CHAPTER I Hiram’s Hospital

In the quiet cathedral town of Barchester, Rev. Septimus Harding finds himself deeply intertwined with the intricacies of ecclesiastical life. As the precentor of Barchester Cathedral and warden of Hiram’s Hospital, an almshouse for twelve superannuated men, Mr. Harding is a central figure in the town’s clerical and social circles. Hiram’s Hospital, founded by John Hiram in 1434 to support local wool-carders, has prospered over the centuries, its estates now covered with houses contributing to a substantial income.

Mr. Harding, widowed with two daughters, lives a content life, his financial and clerical duties intertwined with the wellbeing of the almshouse’s residents. Despite the ostensibly modest income associated with his roles, the value of the Hospital’s lands has increased significantly, giving Mr. Harding a comfortable if not luxurious lifestyle. However, rumors have surfaced suggesting the wealth from John Hiram’s bequest may not be distributed fairly, a whisper that reaches Mr. Harding, known for his just and generous nature.

To address these murmurs and out of a sense of fairness, Mr. Harding voluntarily increases the almshouse residents’ allowance from his own pocket, a decision not without its critics. Among these is Archdeacon Theophilus Grantly, Mr. Harding’s son-in-law, who views such generosity with disapproval, concerned about its implications for the Church and the Harding family’s finances.

Hiram’s Hospital itself is a picturesque testament to the town’s history, its residents a collection of aged men who’ve served the church in their youth. Mr. Harding’s care for these men, along with his dedication to his church music and choir, paint a picture of a man deeply committed to his duties and community, despite the quiet murmurs of financial impropriety and the watchful eye of his ambitious son-in-law.

Thus, as warden of Hiram’s Hospital, Mr. Harding embodies the complexities of managing clerical responsibilities, familial relationships, and moral obligations within the microcosm of Barchester’s ecclesiastical aristocracy, all while navigating the broader societal expectations of his time.