# Francis Atterbury — The History of Henry Esmond character guide

> Francis Atterbury in The History of Henry Esmond by William Makepeace Thackeray.

**Role:** minor

**Also known as:** Mr. Atterbury, Atterbury, Bishop Atterbury, the Dean

**First appearance:** 0044-x-we-entertain-a-very-distinguished-guest-at-kensington

## Who they are

A bishop and Jacobite conspirator involved in plots against the crown.

## In the story

### [XIV: We Ride After Him to London](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_henry_esmond_se/chapters/xiv-we-ride-after-him-to-london)

Attends the dying Lord Castlewood, takes his confession, and agrees to bear the news to Castlewood.

### [VI: Poor Beatrix](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_henry_esmond_se/chapters/vi-poor-beatrix)

Dean who visits Lady Castlewood to offer spiritual comfort; deeply affected by the tragedy.

### [VIII: I Travel to France and Bring Home a Portrait of Rigaud](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_henry_esmond_se/chapters/viii-i-travel-to-france-and-bring-home-a-portrait-of-rigaud)

Helps Esmond procure a pass for travel to France.

### [We Entertain a Very Distinguished Guest at Kensington](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_henry_esmond_se/chapters/x-we-entertain-a-very-distinguished-guest-at-kensington)

The Bishop of Rochester, a key conspirator in the plan to present the Prince to the Queen, breakfasts with the family and helps coordinate the day's events.

### [XI: Our Guest Quits Us as Not Being Hospitable Enough](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_henry_esmond_se/chapters/xi-our-guest-quits-us-as-not-being-hospitable-enough)

The Bishop, who advises the Prince and helps draft proclamations.

### [XIII: August 1st, 1714](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_henry_esmond_se/chapters/xiii-august-1st-1714)

The Bishop is with Lady Castlewood in Kensington; he inadvertently reveals Beatrix's location to the Prince.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_henry_esmond_se/characters/mr_atterbury
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_henry_esmond_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_henry_esmond_se/characters