The Vicar of Bullhampton

Name: The Vicar of Bullhampton
Author: Anthony Trollope

The narrative unfolds in a small town in Wiltshire, where the lives of its residents intertwine amidst social and moral dilemmas. The central characters include the vicar, Frank Fenwick, and the squire, Harry Gilmore, both of whom are well-regarded in their community. The story begins with the introduction of Bullhampton, a quaint town with a rich history, but one that is now facing challenges, particularly with the murder of a local farmer, Mr. Trumbull. As the investigation into Trumbull's murder unfolds, suspicion falls on Sam Brattle, the son of the local miller, Jacob Brattle. Sam has been seen in the company of known criminals, raising concerns about his involvement in the crime. The narrative explores themes of loyalty, love, and the struggle for redemption as Sam's family grapples with the implications of his potential guilt. Mary Lowther, a young woman staying with the Fenwicks, becomes entangled in the social dynamics of Bullhampton. She is courted by Harry Gilmore, who is earnest in his affections but faces rejection from Mary, who is uncertain about her feelings. The tension between personal desires and societal expectations is palpable as Mary navigates her relationship with Gilmore while also forming a bond with her cousin, Walter Marrable, who has his own troubled past. As the story progresses, the community's response to the murder and the subsequent trial of Sam Brattle reveals the complexities of human nature and the impact of social class. The narrative delves into the lives of the Brattles, highlighting their struggles and the weight of familial expectations. Jacob Brattle's bitterness over his son's alleged wrongdoing contrasts with the love and support of his wife, Mrs. Brattle, who remains steadfast in her belief in Sam's innocence. The climax of the story centers around the trial, where evidence is presented, and the community's sentiments are tested. The interplay between justice and mercy becomes a focal point as characters grapple with their moral compasses. The resolution sees the characters confronting their pasts and making choices that will shape their futures. Ultimately, the work examines the themes of love, loyalty, and the quest for redemption within the confines of societal norms, leaving readers to ponder the complexities of human relationships and the consequences of one's actions. The narrative concludes with a sense of hope, suggesting that even in the face of adversity, there is potential for growth and understanding.

By Anthony Trollope · First published 1870 · Genre: Literary Fiction, Victorian Fiction, Social Commentary · 60 chapters · 245,959 words

First lines

I am disposed to believe that no novel reader in England has seen the little town of Bullhampton, in Wiltshire, except such novel readers as live there, and those others, very few in number, who visit it perhaps four times a year for the purposes of trade, and who are known as commercial gentlemen. Bullhampton is seventeen miles from Salisbury, eleven from Marlborough, nine from Westbury, seven from Haylesbury, and five from the nearest railroad station, which is called Bullhampton Road, and lies on the line from Salisbury to Yeovil. It is not quite on Salisbury Plain, but probably was so once, when Salisbury Plain was wider than it is now. Whether it should be called a small town or a large village I cannot say. It has no mayor, and no market, but it has a fair. There rages a feud in Bullhampton touching this want of a market, as there are certain Bullhamptonites who aver that the charter giving all rights of a market to Bullhampton does exist; and that at one period in its history the market existed also -- for a year or two; but the three bakers and two butchers are opposed to change; and the patriots of the place, though they declaim on the matter over their evening pipes and gin-and-water, have not enough of matutinal zeal to carry out their purpose. Bullhampton is situated on a little river, which meanders through the chalky ground, and has a quiet, slow, dreamy prettiness of its own. A mile above the town -- for we will call it a town -- the stream divides itself into many streamlets, and there is a district called the Water Meads, in which bridges are more frequent than trustworthy, in which there are hundreds of little sluice-gates for regulating the irrigation, and a growth of grass which is a source of much anxiety and considerable trouble to the farmers. There is a water-mill here, too, very low, with ever a floury, mealy look, with a pasty look often, as the flour becomes damp with the spray of the water as it is thrown by the mill-wheel. It seems to be a tattered, shattered, ramshackle concern, but it has been in the same family for many years; and as the family has not hitherto been in distress, it may be supposed that the mill still affords a fair means of livelihood. The Brattles -- for Jacob Brattle is the miller's name -- have ever been known as men who paid their way, and were able to hold up their heads. But nevertheless Jacob Brattle is ever at war with his landlord in regard to repairs wanted for his mill, and Mr. Gilmore, the landlord in question, declares that he wishes that the Avon would some night run so high as to carry off the mill altogether. Bullhampton is very quiet. There is no special trade in the place. Its interests are altogether agricultural. It has no newspaper. Its tendencies are altogether conservative. It is a good deal given to religion; and the Primitive Methodists have a very strong holding there, although in all Wiltshire there is not a clergyman more popular in his own parish than the Rev. Frank Fenwick. He himself, in his inner heart, rather likes his rival, Mr. Puddleham, the dissenting minister; because Mr. Puddleham is an earnest man, who, in spite of the intensity of his ignorance, is efficacious among the poor. But Mr. Fenwick is bound to keep up the fight; and Mr. Puddleham considers it to be his duty to put down Mr. Fenwick and the Church Establishment altogether.

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The Vicar of Bullhampton is listed on Textopian as a novel by Anthony Trollope, dated 1870 CE.

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Work type: Novel
Author: Anthony Trollope
Date: 1870 CE
Language: English
Genres: Literary Fiction, Victorian Fiction, Social Commentary, Religious Fiction, Comedy of Manners
Length: 245,959 words
Structure: 73 chapters, 3,325 paragraphs
Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)

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Genres

Literary Fiction — The novel explores complex characters and social issues, typical of literary fiction.
Victorian Fiction — Set in the Victorian era, it reflects the social norms and values of the time.
Social Commentary — The book critiques societal structures and moral dilemmas prevalent in 19th-century England.
Religious Fiction — The title character is a vicar, and themes of faith and morality are central to the narrative.