A book about the unbelievable true story of a Victorian Cumbrian clergyman has hit shelves.

Writer John Bainbridge stumbled upon the tale of Reverend Edward Henry Fitch during research for his maiden book, Knockupworth, the story of his Graham ancestors, which was released in 2019.

Scandal at the Vicarage, centres around Reverend Fitch, vicar of Burgh-by-Sands, had a nightmare 1889.

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He experienced two tragic family bereavements and faced a Church Commission in December after being accused of misconduct with a servant.

Mr Bainbridge found the unraveling events at Burgh vicarage events increasingly captivating.

Mr Fitch was born at Wigton and worked as a priest in several locations, including Bridekirk, Rockcliffe and Crosby-on-Eden, before transferring to St Michael’s Church in Burgh-by-Sands.

A significant figure in village life, his world altered on September 30, 1889.

On that night, cook Sarah Magee, aged sixteen, came down the vicarage staircase and accused Mr Fitch of impropriety with the housemaid, Annie Crawford.

Scandal at the vicarage, in addition to narrating Rev Fitch's tale, portrays Victorian village life and investigates witnesses, including one from a prominent Carlisle historical family.

Published by P3 Publications, the book is available through the publisher and Bookends in Carlisle, among other outlets.