The Earl of W/Lord W Character Analysis in Black Beauty

Lord W is a friend of Squire Gordon who purchases Black Beauty and Ginger when the Gordons move to Europe. He’s far more interested in keeping up with current fashions than Squire Gordon is, so he refuses to drive Black Beauty and Ginger into the city since they don’t match. He also insists on using bearing reins on his horses. However, he is more sensible and compassionate than his wife, Mrs. W, is—he instructs York to work the horses up to a tight bearing rein slowly. He blames York when Ginger protests the bearing rein, injuring herself and Black Beauty and damaging the harness. He also doesn’t stop Lord George from riding Ginger and ultimately ruining her. When Reuben Smith injures and scars Black Beauty’s knees, Lord W refuses to keep a “blemished” horse on his estate. He sells Black Beauty to be a “job-horse.”

The Earl of W/Lord W Character Timeline in Black Beauty

The timeline below shows where the character The Earl of W/Lord W appears in Black Beauty. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance.

...Then, the horses learn that Squire Gordon is selling Ginger and Black Beauty to the Earl of W , an old friend. Merrylegs will go to the vicar and will never be sold.... (full context)

...rides Ginger and leads Black Beauty the 15 miles to Earlshall Park, home of the Earl of W . The coachman, Mr. York, is friendly to John, but he seems like the sort... (full context)

The next day, Lord W comes to inspect Ginger and Black Beauty. He’s pleased; Squire Gordon said they’re wonderful animals.... (full context)

...He grouses that he knew this would happen, but he can’t control Mrs. W if Lord W can’t. He attends to Black Beauty’s swollen kick wound. (full context)

Lord W is very upset when he finds out, but he blames York for listening to Mrs.... (full context)

In the spring, Lord W and Mrs. W go to London with York. Black Beauty, Ginger, and some other horses... (full context)

...“a drunkard” and a “fool.” The horses happily spend time together in the meadow until Lord W returns. (full context)

Lord W and York come to the meadow one day. Lord W is very annoyed; he says... (full context)