# Dr. Tempest — The Last Chronicle of Barset character guide

> Dr. Tempest in The Last Chronicle of Barset by Anthony Trollope.

**Role:** supporting

**Also known as:** Dr. Tempest of Silverbridge, old Tempest

**First appearance:** 0046-xlvii-dr-tempest-at-the-palace

## Snapshot

The shrewd rector of Silverbridge, summoned to the palace to help the bishop judge Mr. Crawley, and wary of Mrs. Proudie's interference.

## Who they are

Dr. Tempest is the kind of clergyman whose good sense makes him valuable to bishops and dangerous to their wives, a man who agrees to dine at the palace while privately resolving to keep his visit short. He knows that Crawley's obstinacy in claiming his own pulpit has forced the bishop's hand, and he means to see the case handled with fairness rather than spectacle. His presence at the Proudie dinner table signals that the Crawley affair has become a matter for the diocese's most respected minds, not merely a local scandal.

## In the story

### [Mrs. Proudie Sends for Her Lawyer](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_last_chronicle_of_barset_se/chapters/xxxiv-mrs-proudie-sends-for-her-lawyer)

The rural dean of Silverbridge, whom Mrs. Proudie distrusts for showing mercy to Mr. Crawley; he is to head the commission of inquiry.

### [Mr. Toogood Travels Professionally](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_last_chronicle_of_barset_se/chapters/xlii-mr-toogood-travels-professionally)

Discusses the potential ecclesiastical inquiry with Mr. Walker and Mr. Toogood; argues that if Crawley is convicted, resignation of the living should follow.

### [Dr. Tempest at the Palace](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_last_chronicle_of_barset_se/chapters/xlvii-dr-tempest-at-the-palace)

Rural dean of Silverbridge, summoned to the palace for a commission on Mr. Crawley; firmly refuses to discuss the matter with Mrs. Proudie.

### [The Clerical Commission](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_last_chronicle_of_barset_se/chapters/liv-the-clerical-commission)

Hosts the clerical commission and steers the inquiry with prudence, keeping silent about his victory over Mrs. Proudie.

### [It's Dogged as Does It](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_last_chronicle_of_barset_se/chapters/lxi-it-s-dogged-as-does-it)

Writes to Mr. Crawley on behalf of the clerical commission and later tries to persuade him to consider his family's welfare.

### [Mr. Crawley's Letter to the Dean](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_last_chronicle_of_barset_se/chapters/lxii-mr-crawley-s-letter-to-the-dean)

Writes a letter advising Mr. Crawley not to resign until after the trial.

### [The Obstinacy of Mr. Crawley](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_last_chronicle_of_barset_se/chapters/lxviii-the-obstinacy-of-mr-crawley)

Sends for Robarts after Mrs. Proudie's death, hoping to use the changed circumstances to help Crawley.

## Links

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