Seven part adaptation of two Trollope novels set in the fictitious Victorian town of Barchester. Reverend Septimus Harding commands the respect of his parish, and with his son-in-law installed as the Archdeacon, intends to keep religious authority within the family. Zealous reformer John Bold comes into town to rail against Harding's ecclesiastical monopoly, creating unease amongst the reverend's hitherto devoted flock. Synopsis Anthony Trollope's novels, The Warden and Barchester Towers, are brought charmingly to life by Alan Plater in his BAFTA- and RTS-award-winning dramatisation. The intrigues and machinations of an ecclesiastical community are the backdrop for a fine cast, including a young Alan Rickman in one of his first starring roles.