English teacher Dr. Mark Rigg traveled to Cambridge, England, recently for the annual meeting of The Trollope Society, joining scholars and enthusiasts from around the world to celebrate the life and work of Victorian author Anthony Trollope. The two-day gathering brought together professors, barristers, and dedicated readers for a rich exchange of ideas centered on Trollope’s novels and their enduring relevance.

Dr. Rigg, a relatively recent member of the Society, delivered a well-received presentation examining the intersection of ecclesiology and law in Trollope’s novel The Warden. His talk, titled “Justifying Septimus Harding: Ecclesiology and Law in The Warden,” explored the tension between church authority and secular legal systems—a theme that resonates deeply with his academic background. “All my graduate work was either theological or ecclesiastical,” Dr. Rigg explained, noting how naturally Trollope’s work aligns with his scholarly focus.

The audience response was enthusiastic, and event organizer Dominic Edwardes invited Dr. Rigg to present again in an online session later in 2026 for the Society’s broader membership. With thousands of members worldwide, the Trollope Society continues to grow engagement with the late 19^th-century author, whose novels are known for their realism, moral insight, and often hopeful conclusions.

Dr. Rigg’s journey with Trollope began some 25 years ago. “A fellow teacher and I began reading Trollope, and we became fans,” he recalled. Years later, encouragement from a fellow mentor helped inspire him to submit a proposal to present. That decision ultimately led to this memorable opportunity.

At The Storm King School, Dr. Rigg brings his passion for Trollope into the classroom, teaching his works in Honors British Literature and The Heroic Journey. “I am particularly fond of Trollope’s portrayal of characters. What moves me the most are Trollope’s views of men and women. He clearly loves his female characters as strong protagonists,” he reflected. “I give students the background and the religious setting of Trollope’s works, but I want to see their interpretations.” His goal is not just to teach literature, but to cultivate engaged, thoughtful readers.

The conference itself, held at Magdalene College, offered numerous highlights. Over the course of the weekend, approximately 70 attendees participated in nine presentations and toured several of Cambridge’s historic colleges. Dr. Rigg and fellow Storm King teacher Ms. Leigh Katz especially enjoyed a memorable evening featuring a candlelit dinner in a medieval dining hall, where favorite passages from Trollope were read aloud. Standing in the historic setting of Magdalene College also carried personal significance for Dr. Rigg. “To be able to speak where C. S. Lewis once stood—that means a great deal to me.” For him, the experience was not only academically enriching but personally affirming. “You never know when you will find the author who speaks to you,” he reflected. “Surrounded by a diverse group of readers sharing a literary passion, we felt again the power of great books to connect people across many times and places.”