Barnaby Rudge is a simple-minded, loving son of Rudge who murders his master, Mr. Reuben Haredale, for his money. Barnaby joins the Gordon Riots despite his mother's frantic pleas and becomes an enthusiastic participant. He is arrested and sentenced to death, but pardoned at the last moment. He and his mother live on the Maypole farm and could never be tempted to revisit London