By the Sword Divided (TV Series 1983)

By the Sword Divided is a British television series produced by the BBC between 1983 and 1985. Episode 2: https://rumble.com/v4ohl8n-by-the-sword-divided-tv-series-1983-this-war-without-an-enemy-s01-e02.html The series, created by John Hawkesworth, was a historical drama set during the mid-17th century, dealing with the impact of the English Civil War on the fictional Lacey family, made up of both Royalist and Parliamentarian supporters. It follows the family as it is torn apart by the conflicting and changing loyalties of the war, as families were during that time, and the defeat of the Royalist forces at the end of the First English Civil War. Series two covers the second and third civil wars and the eventual Restoration of the Monarchy. The last episodes see the surviving members of the family (from both sides of the divide) witness the arrival of King Charles II on a visit to the ancestral Lacey home. The filming of the show took place at Fermyn Woods Hall, Rockingham Castle and Lilford Hall in Northamptonshire. Cast & Characters (Regular Cast): Lucy Aston – Lucinda Lacey/Ferrar Timothy Bentinck – Sir Thomas (Tom) Lacey Simon Butteriss – Hugh Brandon Judy Buxton – Susan Protheroe/Winter Jeremy Clyde – HM King Charles I Rosalie Crutchley – Goodwife Margaret Rob Edwards – John Fletcher Peter Guinness – Dick Skinner Janet Lees Price – Emma Bowen/Skinner Andrew McCulloch – Captain/Colonel Leckie Andrew MacLachlan – Nathaniel Cropper Sharon Maughan – Anne Lacey/Fletcher Bert Parnaby – Sir Austin Fletcher Edward Peel – Walter Jackman Eileen Way – Minty Series 1 only: Ben Aris – Edmund Waller Tim Brierley – Lord Edward Ferrar Mark Burns – Captain Charles Pike Simon Dutton – Will Saltmarsh Julian Glover – Sir Martin Lacey Charles Kay – Sir Henry Parkin Frank Mills – Matthew Saltmarsh Michael Parkhouse – Sam Saltmarsh Malcolm Stoddard – Captain/Colonel Hannibal Marsh Jerome Willis – John Pym Episode 1: 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.

Episode 2: Summer 1641 - 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. Episode 3: https://rumble.com/v4ohqvk-by-the-sword-divided-tv-series-1983-the-sound-of-drums-s01-e03.html

Episode 3: September 1642 - 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. Episode 4: https://rumble.com/v4ohx1o-by-the-sword-divided-tv-series-1983-a-silver-moon-s01-e04.html

Episode 4: 1643 - 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. Episode 5: https://rumble.com/v4oi1dq-by-the-sword-divided-tv-series-1983-the-edge-of-the-sword-s01-e05.html

Episode 5: June 1644 - 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. Episode 6: https://rumble.com/v4ongrn-by-the-sword-divided-tv-series-1983-outrageous-fortune-s01-e06.html

Episode 6: 1645 - 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. Episode 7: https://rumble.com/v4onljq-by-the-sword-divided-tv-series-1983-a-sea-of-dangers-s01-e07.html

Episode 7: September 1645 - 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. Episode 8: https://rumble.com/v4onv4i-by-the-sword-divided-tv-series-1983-ring-of-fire-s01-e08.html

Episode 8: September 1645 - 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. Episode 9: https://rumble.com/v4oo1cw-by-the-sword-divided-tv-series-1983-ashes-to-ashes-s06-e09.html

Episode 9: September 1645 - 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. Episode 10: https://rumble.com/v4oo79n-by-the-sword-divided-tv-series-1983-not-peace-but-a-sword-s01-e10.html

Episode 10 (Season Finale): June 1647 - 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. Season 2: https://rumble.com/v4qtrsf-by-the-sword-divided-tv-series-1983-conflicts-1645-s02-e01.html