Walter Scott is the author of very popular historical novels, the founder of the genre of "historical novel" in England. The main characters of the novel are Julian, the son of Jeffrey Peveril, and Alice, the daughter of Ralph Bridgenort. They are brought up as a brother and sister under the roof of the old castle; however, the enmity of the fathers for a long time separates the children. A few years later, political events accidentally bring young people together. They are now bound by friendship and love; but the religious and political divisions that have shaped the relationship and the fate of their families are causing a new separation. Eventually, Julian and Alice find each other, and the light on the Peverilov Tower announces their wedding. Before that, however, Julian gets into the Tower, where he is thrown and Sir Peveril: they are accused of involvement in a papist conspiracy. Meanwhile, Alice almost falls victim to the political and personal intrigues of Edward Christian. She is saved by Fenella, who herself was an instrument in his hands, but was completely freed from his power, driven by a love for the young Peveril.