‘Remarkable, but still True’ is the fascinating story of Robert Joseph Barlow, an Irish clergyman who was vicar of Hutton Rudby from 1831 until his death in 1878.

Mr Barlow is remembered above all for his tireless care and support of his parishioners in the cholera of 1832. For the first time, the true and remarkable story of his life is revealed—and also for the first time the full story of the cholera epidemic is told, overturning several cherished legends that have grown up over the years.

There are many surprising elements to Mr Barlow’s story to interest a wide readership.

Here you will find not only the names and lives of many people in Hutton Rudby and the neighbourhood, but also:

• Barlow’s unusual childhood in Georgian Dublin

• the remarkable story of his brother James Barlow Hoy, landowner in the Isle of Wight and MP for Southampton

• how this Anglican vicar was related to “Black Jack” Fitzgibbon, the still hated Lord Chancellor of Ireland, the St Petersburg merchant Michael Hoy, the Mormons of Faceby and the Catholic Marquis Guadagno Guadagni

• the roaring days of Stokesley

• old Lady Amherst and young Lord Falkland

• account of the eccentric Stokesley solicitor William Powell, his nephews John and Thomas Harker and the sad downfall of George and Robert Brigham of Hutton Rudby

• the varying fortunes of the Mease family of Stokesley

• the religious background of the time: Methodists and Catholics in Hutton Rudby and why the parish registers are not complete or reliable

• vivid account of trial for murder of Robert Goldsborough, the witnesses’ statements bringing the voices of Hutton villagers to life

• his friendship with the unfortunate Rev Sanger, believed by his Carlton parishioners to have set fire to his own church

• a theme throughout the story, the perils of the Court of Chancery