The Richleighs of Tantamount

Constable & Co Ltd

Company type	Publisher
Industry	Publishing
Headquarters	United Kingdom
Products	Books

The Richleighs of Tantamount is a historical novel for children authored by British writer Barbara Willard. It was initially released in the United Kingdom in 1966 by Constable & Co Ltd and subsequently published in the United States by Harcourt, Brace & World in 1967. The first edition included line drawings and a cover portrait created by C. Walter Hodges. The book garnered predominantly favorable critiques.

Synopsis

Set around the 1870s, the story follows four siblings—Edwin, Angeline, Sebastian, and Maud—residing in an affluent Victorian household in London. They aspire to visit Tantamount, a coastal castle in Cornwall constructed by their forebear. When their father becomes gravely ill, the children are sent to live at Tantamount while their parents embark on a sea voyage for his recuperation.

Upon reaching the castle, they discover it majestic yet long abandoned. The tutor, governess, and servants desert the crumbling estate, compelling the children to take charge themselves. Embracing their newfound autonomy, they befriend local youngsters Nancy and Dick and grow worried when these friends vanish.

Suspecting illicit smuggling and wrecking operations linked to the castle, the children confront various obstacles that lead to Tantamount being destroyed by fire. Their parents return to find them unharmed, bringing the episode to a close.

The Richleigh siblings

• Edwin Richleigh, 16: eldest child and most learned, heir to the family wealth.
• Angeline Richleigh, 14: defiant but outwardly innocent.
• Sebastian Richleigh, 11: curious and intelligent.
• Maud Richleigh, 8: youngest and regarded as the most attractive.

Their parents

• Major Sir Rautboy Richleigh (pronounced Raw-bee), ranked as England’s third wealthiest individual.
• Lady Daisy, his spouse, an heiress and daughter of an earl.

Residents of the London home

• Mr. Gaunt, Edwin’s tutor specializing in English.
• Miss Venus, governess responsible for Angeline, Sebastian, and Maud.
• Old Nurse and New Nurse, household caretakers.
• Lance, pageboy tasked with answering visitors at the door.

Family references

• Lady Augusta, cousin to Queen Victoria and neighbor near the Richleigh residence.
• Uncle Charles, Sir Rautboy’s strict brother who is feared by the children.

At Tantamount and surrounding area

• Mr. Devine, agent from Exeter overseeing maintenance of the castle.
• Mrs. Pengelly, visitor from southern England who aids the Richleighs upon arrival.
• (Mr.) Pengelly, her husband.
• Betsy Pengelly, their daughter.
• Nancy Treloar and her brother Dick Treloar, local children befriended by the Richleighs.
• Kate Treloar, their aunt residing at Penwellow.
• Mr. John Pascoe, owner of Treligger farm.
• Mrs. Pascoe, his stern wife.
• William Treloar, father of Nancy and Dick.

Reception

Reviews for The Richleighs of Tantamount were largely positive. Madeleine L'Engle writing for the Chicago Tribune described it as a "beautifully wrought Gothic tale," emphasizing Willard’s developing literary prowess. The Saskatoon Star-Phoenix highlighted its Victorian ambiance and Dickensian style illustrations as evoking nostalgic Christmas feelings for younger readers. Clarice Bosacker from the Albert Lea Sunday Tribune recommended it as thrilling reading suitable for ages twelve and above, predicting it would bolster Willard’s reputation within England. In contrast, The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books gave it a "Not recommended" rating in 1968, citing a lengthy and contrived plot despite occasional vivid descriptive elements.