The Boy who sailed with Blake

A peal of bells draws Ben Bracewell and his fishing companions back toward Lyme, where Colonel Robert Blake has arrived to organise the town's defence. Ben, Lancelot Kerridge and Dick Harvey belong to a community preparing for danger during the English Civil War. The opening moves from the harbour to streets and earthworks, where soldiers, townspeople and children share the labour of strengthening their position.

William Henry Giles Kingston's historical novel for young readers connects this local effort with life at sea under Admiral Blake. Later, rough weather and a sudden encounter in fog near Lisbon test the crew's readiness. Ben's conversation with Martin Shobbrok also turns attention to advancement and the commander's care for his men. The Christian ideals stated in the preface give the adventure a clear moral purpose. Its appeal lies in the combination of seamanship, public duty and a young participant's account of events.