The Barchester Chronicles 1982
“Donald Pleasence is the clergyman at the centre of a scandal.”
What is The Barchester Chronicles?
The Barchester Chronicles is a television series first released in 1982. Catalogued under Drama.
- Type
- TV series
- Year
- 1982
- Status
- Ended
- Episodes
- 7
- Runtime
- 55 minutes
- First aired
- Nov 10, 1982
- Networks
- BBC Two
- Genres
- Drama
- Updated
How long to binge?
Estimate the schedule using 7 episodes and an average 55-minute runtime.
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Overview
The Barchester Chronicles is a television series first released in 1982. Catalogued under Drama. Produced and broadcast by BBC Two. Current status: Ended. Spans 1 seasons and 7 tracked episodes.
Should you watch it?
“A Victorian clerical drama unfolds amid cathedral intrigue and moral conflict.”
- Faithful adaptation of Trollope's first two Barsetshire novels
- Rich period detail centered on Peterborough Cathedral
- Strong performances, including Donald Pleasence as a clergyman
- The narrative pace reflects 19th‑century storytelling, which may feel slow to some viewers
Watch it if you enjoy meticulously crafted Victorian dramas with cathedral intrigue.
The series explores mature themes of clerical politics and moral dilemmas, making it suitable for adult audiences.
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Frequently asked questions
What source material does the series draw from?
It adapts Anthony Trollope's novels The Warden (1855) and Barchester Towers (1857).
Who produced the television serial?
The BBC series was produced by Jonathan Powell.
Who wrote the television adaptation?
The dramatization was written by Alan Plater.
When was the series first broadcast?
It was first released in 1982.
Where is the series primarily set?
The story is set around Peterborough Cathedral and its surrounding community.
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