# Mrs. Thorne — The Last Chronicle of Barset character guide

> Mrs. Thorne in The Last Chronicle of Barset by Anthony Trollope.

**Role:** supporting

**Also known as:** Thorne, Miss Dunstable

**First appearance:** 0054-lv-framley-parsonage

## Snapshot

The former Miss Dunstable, now a wealthy and warm-hearted widow whose fortune and frank good sense make her a formidable ally to the beleaguered Crawleys.

## Who they are

Once the celebrated heiress Miss Dunstable, she now moves through Barsetshire society as Mrs. Thorne, wife to the doctor and intimate of the archdeacon's circle. Her money and independence give her a freedom few women in the county enjoy, and she spends it generously on those she judges worthy. When the Crawleys are threatened by scandal and poverty, her loyalty becomes one of the few reliable forces in their favor.

## In the story

### [Major Grantly Consults a Friend](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_last_chronicle_of_barset_se/chapters/xiv-major-grantly-consults-a-friend)

Advises Major Grantly to marry Grace Crawley despite the scandal, showing her characteristic boldness and warmth.

### [Why Don’t You Have an “It” for Yourself?](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_last_chronicle_of_barset_se/chapters/lii-why-don-t-you-have-an-it-for-yourself)

Generous hostess who provides Lily with a horse and habit, and discusses the Crawley case and John Eames.

### [A Lady Presents Her Compliments to Miss L. D.](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_last_chronicle_of_barset_se/chapters/lix-a-lady-presents-her-compliments-to-miss-l-d)

Hosts Lily in London and takes her to view pictures; inadvertently causes the meeting with Crosbie.

### [I Think He Is Light of Heart](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_last_chronicle_of_barset_se/chapters/lxxvi-i-think-he-is-light-of-heart)

Hosts Mrs. Arabin and Lily; shares Barsetshire news and jokes about Mr. Crawley becoming bishop.

### [The Shattered Tree](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_last_chronicle_of_barset_se/chapters/lxxvii-the-shattered-tree)

Briefly encounters John Eames in the hall after his rejection, noting he was too upset to speak.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_last_chronicle_of_barset_se/characters/mrs_thorne
- 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