Companion to Marling Hall

Set in the quiet countryside in the middle of WWII. Centers around three of the Marling children: widowed Lettice living at home again with her two daughters; Lucy, hardworking mainstay of the farming operations; Oliver, kept out of the army by poor eyesight. Highlights: David Leslie flirts both with Lettice and with Frances Harvey, a transplanted London bureaucrat who tries to marry Oliver Marling; Lucy thinks she loves Capt. Tom Barclay but “gives him up” to her sister; Miss Bunting lives at Marling to help with the war committees, cuts David Leslie’s ego down to size; Geoffrey and Frances Harvey struggle with village life; a visit from the Harveys’ French former governess, no match for Miss Bunting. Tom wins Lettice. Not her best, but some excellent comic scenes, and an entertaining wartime narrative.

 

Book Title and Abbreviation

High Rising HR
Wild Strawberries WS
The Demon in the House DH
Mrs. Morland and Son MMS
August Folly AF
Summer Half SH
Pomfret Towers PT
The Brandons B
Before Lunch BL
Cheerfulness Breaks In CBI
Northbridge Rectory NR
Marling Hall MH
Growing Up GU
The Headmistress H
Miss Bunting MB
Peace Breaks Out PBO
Private Enterprise PE
Love Among the Ruins LAR
The Old Bank House OBH
County Chronicle CC
The Duke’s Daughter DD
Happy Return HR2
Jutland Cottage JC
What Did It Mean? WDM
Enter Sir Robert ESR
Never Too Late NTL
A Double Affair DA
Close Quarters CQ
Love at All Ages LAA
Three Score and Ten TST

 

Character, Description, and Book Abbreviations

Allen, Nannie Formidable retired Nannie to David Leslie and to George Waring. Mother of Selina Crockett Hopkins. Lived in Ladysmith Cottages, Worsted. Daughter of a small Barsetshire farmer. Husband Albert died of drink. Also Nannie to Leslie and Cecil Waring, and was in service at Gatherum Castle when Lady Cora and Jeff Palliser (Lord Silverbridge) were children. MH, GU, LAR, OBH, DD, HR2, JC, CQ, LAA
Amanda Former receptionist at Maidenhair, the best Barchester hairdresser. Worked in regional commissioner’s office with “things clamped over her ears.” MH
Banister, Canon Vicar of St. Mary’s, Rushwater, later Canon of Barchester Cathedral. Always got eyeglasses tangled in cord. WS, CBI, MH, MB, PBO, LAR, ESR
Barclay Capt. Tom Barclay’s father, a ferocious old gentleman much like Mr. Marling. Married Dora Stoke. MH
Barclay, Capt. Tom Young officer from Yorkshire. Had three sisters. Was great friend of Lucy Marling, then married her widowed sister Lettice Marling Watson. Stepchildren Diana and Clare. Lived in Yorkshire after the war and had two sons. MH, GU, LAR, OBH, CC, DD
Barclay, Mrs. Capt. Tom Barclay’s mother. Maiden name Dora Stoke. Mr. Marling remembered her as a handsome girl at the Hunt Ball in ’97. MH
Barton, Alice Daughter of Walter and Susan Barton of Nutfield Village. Delicate, timid, romantic, and studious, she attended her first house party at Pomfret Towers and was attracted by the repulsive Julian Rivers, an “artist,” then came to her senses and married big, protective Roddy Wicklow. Three children: Guy, Alice, Phoebe. PT, BL, CBI, MH, HM, MB, PE, OBH, WDIM, ESR, DA, CQ, LAA, 3S& T
Barton, Guy Son of Walter and Susan Barton. Briefly engaged to Phoebe Rivers in PT. Later married daughter of the Archdeacon. Was in RAF in the war, then partner in his father’s architecture firm. PT, CBI, MH, PE, JC, WDIM, ESR, CQ, LAA
Barton, Mrs. Guy Strong-willed and competent daughter of the Archdeacon. Engagement to Guy Barton is announced in CBI. Her mother was a Rivers. Organized Land Girls during war. PT, B, CBI, MH
Barton, Susan Author of historical novels about obscure bastards of Popes and Cardinals. Lived more in the 16th century than in the present. Husband Walter, children Guy and Alice. PT, CBI, MH, PE, CC, WDIM, ESR, DA, CQ, LAA
Barton, Walter Resident of Mellings House in Nutfield on Pomfret Estate. Senior partner of architecture firm Barton and Wicklow. Wife Susan, children Guy and Alice. His firm repaired Hiram’s Hospital. Author of Minor Domestic Architecture of East Barsetshire. PT, BL, CBI, NR, MH, HM, PE, OBH, WDIM, ESR, DA, CQ, LAA
Berkeley Rode to hounds up Nutfield way and lost his false teeth when he jumped the big fence at Starveacres. Mare stepped on his teeth, went dead lame, and Old Berkeley tried to swear without a tooth in his head, according to Mr. Marling. MH
Bishop of Barchester Never mentioned by name. Parsimonious, low-church, unpopular. One son, said to be “in mission field” but really worked in office at Westminster. Preached love for Germans, Communists, etc., and was a Liberal. Nicknamed “Old Gasbag.” Worthy successor to Trollope’s Bishop Proudie. Never made on “on-stage” appearance. SH, B, BL, CBI, NR, MH, GU, HM, MB, PBO, PE, OBH, CC, DD, HR2, JC, WDIM, ESR, NTL, DA, CQ, LAA, 3S&T
Bohun, Thomas Canon of Barchester 1657-65. Metaphysical (and somewhat off-color) poet. Oliver Marling wrote a book about him. Died in the Great Plague, leaving money to found cottages of Boon’s Benefit in Winter Overcotes. MH, GU, LAR, CC, DD, HR2, ESR, DA, 3S&T
Bolton, Earl of Miss Bunting, who apparently had a low opinion of him, made sure no one confused him with her former employer, the Marquess of Bolton. “He wore leather boots and cambric underwear” quoth Oliver Marling (W. S. Gilbert’s Bab Ballads, “The Periwinkle Girl”). MH, OBH, CC
Bolton, Lady Iris Daughter of Marquess and Marchioness of Bolton, former pupil of Miss Bunting. MH, MB
Bolton, Lady Phyllis Sister of Lady Iris Bolton, former pupil of Miss Bunting. MH, MB
Bolton, Marquess and Marchioness of Former employers of Miss Bunting. MH, MB
Bond, Alured d. 1952. 2nd Lord Bond. Resident of Staple Park near Worsted. Wife Lucasta, son C. W. Strongly opposed Sir Ogilvy Hibberd’s purchase of Pooker’s Piece in BL. Small, round, with white mustache. Fond of Gilbert and Sullivan. A bit overshadowed by his masterful wife. During the war he gave Staple Park to a boys’ school and lived at the White House. Traced ancestry back to King Alfred with a “gap of only 30 generations.” Surprisingly, a Liberal. Dead by time of WDIM. AF, BL, MH, GU, MB, PE, LAR, OBH, DD, WDIM, ESR, DA, 3S&T
Bond, Lucasta Wife of Lord Alured Bond of Staple Park. “Benevolent Tyrant.” Half-sister of Lord Stoke. An organizer and go-getter for causes she believed in. In ESR lived in Bath, then in 3S&T moved to Cheltenham to live with Old Lady Norton. AF, BL, MH, GU, MB, LAR, DD, HR2, WDIM, ESR, NTL
Brandon, Amelia (“Sissie”) 1858-1938. Aunt of Henry Brandon (deceased husband of Lavinia). Resided at Brandon Abbey, an architectural monstrosity. Very wealthy, headstrong, and irascible spinster, whose only emotional attachment was to her brother, Capt. Frederick Brandon, killed by a pig in India many years before. Vacillated about whether to leave her fortune to Hilary Grant or Francis Brandon. After her death in B, her fortune went to charity, except for £10,000 left to Capt. Frederick Arbuthnot, whose father was almost certainly the son of Capt. Frederick Brandon as the result of a liaison with Mrs. Col. Arbuthnot. B, CBI, MH, MB, PE, CC, HR2
Brandon, Delia b. 1920. Daughter of Lavinia Brandon. 18 at first appearance in B. Became engaged to Hilary Grant in B. Son Freddie, daughter Felicia. Worked in Barchester Infirmary during war. Competent and a bit overpowering, much like Octavia (Crawley) Needham and Geraldine Birkett Fairweather. Fascinated by nursing. B, CBI, NR, MH, GU, HM, PBO, PE, OBH, CC, HR2
Brandon, Lavinia Oliver 1891-1961. Attractive and languid widow, in early middle-age at first appearance in B. Son Francis, daughter Delia. Absent-minded, inattentive, apt to say anything that came into her mind. Originally lived at Stories in Pomfret Madrigal (used as a nursery school for evacuees during war). One gathers that Mrs. Brandon, along with Mrs. Morland, is something of a self-portrait of Mrs. Thirkell as she saw herself. Expert at looking languidly beautiful and falling asleep at inappropriate moments, and at rejecting unwanted suitors. Beautiful hands, graced by a diamond given to her by Aunt Sissie Brandon because she was just the sort of woman Fred Brandon would have liked. Became engaged to Bishop William Joram in CC, moved to the Cathedral Close on their marriage. B, CBI, MH, GU, HM, PBO, PE, LAR, OBH, CC, DD, HR2, JC, WDIM, DA, CQ, LAA, 3S&T
Buchell, Sir George His dog chased Hilda Plane’s sister’s chickens and a dozen pullets died of fright, but he paid up like a gentleman. MH
Bunting, Miss Maude “Bunny” Governess to the Best People in Barsetshire for over forty years. Her pupils included David Leslie, Lord Henry Palliser, Mrs. Marling’s brothers and their children, Anne Fielding, and Heather Adams. First seen at Marling Hall as governess to Lettice (Marling) Watson’s children. Governess to Anne Fielding during war. Had recurring dream that she lectured Hitler about killing her pupils, and always awakened just as he was about to reply. She believed that if she could just keep from waking until he answered, then the war would end. One day she didn’t wake up … she died as the war ended. As a result of her tutoring, the Fieldings’ Mixo-Lydian maid Gradka returned to her country to found schools. Miss Bunting became patron saint of Mixo-Lydian education. Gentle but firm. MH, MB, PBO, OBH, CC, DD, CO, 3S&T
Cameron, Alistair Partner of John Middleton in his architectural firm. Read the classics for pleasure, wrote reviews on them. Did most of the work of the firm. Prejudiced against women because his “blood had been curdled by two aunts and a governess early in life.” In BL, after brief engagement to Daphne Stonor, became engaged to Daphne’s step-mother Lillian. BL, MH, 3S&T
Carver Son of Victoria Norton’s sister. Mrs. Marling confused him with Geoffrey Harvey. MH
Chiffinch, Nurse Known as “Squiffy” to her nursing friends, Sisters Heath and Ward. First seen in PT caring for those ill of influenza. Drove Julian Rivers to distraction by being motherly. Later was nurse to Mrs. Keith and Lady Emily Leslie. Was at Cottage Hospital in MB. Shared apartment with Sisters Heath and Ward, and they planned to open a nursing home for wealthy patients needing unnecessary care. DH, PT, CBI, MH, GU, HM, MB, PBO, CC, DD, HR2, WDIM, ESR, NTL, DA, CQ, LAA, 3S&T MB
Coates, Adrian Publisher of Laura Morland’s books. Lived in London. Proposed to Mrs. Morland under the influence of a motor wreck and George Knox’s punch, was refused (to his relief), later married Knox’s daughter Sibyl. HR1, DH, PT, B, CBI, NR, MH, MB, PBO, LAR, CC, DD, HR2, JC, WDIM, ESR, LAA, 3S&T, MMS
Conque, Amalie (“Conk”) Lady Emily Leslie’s maid. Spoke little English despite a thirty-year residence in England. Combined devotion, incompetence, and rudeness. After Lady Emily’s death, she went to live with Old Mrs. Baker at Folkestone. Was born in Vache-et-Etable. WS, MH, PBO, LAR, OBH, ESR, DA
Cowshay, Miss Former clerk in cashier’s office at Pilchard’s. Later worked with Geoffrey Harvey in Regional Commissioners Office, then in costing deptartment at Sam Adams’s Hogglestock works, and finally as Sam’s secretary at Pomfret Towers. MH, OBH, CC, DA, LAA, 3S&T
Cox, Mrs. Formerly a “cook in good families.” Leased bedroom and sitting room to Mrs. Smith, aunt of Millie Poulter (Millie was the daily at the Harvey’s where Mrs. Smith used to live). MH, MB, LAR, CC, HR2
Crawley, Josiah Canon, Dean of Barchester. First seen as a friend of Lady Pomfret in PT. Eight children, 17 grandchildren in PE. Had shared digs with George Knox at Oxford. Once blackballed Sir Ogilvy Hibberd for Polyanthus Club. Grandson of Josiah Crawley, curate of Hogglestock in Trollope’s novels. Opposed Bishop’s parsimony and low-church, Liberal views. DH, SH, PT, B, CBI, NR, MH, GU, HM, MB, PBO, PE, LAR, OBH, CC, DD, HR2, JC, WDIM, ESR, DA, CQ, LAA, 3S&T
Crawley, Mrs. Wife of Josiah Crawley, Dean of Barchester. Gave lavish teas to county families, subtly underscoring the miserliness of the Bishop and Bishopess at the Palace. Two sons, six daughters, including Secunda, Tertia, Octavia. SH, BL, CBI, NR, MH, GU, HM, MB, PBO, LAR, OBH, CC, DD, HR2, JC, WDIM, NTL, DA, CQ, LAA, 3S&T
Crawley, Octavia Youngest daughter of Dean Crawley. Competent, managing, hard-working. Interested in nursing. Married Rev. Tommy Needham and was a conscientious clergyman’s wife. Numerous children. CBI, NR, MH, GU, HM, PBO, PE, LAR, OBH, CC, DD, HR2, WDIM, ESR, DA, LAA, 3S&T
Duchaux, Mlle. Old governess of Frances and Geoffrey Harvey. Hated all “foreigners” (anyone not French). Aunt of Jules Duval. Joined at thé dansant but argued with the Countess who ran it, so joined the Corps Féminin and became a corporal. MH
Duval, Jules Nephew of Mlle. Duchaux. In Free-French Army. Had tea at Marling Hall. Yellow-faced with unpleasant white fangs. Accompanied by two French Africans. Great contempt for everything English. Confused with Pierre Boulle in PBO. MH, PBO
Everleen Bill Marling’s children’s second nurse. Came from an orphanage. MH, CC
Fairfield Member of firm Johns and Fairfield, publishers of George Knox’s books. HR1, PT, CBI, MH, LAR, HR2, JC, CQ
Foster, Edith, Lady Pomfret d. 1938. Wife of 7th Earl, Old Lord Pomfret. Mother of Lord Mellings, who was killed in border skirmish in India. Née Thorne. Once beloved of Lord Stoke. Invalid, living mostly abroad. Died before BL. PT, BL, CBI, MH, HM, MB, PBO, LAR, OBH, CC, DD, JC, WDIM, DA, LAA, 3S&T
Foster, Giles, Lord, 7th Earl d. 1940. Old Lord Pomfret. Resided at Pomfret Towers. Fabled for rudeness, boring dinners, and efforts to prevent modernization of the surrounding countryside. Brother of Lady Emily Leslie and Lady Agnes Foster. Married Edith Thorne. Author of A Landowner in Five Reigns. Bought Pooker’s Piece to keep Sir Ogilvy Hibberd from building on it. Died in May 1940, in CBO, with the names of his dead wife and son on his lips. PT, B, BL, CBI, NR, MH, GU, MB, PBO, PE, LAR, OBH, CC, DD, HR2, JC, WDIM, ESR, NTL, DA, CQ, LAA, 3S&T
Foster, Lady Emily b. 1940. Daughter of Giles and Sally Foster. Strong, graceful, and athletic like her mother, headstrong like Old Lord Pomfret. Wanted to go into raising vegetables; the assumption is that she got a job with Adams at Amalgamated Vedge. Attended Barchester High School. MH, HM, MB, PE, LAR, OBH, DD, JC, WDIM, ESR, DA, LAA, 3S&T
Foster, Ludovic Neville Eustace Guido (Lord Mellings) b. 1938. Son of Giles and Sally Foster. Shy and frail like his father, with same painful conscientiousness, sense of honor and duty. Oxford, Sandhurst, and Guards Regt. Brought out of much of his shyness by friendship with Jessica Dean. Married Lavinia Merton in final Thirkell book. BL, MH, HM, MB, PE, LAR, CC, DD, JC, WDIM, ESR, NTL, DA, CQ, LAA
Foster, Major d. 193?. Father of Giles, 8th Earl of Pomfret. One gathers he was something of a wastrel. Lived much of his life in Italy. PT, MH, OBH, DD, WDIM, ESR, DA, CQ, LAA
Govern, James Marling Hall estate carpenter. Weather-beaten face with a long nose. Widower, stayed with his niece, the postmistress. Married Hilda Plane, the Harveys’ old nurse who was later their maid. MH
Graham, Clarissa b. 1931. Second daughter of Sir Robert and Lady Agnes (Leslie) Graham. Neat, precise, and delicate-appearing. Marked resemblance to grandmother, Lady Emily Leslie. Dark cloudy hair, dark eyes, fair skin. Educated at Cambridge, then confused about what to do with herself. Greatly affected by Lady Emily’s death, she behaved badly, with precocious condescension, to her fiancé Charles Belton and others. Married Charles on New Year’s Day, 1952. One son, one daughter. WS, BL, MH, MB, PBO, LAR, OBH, CC, DD, HR2, JC, WDIM, ESR, NTL, DA, CQ, LAA, 3S&T
Graham, Edith b. 1937. Spoiled youngest daughter of Sir Robert and Lady Agnes (Leslie) Graham. As a child, she recited poems which she invented. Admired by John-Arthur Crosse and George Halliday, but they both later married other girls. Married William Harcourt. One child, Gwendolyn Sally. WS, BL, MH, GU, HM, MB, PBO, LAR, OBH, CC, DD, HR2, JC, WDIM, ESR, NTL, DA, CQ, LAA, 3S&T
Graham, Emily (Emmy) b. 1927. Eldest daughter of Sir Robert and Lady Agnes (Leslie) Graham. Strong, boyish, and boisterous. Five years old in WS. Fair hair, blue eyes. Cow-minded, in PBO she was breeding bulls with cousin Martin Leslie at Rushwater. Married Tom Grantly. Children James and Agnes. WS, BL, MH, MB, PBO, LAR, OBH, CC, DD, HR2, JC, WDIM, ESR, NTL, DA, LAA, 3S&T
Graham, James b. 1926. Oldest son of Sir Robert and Lady Agnes (Leslie) Graham. At Eton in MH, entering military in LAR. Said to resemble David Leslie. In Guards Regt., Major by the time of LAA. WS, BL, MH, MB, PBO, LAR, OBH, CC, DD, HR2, JC, ESR, NTL, DA, LAA, 3S&T
Graham, John b. 1929. Second son of Sir Robert and Lady Agnes (Leslie) Graham. In Army Guards Regt., Captain by time of LAX. Described by Nannie Allen as a “tow-row boy just like his Uncle David.” WS, BL, MH, GU, HM, MB, PBO, LAR, OBH, CC, DD, HR2, JC, WDIM, ESR, NTL, DA, LAA, 3S&T
Graham, Lady Agnes (Leslie) Wife of Sir Robert Graham, daughter of Henry and Lady Emily Leslie. Children James, John, Robert, Emily, Clarissa, and Edith. Lived at Holdings in Little Misfit. Air-headed, obsessed with her children, called by her brother David a “divine idiot.” As she aged she became more like her well-intentioned, interfering mother, but with more practical results. WS, BL, MH, GU, HM, MB, PBO, LAR, OBH, CC, DD, HR2, JC, WDIM, ESR, NTL, DA, CQ, LAA, 3S&T
Graham, Robert Jr. b. 1933. Youngest son of Sir Robert and Lady Agnes (Leslie) Graham. At Eton in PBO. Introspective and poetic as a child, fond of small children. In Guards, Lt. by time of LAA. WS, BL, MH, HM, MB, PBO, LAR, OBH, CC, DD, HR2, JC, ESR, NTL, DA, LAA, 3S&T
Graham, Sir Robert Husband of Lady Agnes (Leslie). Made first “On stage” appearance on the last page of ESR. Became General in WWII, apparently high in command and diplomatic structure. Constantly absent on some mission or other. Retired in 1954. Fifteen years older than Agnes, who said he always knew what was best to be done. WS, BL, MH, HM, MB, PBO, LAR, OBH, CC, DD, HR2, JC, WDIM, ESR, NTL, DA, CQ, LAA, 3S&T
Grant, Capt. Jerry Head of Barchester Fire Brigade. Couldn’t go to war because of a foot that was trodden on by a horse. MH
Grant, Hilary Son of Felicia and Edward Grant, was reading classics with Rev. Miller at first appearance. Was writing a book on Jehan le Capet. After recovering from infatuation with Mrs. Brandon, married her daughter Delia. Son Freddie, daughter Felicia. Apparently became an archaeologist after the war. Author of “A Diabolist of the Reformation.” B, CBI, MH, HM, PE, OBH, CC, HR2, WDIM
Grant, Mrs. Felicia Widow of Edward Grant, mother of Hilary. Lived mostly in Italy and adopted Italian folkways, with which she bored everyone to death and embarrassed her son. The prototypical “Englishwoman abroad.” Author of a book on Calabria, where she remained during the war. B, CBI, MH, GU, HM, PE, OBH, CC
Harrison, Job Worked for Marlings at Marling Hall. Wife had twins, one of which died. Lived in Reservoir Cottages. MH
Harrison, Rezzervah Twin daughter of Job Harrison, only lived five days. Named after Reservoir Cottages. MH
Hartletop, Dowager Marchioness Miss Bunting was companion to her on the Riviera one year. Married Lord Hartletop when he was still Lord Dumbello. CBI, MH, WDIM
Harvest, General Uncle of Lionel Harvest. Died and left money to Lionel. MH
Harvest, Lionel Underling of Joan Stevenson at Broadcast House, whose perfect BBC accent illustrated David Leslie’s caricature of broadcasters. Nephew of Lady Dorothy “Dodo” Bingham. Somewhat effeminate. Inherited estate from an uncle. Married Joan Stevenson—they deserved each other. WS, MH, DD
Harvey, Frances Tall, fair, and not quite young sister of Geoffrey Harvey. Determined, pushy, and domineering. Worked at Regional Commissioner’s Office. In censorship during War. After War was secretary to Lord Aberfordbury (formerly Sir Ogilvy Hibberd). Almost got Oliver Marling to propose by chasing him flagrantly, but he escaped. Also served in Dept. of Efficiency and Purging at Gatherum Castle. Mr. Marling said she looked like “an educated rocking horse.” MH, HM, PBO, LAR, CC, DD, HR2, WDIM, NTL, 3S&T
Harvey, Geoffrey Worked at Regional Commissioner’s Office with John Leslie. Obnoxious communist who thought Russia was wonderful. Tall, thin, long hair. Greatly admired by Oliver Marling when he was young and impressionable. Related to the Nortons. Brother of Frances. Artistic and effeminate. Wrote novel about Pico della Mirandela. Rented Red House in Marling. Later returned to Red Tape and Sealing Wax in London, and then became head of PEUGI in Paris. Mistakenly called Oliver in LAA. MH, HM, PBO, LAR, CC, DD, HR2, WDIM, NTL, LAA, 3S&T
Hobbing, Farmer Farmer from whom Lucy Marling got chickens for the Harveys. MH
Hobson Ran a shop in Marling Mellicent. MH
Hooper, Squire From Somerset. His daughter married Lord Stoke. A native of Rumpton, he drove the last coach right across the churchyard before it was taken off the road. MH
Humberton, Lord (Or possibly Harberton?) Was run after by Griselda Palliser before he married Miss Phoebe Rivers. Son of Lord Platfield of Shropshire. CBI, MH, ESR
Ivy Nurse to Lady Agnes Graham’s children at Holdings. Left to become nurse for a lady going abroad. Nurse and Agnes decided she’d return to nurse David’s children. WS, MH, PBO, LAR, DD
Jackson, Flight Commander Lucy Marling arranged with him about getting pig swill from the air base kitchens. MH
Joe, Uncle Mr. Smith’s uncle, to whom he always wrote at Christmas. MH
Johns Publisher in firm of Johns and Fairfield. Published George Knox, Hermione Rivers, and Susan Barton. Uncle of Mr. Wickham. His wife was well-known for giving extremely dull parties for literary lions. HR1, DH, PT, CBI, MH, PE, LAR, OBH, CC, HR2, JC, CQ, LAA, 3S&T
Joram, Bishop William Retired colonial bishop. Appeared to be mentioned first in CBI as Mbang-Ngango (English Roly Poly Witch Doctor) as he was called by natives. Rented rooms from Mrs. Tomkins when first in Barchester, and told hilarious stories of his work with natives. Became canon of Barchester and married Lavinia Brandon in CC. Plump, good-humored, earnest, and intelligent. CBI, MH, PBO, LAR, OBH, CC, DD, HR2, WDIM, DA, CQ, LAA, 3S&T
Keith, Robert Brother of Kate, Colin, and Lydia. Wife Edith. Senior partner of Keith and Keith law firm. Bought home in Nutfield in GU and sold Northbridge Manor to brother-in-law Noel Merton. SH, CBI, NR, MH, GU, PE, OBH, CC, DD, HR2, WDIM, ESR, CQ, LAA, 3S&T
Knox, George Pompous, verbose historical novelist who could turn a single sentence into a discourse of parenthetical expressions. Widower, lived in High Rising with his daughter Sibyl. Escaped the clutches of his secretary, Una Grey, and became engaged to Anne Todd in HR1. HR1, DH, B, CBI, MH, GU, MB, PE, CC, DD, HR2, WDIM, ESR, NTL, DA, LAA, 3S&T, MMS
Koska, Madame Main character in series of romantic suspense-thrillers by Mrs. Morland. Ran a designer dress shop and repeatedly saved the British Empire. HR1, DH, MH, MB, PBO, PE, LAR, OBH, CC, DD, HR2, JC, WDIM, SR, DA, CQ, LAA, 3S&T, MMS
le Capet, Jehan Pen name of Eugene Duval, French author of rather passionate and indelicate verse which Hilary Grant was translating. A Satanist who died young of drink. Book entitled Belphégor. B, MH, PE, HR2
Leslie, David b. 1907. Youngest son of Henry and Lady Emily Leslie. Spoiled and self-centered, a bit of a lady-killer despite thinning hair. Described as “bone selfish,” he was easily bored. Mary Preston was infatuated with him in WS, but married his brother John. Finally married Rose Bingham in PBO. WS, BL, MH, GU, MB, PBO, LAR, OBH, CC, DD, HR2, JC, ESR, NTL, DA, LAA
Leslie, Henry Owner of Rushwater House, husband of Lady Emily. A country-squire type who bred the famous Rushwater bulls. In progressively poorer health from WS until he is dead by the time of PBO (1945). WS, B, BL, MH HM, PBO, LAR, OBH, DD, HR2, JC, ESR, DA
Leslie, John b. 1899. Oldest surviving son of Henry and Lady Emily Leslie. Widower, deceased wife’s name was Gay. Became engaged to Mary Preston in WS. Regional Commissioner during war. Bought Old Rectory at Greshamsbury as home. WS, BL, MH, BO, PE, LAR, BH, CC, DD, JC, WDIM, ESR, NTL, DA, CQ
Leslie, Lady Emily (Foster) 1868-1948. Sister of Old Lord Pomfret, wife of Henry Leslie of Rushwater. Children Martin (killed in WWI), John, Agnes, and David. Delightfully unpredictable, interested in painting and arranging other people’s affairs with benevolent intent. Supposedly based on AT’s acquaintance Mary, Lady Wemyss, whose family was not amused by the affectionate portrayal. Beginning to age at first appearance in WS, became progressively more absent-minded and ethereal as series progressed, Died in OBH, calling her deceased husband and son to wait, she’s coming with them. WS, BL, MH, GU, HM, MB, PBO, LAR, OBH, CC, DD, HR2, JC, WDIM, ESR, NTL, DA, CQ, LAA, 3S&T
Leslie, Martin b. 1915. Grandson of Henry and Lady Emily Leslie, raised by them because as the son of their oldest son he would be owner of Rushwater after Henry’s death. His mother had remarried and lived in America. First seen preparing for his 16th birthday in WS. In N. Africa, then wounded at Anzio in war. Received the George Cross for doing something gallant with a bomb. Went to War Office because of bad leg wound, later had to resort to a crutch (in one book he is mistakenly said to have lost a foot). Became engaged to Sylvia Halliday in PBO. Raised cattle and prize bulls. WS, BL, MH, MB, PBO, LAR, OBH, CC, DD, HR2, JC, WDIM, ESR, DA, LAA, 3S&T
Leslie, Martin Giles 1896-1918. Eldest son of Henry and Lady Emily Leslie. Killed in France in WWI. Called Giles in ESR. His widow married an American and had other children (at least one son). WS, MH, PBO, LAR, OBH, DD, ESR, 3S&T
Lundy, Lord Former employer of Miss Bunting where, if anyone entered the schoolroom, he’d have thought the children little savages. Had son Patrick. Former member of Dining Society at Oxford with Sir Robert Graham. Was Governor of New South Wales. MH, ESR
Lundy, Patrick Former pupil of Miss Bunting. Enlisted underage in WWI, was killed in action. MH
MacPherson 1868-1950. Estate agent for the Leslies at Rushwater. Verrry Scottish. Came to Rushwater at age 30, stayed over fifty years. Same age as Lady Emily, he died with his Bible on his knees, opened to a page with a picture of Lady Emily, whom he had loved and served all his life. Left his house to Emmy Graham Grantly. WS, MH, PBO, LAR, OBH, DD, WDIM, ESR, DA, 3S&T
Mallarmé French poet, later than Jehan le Capet. MH
March, Dr. and Mrs. Neighbors of Marling Hall and the Red House in Marling Mellicent. MH
Marling Father of William Marling. An autocrat in the old tradition, a huntin’-shootin’-fishin’ type. MH, LAR, OBH, CC, DD
Marling Elder son of Bill Marling. At the age in MH where he debunked conjurers, refused to clap his hands at Peter Pan, told the Nursery there is no Santa Claus, used questionable pre-school humor. MH, CC, DD
Marling Younger daughter of Bill Marling. Discovered the word “beastly” and insisted on using it constantly. MH, CC, DD
Marling, Amabel (Hon.) Daughter of Lord Nutfield, wife of William Marling of Marling Hall. Children Bill, Lettice, Oliver, and Lucy. Connected with most of Barsetshire families by ties of kinship. Lived up to aristocratic tradition of service, energy, efficiency, and self-confidence. MH, GU, MB, PBO, LAR, OBH, CC, DD, HR2, WDIM, DA, LAA, 3S&T
Marling, Bill Elder son of William and Amabel Marling of Marling Hall. Professional soldier. Wife Deirdre. Lived in Camberley. MH, LAR, CC, DD
Marling, Deirdre Known to all as “Mrs. Bill”. Two sons and two daughters. Father was a Bishop. Good-natured and a bit silly, she used the catchword of the moment. MH, LAR, CC, DD
Marling, Lettice Elder daughter of William and Amabel Marling. Husband Roger Watson was killed at Dunkirk. Children Diana and Clare. Married Tom Barclay, had two sons. MH, GU, MB, PBO, LAR, OBH, CC, DD, HR2
Marling, Lucy Emily b. 1918. Younger daughter of William and Amabel Marling. Loud, bossy, and boisterous, but mellowed with age, hard work, and troubles. Favorite phrase was “I’ll tell you what.” Married out of her class to Sam Adams. Very efficient and knowledgeable, helped administer the agricultural side of Sam’s business empire. They lived in The Old Bank House at Edgewood and had daughters Amabel Rose and Leslie, son William. MH, HM, MB, PBO, LAR, OBH, CC, DD, HR2, JC, WDIM, ESR, DA, CQ, LAA, 3S&T
Marling, Mrs. d. 1920. Mother of William Marling. Had lamp-room remade into a sort of chapel. Married at 19, six children before age of 30. MH, CC, DD
Marling, Oliver b. 1913. Younger son of William and Amabel Marling. Was in business in London before war, then in Regional Commissioner’s Office during war after being repeatedly turned down for armed services because of his poor eyesight. Partner in London firm after war. Loved actress Jessica Dean for years, but she married Aubrey Clover. Studious, self-centered, and self-pitying, but marriage to energetic and competent Maria Lufton improved him immensely. MH, MB, LAR, OBH, CC, DD, HR2, JC, ESR, DA, CQ, 3S&T
Marling, William Squire of Marling Hall. Wife Amabel. Opinionated, irascible, and forgetful, but genuinely fond of his family. Had five brothers and sisters, all dead. Greatly saddened by deterioration of his way of life. Apparently still alive in 3S&T, with an entry in the Barchester Agricultural. MH, HM, PBO, LAR, OBH, CC, DD, HR2, WDIM, ESR, DA, CQ, LAA, 3S&T
Mason, Lady Peggy In the last war she lost two husbands and married a third before the Armistice. Had a very common grandfather on her mother’s side. MH
Merriman, Dorothea Frances “Merry,” Old Lady Pomfret’s secretary in PT at first introduction. Very efficient, self-effacing, and conscientious. Had an invalid married sister whom she sometimes visited. Was secretly and quietly in love with Gillie Foster. When he married Sally Wicklow and became Lord Pomfret, she went as companion to Lady Emily Leslie. Returned to Pomfret Towers after Lady Emily’s death to help with county business and ease the load on the frail but hard-working earl. Married Rev. Herbert Choyce in DA. One of AT’s most memorable and sympathetic characters. PT, MH, HM, PBO, LAR, OBH, CC, JC, WDIM, ESR, NTL, DA, LAA, 3S&T
Middleton, John (Jack) Resident of Laverings Farm near Worsted. Wife Catherine. Verbose (in the style of George Knox), slightly bald. Loved to play the role of gentleman farmer. Head of a firm of architects. Brother of Lillian Stonor. BL, MH, GU, MB, PBO, LAR, DD, LAA, 3S&T
Miller, Rev. Justin Vicar of Pomfret Madrigal, with strong Anglo-Catholic leanings. Married Ella Morris to whom he was attached years before but separated because of theological disagreement with her father. Became Vicar of St. Ewold’s in Ullathorne in 1949. Had stepmother in Harrogate. Was on rowing crew at Lazarus College, where he was nicknamed “Goggers.” B, CBI, NR, MH, GU, PE, LAR, OBH, CC, DD, HR2, DA
Milner, Mrs. Taught dancing at Rushwater. MH, MB
Morland, Laura b. 1891. Widow of Henry Morland, sons Dick, John, Gerald, and Tony. Lived at High Rising. Author of Madame Koska mystery thrillers, which she began writing to support herself and sons. Also wrote two books anonymously. Attractive but rather scatter-brained, tended to lose glasses and hairpins. Acted as unofficial secretary at Southbridge School during war. It is generally thought that she is at least partially based on the author herself, though AT was, by repute, a more sardonic personality than Laura Morland. HR1, DH, SH, B, CBI, NR, MH, GU, MB, PBO, PE, LAR, OBH, CC, DD, JC, WDIM, ESR, NTL, DA, CQ, LAA, 3S&T, MMS
Morland, Tony b. 1921. Son of Henry and Laura Morland. Student at Southbridge School at first appearance, major interest was model trains. Became Sr. Monitor at Southbridge. Talkative, self-centered, well-intentioned with frequently disastrous results, one-track mind when a child. Attended Oxford. In Army in Burma during war. Worked for Red Tape and Sealing Wax Office after war. Married with four children. HR1, WS, DH, SH, B, CBI, NR, MH, GU, MB, PBO, PE, LAR, OBH, CC, DD, JC, WDIM, ESR, NTL, LAA, 3S&T, MMS
Morple, Bill Ticket clerk and porter at Mellicent Halt. Transferred to Winter Overcotes for most of war, where he felt his duties were beneath him. Got in with a bad crowd and was caught red-handed by Sgt. Hopkins stealing money from Mr. Beedle’s jacket. Beedle let him off and lent him money to pay his debt. Before entering Army next day, Morple returned a trophy which the gang had stolen. After war, we heard he had been arrested as part of a gang which robbed a post office and half-killed the postmaster. Sentenced to seven years. MH, LAR, OBH
Nana Nurse to Bill Marling’s children. MH, CC
Nandy, Henry Aged resident of Mellicent Halt. “Drinks and smokes all day long and lives in one room and it simply stinks. He’s supposed to be rolling in money.” Lived to get his “beer and baccy.” MH, LAR, OBH, WDIM
Needham, Tommy Secretary to Dean Crawley. In war stationed first in Iceland, then in N. Africa where he lost an arm. Married Dean Crawley’s daughter Octavia and became Vicar at Worsted. Eight children by the time of 3S&T, including fraternal twins born in that book. CBI, MH, HM, PBO, PE, LAR, OBH, DD, HR2, WDIM, ESR, DA, LAA, 3S&T
Norton Daughter of Dowager Lady Norton. Said to have been living in highbrow sin in Chelsea with a Slavo-Lydian intellectual. Bulgy build. WS, MH, PE, LAR
Norton, Eleanor Young Lady Norton. Wife of George, Lord Norton. Called her mother-in-law “Moggs”. Two daughters, Vickie and Ellie. WS, MH, PE, LAR, OBH, CC, DD, HR2, ESR, DA, LAA
Norton, Lady Victoria Known by most of Barsetshire as the “Dreadful Dowager.” Face like a well-bred horse, domineering personality, thought herself the best gardener in the county. Author of Herbs of Grace about gardening. Clothes tended to imitate the Queen Mother. Lived in Cheltenham, Lady Bond moved in with her in 3S&T. WS, B, CBI, MH, GU, HM, MB, PBO, LAR, OBH, CC, DD, HR2, JC, WDIM, ESR, NTL, DA, CQ, LAA, 3S&T
Norton, Lord George Son of Dowager Lady Norton. Wife Eleanor. Not very intelligent, gave boring dinners. Under thumbs of both wife and mother. B, MH, OBH, CC, DD, HR2, WDIM, ESR, NTL, LAA
Nutfield, Lord Father of Amabel Marling. A 400-year-old baronetcy, little-known outside Barsetshire. Silent man whose only expressed emotion seemed to be about a new baronet (Lord Nuffield) whose title was only one letter different from his own. MH, CC, DD, 3S&T
Palliser, Lady Glencora (Cora) b. 1919. Daughter of present Duke of Omnium. In WVS during war. Won Croix de Guerre as a driver for officers. Was engaged to a man who was killed in action. Married Sir Cecil Waring. MH, MB, CC, DD, JC, WDIM, ESR, LAA
Palliser, Lady Griselda Daughter of a Duke of Omnium. Ran after Lord Humberton before he married Phoebe Rivers. Her place in the Palliser family tree is uncertain. MH, MB
Palliser, Lord Henry Former pupil of Miss Bunting. Place on Palliser family tree is uncertain. MH, MB
Palliser, Plantagenet Son of “Planty Pal” and Lady Glencora McCluskie. On committee which presented Matchings Priory to the National Trust. Married Isabel Boncassen. Father of the present Duke. In Trollope’s Parliamentary novels. MH, MB, HR2
Panter, Fred Carpenter at Hatch End. Reckoned it was lucky to make coffins for twins, so long as it wasn’t both. MH, LAR, DA
Panton Master at prep school attended by David Leslie and Oliver Marling. Had hair growing out of his ears. MH
Parfitt Butler for the Grahams at Holdings. MH
Patten, Mr. Stationmaster at Worsted. Brother-in-law of Margett, the builder. Uncle of Bert Margett, the head porter, and Alf. Retired in LAR. AF, BL, MH, LAR
Perry, Mrs. Mrs. Joyce Smith’s mother. Lived with a lady help in Torquay, but came to live with Mrs. Smith after she got the Red House back. MH
Peter Friend of the Harveys at Bureau of Tape and Sealing Wax. Offered to share his London flat with them. Apparently an obnoxious, artistic type with similar friends. MH, HM
Pilchard Owner of largest store in Barchester. NR, MH, DA, 3S&T
Pilman (or Pilbeam) Oliver Marling’s London oculist. Was in army during war. MH, LAR
Pinker Barchester tailor. MH
Plane, Albert Brother of Hilda, the Harveys’ maid. A Sgt. Major with a bristling mustache, killed at Ypres in WWI. MH
Plane, Hilda Maid to the Harveys at the Red House in Marling Mellicent. Had been under-nurse when they were children. Became post-woman and married Mr. Govern, the Marling estate carpenter. MH
Pollett, Ed Village idiot type, in charge of lamp room at Worsted Station. Reportedly half-witted because his mother had an affair with one of Lord Pomfret’s gamekeepers before Ed was born. Had genius for repairing cars. Brother of Mrs. Middleton’s chauffeur. Worked as handyman and chauffeur for Lord Bond, then the Marlings. Almost drafted in WW II until Sir Edmund Pridham’s instinct for preservation of village idiots got him out of it. Married Milly Poulter in MH. Seven children, all half-witted like their parents. Called Ed Packer in OBH. AF, MH, LAR, OBH, CC, DD, 3S&T
Pomfret, Giles, Lord, 7th Earl d. 1940. Old Lord Pomfret. Resided at Pomfret Towers. Fabled for rudeness, boring dinners, and efforts to prevent modernization of the surrounding countryside. Brother of Lady Emily Leslie and Lady Agnes Foster. Married Edith Thorne. Author of A Landowner in Five Reigns. Bought Pooker’s Piece to keep Sir Ogilvy Hibberd from building on it. Died in May 1940, in CBO, with the names of his dead wife and son on his lips. PT, B, BL, CBI, NR, MH, GU, MB, PBO, PE, LAR, OBH, CC, DD, HR2, JC, WDIM, ESR, NTL, DA, CQ, LAA, 3S&T
Potter Chemist in Harefield. Dr. Perry said he “could retire anytime from what he’s made off my patients and the lipstick trade.” MH, HM
Potter, Alec Farmer who was going to call Lucy Marling to attend the birth of a calf. MH
Poulter, Millie Daily girl for Harveys at Red House. Lived with Mrs. Cox, and aunt, in Marling. Married half-witted Ed Pollett. Seven children, all as half-witted as their parents. MH, LAR, CC
Preston, Mary b. 1911. Daughter of the late Col. Preston and Mrs. Preston (Sir Robert Graham’s oldest sister and a great hypochondriac). Became engaged to John Leslie in WS after thinking she was in love with his brother David. 3 sons, John, Henry, and Clive. Lived in Old Rectory in Greshamsbury. Said mistakenly to have daughters in MH. WS, BL, MH, PBO, LAR, OBH, CC, JC, WDIM, ESR, NTL, DA, CQ
Pridham, Sir Edmund b. 1866. Elderly country squire type, J.P. at Pomfret Madrigal, close friend of Lavinia Brandon—even proposed to her once in a friendly way. Childless widower, commanded Barsetshire Yeomanry in WWI, had crippled leg from war wound. Knew everybody in the county and all their relationships. “Doyen of the county in years and service … Had an eye that had frightened the toughest troopers in the Barsetshire Yeomanry out of their wits and made the Bishop, who was saying the Russians were our brothers, wilt uneasily into a mumbling explanation.” B, BL, CBI, MH, GU, MB, PBO, PE, LAR, OBH, CC, DD, HR2, JC, WDIM, ESR, NTL, DA, CQ, LAA, 3S&T
Propert, Col. and Mrs. Neighbors of the Harveys at the Red House. MH
Pulford Baker at Marling Mellicent. MH
Richard, Lord Old pupil of Miss Bunting, last seen alive at Calais. MH
Rivers, George Cousin of Old Lord Pomfret, husband of Hermione, who “drove him nearly demented.” Rarely left his home in Herefordshire. PT, MH, PE, LAR, CC, DD, HR2, ESR, DA, LAA, 3S&T
Rivers, Hermione Wife of George Rivers, mother of Phoebe and Julian. Niece of Old Lord Nutfield, Amabel Marling’s father. Wrote books about middle-aged women’s platonic love affairs with younger men. PT, CBI, MH, HM, PBO, PE, LAR, OBH, CC, DD, HR2, JC, ESR, NTL, DA, CQ, LAA, 3S&T
Rivers, Julian One of the few thoroughly despicable Thirkell characters. Long-haired, unwashed, considered himself an artist but is best at being a conceited prig. A member of the “Set of Five,” a group of artists as inept as himself. Made a pest of himself to naive Alice Barton in PT, until Roddy Wicklow rescued her. Unwillingly in Army briefly during war, but rescued as a “valuable artist.” PT, MH, HM, PBO, PE, HR2, ESR, NTL, CQ, 3S&T
Rivers, Phoebe Actress. Had short-lived engagement to Guy Barton in PT. Married Lord Humberton (or Harberton), Lord Platfield’s eldest son. More likable than her mother Hermione or brother Julian. PT, CBI, MH, HR2, ESR
Sawbridge Master at Bill Marling’s elder son’s prep school. Marling Major boasted he’d drunk half a glass of beer when Sawbridge was out of the room. MH
Sid Brother of nurse of Diana and Clare Watson. Sergeant in the Barsetshires. Formerly the dentist’s mechanic. Great-nephew of Nannie Allen. Wore huge Kitchener mustache. MH, GU
Skeynes, Lord High Former pupil of Miss Bunting. Had to stay away from Eton for a term because of poor eyesight, while Miss Bunting read to him. MH
Smith, Joyce Perry Widow of the corn and seed merchant. Rented the Red House to the Harveys. Very thin with fine eyes, had once been a beauty. After the house was rented furnished, she drove the Harveys crazy by coming over at all hours to remove little bits of furniture she couldn’t do without. Former teacher in infant school at Rushwater. Finally got the Red House back and her Mum came to live with her. MH, LAR, CC, DD
Smith, Mr. Former resident of the Red House at Marling. Corn and seed merchant in Barchester, as was his father, also supplied coal. Died of D.T.s. MH, CC
Stoke, Dora Distant cousin of Lord Stoke. Married a Mr. Barclay of Yorkshire. Mother of Capt. Tom Barclay. MH
Stoke, Lord Thomas b. 1866. Ancient and eccentric antiquarian, half-brother of Lucasta Bond. A bachelor who once loved Edith Thorne (who married Old Lord Pomfret). Traveled by horse and carriage or on horseback in defiance of modern age. Was convinced that everything he dug up was Viking remains. Extremely and conveniently deaf. In NTL, he is called Algernon Courcy Stoke and is said to have been born in 1876. HR1, DH, PT, B, BL, CBI, MH, GU, MB, PBO, PE, LAR, OBH, CC, DD, JC, WDIM, ESR, NTL, DA, CQ, LAA, 3S&T, MMS
Stonor, Lillian Widowed sister of John Middleton. Husband was Indian Army Col. Stepmother of Denis and Daphne, close to her own age. Became engaged to Alistair Cameron in BL. Had habit of thinking aloud in a rather disjointed way, which masked a deep understanding of others. BL, MH, MB, 3S&T
Sultan Tom Barclay’s pony when he was a boy. MH
Tadstock, Pamphilia Widow of Canon Tadstock of Barchester in the 1600s. Had had two previous husbands. There was talk about her and Canon Thomas Bohun, who wrote risqué poetry to her. MH, ESR, DA
Tudor, Glamora Seemed to be the star of every motion picture at the Barchester Odeon, including “Moonlight Passion,” “Lips of Desire,” “They Loved Too Well,” etc. Always with a different leading man. B, BL, CBI, NR, MH, MB, PBO, LAR, OBH, CC, HR2, JC, WDIM, ESR, NTL, DA, CQ, LAA, 3S&T
Turk (1935-1950). Aged shaggy dog belonging to Lucy Marling. Chased several of the Harveys’ chickens, causing their collapse. MH, LAR, OBH, DD
Watson, Clare b.1938. Daughter of Lettice (Marling) Watson and the late Roger Watson. MH, MB, CC, DD
Watson, Diana b.1936. Daughter of Lettice (Marling) Watson and the late Roger Watson. MH, MB, CC, DD
Watson, Roger d.1940. First husband of Lettice Marling. Killed at Dunkirk. MH
Welper Gave up his chicken farm near Marling Hall because of grain rationing. MH
Wicklow, Roddy Son of Mr. Wicklow of Barton and Wicklow, Architects. Assistant estate agent to Mr. Hoare at Pomfret Towers, later took over the estate himself. Big, good-natured, he married Alice Barton and became invaluable assistant to his brother-in-law Giles, Lord Pomfret. Wounded in leg, which kept him out of most of war, but returned to fight in Belgium near war’s end. PT, B, BL, CBI, MH, GU, HM, MB, PBO, PE, LAR, OBH, DD, WDIM,  ESR, NTL, DA, CQ, LAA, 3S&T
Wicklow, Sally b.1914. Daughter of Mr. Wicklow the architect. Enthusiastic outdoorswoman who loved horses and dogs, “the best hands in the county.” Married Giles Foster, who became Lord Pomfret, and took much of the burden of duties over from him because of his poor health. Children Ludovic, Emily, Giles. Conscientious and hard-working, she was on every important committee during and after the war. PT, B, CBI, MH, HM, MB, PBO, PE, LAR, OBH, CC, DD, HR2, JC, WDIM, ESR, NTL, DA, CQ, LAA, 3S&T