# Lord Silverbridge — The Duke’s Children character guide

> Lord Silverbridge in The Duke’s Children by Anthony Trollope.

**Role:** major

**Also known as:** Silverbridge, Young Lord Silverbridge

**First appearance:** 0000-i-when-the-duchess-was-dead

## Snapshot

The Duke's heir, a young MP whose racing debts and defiant politics wound his father far more than any rival ever could.

## Who they are

As eldest son of the Duke of Omnium, Silverbridge carries the family's political hopes — and keeps disappointing them, having gone renegade in the Commons and onto the turf with Major Tifto. His courtship of the American heiress Isabel Boncassen collides with his father's reverence for blood and title, while his sister's secret love troubles him from another side. His choices force the novel's central question: what does an heir owe his name, and what does he owe himself?

## Relationships

### [Lady Mabel Grex](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_duke_s_children_se/characters/lady_mabel_grex)

_romantic_

Lady Mabel is deeply in love with Silverbridge but he does not return her feelings, leading to unrequited romantic tension and heartbreak.

### [The Duke of Omnium](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_duke_s_children_se/characters/the_duke_of_omnium)

_family_

Silverbridge is the Duke's eldest son and heir, with a relationship marked by filial duty, conflict over choices, and eventual reconciliation.

### [Frank Tregear](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_duke_s_children_se/characters/frank_tregear)

_friendship_

Frank and Silverbridge are close friends despite class differences, with Frank acting as a mentor and confidant to the younger lord.

### [Major Tifto](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_duke_s_children_se/characters/major_tifto)

_professional_

Silverbridge partners with Major Tifto in horse racing, a disastrous business relationship that leads to scandal and betrayal.

### [Miss Cassewary](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_duke_s_children_se/characters/miss_cassewary)

_social_

Miss Cassewary is Lady Mabel's companion and a friendly, gossipy presence in Silverbridge's social circle.

### [Isabel Boncassen](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_duke_s_children_se/characters/isabel_boncassen)

_romantic_

Isabel and Silverbridge fall deeply in love and marry, overcoming class barriers and family opposition.

### [Sir Timothy Beeswax](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_duke_s_children_se/characters/sir_timothy_beeswax)

_professional_

Silverbridge works alongside Sir Timothy in politics, but their relationship is strained by differing loyalties and ambitions.

### [Dolly Longstaff](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_duke_s_children_se/characters/dolly_longstaff)

_friendship_

Dolly Longstaff is a wealthy, idle friend of Silverbridge, often joining him in social and sporting pursuits.

### [Mrs. Finn](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_duke_s_children_se/characters/mrs_finn)

_friendship_

Silverbridge respects Mrs. Finn as a family friend and often seeks her advice, especially regarding his father.

### [Lord Gerald](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_duke_s_children_se/characters/lord_gerald)

_family_

Lord Gerald is Silverbridge's younger brother, with a warm but somewhat distant sibling relationship due to age and interests.

### [Mr. Boncassen](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_duke_s_children_se/characters/mr_boncassen)

_family_

Mr. Boncassen is Isabel's father, and Silverbridge must win his approval to marry Isabel, leading to a respectful but cautious relationship.

### [Lady Mabel Grex](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_duke_s_children_se/characters/lady_mabel_grex)

_romantic_

Lady Mabel is deeply in love with Silverbridge but he does not return her feelings, leading to unrequited romantic tension and heartbreak.

## In the story

### [When the Duchess Was Dead](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_duke_s_children_se/chapters/i-when-the-duchess-was-dead)

The Duke's eldest son, mentioned as having been sent down from Oxford and now to be found a seat in the House of Commons.

### [Francis Oliphant Tregear](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_duke_s_children_se/chapters/iii-francis-oliphant-tregear)

Tregear's close friend and the Duke's heir, who warns Tregear that his father will never approve of the match with Lady Mary.

### [Park Lane](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_duke_s_children_se/chapters/iv-park-lane)

Appears at breakfast with a letter from the Duke about coming to London; discusses his political stance.

### [It Is Impossible](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_duke_s_children_se/chapters/v-it-is-impossible)

Mentioned indirectly; the Duke suspects his son may have been involved in the secret engagement.

### [Major Tifto](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_duke_s_children_se/chapters/vi-major-tifto)

Sponsors Tifto's membership at the Beargarden and is his partner in the racehorse Prime Minister; leaves for the opera.

### [Conservative Convictions](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_duke_s_children_se/chapters/vii-conservative-convictions)

Declares his intention to stand for Parliament as a Conservative, defying his father's Liberal legacy.

### [He Is a Gentleman](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_duke_s_children_se/chapters/viii-he-is-a-gentleman)

Mentioned as standing for the borough of Silverbridge as a Conservative, causing the Duke political distress.

### [IX: “In Medias Res”](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_duke_s_children_se/chapters/ix-in-medias-res)

Discusses Tregear's situation and his own political change with Lady Mabel; agrees to dine at Lord Grex's.

### [The New Member for Silverbridge](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_duke_s_children_se/chapters/xiv-the-new-member-for-silverbridge)

The new Conservative candidate for Silverbridge; he visits the borough, meets local politicians, is elected unopposed, and writes to his father.

### [The Duke Receives a Letter—and Writes One](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_duke_s_children_se/chapters/xv-the-duke-receives-a-letter-and-writes-one)

Sends a letter to his father announcing his election as MP for Silverbridge, which prompts the Duke's thoughtful reply.

### [Poor Boy](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_duke_s_children_se/chapters/xvi-poor-boy)

Newly elected MP, discusses his father's letter and his political future with Lady Mabel, impulsively takes her hand.

### [The Derby](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_duke_s_children_se/chapters/xvii-the-derby)

The owner of Prime Minister, he bets heavily on the horse and loses over two thousand pounds, worrying about his father's reaction.

### [One of the Results of the Derby](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_duke_s_children_se/chapters/xviii-one-of-the-results-of-the-derby)

Feels guilty for encouraging Gerald to attend the Derby; pleads with the Master of Trinity and later faces his father's wrath.

### [No; My Lord, I Do Not](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_duke_s_children_se/chapters/xix-no-my-lord-i-do-not)

Visits Lady Mabel, confides about Gerald's debt and his father's grief, and makes a tentative proposal which is refused.

### [Then He Will Come Again](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_duke_s_children_se/chapters/xx-then-he-will-come-again)

Mentioned as having proposed to Mabel in a roundabout way; she spared him but considers that he may return.

### [The Duke in His Study](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_duke_s_children_se/chapters/xxii-the-duke-in-his-study)

Mentioned as a source of the Duke's troubles due to his Oxford affairs and turf involvement.

### [Frank Tregear Wants a Friend](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_duke_s_children_se/chapters/xxiii-frank-tregear-wants-a-friend)

Tregear's friendship with him is strained due to distrust of Major Tifto and disagreement over Lady Mary.

### [A Family Breakfast-Table](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_duke_s_children_se/chapters/xxv-a-family-breakfast-table)

Arranges a special breakfast to please his father, discusses his political shift and Derby losses, and shows affection for Gerald.

### [Dinner at the Beargarden](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_duke_s_children_se/chapters/xxvi-dinner-at-the-beargarden)

Meets his father in the House of Commons, discusses politics and marriage, and invites him to dine at the Beargarden.

### [Major Tifto and the Duke](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_duke_s_children_se/chapters/xxvii-major-tifto-and-the-duke)

Defends Tifto initially but resolves to end their partnership after his father's gentle criticism; decides to propose to Lady Mabel Grex.

### [Mrs. Montacute Jones's Garden-Party](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_duke_s_children_se/chapters/xxviii-mrs-montacute-jones-s-garden-party)

Attends the garden-party, is introduced to Isabel Boncassen, and reflects on his interactions with Lady Mabel Grex.

### [The Lovers Meet](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_duke_s_children_se/chapters/xxix-the-lovers-meet)

Arranges the meeting between his sister and Lady Mabel, and is present during the unexpected encounter with Tregear, which he tries to end.

### [What Came of the Meeting](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_duke_s_children_se/chapters/xxx-what-came-of-the-meeting)

Sits in St. James's Park, reflecting on his father's grief, his gambling debts, and his intention to speak to Tregear. Later accompanies Mary home and discusses the meeting with his father.

### [Miss Boncassen's River-Party. No. 1](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_duke_s_children_se/chapters/xxxi-miss-boncassen-s-river-party-no-1)

Attempts to propose to Lady Mabel three times without success; attends Miss Boncassen's river party and enjoys her company.

### [Miss Boncassen's River-Party. No. 2](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_duke_s_children_se/chapters/xxxii-miss-boncassen-s-river-party-no-2)

Decides not to dance after Miss Boncassen refuses him; reflects on his feelings for her versus Lady Mabel and considers the difficulties of marrying an American.

### [The Langham Hotel](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_duke_s_children_se/chapters/xxxiii-the-langham-hotel)

Visits Isabel after Dolly, leaves, then returns to continue his conversation with her.

### [Lord Popplecourt](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_duke_s_children_se/chapters/xxxiv-lord-popplecourt)

Invited to the dinner reluctantly; drives Popplecourt to Richmond and discusses the Duke's interest in Popplecourt.

### [Don’t You Think—?](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_duke_s_children_se/chapters/xxxv-don-t-you-think)

Talks with Lady Mabel, defends his father's position on Tregear, and nearly declares his affection for her.

### [Tallyho Lodge](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_duke_s_children_se/chapters/xxxvi-tallyho-lodge)

Referenced as Tifto's partner and the object of his resentment; Tifto feels snubbed and considers how to extract money from him.

### [Crummie-Toddie](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_duke_s_children_se/chapters/xxxviii-crummie-toddie)

Arrives at Crummie-Toddie with his brother Gerald; finds the lodge ugly and is more interested in visiting Killancodlem to see Isabel Boncassen and Lady Mabel Grex, causing tension with Dobbes.

### [Killancodlem](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_duke_s_children_se/chapters/xxxix-killancodlem)

Becomes increasingly enamored with Isabel Boncassen; feels hurt by Mabel's rejection and Tregear's secret visit; declares his love to Isabel.

### [XL: “And Then!”](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_duke_s_children_se/chapters/xl-and-then)

Declares his love to Isabel Boncassen and agrees to wait three months for her answer. Later walks with Lady Mabel Grex, who returns his ring.

### [Again at Killancodlem](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_duke_s_children_se/chapters/xlii-again-at-killancodlem)

Decides to leave the shooting party at Crummie-Toddie to visit Killancodlem after receiving a letter from Lady Mabel Grex.

### [What Happened at Doncaster](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_duke_s_children_se/chapters/xliii-what-happened-at-doncaster)

Wakes with a hangover to learn his horse cannot run; reflects on his massive gambling losses and his father's likely reaction; had made heavy bets the previous evening despite warnings.

### [XLIV: How It Was Done](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_duke_s_children_se/chapters/xliv-how-it-was-done)

Writes to Mr. Moreton about his gambling debt, receives offers from moneylenders, and resolves to tell his father.

### [There Shall Not Be Another Word About It](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_duke_s_children_se/chapters/xlv-there-shall-not-be-another-word-about-it)

Struggles to repress sobs as his father forgives him; evades questions about Mabel Grex; dreads meeting his father but is received kindly.

### [Lady Mary's Dream](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_duke_s_children_se/chapters/xlvi-lady-mary-s-dream)

Mentioned as having been at Killancodlem and being sweet on Isabel Boncassen.

### [XLIX: The Major’s Fate](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_duke_s_children_se/chapters/xlix-the-major-s-fate)

Tifto's former partner; he is pressured to give an opinion on Tifto's guilt but refuses to condemn him without certainty, eventually walking out of the Beargarden meeting.

### [L: The Duke’s Arguments](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_duke_s_children_se/chapters/l-the-duke-s-arguments)

Briefly discusses Tifto with his father, expressing sympathy for Tifto's treatment after the Derby scandal.

### [The Duke's Guests](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_duke_s_children_se/chapters/li-the-duke-s-guests)

Accepts the invitation to Matching, determined to pursue Isabel Boncassen despite Lady Mabel's presence.

### [Miss Boncassen Tells the Truth](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_duke_s_children_se/chapters/lii-miss-boncassen-tells-the-truth)

Arrives late at Matching, discusses his Derby loss and debt with Lady Mabel, and later pursues Isabel Boncassen to declare his love.

### [LIII: “Then I Am as Proud as a Queen”](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_duke_s_children_se/chapters/liii-then-i-am-as-proud-as-a-queen)

Confesses his love for Isabel to Mr. Boncassen, feeling unable to approach his father due to Lady Mabel's presence.

### [I Don't Think She Is a Snake](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_duke_s_children_se/chapters/liv-i-don-t-think-she-is-a-snake)

Announces he must leave for Cornwall to assist Frank Tregear in a by-election; avoids discussing his feelings for Isabel with his father.

### [Polpenno](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_duke_s_children_se/chapters/lv-polpenno)

Assists Tregear's campaign; debates politics and makes his first public speech.

### [The News Is Sent to Matching](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_duke_s_children_se/chapters/lvi-the-news-is-sent-to-matching)

Writes to his father about the election victory and Tregear's qualities; reflects on the campaign's hardships.

### [The Meeting at The Bobtailed Fox](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_duke_s_children_se/chapters/lvii-the-meeting-at-the-bobtailed-fox)

Referenced as the injured party in the horse-laming scandal; Tifto suggests leaving the decision to him.

### [LVIII: The Major Is Deposed](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_duke_s_children_se/chapters/lviii-the-major-is-deposed)

Receives letters from Mr. Jawstock and Major Tifto; seeks advice from Mr. Lupton; writes curt replies; avoids discussing Lady Mabel with Tregear.

### [No One Can Tell What May Come to Pass](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_duke_s_children_se/chapters/lix-no-one-can-tell-what-may-come-to-pass)

Arrives at Matching to break news of his intended marriage to his father, but hesitates; walks with Lady Mabel, discussing Tregear's election and Tifto's troubles.

### [Lord Gerald in Further Trouble](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_duke_s_children_se/chapters/lx-lord-gerald-in-further-trouble)

Receives troubling letters about Gerald's gambling debt, writes to Lord Percival offering an I.O.U., and resolves to eventually inform the Duke. Also reflects on his earlier interaction with Lady Mabel.

### [LXI: “Bone of My Bone”](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_duke_s_children_se/chapters/lxi-bone-of-my-bone)

Confesses to his father that he has changed his mind about Lady Mabel and now wishes to marry Isabel Boncassen, despite the Duke's disapproval.

### [The Brake Country](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_duke_s_children_se/chapters/lxii-the-brake-country)

Visits Harrington and is immediately questioned by Lord Chiltern about Trumpington Wood; participates in hunting discussions.

### [LXIII: “I’ve Seen ’Em Like That Before”](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_duke_s_children_se/chapters/lxiii-i-ve-seen-em-like-that-before)

Hosts Tregear at The Baldfaced Stag, rides with the hunt, and writes letters about Tregear's accident.

### [I Believe Him to Be a Worthy Young Man](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_duke_s_children_se/chapters/lxiv-i-believe-him-to-be-a-worthy-young-man)

Writes to Mary and Mrs. Finn about Tregear's accident, providing details of his recovery and the circumstances.

### [Do You Ever Think What Money Is?](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_duke_s_children_se/chapters/lxv-do-you-ever-think-what-money-is)

Mentioned as having arranged to pay Gerald's debt and as contemplating marriage to Isabel Boncassen.

### [The Three Attacks](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_duke_s_children_se/chapters/lxvi-the-three-attacks)

Silverbridge is mentioned as having declared himself in Tregear's favour after the hunting accident.

### [He Is Such a Beast](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_duke_s_children_se/chapters/lxvii-he-is-such-a-beast)

Receives and considers the offer to second the address; ultimately refuses out of loyalty to his father.

### [Brook Street](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_duke_s_children_se/chapters/lxviii-brook-street)

Returns to Brook Street to see Isabel, passionately declares his love, and resolves to seek his father's approval.

### [Pert Poppet!](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_duke_s_children_se/chapters/lxix-pert-poppet)

Moody and contemplative after his father's refusal to accept his engagement to Isabel Boncassen; becomes enraged when Dolly Longstaff proposes to Isabel and insults her.

### [Love May Be a Great Misfortune](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_duke_s_children_se/chapters/lxx-love-may-be-a-great-misfortune)

Pleads his case to Mr. Boncassen, agrees to consult his father again, and is deeply moved by the American's concerns.

### [What Am I to Say, Sir?](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_duke_s_children_se/chapters/lxxi-what-am-i-to-say-sir)

Resolves to confess his love for Isabel to his father; receives the Duke's reluctant blessing; attends Parliament; hurries to see Isabel but misses her.

### [Carlton Terrace](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_duke_s_children_se/chapters/lxxii-carlton-terrace)

Shows Isabel and Mrs. Boncassen around the house; expresses disappointment that he cannot be alone with Isabel; discusses the Duke's gift and his own future responsibilities.

### [LXXIII: “I Have Never Loved You”](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_duke_s_children_se/chapters/lxxiii-i-have-never-loved-you)

Visits Lady Mabel after her letter; listens to her confession and accepts her declaration that she never loved him.

### [Let Us Drink a Glass of Wine Together](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_duke_s_children_se/chapters/lxxiv-let-us-drink-a-glass-of-wine-together)

Attempts to keep the mood light and free, but is aware of the underlying tension.

### [LXXV: The Major’s Story](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_duke_s_children_se/chapters/lxxv-the-major-s-story)

Awaiting Isabel's return, he frequents the Beargarden and later encounters Major Tifto, whom he forgives and financially supports.

### [On Deportment](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_duke_s_children_se/chapters/lxxvi-on-deportment)

Expresses doubts about his political allegiance, considering moving to the opposition side.

### [Mabel, Goodbye](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_duke_s_children_se/chapters/lxxvii-mabel-goodbye)

Discussed by Mabel as the man who changed his mind and rejected her; she admires his courage but resents his betrayal.

### [The First Wedding](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_duke_s_children_se/chapters/lxxix-the-first-wedding)

His wedding to Isabel Boncassen is being prepared; he is part of the party at Matching.

### [The Second Wedding](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_duke_s_children_se/chapters/lxxx-the-second-wedding)

Returns from America with Isabel to attend Mary's wedding; speaks with the Duke about Tregear's character.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_duke_s_children_se/characters/lord_silverbridge
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_duke_s_children_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_duke_s_children_se/characters