Barchester is a fictional English cathedral city created by author Anthony Trollope in his series of novels known as the Chronicles of Barsetshire. The setting serves as a backdrop for various social and political issues of the Victorian era, exploring themes of class, religion, and morality. The most notable novel in the series is Barchester Towers, which focuses on the power struggles within the church and the community. The characters, including the ambitious Archdeacon Grantly and the scheming Mrs. Proudie, illustrate the complexities of human relationships and societal expectations in a changing world.