Warden

The Warden concerns the unassuming Rev. Septimus Harding, who has for many years been the Warden of Hiram's Hospital in the fictional town of Barchester. A local doctor, though sweet on Mr. Harding's daughter Eleanor, is nevertheless a keen reformer zealous to overturn what he sees as corrupt patronage. He investigates Hiram's will and concludes that the money intended for aged wool-carders is unfairly consumed by the Warden's salary.Though strongly defended by the Church authorities, including his son-in-law Archdeacon Grantly, Mr. Harding has long struggles with his conscience.The Warden, published in 1855, was Trollope's first major writing success and formed the basis for the Chronicles of Barsetshire.