Held Fast For England: A Tale of the Siege of Gibraltar (1779-83) tells the story of Bob Repton, a young boy who is sent to live with his sister and her husband, Captain O'Halloran, in Gibraltar. The year is 1779, and the British colony is under siege by the Spanish and French. Bob soon finds himself caught up in the excitement of the siege, and he witnessed firsthand the courage and determination of the British soldiers and civilians who defend the Rock. He also makes new friends, including Jim Sankey, a young sailor who is determined to make a name for himself. Together, Bob and Jim experience the highs and lows of war, and they learn the importance of friendship, courage, and loyalty. The book is a historical fiction novel, but it is also a story about the power of the human spirit. Henty's writing is vivid and engaging, and he brings the characters and events of the siege to life. Held Fast For England is a classic tale of adventure, courage, and patriotism.