The Sticklepath Strangler

Cast of Characters

Sir Baldwin de Furnshill

The Keeper of the King’s Peace in Crediton, Baldwin has been marked by the injustice of the destruction of the Knights Templar. As a result he seeks justice for common folk.

Lady Jeanne

Baldwin’s wife, who was once widowed and now fears losing her second husband.

Edgar

Baldwin saved Edgar’s life in Acre, and since then Edgar swore loyalty to him for life. He is Baldwin’s most trusted servant.

Simon Puttock

Long a friend of Baldwin’s, and an official of the Stannaries, the tin miners of Dartmoor. Simon and Baldwin have often worked together on investigations.

Roger de Gidleigh

Coroner Roger is one of only two Coroners who must investigate all sudden deaths and wrecks in Devonshire.

Nicole Garde

The French wife of Thomas Garde; mother of Joan.

Thomas Garde

Thomas is a freeman, who works his own little plots, but he is an incomer to the vill of Sticklepath and has never been fully accepted.

Joan

Daughter of Nicole and Thomas, Joan has found a corpse.

Ivo Bel

Brother of Thomas, and Manciple to the nuns of Canonsleigh. He lusts after Nicole, his sister-in-law.

Serlo Warrener

A gruff, hardy man, crippled years ago, who tends to the warren up on the moor.

Athelhard

Athelhard was killed by the vill when they thought him guilty of murder.

‘Mad’ Meg

Sister to Athelhard, and simple from birth, Meg avoids the vill since the death of her brother.

Ansel de Hocsenham

A Purveyor to the King, Ansel last visited the vill during the 1315–16 famine.

Emma

Close friend of Joan who found the corpse with her.

Swetricus

A peasant of Sticklepath who lost Aline, his daughter, several years ago. Three daughters survive.

Samson atte Mill

The miller, known for brawling and drunkenness.

Gunilda

Samson’s wife, a downtrodden woman.

Felicia

Samson and Gunilda’s daughter.

Alexander de Belston

The cautious Reeve of Sticklepath who is determined to preserve the reputation of the vill and its people.

William Taverner

William is the master of the only inn.

Ham

Taverner’s son, who was killed in the recent floods.

Mary

Daughter to Taverner, who often serves visitors to the inn.

Gervase Colbrook

Parson to the little chantry chapel of Sticklepath.

Drogo le Criur

Leader of the Foresters, charged with the duty of guarding the Forest of Dartmoor and travellers over it.

Peter atte Moor

A Forester under Drogo, Peter lost his daughter Denise to the murderer some years ago.

Adam Thorne

Also a Forester, Adam has a bad limp, but is known for his strength and integrity.

Vincent Yunghe

The youngest of the Foresters, Vin is still learning his duties.

Miles Houndestail

A traveller who was first to see the corpse with the two girls.