Septimus Harding, the unassuming warden of Hiram's Hospital, becomes the target of John Bold's crusade to rid the church of corruption and nepotism.

A turn of fate initiates a series of power struggles that shake Barchester from its cosy contemplacency

Mr. Slope's offer to restore Septimus as warden of Hiram's Hospital is calculated to guarantee refusal.

Eleanor's simple Christian tolerance towards Mr. Slope engenders wild speculation in many circles.

Miss Thorne's annual fete becomes the sparring ground for ecclesiastical and romantic ambitions alike.

Mr. Slope is encouraged by the press to reach beyond his grasp, and Signora Neroni undertakes an astonishingly selfless gesture.