A quiet life shattered by accusations. In the peaceful cathedral town of Barsetshire, Mr. Harding, a gentle widower and warden of a medieval almshouse, faces a public storm. A zealous reformer, John Bold, exposes the disparity between the almshouse’s income and Harding’s comfortable living, igniting a media frenzy and social debate.
Caught in the crossfire are Harding’s loyal daughter Eleanor, her ambitious husband the Archdeacon, and Bold himself, torn between his principles and his love for Eleanor. As accusations fly and legal battles loom, Harding must confront his conscience and decide whether to hold onto his position or sacrifice his reputation and comfort for the sake of justice.
‘The Warden’ is a captivating tale of clashing ideals, family loyalty, and the power of public opinion. Anthony Trollope’s nuanced portrayal of characters and his keen observations of Victorian society make this novel a timeless classic, invit