Posted by Hilary Weston on July 13, 1999 at 23:27:07 from dynamic-35.max3-du-ws.dialnetwork.pavilion.co.uk:
In Reply to: S&A Series posted by Penny Harris on July 13, 1999 at 22:02:48:
The first line of SA clearly states that Roger is 7, and later in the book, Vicky (Bridget) has her 2nd birthday. AR's initial planning notes, which are reproduced in 'The Swallows and The Amazons', say that John is 12, Susan 10, Titty 9, Nancy 13 and Peggy 12. There is also mention of a third Amazon aged 3, who didn't appear.
As the end of the series is only three years later, this would make;
Nancy 16
Peggy & John 15
Susan 13
Titty 12
Roger 10
Bridget 5
As to the end date of the series, only SA and SD have dates within the text, leading to the obvious continuity mistake, but it is easy enough to calculate how many years have passed from other clues. As I have said, the action takes place over four years. Further details can be found in 'AR and Captain Flint's Trunk'.