Based on Sir Walter Scott’s historical romance and dramatised by Anthony Steven, this five-part BBC1 Sunday evening series debuted on 14 January 1973.
The Palace of Woodstock is sequestrated by Parliament in 1651, but Oliver Cromwell (Jerome Willis) believes that the young Charles Stuart (Richard Morant) will seek refuge there. He has the sequestration order cancelled, the commissioners withdrawn and sets a spy to keep watch.
The story shows the effect these political events have on the lives of Sir Henry Lee (Clive Morton), the crusty old Ranger of Woodstock, his daughter Alice (Judy Loe), and Markham Everard (David Buck), a dedicated Cromwellian in love with Alice.
Philip Madoc played “Trusty” Tomkins.
There was much intrigue accompanied by frequent drawing of swords for displays of swashbuckling between roundheads and cavaliers.
Alice Lee
Judy Loe Albert Lee
Stephen Moore Charles, Prince of Wales
Richard Morant Markham Everard
David Buck Sir Henry Lee
Clive Morton Roger Wildrake
John Baddeley Dr Rochecliffe
James Garbutt Joceline Joliffe
Michael Beint Phoebe Mayflower
Maggie Wells Trusty Tomkins
Philip Madoc Oliver Cromwell
Jerome Willis Captain Pearson
Hilary Minster Rev. Holdenough
David Garfield General Desborough
Martin Wyldeck General Harrison
John Franklyn-Robbins
