children survive. When their parents finally arrive, they are very relieved to find their children safe.
Meet the Characters
The Richleigh Children
- Edwin Richleigh, 16: He is the oldest and most educated of the siblings. He is also the one who will inherit the family's money.
- Angeline Richleigh, 14: She likes to challenge rules but looks very innocent.
- Sebastian Richleigh, 11: He asks many questions and remembers the answers better than his older brother.
- Maud Richleigh, 8: Everyone treats her as the youngest, except Angeline. She is the prettiest of the four.
Their Parents
- Major Sir Rautboy Richleigh: His name is pronounced Raw-bee. He is the third-richest man in England.
- Lady Daisy: She is Sir Rautboy's wife. She is an earl's daughter and also an heiress.
People from London
- Mr. Gaunt: Edwin's English tutor.
- Miss Venus: The governess who teaches Angeline, Sebastian, and Maud.
- Old Nurse and New Nurse: They take care of the house.
- Lance: The pageboy who opens the door.
People at Tantamount
- Nancy Treloar and her brother Dick Treloar: Two local children the Richleighs meet.
- Mr. John Pascoe: A kind man who owns a farm called Treligger.
- Mrs. Pascoe: His wife, who is not very friendly.
- William Treloar: Nancy and Dick's father.
Fun Customs and Games
- Wif: This is short for What would you do if—?. It's the Richleigh children's favorite game.
- Toy Sunday: This is a special day when toys are given out. It happens twice a year. The book mentions the one in May.
- Councils of Tantamount: Edwin holds special meetings for his siblings. They have these meetings several times while they are staying at the castle.
