The clerical community around Barchester's cathedral is rocked by a press investigation into the finances of Hiram's Hospital almshouse. Following the death of the bishop in the midst of the controversy, the chaplain and wife of the new bishop lead a reforming crusade, which arouses strong opposition within the diocese. These public events have a significant effect on the private lives of many of those involved. It features Donald Pleasence, Janet Maw, Nigel Hawthorne, Angela Pleasence, Geraldine McEwan, Alan Rickman, and Susan Hampshire. The Barchester Chronicles is a 1982 British BBC television seven-part drama serial, which originally aired in 1982.