BEVERLEY ELPHICK

CAST OF CHARACTERS

 

Esther Coad

A young, educated woman forced into a life of servitude at Coad Farm following the death of her mother, father and younger brother from the Great Sickness.  Esther’s father was an apothecary in Kent; her mother, Sarah, a skilled herbalist. She inherited her mother’s skills and her father’s observational medical journals, but no material wealth on their demise. 

​

The Coads of Hamsey

Farmers and distant members of Esther’s wider family.  Farmer and Missus Coad took Esther in as a maid of all work.  They had three sons, Jacob, Josiah and Job. The family were mean-spirited and heavily involved with the local smugglers.

​

The Kempe family of Southease

Tilly Kempe, Esther’s aunt, and her two sons, Sam and Jeremiah, head of the smuggling gangs in the area.

​

Becca and Beth

Becca, a very young girl employed by Farmer Coad as a scullery maid.  Abused by Farmer Coad, she became pregnant, giving birth to Beth.

​

Billy-alone

An orphan boy who lived in the workhouse but spent most of his time wandering the streets of Lewes and living on his wits. 

​

Mrs. Makepiece

A Lewes resident who helped Esther and Beth following their escape from Coad Farm.  A resident of Keere Street and stalwart of the town.

​

Miss Wardle

Eccentric spinster friend of Mrs. Makepiece who takes Billy-alone under her wing but who, in general, prefers her piggies to humans.

​

Cecilia and Farmer Elwood

Cecilia, the daughter of an earl, married to Farmer John Elwood.  Farmer Elwood was a Gentleman farmer with a considerable estate. The Elwoods become Esther’s patrons and absorbed her into their own household in recognition of her care, skills and kindness.

 

Wilf

A young farm workman much valued by the Elwoods. 

 

Dr. Bartholomew Grieve

Coroner and physician for Lewes and the wider district.