# Mr. Thumble — The Last Chronicle of Barset character guide

> Mr. Thumble in The Last Chronicle of Barset by Anthony Trollope.

**Role:** supporting

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

**First appearance:** 0010-xi-the-bishop-sends-his-inhibition

## Snapshot

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

## Who they are

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.

## In the story

### [The Bishop Sends His Inhibition](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_last_chronicle_of_barset_se/chapters/xi-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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_last_chronicle_of_barset_se/chapters/xiii-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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_last_chronicle_of_barset_se/chapters/xvii-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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_last_chronicle_of_barset_se/chapters/liv-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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_last_chronicle_of_barset_se/chapters/lxii-mr-crawley-s-letter-to-the-dean)

Scheduled to relieve Mr. Crawley at Hogglestock, a prospect Mr. Crawley finds distasteful.

### [Two Visitors to Hogglestock](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_last_chronicle_of_barset_se/chapters/lxiii-two-visitors-to-hogglestock)

Visits Hogglestock to arrange parish duties; argues with Mr. Crawley and is intimidated by his presence.

### [Requiescat in Pace](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_last_chronicle_of_barset_se/chapters/lxvi-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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_last_chronicle_of_barset_se/chapters/lxviii-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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_last_chronicle_of_barset_se/chapters/lxix-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.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_last_chronicle_of_barset_se/characters/mr_thumble
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_last_chronicle_of_barset_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_last_chronicle_of_barset_se/characters