Doctor Thorne

Doctor Thorne is the third novel written by Anthony Trollope in his Chronicles of Barsetshire series, between Barchester Towers and Framley Parsonage. It was published by Chapman and Hall in London in 1858. The idea of the plot was suggested to Trollope by his brother Thomas. Though set in Barsetshire, Barchester and its residents take little part in the proceedings. The novel is mainly concerned with money and position. Most of the narrative is based in the village of Greshamsbury, the seat of squire John Newbold Gresham, of an old and respected family, and his wife Lady Arabella, sister of the Earl de Courcy. They have a son and several daughters. The titular Doctor Thorne lives in the village with his niece Mary. She has grown up with the Gresham children and since the doctor is well acquainted with squire Gresham, Mary spends a great deal of time at Greshamsbury Hall. Mary's parentage is a mystery to the general public in the novel, but it is one of Trollope's most insistent principles to take the reader into his confidence. Since Mary Thorne has neither family background nor money, Lady Arabella discourages her from associating with her erstwhile playmates once they grow up. However, unknown to nearly everyone, Mary's maternal uncle, Roger Scatcherd, has risen from humble beginnings to great wealth.