The Last Chronicle of Barset · Character

Mr. Harding

The gentle, elderly father of Mrs. Grantly and Mrs. Arabin, whose quiet goodness has shaped Barchester for a generation and whose passing gathers the whole county to mourn.

supporting

Also known as old Mr. Harding, Septimus Harding, poor old Mr. Harding

First appearance: lxvi requiescat in pace

As a supporting figure in The Last Chronicle of Barset, Mr. Harding is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

Mentioned as the grandfather whom Griselda requested not to be invited to the rectory, causing Mrs.

In the storyIII: The Archdeacon's ThreatOpen this moment free

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Septimus Harding has spent his long life in the cathedral close, a man so unassuming that no one called him popular until the day he was gone. His two daughters, the archdeacon's wife and the dean's, walk together behind his coffin, and even the broken bishop comes out of the palace to follow. His death in the novel's opening movement sets the tone of loss and moral reckoning against which the Crawley scandal plays out.

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See Mr. Harding in lxvi requiescat in pace

Character Web

31 connections

A slice of how Mr. Harding sits in the book — open the reader for the full interactive map.

Relationship types

Other

Character groups

Crawley family associates
Central plot characters
Hogglestock locals
Extended cast and minor characters

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Narrative arc

Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Falling action.

Setup
Breaking point
Aftermath
Closing

In this chapter, the emotional and psychological peak occurs when John Eames, after years of unrequited love f…

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In the story

Mr. Harding appears across 10 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

III: The Archdeacon's Threat
Mentioned as the grandfather whom Griselda requested not to be invited to the rectory, causing Mrs. Grantly distress.
Major Grantly at Home
Visits Plumstead, dotes on Edith, and reminisces about the past with the archdeacon.
The Plumstead Foxes
Staying at Plumstead Rectory but breakfasts in his room, remaining uninvolved in the family dispute.
Mr. Toogood Travels Professionally
Receives a visit from Mr. Toogood; writes to his daughter Mrs. Arabin about the visit and the gravity of the case.
Near the Close
Living alone at the deanery, he takes his grandson's part, arguing that love and character matter more than rank or money, and gently defends Grace Crawley's upbringing.
The Cross-Grainedness of Men
Mentioned as the major's grandfather, who is not very strong and is visited by Mrs. Grantly.
In Memoriam
Receives news of Mrs. Proudie's death while in bed with Posy; reflects on her with gentle charity despite past wounds.
Mr. Toogood at The Dragon of Wantly
Too ill to be seen by Toogood at the deanery; Mrs. Baxter reports he is only accessible to very old friends.
The Arabins Return to Barchester
Bedridden at the deanery; weak in his legs and believes he will never stand again; expresses joy at the news of Mrs. Arabin's return and Mr. Crawley's innocence.
Barchester Cloisters
Lying on his deathbed, he grows weaker and dies peacefully, surrounded by family.

Chapter companion notes

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See Mr. Harding in lxvi requiescat in pace

See Mr. Harding in III: The Archdeacon's Threat