# VI: Brattle's Mill explained — The Vicar of Bullhampton

> Chapter companion for The Vicar of Bullhampton by Anthony Trollope.

## What happens

Mr. Fenwick visits Brattle's Mill to speak with old Brattle about his son Sam's suspicious activities the previous night. The miller is uncooperative and defensive, but Fenwick insists on warning him. He then enters the house to speak with Mrs. Brattle and Fanny, finding the domestic space both warm and laden with the family's sorrow, particularly the absence of Carry.

## Themes in this chapter

### Family Duty and Forgiveness

The Brattle family is fractured by Carry's banishment and Sam's waywardness; Mr. Fenwick's intervention highlights the tension between duty to family and the possibility of forgiveness.

### Community and Gossip

Mr. Fenwick's knowledge of Sam's activities and his decision to inform the family reflect the close-knit, watchful nature of village life.

## Character check-ins

### Mr. Fenwick

Visits Brattle's Mill to warn the family about Sam's dangerous companions and activities.

### George Brattle

The miller, sitting outside smoking; he is suspicious and uncommunicative with Mr. Fenwick.

### Sam Brattle

Discussed as having been seen with two ruffians near the vicarage; not present at the mill.

### Mrs. Brattle

Mentioned as the mother who will be distressed by news of Sam; her domestic space is described in detail.

### Fanny Brattle

The sister who now sleeps alone in the room once shared with Carry; she dares not speak of her sister.

### Carry Brattle

Referenced as the daughter who was cursed and banished by her father; her absence haunts the household.

## Key lines

> I had him yesterday night by the collar of the coat, and I let him go free.

Mr. Fenwick tells old Brattle that he caught Sam by the collar the previous night but chose to release him rather than press charges.

_Fenwick's restraint contrasts with the miller's suspicion, emphasizing his desire to protect Sam from legal trouble._

> He was about my place with two ruffians.

Fenwick reports that Sam was near the vicarage accompanied by two disreputable men.

_This confirms the danger of Sam's associations and justifies Fenwick's concern._

> The day for using them had never come. They never had been so used.

The parlour's fine furniture, bought with Mrs. Brattle's dowry, has never been used for its intended purpose.

_This detail underscores the family's unrealized hopes and the lingering shadow of Carry's disgrace._

## Links

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- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_vicar_of_bullhampton_se/chapters