# Mr. Thorne — Barchester Towers character guide

> Mr. Thorne in Barchester Towers by Anthony Trollope.

**Role:** supporting

**Also known as:** Wilfred Thorne

**First appearance:** 0021-xxii-the-thornes-of-ullathorne

## Snapshot

Wilfred Thorne of Ullathorne, a conservative country gentleman who watches the clerical wars of Barchester with dry amusement and no wish to wear chain-armour.

## Who they are

Mr. Thorne shares Ullathorne with his sister and observes the ecclesiastical maneuvering around him with the detachment of a man whose estates are his own and whose comfort matters more than controversy. He declines to participate much in Miss Thorne's regret over the age's inferiority, feeling that a full suit of chain-armour would add little to his personal comfort. His quiet, ironic presence at the Ullathorne fête provides a counterpoint to the ambition and intrigue consuming the clergymen around him.

## In the story

### [The Thornes of Ullathorne](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/barchester_towers_se/chapters/xxii-the-thornes-of-ullathorne)

Squire of Ullathorne, a bachelor proud of his lineage, knowledgeable in old English essays and genealogy.

### [Mr. Arabin Reads Himself in at St. Ewold's](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/barchester_towers_se/chapters/xxiii-mr-arabin-reads-himself-in-at-st-ewold-s)

Introduces Arabin to parishioners and discusses agricultural topics with the Archdeacon.

### [Miss Thorne's Fête Champêtre](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/barchester_towers_se/chapters/xxxv-miss-thorne-s-f-te-champ-tre)

Reluctantly supports his sister's plans but avoids participating in the quintain, citing his age and the risk of appearing foolish before the countess.

### [The Lookalofts and the Greenacres](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/barchester_towers_se/chapters/xxxix-the-lookalofts-and-the-greenacres)

Returns thanks for the toast to Miss Thorne and gives a somewhat flustered speech in honor of the De Courcy family.

### [Ullathorne Sports—Act II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/barchester_towers_se/chapters/xl-ullathorne-sports-act-ii)

Host of the Ullathorne Sports; his champagne is noted as contributing to Mr. Slope's boldness.

### [Mr. Slope's Parting Interview with the Signora](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/barchester_towers_se/chapters/xlvi-mr-slope-s-parting-interview-with-the-signora)

Pays his first visit to the Signora, dressed with particular care, and silently observes the scene.

### [The Beelzebub Colt](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/barchester_towers_se/chapters/xlix-the-beelzebub-colt)

Discusses the Beelzebub colt with Mr. Arabin and later leaves to check on the horse.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/barchester_towers_se/characters/mr_thorne
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/barchester_towers_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/barchester_towers_se/characters