The Picts and the Martyrs

The Picts and the Martyrs is the eleventh book in Arthur Ransome's Swallows and Amazons series of children's books. It was published in 1943. This is the last completed book set in the Lake District and features the Blackett sisters, the Amazons and the Callum siblings, Dick and Dorothea, known as the Ds. Ransome's most native character, the Great Aunt also features prominently as do many aspects of Lakeland life. The Dog's Home is based on a small stone hut built in the woods above Coniston Water close to Ransome's then residence. Characters The D's - Dick and Dorothea Callum The Amazons - Peggy and Nancy Blackett The Great Aunt (Maria Turner) Jacky Warriner Sammy Lewthwaite the policeman Billy Lewthwaite the gardener (Sammy's brother) Cook - cook in the Blackett household Timothy Stedding - known as "Squashy Hat" in Pigeon Post Plot summary The Ds have been invited to stay at Beckfoot at the start of the summer holidays while Mrs Blackett has gone with her brother, James Turner (whom they call Captain Flint), on a cruise for her health. However, when Great Aunt Maria finds out that the Blackett girls have been left at home, she decides to come and take care of them. She is unaware of the Ds' visit.