The Last Chronicle of Barset · Character

Mr. Thumble

A palace clergyman dispatched to seize Mr. Crawley's pulpit, whose borrowed dignity collapses the moment he faces the man he came to displace.

supporting

Also known as Thumble, the Reverend Mr. Thumble, Reverend

First appearance: The Bishop Sends His Inhibition

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

See Mr. Thumble in The Bishop Sends His Inhibition Book page

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Thumble is Mrs. Proudie's instrument, a poor curate who borrows authority from the bishop's letter he carries and the fact that, unlike Crawley, he owes no man money. Ordered to be firm, he arrives at Hogglestock parsonage expecting deference and instead meets Crawley's cold, erect courtesy and Mrs. Crawley's quiet readiness for battle. His awkward errand matters because it forces the Crawleys' private disgrace into a public contest over who may lawfully preach in that pulpit.

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See Mr. Thumble in The Bishop Sends His Inhibition

Character Web

29 connections

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

Relationship types

Other

Character groups

Central plot characters
Crawley family associates
Hogglestock locals

+24 more in the full Character Web

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Narrative arc

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

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. Thumble appears across 9 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

The Bishop Sends His Inhibition
Selected by Mrs. Proudie to deliver the bishop's letter and take over the duties at Hogglestock.
The Bishop's Angel
Bishop's messenger who rides to Hogglestock on the grey cob, delivers the episcopal letter, and awkwardly waits for a reply.
Mr. Crawley Is Summoned to Barchester
Reports his unsuccessful attempt to preach at Hogglestock to the bishop and Mrs. Proudie, facing her wrath.
The Clerical Commission
Represents the palace at the commission, complains about expenses, and defends the bishop's position.
Mr. Crawley's Letter to the Dean
Scheduled to relieve Mr. Crawley at Hogglestock, a prospect Mr. Crawley finds distasteful.
Two Visitors to Hogglestock
Visits Hogglestock to arrange parish duties; argues with Mr. Crawley and is intimidated by his presence.
Requiescat in Pace
Sent by Mrs. Proudie to Hogglestock on the bishop's cob, returns late after trouble on the road.
The Obstinacy of Mr. Crawley
Mentioned as the pernicious figure sent to Hogglestock; Dr. Tempest suggests Robarts may need to deal with him.
Mr. Crawley's Last Appearance in His Own Pulpit
Reluctantly goes to Hogglestock to perform services after Mrs. Proudie's death, but is awed and anxious about payment.

Chapter companion notes

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See Mr. Thumble in The Bishop Sends His Inhibition