The Warden eBook

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.