Thomas (Burton novel) facts for kids

Thomas is an exciting historical novel written by Hester Burton in 1969. In the United States, it was published with the title Beyond the Weir Bridge. The story follows three friends as they grow up in England during a very challenging time. This period was full of political and religious changes.

The book takes place after the Wars of the Three Kingdoms ended in 1651. It covers major historical events like the return of King Charles II in 1660. This event is known as the Restoration. The story also includes the terrible Plague of 1665 and the huge Fire of London in 1666. Like other books by Hester Burton, Thomas gives a detailed and accurate look at this important part of history.

About the Book's Publication

The novel Thomas was first released in the UK in 1969 by the Oxford University Press. A year later, in 1970, it was published in the US by Crowell & Co.. For the American release, the title was changed to Beyond the Weir Bridge.

Around the same time, Hester Burton also published another book called Through the Fire. This book explores similar ideas and themes but was written for younger readers.

Exploring the Story's Plot

A weir bridge; Thorp, Washington, USA.

The story of Thomas centers on three main characters: Richard, Richenda, and Thomas. Thomas is the character who gives the book its UK title. We first meet them when they are seven years old. This is right after the major conflicts known as the Wars of the Three Kingdoms have ended.

Richard's father died from a fever in 1644. He was serving in the army during the First English Civil War at Arundel Castle. His mother became very bitter after his death. She didn't show much affection for Richard. Later, she married a strict and serious man who was a Puritan.

Richenda is the daughter of Richard's mother's close friend. She helps look after Richard, and they grow up together. Both Richard and Richenda are lively and strong-willed. They are quite different from their third friend, Thomas.

Thomas's father was a Royalist, meaning he supported the King. He owned the local estate where Richenda's family lived. However, the war had ruined his family's wealth.

Richard and Richenda become good friends with Thomas. Thomas is quiet and enjoys studying. But he also shows he is a person of great honesty and bravery. Early in the book, he proves this by crossing a narrow bridge. This bridge was a plank laid across a local weir. This brave act gives the US version of the book its title, Beyond the Weir Bridge.

Life During the Restoration and Great Fire

The novel follows the three friends through a very unsettled time in history. This period began with the return of King Charles II in 1660. It ends with the devastating Great Fire of London in 1666.

Richard is expelled from Cambridge University. His parents then disown him. He moves to London and becomes an assistant to a doctor. Meanwhile, Richenda and Thomas decide to join the Quakers. This decision causes problems between Thomas and his father. It also creates a distance between the three friends.

Hester Burton does a great job explaining why groups like the Quakers were seen as dangerous back then. People remembered the recent civil war. They worried that new religious groups might cause more trouble. This was historically accurate, as some Puritan groups did try to start revolts. One such attempt was led by Thomas Venner in 1661.

The Great Plague of London, 1665; collecting the dead for burial

Thomas and Richenda fall in love, get married, and have a child. Thomas inherits his father's land. However, they face difficulties because they are Quakers. When the Plague breaks out in 1665, Richard and his master are among the few doctors who stay in London to help. This detail is historically true. One of Richard's patients is a young Quaker woman. Her strong faith and kindness help Richard regain his trust in people.

Thomas feels he must go to London to help Richard care for the sick. Sadly, Thomas later dies from the plague himself.

Changes and New Beginnings

Thomas's sacrifice and Richard's own experiences change Richard's outlook on life. He becomes much more understanding and accepting of others. Richenda returns home to manage the estate. Richard visits her occasionally.

It is only when the Great Fire destroys much of London in 1666 that Richenda realizes she loves Richard. The story ends with Richard saving Thomas's son. The boy, like his father, runs across the weir bridge.

The novel shows how different people react to challenges and sadness. Richard's mother and Thomas's father become bitter. But Thomas, and later Richard, learn to avoid this. Like her other books, Beyond the Weir Bridge highlights how social differences affect the characters. It also shows their courage to challenge these problems. The book emphasizes the importance of education in helping them grow.