The Warden

About “The Warden”

The Warden is the first book in The Chronicles of Barsetshire by Anthony Trollope. It follows the town of Barchester, where a scandal involving a Church-run almshouse upsets the peaceful community. Septimus Harding, the almshouse's warden, faces conflict with Dr. John Bold, a reformer who exposes financial issues. Harding's son-in-law, Archdeacon Grantly, also becomes involved in the dispute. The novel offers a satirical look at the Church of England and explores themes of morality, public and private life, and the emotional effects of public controversy.