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Barsetshire #18
The Old Bank House
A continuation of Thirkell's modern Barsetshire chronicles. The old bank house is a large and beautiful dwelling belonging to Miss Sowerby, the last of the Barsetshire line, finally decides to sell her house to the leery Mr. Sam Adams. I must tell you about the house, Mr. Adams... It likes a mistress.
Paperback
First published January 1, 1949
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About the author
Angela Thirkell
63 books262 followers Angela Margaret Mackail was born on January 30, 1890 at 27 Young Street, Kensington Square, London. Her grandfather was Sir Edward Burne-Jones the pre-Raphaelite painter and partner in the design firm of Morris and Company for whom he designed many stained glass windows - seven of which are in St Margaret's Church in Rottingdean, West Sussex. Her grandmother was Georgiana Macdonald, one of a precocious family which included among others, Stanley Baldwin, the Prime Minister, and Rudyard Kipling. Angela's brother, Denis Mackail, was also a prolific and successful novelist. Angela's mother, Margaret Burne-Jones, married John Mackail - an administrator at the Ministry of Education and Professor of Poetry at Oxford University.
Angela married James Campbell McInnes in 1911. James was a professional Baritone and performed at concert halls throughout the UK. In 1912 their first son Graham was born and in 1914 a second son, Colin. A daughter was born in 1917 at the same time her marriage was breaking up. In November 1917 a divorce was granted and Angela and the children went to live with her parents in Pembroke Gardens in London. The child, Mary, died the next year.
Angela then met and married George Lancelot Thirkell in 1918 and in 1920 they traveled on a troop ship to George's hometown in Australia. Their adventures on the "Friedricksruh" are recounted in her Trooper to the Southern Cross published in 1934. In 1921, in Melbourne Australia, her youngest son Lancelot George was born. Angela left Australia in 1929 with 8 year old Lance and never returned. Although living with her parents in London she badly needed to earn a living so she set forth on the difficult road of the professional writer. Her first book, Three Houses, a memoir of her happy childhood was published in 1931 and was an immediate success. The first of her novels set in Trollope's mythical county of Barsetshire was Demon in the House, followed by 28 others, one each year.
Angela also wrote a book of children's stories entitled The Grateful Sparrow using Ludwig Richter's illustrations; a biography of Harriette Wilson, The Fortunes of Harriette; an historical novel, Coronation Summer, an account of the events in London during Queen Victoria's Coronation in 1838; and three semi-autobiographical novels, Ankle Deep and Oh, These Men, These Men and Trooper to the Southern Cross. When Angela died on the 29th of January 1961 she left unfinished the last of her books, Three Score and Ten which was completed by her friend, Caroline LeJeune. Angela is buried in Rottingdean alongside her daughter Mary and her Burne-Jones grandparents.
Angela married James Campbell McInnes in 1911. James was a professional Baritone and performed at concert halls throughout the UK. In 1912 their first son Graham was born and in 1914 a second son, Colin. A daughter was born in 1917 at the same time her marriage was breaking up. In November 1917 a divorce was granted and Angela and the children went to live with her parents in Pembroke Gardens in London. The child, Mary, died the next year.
Angela then met and married George Lancelot Thirkell in 1918 and in 1920 they traveled on a troop ship to George's hometown in Australia. Their adventures on the "Friedricksruh" are recounted in her Trooper to the Southern Cross published in 1934. In 1921, in Melbourne Australia, her youngest son Lancelot George was born. Angela left Australia in 1929 with 8 year old Lance and never returned. Although living with her parents in London she badly needed to earn a living so she set forth on the difficult road of the professional writer. Her first book, Three Houses, a memoir of her happy childhood was published in 1931 and was an immediate success. The first of her novels set in Trollope's mythical county of Barsetshire was Demon in the House, followed by 28 others, one each year.
Angela also wrote a book of children's stories entitled The Grateful Sparrow using Ludwig Richter's illustrations; a biography of Harriette Wilson, The Fortunes of Harriette; an historical novel, Coronation Summer, an account of the events in London during Queen Victoria's Coronation in 1838; and three semi-autobiographical novels, Ankle Deep and Oh, These Men, These Men and Trooper to the Southern Cross. When Angela died on the 29th of January 1961 she left unfinished the last of her books, Three Score and Ten which was completed by her friend, Caroline LeJeune. Angela is buried in Rottingdean alongside her daughter Mary and her Burne-Jones grandparents.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
May 14, 2012
Rating: 3.4* of five
I have finally figured it out: The pleasure of reading these books comes from the same orderly place that the pleasure of studying genealogical tables comes from. If you're into it, this kind of book, with its large cast of characters that you meet here, the large cast of characters you've met before in other circumstances, and the passing mentions of familiar names, will wrap you up in a tea-cosy and feed you clotted cream on scones in front of a warm fire.
Still, in this entry into the Chronicles of Barsetshire, the characters one meets again are interesting but not A list, and a lot of the new people aren't that fascinating. Laura Morland, the authoress's alter ego in these books, appears, and that's always fun. But overall, this book would most certainly not be the first one a newbie should pick up. It's a fill-in and comfort read for us old hands.
No recommendations, no avoid notices, just a small sigh of contentment at having discovered a new book in an old, well-loved series.
I have finally figured it out: The pleasure of reading these books comes from the same orderly place that the pleasure of studying genealogical tables comes from. If you're into it, this kind of book, with its large cast of characters that you meet here, the large cast of characters you've met before in other circumstances, and the passing mentions of familiar names, will wrap you up in a tea-cosy and feed you clotted cream on scones in front of a warm fire.
Still, in this entry into the Chronicles of Barsetshire, the characters one meets again are interesting but not A list, and a lot of the new people aren't that fascinating. Laura Morland, the authoress's alter ego in these books, appears, and that's always fun. But overall, this book would most certainly not be the first one a newbie should pick up. It's a fill-in and comfort read for us old hands.
No recommendations, no avoid notices, just a small sigh of contentment at having discovered a new book in an old, well-loved series.
February 7, 2026
A much better thought-out plot than in the previous novel. There was still a lot about the difficulties of everyday life with post-war restrictions, about the changes that "They" were making which made life difficult, but that was understandable. Thanks to this, this series is a timepiece. The important thing was that this time the author did not overwhelm me with too many characters at once, that she had an idea for the plot, a love story, and she chose the main characters.
I like Thirkell's humor, her language, and the nostalgia. Not every part of her series is worth recommending, but I will read all of them anyway.
I like Thirkell's humor, her language, and the nostalgia. Not every part of her series is worth recommending, but I will read all of them anyway.
April 6, 2026
I haven't been this touched by a book in awhile, especially a book in this, one of my favorite series. I was actually disappointed in the last two books (I'm reading Angela Thirkell's Barsetshire series in order) - the books immediately after WWII were so well-done and I really felt the sheer exhaustion and numbness after long years of war, deprivation, rationing, blackouts; there was still humor, but tinged with melancholy as characters came to grips with a way of life gone forever. Then for a couple books Thirkell seemed to lose her way, humor and touching sentiment gave way to bitching about rationing and social changes - all fair game, but the books became a chore to finish.
Well, she's certainly back on track with Old Bank House; I found this book touching in so many ways, as sweet young Eleanor Grantley encounters sensitive, anxious little Lord Mellings, his strong, practical, tireless mother, Lady Pomfret and the sweet-natured but exhausted Lord Pomfret; begins a rocky romance with Colin Keith (will he FINALLY get to the altar?!) and we see her elderly neighbor, Miss Sowerby, bid a sad and fond farewell to her beloved Old Bank House. Very touching and full of the gentle, affectionate humor I appreciate so much from this author.
That was just the first half of the book; we also see Eleanor's older brother Tom, a former major in the Barsetshires who saw combat, as he struggles to adjust to civilian life, first as a mortified 28-year-old student at Oxford trying to read Greats, then as a budding farmer (no pun intended!). This brings him into contact with several old Barsetshire families, the Pomfrets and Marlings and Grahams among others (I struggle to keep all the names straight!), which allows longtime fans to check in with beloved characters and bid a fond and bittersweet farewell to others, meet the new generation and see several romantic entanglements charmingly settled.
I got to know Lucy Marling and Emmy Graham much better in this book, and these two strong-minded, hard-working Amazons of the field and cowshed are among my favorite characters in all of Thirkell's huge recurring cast! And no spoilers, but to see them happily settled with men who share their interests and appreciate them just as they are made for a delightful and satisfying ending.
We also get to spend more time with the fascinating, down-to-earth Sam Adams, self-made businessman, MP and now pillar of the county - his evolution seems complete now that he has taken over stewardship of the Old Bank House from the stately and rather formidable Miss Sowerby. She warns him from the beginning that the "house needs a mistress", and he finally is on the way to acquiring one at the end of the book! I can't wait to read the next installment, County Chronicle, to see what happens next to the delightful denizens of Barsetshire.
Well, she's certainly back on track with Old Bank House; I found this book touching in so many ways, as sweet young Eleanor Grantley encounters sensitive, anxious little Lord Mellings, his strong, practical, tireless mother, Lady Pomfret and the sweet-natured but exhausted Lord Pomfret; begins a rocky romance with Colin Keith (will he FINALLY get to the altar?!) and we see her elderly neighbor, Miss Sowerby, bid a sad and fond farewell to her beloved Old Bank House. Very touching and full of the gentle, affectionate humor I appreciate so much from this author.
That was just the first half of the book; we also see Eleanor's older brother Tom, a former major in the Barsetshires who saw combat, as he struggles to adjust to civilian life, first as a mortified 28-year-old student at Oxford trying to read Greats, then as a budding farmer (no pun intended!). This brings him into contact with several old Barsetshire families, the Pomfrets and Marlings and Grahams among others (I struggle to keep all the names straight!), which allows longtime fans to check in with beloved characters and bid a fond and bittersweet farewell to others, meet the new generation and see several romantic entanglements charmingly settled.
I got to know Lucy Marling and Emmy Graham much better in this book, and these two strong-minded, hard-working Amazons of the field and cowshed are among my favorite characters in all of Thirkell's huge recurring cast! And no spoilers, but to see them happily settled with men who share their interests and appreciate them just as they are made for a delightful and satisfying ending.
We also get to spend more time with the fascinating, down-to-earth Sam Adams, self-made businessman, MP and now pillar of the county - his evolution seems complete now that he has taken over stewardship of the Old Bank House from the stately and rather formidable Miss Sowerby. She warns him from the beginning that the "house needs a mistress", and he finally is on the way to acquiring one at the end of the book! I can't wait to read the next installment, County Chronicle, to see what happens next to the delightful denizens of Barsetshire.
July 17, 2009
Old Miss Sowerby is forced to sell her family home, and she couldn't have been luckier with her buyer. Sam Adams, who pulled himself up by his own bootstraps to great wealth, has acquired enough polish to make himself welcome among the County. He is generous to others, and The Old Bank House is generous to him. From there he influences his neighbors for good, especially the Marlings. We meet the Grantly family, residents of yet another rectory, follow Major Tom Grantly in his search for a career, and finally find a wife for Colin Keith. This is one of the crucial books I missed -- I'm lucky the library had it.
"Much has been written and said about the relations between people and houses. Some of our friends live in hideous houses ... and yet so inform these graceless tenements with their own personality that after their death we think of them as palaces of delight. Others have inherited or acquired houses famous for their beauty and managed to make them feel like an unfriendly Scotch Hydro.... Again there are houses that always get the better of their owners whether rich, poor, intelligent or stupid. ...For one ugly house that degrades the owner to its own level, there will be found twenty beautiful, or handsome, or elegant houses that have exercised a good influence on everyone who has lived in them. And so it was with the Old Bank House.... To Miss Sowerby it had resigned itself meekly, knowing that although she could not afford to spend a penny on it, she would dust and polish and love as long as her strength lasted. When it saw Mr. Adams approaching, it may have felt some apprehension, but it was too well bred to show it and when it had heard and witnessed Mr. Adams's interview with Miss Sowerby it took him under its wing."
"Much has been written and said about the relations between people and houses. Some of our friends live in hideous houses ... and yet so inform these graceless tenements with their own personality that after their death we think of them as palaces of delight. Others have inherited or acquired houses famous for their beauty and managed to make them feel like an unfriendly Scotch Hydro.... Again there are houses that always get the better of their owners whether rich, poor, intelligent or stupid. ...For one ugly house that degrades the owner to its own level, there will be found twenty beautiful, or handsome, or elegant houses that have exercised a good influence on everyone who has lived in them. And so it was with the Old Bank House.... To Miss Sowerby it had resigned itself meekly, knowing that although she could not afford to spend a penny on it, she would dust and polish and love as long as her strength lasted. When it saw Mr. Adams approaching, it may have felt some apprehension, but it was too well bred to show it and when it had heard and witnessed Mr. Adams's interview with Miss Sowerby it took him under its wing."
February 20, 2011
This book isn't badly written; it's just that all of Thirkell's books are are so similar, and I guess I'm getting bored with them.
May 29, 2011
Angela Thirkell's Barsetshire novels would certainly never be described as great literature and yet there is something so enchanting about them that one can't help coming back to read more. For me, each new book feels like going home to hear all the latest juicy gossip about people I've come to know and love. What the books lack in plot and action is well compensated for by their humor ("Well, it takes all sorts to make a world." "So it does...but how very nice it would be if it didn't. There are so many sorts one could willingly dispense with...") and wonderful characters.
The focus point of this novel, the Old Bank House in Edgewood and its new owner Mr. Adams, provides a perfect illustration for the novel's main theme. Post war England, as many of the "older set" are coming to realize, will be a very different place from the peaceful world they had before the strife. Lines between gentry and commoner grow more blurred each day. People like Mr. Adams, who has become quite more respectable since we met him several novels ago, are stepping in to take the place of the old "regime." How will the people of the county react to this changing world and the many uncertainties it brings? As the older generation is slowly eroded by death, will the younger Barsetshire set be able to take up the reins? Will they, as their parents fervently wish, be able to stand strong against the new threats that peacetime brings like that of socialism, societal instability and moral decay? Will they make the sacrifices of their
parents worth the price. And, amidst all this turmoil, will they find love or be forced to face the future alone? Though hope at many points seems dim, they all struggle valiantly to make the best of this changing world and to enjoy its few remaining innocent pleasures with their neighbors and friends.
Thirkell draws on her theme of houses and the way they define and reflect their owners to give us a glimpse of each familiar Barsetshire family, from the dedicated but overworked Pomfrets at Thorne Hall, who must grapple with enormous social responsibilities and limited resources, to the Grahams at Holdings, where the new generation faces the loss of their beloved matriarch, Lady Emily. Glimpses into Edgewood Rectory, Marling Hall, Northbridge and many others provide the reader with plenty of laughter and enjoyment as Thirkell keenly observes and comments on the lives and personalities of the inhabitants. New and sometimes surprising relationships between the families develop, adding to the rich weaving of the tapestry that is Barsetshire.
One of the best things about this book is how very similar the problems that its characters face are to many we face today: things like post-war trauma and uncertainty and socialized medicine ("A pal of mine who knew about these things...tells me They budged for eight millions for dentists. More likely to be fifty millions by the look of it. Not much honest poverty now.") Although I know I miss out on much of Thirkell's humor, which is based heavily on period and British references, enough still comes through to make this book, like its predecessors, a rewarding read. And seeing some of my favorite characters, like Lucy Marling and Mr. Adams, finally find the happiness they deserve made it even better. The mothers of grown up children in these days mostly find...that they are not as selfish as they thought they were and that a treat.
The focus point of this novel, the Old Bank House in Edgewood and its new owner Mr. Adams, provides a perfect illustration for the novel's main theme. Post war England, as many of the "older set" are coming to realize, will be a very different place from the peaceful world they had before the strife. Lines between gentry and commoner grow more blurred each day. People like Mr. Adams, who has become quite more respectable since we met him several novels ago, are stepping in to take the place of the old "regime." How will the people of the county react to this changing world and the many uncertainties it brings? As the older generation is slowly eroded by death, will the younger Barsetshire set be able to take up the reins? Will they, as their parents fervently wish, be able to stand strong against the new threats that peacetime brings like that of socialism, societal instability and moral decay? Will they make the sacrifices of their
parents worth the price. And, amidst all this turmoil, will they find love or be forced to face the future alone? Though hope at many points seems dim, they all struggle valiantly to make the best of this changing world and to enjoy its few remaining innocent pleasures with their neighbors and friends.
Thirkell draws on her theme of houses and the way they define and reflect their owners to give us a glimpse of each familiar Barsetshire family, from the dedicated but overworked Pomfrets at Thorne Hall, who must grapple with enormous social responsibilities and limited resources, to the Grahams at Holdings, where the new generation faces the loss of their beloved matriarch, Lady Emily. Glimpses into Edgewood Rectory, Marling Hall, Northbridge and many others provide the reader with plenty of laughter and enjoyment as Thirkell keenly observes and comments on the lives and personalities of the inhabitants. New and sometimes surprising relationships between the families develop, adding to the rich weaving of the tapestry that is Barsetshire.
One of the best things about this book is how very similar the problems that its characters face are to many we face today: things like post-war trauma and uncertainty and socialized medicine ("A pal of mine who knew about these things...tells me They budged for eight millions for dentists. More likely to be fifty millions by the look of it. Not much honest poverty now.") Although I know I miss out on much of Thirkell's humor, which is based heavily on period and British references, enough still comes through to make this book, like its predecessors, a rewarding read. And seeing some of my favorite characters, like Lucy Marling and Mr. Adams, finally find the happiness they deserve made it even better. The mothers of grown up children in these days mostly find...that they are not as selfish as they thought they were and that a treat.
March 26, 2026
Angela Thirkell’s “The Old Bank House” #18 of the Barsetshire series years after WW 2, but still dealing with post war problems and a changing England. The nationalization of the country starts to see the troubles for the hard working businessman, and family estates that for generations had been able to maintain their properties but no longer. The Marling family needing to sell some property to Sam Adams, who does respect these families and wants to make some money. Even he sees how the government encroachment will change England forever. The immigrates even in these past times seem to get a priority compared to the citizens. I had to laugh at the government program that the two unmarried sisters that had many illegitimate children and their attitude of getting “free things” from the government and even though they don’t need them do not want to miss out! All you have to look in Europe and the United States to see the corruption and not caring for the citizens, where this all goes only time will tell but corruption ignored or approved is a downfall. I liked these characters the usual and maybe some past minor characters become more prominent as Miss Sowerby. The main storyline is with the Grantly family and Sam Adams buying the house. As each book progresses in the series, the self proclaimed bachelors are married off but what about Colin Keith in his thirties and having been refused several times in the recent past, Lydia his sister says he will be a bachelor uncle though she really wants him to marry.
Story in short- Sam Adams buys the Old Bank House and becomes the center of attention for the neighborhood especially when the well is drained and cleaned up. With his daughter being married soon and Miss Sowerby saying the house needs a mistress which is dismissed or is it?
❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌spoiler alert
Finally Colin finds an accepted proposal to Eleanor Grantly.
Sam Adams proposes to Lucy Marling and is accepted.
Lady Emily Leslie dies.
-Mr. and Mrs. Grantly- vicar, watching their children grow and wondering what will happen but basically letting them live their lives, and looking forward to them being settled.
-Eleanor Grantly- elder daughter of the Rectory, works at the Red Cross took over from Susan Dean who married Freddy Belton. Eleanor is in her mid twenties and after meeting Lord Pomfret who looks like he needs mothering, seems to have romantic notions undefined and when she hears the Pomfret talking of this is mortified. She is glad it was not widely known and Colin Keith whose proposal to her vague and not very romantic, she seems to really like him and not until the end they are deemed in love. She rather live in London where Colin practices his law with his family and Noel Merton. Eleanor looks to help her brother Tom find a farm job with asking the Pomfrets and Roddy, the agent. She loves kids and especially Lord Melling, who is a sensitive little boy of the Pomfrets.
-Henry Grantly- youngest brother looking for his acceptance in the Barsetshire regiment and his whole focus. Finally has been called up and he wants to go abroad hut keeps this secret.
-Grace Grantly-younger daughter, who boards weeekly at Barchester High School, very forward and likes hanging onto Colin Keith.
-Tom Grantly- eldest of the family, after being in the war comes home but after trying the university he wants to work the land like his grandfather, but where? The Pomfrets see he is lacking in paperwork which is needed for the estate. Tom impressed Lucy Marling who runs one of Sam Adams’ farm businesses where he is taught about cows from Emmy Graham who works at her cousin Martin Leslie’s farm. Emmy offers him a job at the end. It seems that this will be a future marriage.
-Emmy Graham- knows cows and bulld and works with the Martin Leslies who are looking forward for her habing the caretakers cottage to give them more privacy.
-Martin and Slyvia Leslie- Martin having a bad leg after the war and even with his wife and Emmy’s help, needs another caretaker. They have a baby and another is on the way.
-Susan Belton- married Freddy Belton expecting baby in August.
-Edna and Doris Thatcher-young women fhrom Grumper’s End have many illegitimate children work for the Grantlys.
-Octavia Needham- whose husband is a vicar of Lambton and only one arm from the war
-Lady and Lord Pomfret- Sally Wicklow and Gille Foster, look to have Miss Merriman work for them after Lady Emily Leslie dies which she does. They work hard and have less resources.
-Lady Emily Foster-the young daughter.
-Miss Sowerby- who looks to sell the old Bank House and wishes she can stay but her income is not enough and she is to live with her sister.
-Lord Lud Melling-the eldest young son who is next in line for title and his parents worry about this because he is sensitive and has the constitution as his father which is poorly.
-Honourable Giles Foster- the younger son who is audacious.
-Roddy and Alice Wicklow- Lady Pomfret’s brother and husband wife, he is the caregiver of the estate.
-Sam Adams-Hogglestock, buys the Old Bank House, rich and very outspoken in a kind way, he is very friendly but determined. He is excited about Heather marrying soon. He sees Lucy doing hard work and decides to ask Lucy to .marry him which she accepts.
-Heather Adams-Sam Adams’ daughter in who grew up and is to marry Ted soon.
-Ted Pilward-father owns the brewery and is going to marry Heather.
-Miss Hoggett- house keeper for Adams and from Hogglestock.
-Charles Belton-school master and looks after his cousin Clarissa who often says the wrong things and regrets it
-Robin and Anne Dale-married
-Colin Keith-Eleanor Grantly is his interest but he gets upset when she talks sbout Lord Pomfret but is happy after they are engaged.
-Lydia and Noel Merton- Married and finally talk about his foolishness with Mrs. Arnbutnot who now is married to Brandon.
-Lavinia Merton-5 years old
-Harry Merton- 3 years old
-Baby Merton-
-Lucy Marling-Is worried about her brother Oliver after he finds out Jessica married Clover. She is worried that she upset Adams, -and sees she cares for him, she accepts his proposal and wants Heather to be okay with it.
-Oliver Marling- Annoying hanging onto Jessica who is married.
-The Marlings-Mr. Marling is hard of hearing and old school hit a good sort. Mrs. Marling wants her children to be happy.
-Mr. and Mrs. Carton- (Miss Sparling, former headmistress of Hoiser’s school)-
-Miss Holly- has Miss Sparling’s job now.
-Lady Graham-looks after her children and mother. Not smart but is very sensible. Her husband Sir Robert always absent work related.
-Clarissa Graham-is friends with Heather
-Jessica Dean-actress and indeed self centered as her husband Clover, but kind too. Lets Oliver hang on to his allusion.
-Aubrey Clover-Jessica Dean’s everything in the theater and husband.
-Ed Pollett- not smart but yet smart at doing things, married with lots of kids, works for the Marlings.
-Mr. Nandy-Adamsfield named after his great grandfather Adam.
-Bill Morple-stole and used to work at railroad station.
-Mr. Beedle-works at the train station and looks at things in the past as better for the train.
-Henry Beedle- son of the above returns from the army but wants to be a farm working. Working for Lucy.
-Lady Emily Leslie- confused at times, she dies while thing Martin Leslie who isceith her is actually her older son who died long ago.
-Miss Sowerby- owner of Old Bank House who sold it to Adams, she says the house needs a mistress.
Story in short- Sam Adams buys the Old Bank House and becomes the center of attention for the neighborhood especially when the well is drained and cleaned up. With his daughter being married soon and Miss Sowerby saying the house needs a mistress which is dismissed or is it?
❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌spoiler alert
Finally Colin finds an accepted proposal to Eleanor Grantly.
Sam Adams proposes to Lucy Marling and is accepted.
Lady Emily Leslie dies.
-Mr. and Mrs. Grantly- vicar, watching their children grow and wondering what will happen but basically letting them live their lives, and looking forward to them being settled.
-Eleanor Grantly- elder daughter of the Rectory, works at the Red Cross took over from Susan Dean who married Freddy Belton. Eleanor is in her mid twenties and after meeting Lord Pomfret who looks like he needs mothering, seems to have romantic notions undefined and when she hears the Pomfret talking of this is mortified. She is glad it was not widely known and Colin Keith whose proposal to her vague and not very romantic, she seems to really like him and not until the end they are deemed in love. She rather live in London where Colin practices his law with his family and Noel Merton. Eleanor looks to help her brother Tom find a farm job with asking the Pomfrets and Roddy, the agent. She loves kids and especially Lord Melling, who is a sensitive little boy of the Pomfrets.
-Henry Grantly- youngest brother looking for his acceptance in the Barsetshire regiment and his whole focus. Finally has been called up and he wants to go abroad hut keeps this secret.
-Grace Grantly-younger daughter, who boards weeekly at Barchester High School, very forward and likes hanging onto Colin Keith.
-Tom Grantly- eldest of the family, after being in the war comes home but after trying the university he wants to work the land like his grandfather, but where? The Pomfrets see he is lacking in paperwork which is needed for the estate. Tom impressed Lucy Marling who runs one of Sam Adams’ farm businesses where he is taught about cows from Emmy Graham who works at her cousin Martin Leslie’s farm. Emmy offers him a job at the end. It seems that this will be a future marriage.
-Emmy Graham- knows cows and bulld and works with the Martin Leslies who are looking forward for her habing the caretakers cottage to give them more privacy.
-Martin and Slyvia Leslie- Martin having a bad leg after the war and even with his wife and Emmy’s help, needs another caretaker. They have a baby and another is on the way.
-Susan Belton- married Freddy Belton expecting baby in August.
-Edna and Doris Thatcher-young women fhrom Grumper’s End have many illegitimate children work for the Grantlys.
-Octavia Needham- whose husband is a vicar of Lambton and only one arm from the war
-Lady and Lord Pomfret- Sally Wicklow and Gille Foster, look to have Miss Merriman work for them after Lady Emily Leslie dies which she does. They work hard and have less resources.
-Lady Emily Foster-the young daughter.
-Miss Sowerby- who looks to sell the old Bank House and wishes she can stay but her income is not enough and she is to live with her sister.
-Lord Lud Melling-the eldest young son who is next in line for title and his parents worry about this because he is sensitive and has the constitution as his father which is poorly.
-Honourable Giles Foster- the younger son who is audacious.
-Roddy and Alice Wicklow- Lady Pomfret’s brother and husband wife, he is the caregiver of the estate.
-Sam Adams-Hogglestock, buys the Old Bank House, rich and very outspoken in a kind way, he is very friendly but determined. He is excited about Heather marrying soon. He sees Lucy doing hard work and decides to ask Lucy to .marry him which she accepts.
-Heather Adams-Sam Adams’ daughter in who grew up and is to marry Ted soon.
-Ted Pilward-father owns the brewery and is going to marry Heather.
-Miss Hoggett- house keeper for Adams and from Hogglestock.
-Charles Belton-school master and looks after his cousin Clarissa who often says the wrong things and regrets it
-Robin and Anne Dale-married
-Colin Keith-Eleanor Grantly is his interest but he gets upset when she talks sbout Lord Pomfret but is happy after they are engaged.
-Lydia and Noel Merton- Married and finally talk about his foolishness with Mrs. Arnbutnot who now is married to Brandon.
-Lavinia Merton-5 years old
-Harry Merton- 3 years old
-Baby Merton-
-Lucy Marling-Is worried about her brother Oliver after he finds out Jessica married Clover. She is worried that she upset Adams, -and sees she cares for him, she accepts his proposal and wants Heather to be okay with it.
-Oliver Marling- Annoying hanging onto Jessica who is married.
-The Marlings-Mr. Marling is hard of hearing and old school hit a good sort. Mrs. Marling wants her children to be happy.
-Mr. and Mrs. Carton- (Miss Sparling, former headmistress of Hoiser’s school)-
-Miss Holly- has Miss Sparling’s job now.
-Lady Graham-looks after her children and mother. Not smart but is very sensible. Her husband Sir Robert always absent work related.
-Clarissa Graham-is friends with Heather
-Jessica Dean-actress and indeed self centered as her husband Clover, but kind too. Lets Oliver hang on to his allusion.
-Aubrey Clover-Jessica Dean’s everything in the theater and husband.
-Ed Pollett- not smart but yet smart at doing things, married with lots of kids, works for the Marlings.
-Mr. Nandy-Adamsfield named after his great grandfather Adam.
-Bill Morple-stole and used to work at railroad station.
-Mr. Beedle-works at the train station and looks at things in the past as better for the train.
-Henry Beedle- son of the above returns from the army but wants to be a farm working. Working for Lucy.
-Lady Emily Leslie- confused at times, she dies while thing Martin Leslie who isceith her is actually her older son who died long ago.
-Miss Sowerby- owner of Old Bank House who sold it to Adams, she says the house needs a mistress.
Read
February 19, 2016I did enjoy this as much as I enjoy all her books, but I have to say I'm getting a bit fed up with her insistence that all the working class people are intellectually somehow "subnormal," yet also very good looking geniuses. (Example: Subnormal Ed Pollet, a genius with cars, marries subnormal Millie, extremely good looking, and they produce beautiful children who are idiots yet apparently brilliant with machines and plants.) All of these mentally deficient genius tradesmen are apparently content to worship the gentry for...being born into families who used to be rich? Living in nicer houses? It's not clear, but instead of starting their own garages or gardening empires these poor brilliant idiots are quite happy living in tiny cottages and doing the mucky jobs the gentry don't want to do.
But okay. You have to take Thirkell as she is, like how anytime the royal family gets mentioned (which is frequently), one character announces that it makes her want to cry, and then all the other characters have to fight back tears. You just roll your eyes and get on with the story. And vent a little bit on Goodreads afterwards.
But okay. You have to take Thirkell as she is, like how anytime the royal family gets mentioned (which is frequently), one character announces that it makes her want to cry, and then all the other characters have to fight back tears. You just roll your eyes and get on with the story. And vent a little bit on Goodreads afterwards.
August 18, 2022
The usual Angela Thirkell plot. She introduces several unattached people; they fall in love; sometimes they fall in love with the right person; there is some sort of misunderstanding; in the end two or possibly four of the right people wind up together. In the next book they will be having babies. Also, sometimes someone dies. It's all about life and death in the county; social change; the decline of an older generation and the rise of a new one.
In The Old Bank House, the older generation passes in the form of Miss Sowerby who sells her house and moves away to spend the rest of her days with her widowed sister. We also bid a sad farewell to the grand dame of an old Barsetshire family. But the young Fosters are growing up, the young Leslies and Grahams are making their way, and Sam Adams the ironmonger has found his place in the social circle of the landed gentry.
In The Old Bank House, the older generation passes in the form of Miss Sowerby who sells her house and moves away to spend the rest of her days with her widowed sister. We also bid a sad farewell to the grand dame of an old Barsetshire family. But the young Fosters are growing up, the young Leslies and Grahams are making their way, and Sam Adams the ironmonger has found his place in the social circle of the landed gentry.
August 16, 2025
It had been a long, long time since I had read this one, and it's a goodie. Lucy and Sam Adams find each other after some agonizing misunderstandings, Eleanor Grantly behaves like an idiot but has a happy ending, and Miss Sowerby triumphs with Palafax borealis over Lady Norton in an encounter that will warm the hearts of all right-minded people.
Re-reading again (how many times have I read this?), 15 years later (2025). The Eleanor plot is just a bit dull, I had to weep about Lady Emily, poor Tom exemplifies all the young men who came through the war and don't know quite what to do with themselves, and of course there are happy endings all around. Not her very best, but "'tis enough, 'twill serve."
Re-reading again (how many times have I read this?), 15 years later (2025). The Eleanor plot is just a bit dull, I had to weep about Lady Emily, poor Tom exemplifies all the young men who came through the war and don't know quite what to do with themselves, and of course there are happy endings all around. Not her very best, but "'tis enough, 'twill serve."
June 5, 2015
If you think war was hard on the mythical county of Barcester, you should see peace. Mr. Adams who has been gradually transforming into someone the county will acknowledge (though not quite) buys the old Bank House in hopes of settling down in the country. Meanwhile a score of other characters from previous books are all worried about life's problems: aging parents, career choices, romance, or receiving ones army papers. The rest of the characters are parents of the afore mentioned and are even more worried. Rationing is still around though beginning to lighten a little. (Drape material but not the fabric light enough to make a dress.) A humors and gentle look at England in the mid-century.
September 26, 2013
This entry in the Barsetshire series reminded me of some of the earlier books in its style and wit - much more light-hearted than the previous few. A charming tale of the lives, particularly the love lives, of the county and not quite county. Thirkell makes all the nuances of the different classes of English society come to life for me (an American) in a way that few other authors have. Austen, for example, wrote almost exclusively of the gentry. Thirkell's books focus on the gentry but also included the "foreigners" who moved into the county in the 1920s and 30s, and who are very nice but not county, as well as the "self-made" men and their families.
January 26, 2014
The cover is certainly beautiful. And while it's not my favorite of Angela Thirkell's books, it's quite nice and continues to have spots of insight where the reader is inclined to laugh a little and say, "Yup."
Things must have felt awfully rotten in Britain during the first years after WW II. This book, like many of its predecessors, has the air of bravely carrying on and trying not to mind too much about the world changing around you, even though you're mostly sure it's not for the better. But it's not depressing, it's just kind of poignant. Likeable and occasionally loveable characters.
Things must have felt awfully rotten in Britain during the first years after WW II. This book, like many of its predecessors, has the air of bravely carrying on and trying not to mind too much about the world changing around you, even though you're mostly sure it's not for the better. But it's not depressing, it's just kind of poignant. Likeable and occasionally loveable characters.
February 10, 2016
This one begins with Mr. Adams buying the Old Bank House and thus moving into Barsetshire society. The young people of the Marlings, Keiths, Deans, and especially the Grantleys are also central. Lucy Marling is working for Adams, Tom Grantley wants to work on the land but without going back to school, Oliver Marling is still mooning after Jessica Dean, and several major changes take place. Lord and Lady Pomfret appear in supporting roles, and their children, especially Lord Mellings are fleshed out.
September 20, 2010
It took me a long time to get into this book, but once I settled into its mindset, I enjoyed the characters and their stories. Very much a British mannerisms style of novel, of the small-village type I enjoy. Recommended if you like stories based in character and place, especially when eccentric. Regardless, Thirkell's work is rich with detail that makes time and place realistic.
February 13, 2012
I DO own a copy of this book--but not the one pictured (and system won't let me mark it as owned--who knows why). Mine is the 1949 first American edition, a Borzoi Book from Alfred A. Knopf. Grey cloth cover, pretty good condition.
Sam Adams buys old Miss Sowerby's house in Edgewood. Gatherings of many of my favorite people!
Sam Adams buys old Miss Sowerby's house in Edgewood. Gatherings of many of my favorite people!
Read
November 3, 2009I have this as currently reading, but I am not sure I am going to finish it. I am about 1/3 of the way through it and I just can't get into it. Maybe I will save it as one of those books I read when I want to go to sleep :)
May 16, 2010
Delightful, but hardly compelling. Full of the quirky eccentrics that habitually inhabit novels of small town English life. I laughed aloud at some of the author's asides. But, by the end, I really didn't care what happened to any of the characters.
Want to Read
January 17, 2014#18
October 28, 2018
This postwar Thirkell novel, as ever featuring the inhabitants of Barsetshire, revels in its interconnectedness. Though it could be read as a standalone, mainly concerning the Grantly family, a vicarage family shown in that difficult period immediately after the Second World War, the surrounding characters and the character of the eponymous House are so interconnected with the previous seventeen novels that it will be better appreciated as part of that long series. Grantlys, Marlings, Leslies, and Adams to name but a few families all have their contribution to make in this 1949 novel. While not the most easy to acquire book by Angela Thirkell, this is a novel of country life and people that will be enjoyed by long standing fans of the series, and provide gentle treats for the newer reader.
The story opens in Edgewood Rectory, set in its ancient landscape, but with a family of the time. Mrs Grantly has some vague notions, but loves her brood of four children who have all grown up with the challenges presented by war. Tom, a major in the Army who has returned to Oxford at his demobilisation, is feeling the confusion of a soon to be older graduate about what he can do with his considerable life experience. Eleanor has found a job well known to readers of Barsetshire, in the Red Cross library, but yearns to find a different employment with a family who will come to seem fond of her. Henry is annoyingly and ceaselessly looking for his call up papers for the peacetime army. Grace is at the annoying stage, literally latching onto various individuals. The Rector, Mr Grantly, is bewildered by his family, but accompanies his wife to see the elderly Miss Sowerby who is regretfully leaving the Old Bank House, an ancient and sympathetically described dwelling which has been bought by the blustering but good hearted Mr Adams. Much comedy ensues around a rare plant, taken care of by a boy in the kitchen away from those who would seek its seeds. This is a book in which romance is found, a gentle departure occurs, and some confusion over resulting employment all contributes to a satisfying end. There is the usual element of kindly farce as misunderstandings and personalities combine to work out in the end. With some splendid set pieces concerning a handsome bull, a well, and some interesting children, this is a delightful book dealing with characters who have become like friends to the long term reader.
While this is not one of the most significant books in the Barsetshire series, it does resolve the difficulties of several characters, even if the ages and generations involved are beginning to get a little hazy. This book represents the post war rationing, and the decline of some of the families who once lived in the large houses they now inhabit part of while still having many civic duties. There are still the class concerns of servants who are unmarried yet mother to several, there are still days in which the Nurses bring up children in nurseries. A man who owns factories and successful businesses can still struggle with social conventions, while a matriarch wonders aloud how to say thank you to American friends who still send food parcels. This is a book for those who know something of Barsetshire, but also those who are beginning to discover its joys. If you are able to locate this gentle, humourous book, I recommend it as a good read, wallowing in its perpetual summer.
The story opens in Edgewood Rectory, set in its ancient landscape, but with a family of the time. Mrs Grantly has some vague notions, but loves her brood of four children who have all grown up with the challenges presented by war. Tom, a major in the Army who has returned to Oxford at his demobilisation, is feeling the confusion of a soon to be older graduate about what he can do with his considerable life experience. Eleanor has found a job well known to readers of Barsetshire, in the Red Cross library, but yearns to find a different employment with a family who will come to seem fond of her. Henry is annoyingly and ceaselessly looking for his call up papers for the peacetime army. Grace is at the annoying stage, literally latching onto various individuals. The Rector, Mr Grantly, is bewildered by his family, but accompanies his wife to see the elderly Miss Sowerby who is regretfully leaving the Old Bank House, an ancient and sympathetically described dwelling which has been bought by the blustering but good hearted Mr Adams. Much comedy ensues around a rare plant, taken care of by a boy in the kitchen away from those who would seek its seeds. This is a book in which romance is found, a gentle departure occurs, and some confusion over resulting employment all contributes to a satisfying end. There is the usual element of kindly farce as misunderstandings and personalities combine to work out in the end. With some splendid set pieces concerning a handsome bull, a well, and some interesting children, this is a delightful book dealing with characters who have become like friends to the long term reader.
While this is not one of the most significant books in the Barsetshire series, it does resolve the difficulties of several characters, even if the ages and generations involved are beginning to get a little hazy. This book represents the post war rationing, and the decline of some of the families who once lived in the large houses they now inhabit part of while still having many civic duties. There are still the class concerns of servants who are unmarried yet mother to several, there are still days in which the Nurses bring up children in nurseries. A man who owns factories and successful businesses can still struggle with social conventions, while a matriarch wonders aloud how to say thank you to American friends who still send food parcels. This is a book for those who know something of Barsetshire, but also those who are beginning to discover its joys. If you are able to locate this gentle, humourous book, I recommend it as a good read, wallowing in its perpetual summer.
May 23, 2025
I loved this book. So many characters I love that I was able to tolerate Colin Keith and hope he is now settled and will just go away. Oliver, Oliver, Oliver please find some self respect.
I've been buying this series second hand and this edition by Moyer Bell 1997 had multiple typos on so many pages. Unfortunately a previous reader decided to correct all of them and often add snarky comments in the margins. I really hated those pencil markings. I was interested in the story and as I read my mind would have corrected most of them automatically. The corrections and notes broke my concentration and slowed me down. Of course if Moyer Bell had done a decent job of preparing this book for publication this would never have happened.
I've been buying this series second hand and this edition by Moyer Bell 1997 had multiple typos on so many pages. Unfortunately a previous reader decided to correct all of them and often add snarky comments in the margins. I really hated those pencil markings. I was interested in the story and as I read my mind would have corrected most of them automatically. The corrections and notes broke my concentration and slowed me down. Of course if Moyer Bell had done a decent job of preparing this book for publication this would never have happened.
January 28, 2019
The eighteenth of the Barsetshire series features the residents of Edgewood, where Sam Adams, Labour MP, buys the Old Bank House. As is with all of Thirkell's novels, this novel is witty, snarky, and thoroughly enjoyable. It is my favorite of the series, so far. (Note: this series must be read in order.)
February 12, 2025
This is #18 in Thirkell's Barsetshire series. I have read most (all?) of the books in this series to date. One thing that stood out in this volume was that life was placid somehow, coated with a honeyed hue, and was a very peaceful read. I am quite fond of Thirkell's writing.
March 7, 2018
My favorite of the Thirkell novels, involving Mr Adams, Lucy Merton and of course the Old Bank House.
December 31, 2020
Pleasant light reading which pictures the lives of the upper classes immediately post-war.
November 24, 2025
Post war Thirkell
Very very dated with way too many characters the publisher tries to compare her to E.F.Benson and P.G.Wodehouse this book is in no way like these author's works.
Very very dated with way too many characters the publisher tries to compare her to E.F.Benson and P.G.Wodehouse this book is in no way like these author's works.
November 24, 2025
Thirkell is right in my sweet spot. Just wish the audiobooks weren't Audible exclusives. Can't afford to get them all at once.
November 30, 2022
See my review here:
https://whatmeread.wordpress.com/2022...
https://whatmeread.wordpress.com/2022...
June 22, 2024
3.5, ok book with rather a surprise ending
Angela Thirkell is starting to become repetitive with characters referring increasingly to episodes in past books, so not one of series to start with but a reasonable contribution to the Barsetshire series
Another re read - I am re-reading the whole series in order for the first time( The Chalet School Series is the other series I am attempting to read in its entirety)
This book really marks the transition to including more of the descendants from Anthony Trollope’s Chronicles of Barsetshire, which I am pleased that I read in my late teens/ early 20s
There is also the change to much more interest in farming, and of course the political changes under the Socialist post-war British Government ( referred to as ‘THEM”)
The death of a beloved Barsetshire character was done well but the courtship/romance among the younger generation was rather boring
The most interesting part of the book is the change in Sam Adams, with a rather rapid change is his manners , tease and behaviour since he first entered the series in The Headmistress
The ending of The Old Bank House is one of the more memorable, and does at least show the Angela Thirkell was accepting a mixture of the old and the new in Barsetshire
( I am still puzzled why Virago Press has not published Private Enterprise- presumably an oversight rather than deliberate)
Angela Thirkell is starting to become repetitive with characters referring increasingly to episodes in past books, so not one of series to start with but a reasonable contribution to the Barsetshire series
Another re read - I am re-reading the whole series in order for the first time( The Chalet School Series is the other series I am attempting to read in its entirety)
This book really marks the transition to including more of the descendants from Anthony Trollope’s Chronicles of Barsetshire, which I am pleased that I read in my late teens/ early 20s
There is also the change to much more interest in farming, and of course the political changes under the Socialist post-war British Government ( referred to as ‘THEM”)
The death of a beloved Barsetshire character was done well but the courtship/romance among the younger generation was rather boring
The most interesting part of the book is the change in Sam Adams, with a rather rapid change is his manners , tease and behaviour since he first entered the series in The Headmistress
The ending of The Old Bank House is one of the more memorable, and does at least show the Angela Thirkell was accepting a mixture of the old and the new in Barsetshire
( I am still puzzled why Virago Press has not published Private Enterprise- presumably an oversight rather than deliberate)
March 25, 2017
During the late '80's and early '90's when my children were young, we lived on a heterogeneously populated street in a 'progressive' somewhat liberal town. Next door on one side were a conservative, church-going older couple, on the other side students who posted provocative political signage, next to them a police officer and his family, and across the street an artsy couple with two small children. We mostly didn't agree with more than one person of all these when it came to politics, religion, sports, or any other subject. Amazingly, we all liked each other very much and were in and out of each other's houses all the time.
I mention this because The Old Bank House reminded me of what that felt like; to be able to disagree with someone's ideas or beliefs and yet to like and respect them. In this book, there are several political ideas expressed that would not hold water with half the population of the U.S. today. I'm not sure if the author was being satirical or injecting her own views. But it didn't matter; what mattered were the characters and the story, and I liked them very much.
The writing style of The Old Bank House is definitely not modern. The text is quite dense, and some of the sentences go on forever. If I had stopped to untangle all the sentences, I'd probably only be about half-way through the book. But I'm one of those weird people who can get the gist of a thing and continue on with an idea of what was just said, never minding that it didn't totally make sense.
Quite a lovely read, for me, and I will be looking for another...
I mention this because The Old Bank House reminded me of what that felt like; to be able to disagree with someone's ideas or beliefs and yet to like and respect them. In this book, there are several political ideas expressed that would not hold water with half the population of the U.S. today. I'm not sure if the author was being satirical or injecting her own views. But it didn't matter; what mattered were the characters and the story, and I liked them very much.
The writing style of The Old Bank House is definitely not modern. The text is quite dense, and some of the sentences go on forever. If I had stopped to untangle all the sentences, I'd probably only be about half-way through the book. But I'm one of those weird people who can get the gist of a thing and continue on with an idea of what was just said, never minding that it didn't totally make sense.
Quite a lovely read, for me, and I will be looking for another...
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