# Mr. Puddleham's New Chapel explained — The Vicar of Bullhampton > Chapter companion for The Vicar of Bullhampton by Anthony Trollope. ## What happens Mr. Fenwick learns that a new Methodist chapel is to be built on the green opposite the Vicarage gate, a site chosen by the Marquis of Trowbridge. He writes a letter to the Marquis, arguing that the location is a deliberate injury to the Vicarage and proposing an alternative site. The Marquis, initially inclined to yield, becomes hardened after perceiving insolence in Fenwick's letter, especially the comparison to building a chapel in his own park. He ultimately decides to proceed, and Mrs. Fenwick is distressed by the prospect of the chapel ruining the appearance and peace of their home. ## Themes in this chapter ### Religious Conflict and Toleration The central conflict over the Methodist chapel site highlights tensions between the Established Church and Dissenters, with Fenwick asserting his tolerance but opposing the specific location. ### Class and Social Power The Marquis uses his land ownership to assert dominance over Fenwick, reflecting the power imbalance between aristocracy and clergy. ### Hypocrisy and Moral Courage Fenwick's refusal to flee and his willingness to fight the Marquis, despite the personal cost, demonstrates moral courage, while the Marquis's punitive decision shows hypocrisy in his duty as a landlord. ## Character check-ins ### Mr. Fenwick Writes a letter to the Marquis objecting to the chapel site, showing pugnacity and resolve not to be driven from his parish. ### Janet Fenwick Expresses distress over the chapel's impact on the Vicarage, suggesting an exchange, but ultimately feels the glory of the Vicarage is gone. ### Lord Trowbridge Receives Fenwick's letter, initially considers yielding but is hardened by perceived insolence, deciding to proceed with the chapel as punishment. ### Mr. Puddleham Mentioned as ambitious and involved in the plan for the new chapel, working with Packer to punish Fenwick. ### Mr. Packer Described as the sinner who originated the plan for the chapel site, acting with Puddleham. ### Mr. Grimes The carpenter who received orders about the chapel work, and is asked by Fenwick to desist temporarily. ## Key lines > I learned by chance the other day in the village that a new chapel for the use of the Methodist congregation of the parish was to be built on the little open green immediately opposite the Vicarage gate, and that this special spot of ground had been selected and given by your lordship for this purpose. Fenwick writes to the Marquis that he has heard a Methodist chapel is to be built on the green opposite the Vicarage gate, chosen and given by the Marquis. _Fenwick's formal objection to the chapel site, initiating the conflict._ > I do not for a moment question your lordship’s right to give the site... but I respectfully submit to your lordship, whether such an erection as that contemplated by you will not be a lasting injury to the Vicarage of Bullhampton, and whether you would wish to inflict a lasting and gratuitous injury on the vicar of a parish, the greatest portion of which belongs to yourself. Fenwick acknowledges the Marquis's right to give the land but asks if he intends to permanently damage the Vicarage. _Fenwick appeals to the Marquis's sense of fairness, questioning the deliberate harm to the vicarage._ > The remark was almost as pernicious and unpardonable as that which had been made about his lordship’s daughters. It was manifest to him that the Vicar intended to declare that marquises were no more than other people⁠—and that the declaration was made and insisted on with the determination of insulting him. The Marquis finds Fenwick's comparison to building a chapel in his own park deeply insulting, seeing it as a declaration that marquises are no better than others. _The Marquis's pride is wounded, leading him to harden his stance against Fenwick._ > “We shall hear their singing and ranting whenever we open our front windows,” she said. “Then we won’t open them,” said the Vicar. Mrs. Fenwick complains about the noise from the chapel, and the Vicar dryly suggests they simply not open the windows. _A moment of domestic tension showing Mrs. Fenwick's distress and the Vicar's attempt at stoic humor._ ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_vicar_of_bullhampton_se/chapters/xxxv-mr-puddleham-s-new-chapel - Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_vicar_of_bullhampton_se - All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_vicar_of_bullhampton_se/chapters