by Anthony Trollope

A new adaptation in ten episodes by H. Oldfield Box
In the cathedral city of Barchester war has been declared - between the established broad-Anglican cathedral chapter, under the banner at Archdeacon Grantly, and the new evangelical set at the bishop's palace. The new bishop, his wife, and his self-seeking chaplain, Mr. Slope, are already exerting themselves to change the old order of things. The re-appointment of the Rev. Septimus Harding, the cathedral precentor, to the wardenship of Hiram's Hospital depends on the bishop's nomination. Mr. Slope has written, in the bishop's name, to Dr. Stanhope, a prebendary of the cathedral (who has long been living in Italy, in happy idleness), hinting that it is high time he returned home to attend to his duties. Dr. Stanhope, unable to ignore the hint, has arrived in Barchester, where the presence of his highly unconventional family is providing a considerable sensation at Bishop and Mrs. Proudie's first reception.