# The Squire of Allington explained — The Small House at Allington

> Chapter companion for The Small House at Allington by Anthony Trollope.

## What happens

This chapter introduces the Great House at Allington and its owner, Christopher Dale, the squire. It describes the history of the Dale family, their adherence to a 'religion' of preserving the estate without entail, and the character of the current squire—a man shaped by an unrequited love and a failed political ambition as a Liberal. The chapter also details the physical setting of the house, gardens, church, and village, establishing the rural, traditional world of Allington.

## Themes in this chapter

### Family and Obligation

The Dale family's 'religion' of preserving the estate without entail emphasizes the theme of family duty and obligation across generations.

### Rural vs. Urban Life

The chapter contrasts the traditional rural life of Allington, with its close-knit village and church, against the changing standards of grandeur that favor secluded parks.

### Pride and Prejudice

The squire's pride in his family's history and his prejudice against the clergy and new political ideas reflect the theme of pride and prejudice.

## Character check-ins

### Christopher Dale

The current squire of Allington, a man shaped by unrequited love and failed political ambition, who adheres to the family tradition of preserving the estate without entail.

### Kit Dale

The father of Christopher Dale, who married money and bought outlying farms, but these were later sold.

## Key lines

> Of course there was a Great House at Allington. How otherwise should there have been a Small House?

The existence of a Great House naturally implies a Small House, setting up the two residences that will be central to the story.

_Opening lines establishing the setting and the two houses._

> It had been a religion among them; and seeing that the worship had been carried on without fail, that the vestal fire had never gone down upon the hearth, I should not have said that the Dales had walked their ways without high principle.

The Dales' commitment to preserving the estate without entail was like a sacred duty, consistently upheld, showing their high principles.

_Describes the family's core value of preserving the land._

> To this religion they had all adhered, and the new heir had ever entered in upon his domain without other encumbrances than those with which he himself was then already burdened.

Each new heir inherited the estate free of debt, carrying only his own personal obligations.

_Highlights the family's success in maintaining the estate's integrity._

> He had fallen in love with a lady who obstinately refused his hand, and on her account he had remained single; that was his first accident.

Christopher Dale's first misfortune was falling in love with a woman who refused to marry him, leading him to remain a bachelor.

_Explains the squire's unmarried state and its emotional impact._

> He had supposed himself to be richer than other Dales of Allington when coming in upon his property, and had consequently entertained an idea of sitting in Parliament for his county.

Believing himself wealthier than his predecessors, Christopher Dale aspired to become a Member of Parliament.

_Introduces his political ambition and its failure._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_small_house_at_allington_se/chapters/i-the-squire-of-allington
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_small_house_at_allington_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_small_house_at_allington_se/chapters