Barchester Pilgrimage is a 1935 novel by Ronald Knox, published in London by Sheed and Ward, in which Knox picks up the narrative of the original Chronicles of Barsetshire where Anthony Trollope breaks off. Knox follows the fortunes of the children and grandchildren of Trollope's characters up to the time of writing (1934), with some gentle satire on the social, political and religious changes of the 20th century. The novel was reprinted in 1990 by the Trollope Society.
Plot summary
Knox narrates the plot through the eyes of Mr. Bunce. The novel begins with an introduction to some characters including Johnny Bold, Dean Arabin, Eleanor Arabin, Archdeacon Grantley and many more. Johnny Bold is placed as the protagonist, who becomes an atheist in a town where atheism is rare. This atheism is then reflected in Bold's progression into becoming a doctor, shadowing a certain Dr. Fillgrave. Meanwhile, Augusta Oriel, a conscientious and religious woman is introduced who seemingly falls ill and is then treated by Johnny Bold. Johnny then falls in love with Augusta, but is rejected by her upon confession of his love due to differing religious beliefs. He is then followed to France by Knox, where he meets Signora Vesey Neroni. Signora and Johnny are introduced to each other, and Johnny is later compelled to confess his love for her. Before Signora can respond, Johnny is called to serve an injured individual.
Knox begins the second chapter with an introduction to two brothers, Marmaduke and Francis Thorne. Marmaduke grows eager to take upon a clerical role in one of his family owned properties, "Chaldicotes". He discusses the prospects for this with Bishop Grantley who suggests him to take on such roles in smaller, country regions first in order to gain experience. Marmaduke then meets Miss Van Skulpit, who is later invited to a gathering by Francis at Chaldicotes. Meanwhile, Marmaduke's efforts are rejected by Bishop Grantley, sparking him to see Father Shoehorn. Marmaduke tells Father Shoehorn about his rejection from Grantley in such a way that it seems that it was Marmaduke who rejected Bishop Grantley's offer, causing Father Shoehorn to offer Marmaduke theological education for his pursuits. However, Marmaduke eventually weds Miss Van Skulpit and leaves for America, with no mention of his previous clerical ambitions again.
The plot then shifts to the Gresham family at the start of the third chapter, most importantly, Major Gresham. Major Gresham is an elected member of the parliament. He seems to grow fond of Miss Lookaloft, to which objection is raised by Countess de Courcy, an advisor of the Greshams. This is because Miss Lookaloft founded a Conservative party in Barsetshire, whereas the Countess is part of the Liberal party. This objection yields nothing, as Major Gresham eventually gets engaged to Miss Lookaloft in private. Meanwhile, Major Gresham hosts a gathering of politicians for political reform where he is informed of his opposition resigning from their political duties, leaving Major Gresham as the new leader of the nation. However, following a motor accident in which Miss Lookaloft suffers from concussion, Major Gresham loses his seat in Parliament through election. He is then informed of Miss Lookaloft leaving the hospital upon recovery for travels of the sea as her medicine, realising that she only courted him for his political power. This is then confirmed by Major Gresham receiving an invitation to the wedding of Miss Lookaloft to her personal escort at sea, Lord Porlock.
The fourth chapter leads with the ancestry of a new character, Theophylact Crawley-Grantley. Theophylact is the grandson of Archdeacon Grantley and Mr. Crawley. He takes upon a role in the clergy of Barchester, however, delivers his first sermon in the Cathedral in an unorthodox manner. This sermon is twisted and turned by the media and the gossip of the people, creating controversy around Theophylact, which he takes as a positive sign of newfound religious engagement within the people of Barchester. Theophylact eventually marries Mrs. Friedenzeit, who regardless of the controversy, applauds Theophylact for his courage in expressing himself and potentially bringing about change. He then proceeds to garner greater public notability by proposing the abolishment of the Tithe, and becomes the leading choice for the next Bishop of Silverbridge. This is stalled by the onset of the War on Barchester, and the consequences of the War eventually lead to Theophylact being forced out of his position.