By the Sword Divided
This classic period drama series follows the fortunes of the aristocratic Lacey family, living peacefully in Arnescote Castle until the onset of the English Civil War in 1640. Sir Martin Lacey, the head of the family, is steadfastly loyal to the King. However the family is torn apart when his eldest daughter Anne weds John Fletcher - son of a merchant family who support the forces of Cromwell.
1645: Arnescote Castle, home to the mid-seventeenth century Lacey family, is now in the hands of Parliamentarian John Fletcher and his wife Anne.
1649: The trial and execution of Charles I seems to have put an end to the Royalist cause.
1649: The Fletchers receive Oliver Cromwell at Arnescote, unaware of the dangers involved.
1650: Henry Snelling, a witch-finder, arrives at Arnescote Castle and spreads suspicion and distrust that leads to strained relations between John and Anne.
1651: King Charles II, defeated at the Battle of Worcester, seeks sanctuary at Arnescote and is treated kindly, before attempting to escape into exile.
1653: Arnescote's 'singing boy' Hugh Brandon discovers his true identity and is horrified to discover who his birth mother is.
1655: Sir Thomas Lacey is involved in an uprising plot to recapture Arnescote Castle. Sir Austin Fletcher stands firm.
1657: Martin Fletcher is caught brawling with the village boys and Anne is summoned to London by her husband, John, to discuss his suspicions.
1658: Cromwell is on his deathbed. Tom Lacey meets with his twin, Anne, to discuss her affair with Horton and finally proposes to Frances.
1660: With the restoration of King Charles II, John Fletcher is brought to trial as a regicide. Tom is surprised to be honoured as a Baron by the King.
There is great excitement surrounding the arrival of John Fletcher at Arnescote Castle. His father and Lord Lacey have a heated discussion about the wedding dowry.
The King dramatically makes several arrests for treason in the House of Commons. While out riding Lucinda meets Prince Rupert on his way to visit Sir Martin.
Anne returns to the castle to collect her belongings and has a sad parting with her father. Lord Lacey is badly wounded fighting and a cousin, Susan Protheroe, arrives seeking refuge.
Lucinda is rude to the King because of her sense of justice - she then embarks on a successful adventure posing as 'Luke' Lacey and redeems herself.
Arnescote is commandeered by Captain Marsh, a Cavalry Officer for Cromwell's Parliament. Sir Martin feels let down by the King and cousin Susan betrays the family.
Dick Skinner returns to Arnescote with tales of pillaging in Swinford. Tom goes there and brings his sister Anne home despite her angry protests. Lucinda receives advice from the King.
Tom is anxious about the castle's security and calls for more diligence. Anne gives birth then bids a sad farewell to Arnescote. Hugh Brandon performs a 'valiant commission' for Sir Martin.
Arnescote is surrounded and is under siege by the Roundheads. Sam Saltmarsh brings shame on his family by being a turncoat and Susan Protheroe is re-acquainted with Colonel Marsh.
Sir Martin's funeral brings with it more family and political discord. Colonel Marsh is holding Arnescote's inhabitants hostage and the future of the castle is looking grim.
The Fletchers return to Arnescote as the new owners but life is not as they expected. Cousin Susan gets shocking news from Colonel Marsh. Edward has a plan to get Tom out of the Tower.
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| Language | English |
| Release | 1983-10-16 |
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