Old Merdell

In the novel Dead Man's Folly, “Old” Merdell was a 92-year-old boatman, driving a ferry cross the river Helm. He was the father of Mr Merdell and Mrs Tucker, and thus the maternal grandfather of Marlene Tucker. He drowned, and it is first believed to be an accident but later it is revealed that he was murdered.

His favourite pub was Thee Dogs in Gitcham, across the river.