Barchester Towers

Barchester Towers is a book by Anthony Trollope, first published in 1857. The second book in the beloved Chronicles of Barsetshire series, this classic Victorian novel returns to the quiet cathedral city of Barchester, where church politics and social ambition collide in witty and often sharply observed ways. The story begins with the arrival of a new bishop, Dr. Proudie, whose outspoken wife, Mrs. Proudie, and the ambitious chaplain Mr. Obadiah Slope quickly shake up the traditional order of the clergy. Their interference unsettles long-established figures such as Archdeacon Grantly and the gentle Mr. Septimus Harding, leading to a subtle yet relentless power struggle within the Church of England. At the same time, personal lives and romantic hopes play out alongside the ecclesiastical intrigue. Eleanor Bold, a young widow and Mr. Harding’s daughter, becomes the subject of much speculation, flattery, and matchmaking. Her suitors — including the scheming Mr. Slope and the thoughtful Mr. Arabin — bring drama, misunderstandings, and social comedy to the heart of Barchester. The detailed character portraits and richly drawn setting make this a cornerstone of nineteenth-century English literature and a favourite among readers of classic fiction, historical novels, and social satire.