# Mr. Bunce — The Warden character guide

> Mr. Bunce in The Warden by Anthony Trollope.

**Role:** supporting

**Also known as:** Bunce, The great Bunce, old Bunce, Master Bunce, Poor Bunce, Here Bunce, poor old Bunce

**First appearance:** 0003-iv-hiram-s-bedesmen

## Snapshot

A proud, loyal bedesman of Hiram's Hospital who refuses to sign the petition against the warden and stands by him when others waver.

## Who they are

Mr. Bunce is one of the twelve old men of Hiram's Hospital, a figure of rough dignity among the bedesmen and the warden's most steadfast ally. When Bold's agitation stirs the hospital and a petition begins to circulate, Bunce will have none of it, and his refusal marks him out among his fellows. His loyalty gives a human face to the institution at the centre of the quarrel, reminding readers that the abstract question of charitable funds is lived out by old men with pride and memory.

## Relationships

### [Mr. Harding](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_warden_se/characters/mr_harding)

_friendship_

Mr. Bunce is a loyal bedesman and friend to Mr. Harding, defending him against the reformers.

### [Mr. Harding](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_warden_se/characters/mr_harding)

_friendship_

Mr. Bunce is a loyal bedesman and friend to Mr. Harding, defending him against the reformers.

### [Mr. Harding](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_warden_se/characters/mr_harding)

_friendship_

Mr. Bunce is a loyal bedesman and friend to Mr. Harding, defending him against the reformers.

## In the story

### [Hiram's Bedesmen](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_warden_se/chapters/iv-hiram-s-bedesmen)

The loyal bedesman who refuses to sign the petition, defends the warden, and confronts Handy, arguing that the men are being misled.

### [Dr. Grantly Visits the Hospital](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_warden_se/chapters/v-dr-grantly-visits-the-hospital)

Among the bedesmen, expresses gratitude to Mr. Harding, saying 'God bless you, Mr. Harding.'

### [VII: The Jupiter](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_warden_se/chapters/vii-the-jupiter)

Bunce stands apart with a lowering brow, grieving as he perceives that evil days are coming for the hospital.

### [X: Tribulation](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_warden_se/chapters/x-tribulation)

Visits the warden to inquire about news from London and offers affectionate support, though he learns there is no good news.

### [Farewell](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_warden_se/chapters/xx-farewell)

Communicates with Harding about the resignation, speaks to the bedesmen, and accompanies Harding to say goodbye to old Bell.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_warden_se/characters/mr_bunce
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_warden_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_warden_se/characters