2 or 3 real life people including General Tommy McPherson. A Boer War veteran who saved the life of his fellow officers and men, he is decorated with the Victoria Cross for his services, but is left permanently scarred by having killed 11 Boer soldiers to earn the medal, and cuts himself off from the world, eventually being persuaded to accept a job as a night watchman in the Barrington shipyards by his former lieutenant, Sir Walter Barrington, whose life he saved. He takes up residence in the shipyard, in an old railway carriage. Mr Holcombe - Harry's first teacher at Merrywood Elementary school Mr Frobisher - Harry's house master at St Bede's Sir Walter Barrington - The patriarch of the Barrington family. A god-fearing man. Hugo Barrington - Son of Sir Walter. Referred to by Old Jack Tar as "A man not cut out of the same cloth as his father." Also the antagonist in the book. Creates obstacles in Harry's life. Elizabeth Barrington - Hugo's wife and Giles' and Emma's mother. Lord Harvey - Elizabeth's father. Owns a manor in Scotland. Algernon Deakins - Harry's friend throughout school life Giles Barrington - Harry's best friend and Hugo's son. Emma Barrington - Giles' sister and Harry's lover. Stan Tancock - Maisie Clifton's brother and Arthur Clifton's best friend and co-worker, a high-functioning alcoholic. References 2011 British novels Novels by Jeffrey Archer Novels set in Bristol Macmillan Publishers books