A Traveller in Time

Penelope Taberner visits her great-aunt's farm in Derbyshire and discovers she can travel between the present day and the year 1582. During her time-slips into the Tudor era, she becomes involved with the household of Thackers Farm and their dangerous plot to free Mary Queen of Scots from nearby imprisonment. The story moves between 20th century rural England and the intrigue of Queen Elizabeth I's reign. Penelope must navigate both time periods while keeping her ability to travel through time a secret from those around her. The farm setting provides a connection point between past and present, with its ancient rooms and passages serving as portals. Historical figures including Anthony Babington and Mary Queen of Scots appear as key characters in the Tudor timeline. This novel explores themes of destiny, loyalty and the persistence of place through time. The interweaving of historical fact with supernatural elements raises questions about the nature of time itself and whether the past truly remains separate from the present.

Readers appreciate the detailed historical atmosphere and time-slip elements, with many noting the book's dream-like, ethereal quality. The scenes at Thackers Farm contain rich sensory details that transport readers to Tudor England. Multiple reviews mention getting lost in the descriptions of daily Tudor life, cooking, and customs. Fans connect with protagonist Penelope's emotional journey and her relationship with the Babington household. Several readers report re-reading it multiple times since childhood. Common criticisms include the slow pacing, especially in the opening chapters. Some find the plot meandering and the ending unsatisfying. A few note that the romantic elements feel underdeveloped. Ratings: Goodreads: 4.0/5 (2,800+ ratings) Amazon: 4.4/5 (240+ ratings) LibraryThing: 4.1/5 (300+ ratings) "Like stepping into a vivid dream" - Goodreads reviewer "Beautiful but moves at a snail's pace" - Amazon reviewer "The historical details outshine the actual story" - LibraryThing review

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The Children of Green Knowe by Lucy M. Boston A young boy visits his grandmother's ancient manor house where he encounters the spirits of three children who lived there during the 17th century.

Charlotte Sometimes by Penelope Farmer A boarding school student switches places with a girl from 1918 every night when she sleeps in a specific bed, leading to an exploration of identity and time travel.

Playing Beatie Bow by Ruth Park A modern girl follows a mysterious child through the streets of Sydney and finds herself transported to the year 1873, where she becomes entangled in the lives of the Bow family.

The House in Norham Gardens by Penelope Lively A fourteen-year-old girl living in a Victorian house discovers a tribal shield that connects her to the past and leads her through time-slip experiences in Oxford.

🏰 Author Alison Uttley grew up in a 17th-century Derbyshire farmhouse similar to the one featured in the book, lending authenticity to her historical descriptions ⌛ The novel is based on the real historical events surrounding Mary, Queen of Scots and the Babington Plot of 1586, which aimed to assassinate Queen Elizabeth I ✍️ Uttley wrote the book while mourning the death of her husband, James Uttley, who died by suicide in 1930—the time-traveling elements reflect her own desire to escape present grief 🌟 The book has never been out of print since its first publication in 1939 and has influenced many subsequent time-travel novels in children's literature 🎬 The BBC adapted the novel into a television series in 1978, starring Sophie Thompson as Penelope Taberner Cameron, bringing the story to a new generation of viewers