"Barchester Towers" Summary

Introduction

Welcome to the world of Barchester Towers—a lively and sharply satirical novel by Anthony Trollope that has entertained generations of readers. Set in the seemingly tranquil English cathedral town of Barchester, this book is anything but sleepy. Instead, it offers a witty, intricate exploration of church politics, social ambition, and romantic intrigue, all wrapped in Trollope's signature blend of humor and insight.

First published in 1857, Barchester Towers is the second installment in Trollope’s beloved Chronicles of Barsetshire series, but it can be enjoyed as a standalone story. With a cast of unforgettable characters, from the kindly Mr. Harding to the scheming Mrs. Proudie, Trollope creates a microcosm of Victorian society—full of ambition, hypocrisy, and delightful surprises. Whether you’re a college student tackling Victorian literature or a reader in search of sharp social commentary, this summary will guide you through the heart of Barchester Towers.

Historical Context

Set in mid-19th century England, Barchester Towers unfolds against the backdrop of Victorian society—an era marked by strict social hierarchies, evolving religious institutions, and rapid change.

• The Church of England: The novel’s main battleground is the Anglican Church, which, at the time, was dealing with fierce debates over reform, tradition, and influence.
• Religious Conflict: The period saw tension between “High Church” (traditional, ceremonial) and “Low Church” (evangelical, reformist) factions—mirrored in the characters’ rivalries.
• Social Mobility: With the rising middle class and changing values, old aristocratic privileges were being questioned, adding another layer to the power struggles in Barchester.

Real-life Inspiration: Trollope drew on his own experience working in the British Post Office, traveling through England’s countryside, and observing the quirks of provincial life. The town of Barchester is fictional, but keen readers will spot echoes of places like Salisbury or Winchester.

Brief Synopsis

Plot Overview

Barchester Towers is a comic drama centered on the political and personal upheavals caused by the arrival of a new bishop and his formidable wife in the cathedral town of Barchester. When the beloved Bishop Grantly dies, the choice of his successor unleashes a cascade of ambitions and rivalries. The new bishop, Dr. Proudie, is not a man of strong will—but his wife, Mrs. Proudie, more than compensates.

As the Proudies and their ally, the manipulative chaplain Mr. Slope, try to control the diocese and oust the gentle Mr. Harding from his clerical position, they come up against entrenched interests and spirited resistance. Meanwhile, romantic entanglements and social maneuvering enliven the plot. Will the schemers triumph, or will Barchester’s old guard hold firm?

Setting

The novel takes place in the fictional cathedral town of Barchester, located in Barsetshire, an imagined English county. Trollope paints Barchester as a picturesque, somewhat insular town centered around its grand cathedral and bustling with ecclesiastical intrigue.

• Atmosphere: The town’s peaceful appearance belies the stormy politics and passionate ambitions that animate its clergy and citizens.
• Key Locations: The cathedral close, the bishop’s palace, Plumstead Episcopi (home of the Grantlys), and “Hiram’s Hospital” (an almshouse at the heart of much contention).

Main Characters

Let’s meet the colorful cast that makes Barchester tick:

Plot Summary

To keep things clear, let’s break the plot into key sections—each brimming with drama, humor, and a touch of scandal.

1. A New Era Begins

The death of the old bishop throws Barchester into uncertainty. The government appoints Dr. Proudie as the new bishop, and he arrives with his overbearing wife and the ambitious chaplain, Mr. Slope. From the start, Mrs. Proudie makes it clear she intends to rule the diocese—and her husband.

Mr. Harding, who had resigned from the lucrative wardenship of Hiram’s Hospital in the previous novel (The Warden), hopes to be reappointed. However, Slope and the Proudies have other plans.

2. Power Struggles

The main battle lines are drawn:

• Mrs. Proudie vs. Archdeacon Grantly: She wants to reform the church, he wants to preserve tradition.
• Mr. Slope’s Ambitions: Slope seeks to gain influence by courting favor with both the bishop and the bishop’s enemies, and by cozying up to young widow Eleanor Bold.

Meanwhile, the question of who will be the new warden of Hiram’s Hospital becomes a test of strength—will it be the gentle, deserving Mr. Harding, or the needy but less qualified Mr. Quiverful, who has 14 children?

3. Social Intrigue and Romance

Enter the Stanhope family—recently returned from Italy. Dr. Stanhope is a canon with little interest in church work. His daughter, Signora Madeline Neroni, is a beautiful but scandalous woman who turns heads wherever she goes. Her flirtations and manipulations stir up the town, especially affecting Slope and other would-be suitors.

Meanwhile, Slope sets his sights on Eleanor, believing her wealthy, while the honest, intellectual Mr. Arabin also finds himself drawn to her.

4. The Battle for Barchester

As alliances shift, Slope finds himself at odds with Mrs. Proudie, while his pursuit of Eleanor causes scandal. The townspeople, ever eager for gossip, take sides. The fate of the hospital wardenship, the cathedral, and the hearts of several characters all hang in the balance.

5. Resolution and Reconciliation

After much scheming, misunderstanding, and comic misunderstanding, the competing ambitions of Slope and Mrs. Proudie are checked by their own excesses. The right people are paired off, the diocese finds a measure of peace, and Barchester, though forever changed, settles back into its gently comic rhythms.

Themes and Motifs

Barchester Towers may be full of laughs, but it’s also rich in themes that resonate far beyond the world of Victorian clergy:

1. Power and Ambition

At its core, the novel is about the pursuit of power—ecclesiastical, social, and personal. Trollope skewers both the self-serving ambitions of Slope and Mrs. Proudie and the stubborn, if well-meaning, pride of the old guard.

2. Hypocrisy and Sincerity

Trollope delights in exposing characters who say one thing and do another. Slope, the ultimate hypocrite, cloaks his ambitions in piety, while the more sincere characters (Harding, Eleanor) struggle to survive in a manipulative world.

3. Tradition vs. Reform

The tension between High Church traditionalists (like Grantly) and Low Church reformers (like Slope and Mrs. Proudie) mirrors broader Victorian debates about authority, change, and modernity.

4. Gender and Influence

Though set in a patriarchal society, the novel is full of strong, influential women—most notably Mrs. Proudie and Signora Neroni—who manipulate events as skillfully as any man.

5. Marriage and Social Mobility

Romantic entanglements are not just about love—they’re also about money, status, and survival. Who marries whom, and for what reason, is a central concern.

6. Community and Belonging

Despite (or perhaps because of) its power struggles, Barchester is a tightly-knit community. Trollope shows both the comforts and the claustrophobia of small-town life.

Thematic Table

Literary Techniques and Style

Trollope’s storytelling is as enjoyable as his plot. Here’s why Barchester Towers stands out:

1. Omniscient Narration

Trollope’s narrator knows all—and isn’t shy about sharing opinions, often speaking directly to the reader with sly asides and gentle mockery.

“We fear that the bishop and Mrs. Proudie will be the heroes of our tale.”

2. Satire and Irony

Trollope skewers hypocrisy, ambition, and self-importance, but always with a twinkle in his eye. His humor is gentle, never cruel.

3. Rich Characterization

Each character is vividly drawn, with quirks and contradictions that make them feel real, if exaggerated for comic effect.

4. Social Realism

Though the plot is heightened, the problems of Barchester mirror real Victorian concerns—church reform, social change, family dynamics.

5. Dialogue

Trollope’s dialogue sparkles, revealing character and advancing the plot with wit and subtlety.

6. Pacing

The novel unspools at a leisurely, almost gossip-like pace—inviting readers to linger in Barchester’s parlors and drawing rooms.

Author’s Background

Anthony Trollope: The Man Behind the Satire

• Born: 1815, London, England
• Career: Civil servant in the British Post Office, novelist
• Major Works: The Warden, Barchester Towers, The Way We Live Now, the Palliser series

Trollope wrote over 40 novels, with the Barsetshire Chronicles among his most beloved. He was admired for his insight into social dynamics and his ability to create complex, believable characters.

Influences and Legacy

Trollope was influenced by personal experiences, travels, and keen observation of English society. His novels remain popular for their humor, realism, and relevance to ongoing debates about power and tradition.

• Literary Style: Realistic, conversational, gently satirical
• Impact: Trollope is considered a master of English social fiction, influencing later writers like George Eliot and E.M. Forster.

Key Takeaways

• Barchester Towers brilliantly satirizes church politics and social ambition.
• The novel’s humor, vivid characters, and timeless themes make it enjoyable even for modern readers.
• Trollope offers a nuanced look at power, hypocrisy, and the search for sincerity.
• The story is as much about community and belonging as it is about intrigue and rivalry.
• The book invites readers to reflect on the nature of ambition, love, and what it means to live with integrity.

Reader’s Takeaway

Reading Barchester Towers is like attending a Victorian dinner party—full of lively conversation, subtle competition, and the occasional scandalous revelation. Trollope’s genius lies in his ability to make even the most arcane church squabbles feel urgent, funny, and deeply human.

You’ll laugh at the outrageous Mrs. Proudie, sympathize with the gentle Mr. Harding, and perhaps see a bit of yourself in Barchester’s ambitious, flawed, but ultimately lovable citizens. The novel offers valuable insights into power dynamics, the dangers of hypocrisy, and the enduring value of kindness.

Whether you’re studying Victorian literature or just in need of a witty escape, Barchester Towers will leave you thinking—and smiling—long after you’ve turned the last page.

Conclusion

Barchester Towers is more than a mere satire of church politics; it is a timeless exploration of human nature, ambition, and the search for meaning in a changing world. With its vivid characters, sparkling humor, and sharp social observation, Trollope’s novel remains as fresh and relevant as ever.

If you’re looking for a book that combines laughter with insight, and romance with razor-sharp wit, look no further. Dive into Barchester, and let Trollope’s masterful storytelling guide you through a world both strange and strangely familiar. You may never look at small-town politics—or human ambition—the same way again.

Ready to discover more? Pick up Barchester Towers and enjoy the delicious drama for yourself!