Black Beauty: who's who, timeline and places
Everyone in Black Beauty, what happens when, and where, without spoilers: tell us how far you have read and we show only what you already know.
- Black BeautyThe horse narrator, first called Darkie, grows up with his mother under a kind master's care.First seen in part 1
- Squire GordonA squire who examines the young horse before his master begins training him.First seen in part 3
- GingerA horse at Squire Gordon's stable whose past mistreatment helps explain her distrust.First seen in part 4
- MerrylegsA welcoming pony at Squire Gordon's stable who explains Ginger's behavior to the newcomer.First seen in part 4
- JohnA careful horse handler who fits the new horse's equipment and tests him gently.First seen in part 5
- JamesA member of the household who notices the new horse's resemblance to Rob Roy.First seen in part 5
- Mrs. GordonThe woman who suggests Black Beauty as the new horse's name.First seen in part 5
- JoeA newcomer whom John agrees to train in stable work as James's replacement.First seen in part 17
- Reuben SmithA skilled groom with a drinking problem who takes charge while York is away.First seen in part 25
- JerryA gentle buyer who takes the narrator to London and provides a comfortable stable.First seen in part 32
- CaptainJerry's elderly horse, who meets Beauty and describes his military service.First seen in part 33
- PollyA member of Jerry's affectionate household who brings Beauty treats with Dolly.First seen in part 33
- Mr. ThoroughgoodWillie's grandfather, who buys the exhausted narrator and gives him rest and gentle care.First seen in part 48
- WillieA boy who urges his grandfather to buy the exhausted narrator and help him recover.First seen in part 48
- Part 1
Darkie grows up in a meadow, learning good behavior from his mother and receiving kind care.
- Part 3
His master gently trains him to accept riding equipment, harness work, and trains.
- Part 4
Darkie moves to Squire Gordon's stable and meets Ginger and Merrylegs.
- Part 5
Mrs. Gordon names him Black Beauty, and John reveals that Rob Roy is his brother.
- Part 7
Ginger describes the neglect and violent training that make her fear and resist people.
- Part 12
Beauty refuses to cross a broken bridge, saving his master and John from likely drowning.
- Part 16
James calmly rescues Beauty and Ginger from a burning stable, but two other horses die.
- Part 18
Beauty fetches medical help for Mrs. Gordon, then develops lung inflammation after Joe's mistaken care.
- Part 21
Mrs. Gordon's illness forces the household to close, and the horses leave for new homes.
- Part 23
Ginger fights tightened check reins and leaves carriage work, while Beauty continues under painful restraint.
- Part 25
Reuben Smith ignores a loose horseshoe and forces Beauty over sharp stones until the horse falls.
- Part 27
The earl sells Beauty because of his damaged knees, separating him from Ginger.
- Part 30
Filcher secretly steals Beauty's oats until police catch his son carrying stolen grain.
- Part 32
A gentle man buys Beauty at a fair and takes him to London.
- Part 33
Beauty begins London cab work, supported by Jerry's gentle driving, careful feeding, and weekly rest.
- Part 37
Jerry makes an exception to Sunday rest to take Dinah Brown to her dangerously ill mother.
- Part 40
Beauty meets the exhausted Ginger again and later sees a dead horse he believes is her.
- Part 43
Jerry carries a poor woman and her sick child to hospital without payment.
- Part 44
A drunken driver's crash badly injures Captain, and Jerry chooses death rather than selling him into suffering.
- Part 45
Jerry becomes dangerously ill after a freezing wait, and his family prepares to leave cab work.
- Part 46
A lady persuades Jakes to free Beauty's head, helping him pull an overloaded cart uphill.
- Part 47
Exhausted by Skinner's harsh cab work, Beauty collapses while pulling passengers and heavy luggage.
- Part 48
Willie persuades his grandfather to buy Beauty, whose strength returns with rest, food, and gentle care.
- Part 49
Joe recognizes Beauty at the sisters' home, where they restore his name and promise never to sell him.
Hidden until you have read that far.
- The meadowThe narrator's early home with his mother, offering water, shade, and shelter.First seen in part 1
- BirtwickSquire Gordon's home, where the narrator arrives and meets Ginger and Merrylegs.First seen in part 4
- The stablesSquire Gordon's comfortable quarters for horses, where the narrator receives a roomy loose box.First seen in part 4
- LondonA place where Ginger once works in painful carriage equipment under cruel handling.First seen in part 8
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