Orley Farm · Character

Joseph Mason of Groby

Sir Joseph's eldest son and master of Groby Park, who contests the codicil that gave Orley Farm to his infant half-brother Lucius.

major

Also known as Groby, Joseph Mason of Groby, Mr. Joseph Mason of Groby, Mrs. Mason, Mr. and Mrs. Mason, Mr. Mason, Mason, degrees Joseph Mason, Joseph, Mr. Mason of Groby Park, Mason of Groby Park

First appearance: The Masons of Groby Park

As a major figure in Orley Farm, Joseph Mason of Groby is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

The eldest son of Sir Joseph Mason, who contested the codicil that left Orley Farm to his half-brother Lucius.

In the storyThe Commencement of the Great Orley Farm CaseOpen this moment free

Joseph Mason of Groby is a Yorkshire landowner of forty-odd years, aggrieved that his father's late marriage and codicil stripped him of Orley Farm. His grievance hardens into a relentless legal campaign, and his willingness to believe the worst of his stepmother drives the case toward scandal. He is the engine of the plot's central conflict, the wronged-or-wronging heir whose claim forces every other character to take sides.

See Joseph Mason of Groby in The Commencement of the Great Orley Farm Case Book page

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Character Web

15 connections

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Other

Character groups

Extended cast and servants
Legal professionals and family
Minor witnesses and tradesmen

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Narrative arc

Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Exposition.

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Escalation
Breaking point

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In the story

Joseph Mason of Groby appears across 18 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

The Commencement of the Great Orley Farm Case
The eldest son of Sir Joseph Mason, who contested the codicil that left Orley Farm to his half-brother Lucius.
Lady Mason and Her Son
Lady Mason's stepson, who contested the codicil leaving Orley Farm to her. He believes the codicil was obtained by fraud and holds a grudge.
The Commercial Room, Bull Inn, Leeds
Mentioned as the subject of conversation; Kantwise describes him as 'close' and his wife as a remarkable woman; Dockwrath intends to visit him on business.
The Masons of Groby Park
The magistrate and owner of Groby Park, who listens to Dockwrath's evidence and is tempted by the chance to ruin Lady Mason.
The Masons of Groby Park
The parsimonious wife of Joseph Mason, who hoards food and clothes for herself while starving her family.
Mrs. Mason's Hot Luncheon
Hosts Dockwrath, expresses intense anger and bitterness over the loss of Orley Farm, and insists on using Round and Crook for legal matters.
Mr. Furnival’s Chambers
Referenced as the man from Groby Park who might purchase Dockwrath's information.
Mr. Dockwrath in Bedford Row
Referenced as the client who has written to Mr. Round about Dockwrath's discovery and intends to reopen the case against Lady Mason.
Christmas at Groby Park
Preoccupied with his legal correspondence regarding Orley Farm; orders beef for Christmas dinner but is angered by his wife's mutilation of the joint.
Christmas at Groby Park
The miserly hostess who begrudgingly gives a damaged metallic furniture set to Mrs. Green and secretly cuts a steak from the beef to save it.
XXVI: Why Should I Not?
The accuser; Sir Peregrine condemns him as a 'mean, unmanly dastard' for bringing the charge.
XXXII: What Bridget Bolster Had to Say
Unsettled by Dockwrath's insinuations despite Bridget Bolster's evidence.
The First Journey to Alston
The plaintiff, determined to be present at the trial to witness what he sees as justice against Lady Mason.
Mr. Moulder Backs His Opinion
Travels first class to Alston, expresses his long-held grievance and desire for justice against Lady Mason.
The First Day of the Trial
The plaintiff, frustrated by the moderate tone of his own counsel, Sir Richard Leatherham.
LXXIII: Mrs. Orme Tells the Story
Mentioned as the rightful owner of the property; Lucius resolves to give it up to him regardless of the verdict.
The Last of the Lawyers
Refuses to pay Dockwrath directly, insisting he submit his bill to Mr. Round.
Farewell
Fails to pursue further criminal proceedings against Lady Mason, eventually accepts Orley Farm, and later sues Samuel Dockwrath over a disputed lease.

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See Joseph Mason of Groby in The Masons of Groby Park

See Joseph Mason of Groby in The Commencement of the Great Orley Farm Case