Hillingdon Hall: Or, The Cockney Squire: Analysis of Major Characters
"Hillingdon Hall: Or, The Cockney Squire" features a cast of diverse characters, primarily revolving around John Jorrocks, a wealthy grocer from London who immerses himself in rural life after purchasing Hillingdon Hall. Jorrocks is depicted as an active community member, even winning a parliamentary election against a marquis, which highlights the intersection of social class and local politics. His wife, Julia Jorrocks, takes on a patroness role but is criticized for enforcing unattractive uniforms on local schoolgirls. The narrative also introduces Mr. Westbury, the previous owner of the estate, and Joshua Sneakington, known as Sneak, who faces imprisonment for deceit against Jorrocks.
In the political landscape, Jorrocks receives support from the Duke of Donkeyton, who seeks his assistance and elevates his status by appointing him as a magistrate. Other notable characters include the Marquis of Bray, who attempts to woo Emma Flather, a local girl looking for a husband, and Bill Bowker, who initially competes against Bray in the electoral race but is later persuaded to step aside. The story is enriched by the local gossip of Mrs. Trotter, providing a social commentary on village life and the dynamics of ambition, class, and personal relationships.
Hillingdon Hall: Or, The Cockney Squire: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: Robert Smith Surtees
First published: 1845
Genre: Novel
Locale: England
Plot: Satire
Time: Nineteenth century
John Jorrocks, “the Cockney Squire,” a wealthy London grocer turned sportsman who buys Hillingdon Hall. He wholeheartedly takes part in the community life. He wins election to Parliament against a marquis and leaves Pigg in charge of Hillingdon Hall when he returns to London for sessions of Parliament.
Julia Jorrocks, his wife, who, as patroness of the local school, forces the girls to wear flashy, tasteless uniforms.
Mr. Westbury, the former owner of Hillingdon Hall.
Joshua Sneakington, called Sneak, the manager of Jorrocks' estate until jailed for cheating his master.
James Pigg, the new manager.
The Duke of Donkeyton, who wants Jorrocks' political help. He invites the family to dinner and appoints Jorrocks a magistrate.
The Marquis of Bray, the duke's effeminate son, who finds Emma attractive. He cooperates with Jorrocks in an agricultural society and runs for Parliament.
Bill Bowker, who runs against Bray for Parliament until bought off by the duke. The farmers then put up Jorrocks to replace him, and Jorrocks wins the election by two votes.
Emma Flather, a country girl in search of a husband.
Mrs. Flather, her mother.
James Blake, Emma's favorite until she can do better.
Mrs. Trotter, the neighborhood gossip.