Barnaby Rudge is a story of a forbidden love in the time of great London riots in 1780. Both Edward''s father, John Chester, and Emma''s uncle, the Catholic Geoffrey Haredale – these two are sworn enemies – oppose their union after Sir John untruthfully convinces Geoffrey that Edward''s intentions are dishonourable. Sir John intends to marry Edward to a woman with a rich inheritance, to support John''s expensive lifestyle and to pay off his debtors. Edward quarrels with his father and leaves home for the West Indies.