A-Z Challenge 2025: April 17th : O for Obituaries

From the Mid Sussex Times

A very flowery style of reporting here on Sept 8th, 1885:  During the past few days the scythe of death has been mowing down its victims.  Scarcely had the earth closed on the remains of Mary Mitchell (happily released from great and continued sufferings) when the irresistable blade sundered the mortal thread of Lucy Batchelor, at the early age of 32.  Her illness was of long duration, but she was patient to the end.  Widow Cooper, of Cleaver's Lane, has also succombed to an insiduous disease, borne with unflinching fortitude. She will long be remembered as a cheery and useful member of society.  Her amiable disposition secured to herself not a few valuable friends, and these now mourn an irreperable loss.  Deceased was 67 years of age.  Finally, with profoud grief, we record the demise of Mr John Norris, of Broad Street, whose indisposition was of short duration.  Few were aware of the fatal character of his attack, but on Saturday the serious apprehemsions of the medical faculty became circulated.  At noon, on that day, the venerable practitioner was seen to discard his brougham.  With measure step, absorbed in deep thought, he wended his way to and from the sick chamber.  From that hour hope surrendered to grief.  Dissolution ensured on Sunday afternoon, and for the fourth time in ten days the passing bell proclaimed the singular chord of death.  Deceased was a man of limited acquaintance - his few associates ever regarding him as a most excellent friend - being so circumspectly genle and unassuming.  His memory will not be transiently esteemed, but lastingly retained.  A widowed and aged mother ia sorrowfully bowed down.  Mr Norris was in his 40th year, and unmarried.

January 10th, 1888: We have to record the death, at the age of 82, of Mr. William Upton, which occurred on the 2nd inst. For nearly 60 years deceased superintended the highway repairs in the northern part of the parish, his trustworthy and competent abilities being always commended by the parish officers. During the last few years his infirmities prevented him, in some measure, from fulfilling his duties, and he was consequently relieved from further responsibility. He was only confined to his bed four days, at the close of which he quietly passed away. The funeral took place on Thursday, the place of interment being the Parish Churchyard. The mourners comprised his three daughters, Mr. W. Upton (nephew) and wife, and other friends.

April 7th, 1885:  The remains of the late Mr. John Simmons (whose death was recorded in our obituary column last week), a native of Cuckfield, and who for half-a-century occupied a small farm in Brook Street, previously held for a long period by his father, were interred in the Cemetery on Tuesday, the hearse being followed by a long string of relatives and friends. Deceased, who had nearly completed his 77th year, was generally respected. Mr. Simmons leaves some interesting memoranda, detailing sales and prices of corn, &c., in his younger days, and in the time of his father.

January 10th, 1882:  We have to record the death of Mr. W. Attwood, which took place early on Wednesday morning last, at the Union Infirmary. More than thirty years ago, the deceased started as the village shopkeeper at Pyecombe, where his tact for business soon aroused the envy of shopkeepers in the adjoining parishes. For several years he went on at a rapid rate, and everyone looked on him as a rising man; but, when least expected, bankruptcy ensued. This misfortune necessitated his removal. From this period, for a time, he was lost sight of, but eventually turned up as manager in one of the large shops at Hurstpierpoint. Following this, he once again vanished into obscurity. A few years ago, he was discovered as a workhouse pauper at Cuckfield, from whence he was rescued by Mr. G. Durrant, late of Hanlye Farm, who fitted him out with a donkey cart and milk cans. For four years he was most assiduously attentive to his duties as milkman and became respected by all his customers, and indeed by everyone who knew him. At Michaelmas last Mr. Durrant relinquished the farm, and Attwood continued the milk walk for the incoming tenant, Mr. Barford. Towards the end of October, the heavy rains set in, and though drenched to the skin for several days together, he persisted in going on with his duties. His constitution, however, at last gave way, and a severe illness followed. As soon as he could bear removal, his master had him conveyed to the Infirmary, where the excellent nurse (Miss Cope) paid him unremitting attention. The Messrs. Byass and their capital assistant, Mr. Baker, spared no pains to bring about his recovery, but his constitution was broken up, and he lingered on for several weeks, when death put an end to his sufferings at the time before mentioned. He was buried on Saturday, at Hurstpierpoint.  His age was 56 years.

My blog: Cuckfield Compendium

My website: Cuckfield Compendium 

A-Z Challenge 2025: April 16th: N for Nurse

Nurse Mary Stoner was known lovingly as the "Mother of Cuckfield".    Born in 1855 in a cottage in  Mytten Twitten.  The family moved away when Mary was small but returned later and lived at Old Mill, Cuckfield Park.

Mary was the daughter of William Stoner, an employee at the Old Tannery on Brook Street. From an early age, Mary exhibited a compassion for others, a quality nurtured during the time she cared for her ailing mother who was unable to work. This was a foundation for her eventual career in nursing.

After finishing school in her early teens, Mary entered domestic service, working in various roles, including that as a cook and parlourmaid both in Cuckfield and London. One notable position was her employment as a housemaid for the Sergison family at Cuckfield Park. During her time in service, whilst travelling to the Isle of Wight, she witnessed the sinking of HMS Eurydice in 1878, an event she would later recount in her diaries.

Her personal life wasn't without tragedy. While working in London, she met and fell in love with a bootmaker. However, their relationship was cut short when he died of consumption, a loss that seemed to strengthen Mary's resolve to dedicate her life to the care and welfare of others.

Mary’s professional journey in nursing began as an assistant nurse at Cuckfield Infirmary, where her early responsibilities were primarily non-medical , including hours of sewing. Undeterred, she persevered and, in 1890, was appointed as Cuckfield's parish nurse, the village’s first district nurse, by the Reverend Canon Cooper.  Over the next two decades, she showed an unwavering commitment to the community, often carrying out both physically and emotionally demanding duties. She would travel through the village braving all weathers to reach those in need of care. She always greeted people with a cheery smile and greeting.  Her achievements were remarkable: throughout her career, she attended over 200 childbirths, never losing a single mother. In 1984 it is reported that during the previous year she had nursed 12 women and one man, and made over 150 visits in cases of illness.

Nurse Stoner retired in 1912, but she remained a cherished figure within the community. She lived in a little cottage in the churchyard of Holy Trinity.  She died in Cuckfield Hospital in 1947 aged 91. Her life was one of selflessness, devotion, and compassion. Her work not only endeared her to the hearts of the people of Cuckfield but also ensured that her memory would endure as an integral part of the village's history.  Her legacy was commemorated with a portrait displayed in Queen’s Hall, a fitting tribute to her impact on Cuckfield.

For those exploring the village’s past, her story serves as a powerful reminder of the strength of the human spirit and the impact of a life dedicated to serving others.

My blog: Cuckfield Compendium

My website: Cuckfield Compendium 

A-Z Challenge 2025: April 15th : M for Marriages

Mid Sussex Times 12 July 1895

At the Parish Church on Monday senight the marriage took place of Mr William James Danthorne, of East Grinstead, and Miss Clara Sayers, second daughter of Mr George Sayers of Oak Cottage, Cuckfield. 

Sussex Advertiser 21 June 1853 

Gower—Mitchell.—June 13, at Cuckfield Church, Mr. Jerry Gower, of Lindfield, to Miss Harriett Mitchell, laundress, Cuckfield.

 Sussex Advertiser 12 August 1899

On the 7th August at Cuckfield Parish Church, by Rev. Canon Cooper, James David Walsh, of Brighton, to Sarah Elizabeth, youngest daughter of Henry Pattenden, of Cuckfield

Mid Sussex Times 16 August 1887

On Saturday the marriage of Mr W E Mitchell, of Cuckfield, Relieving Officer to the Cuckfield Union, Registrar of Births, Deaths and Marriage &c., with Miss Barbara Black, only daughter of Mr William Black, of Lellings-farm, Borde-hill, was solemized at the Parish Church.  The ceremony was performed by the Rev F J Mount (vicar).

Mid Sussex Times 13 March 1883

1st inst., at St. Mary's, Islington, by the Rev. C. I. Neven, John, only son of Mr. John Tugwell, Cuckfield, to Mary Jane, fifth daughter of the late Mr. Eaton Packwood, of Houghton Conquest, Beds.

My blog: Cuckfield Compendium

My website: Cuckfield Compendium 

A-Z Challenge 2025: April 14th: L for Literary Connections

Henry Kingsley, the Victorian novelist, was born in Nottinghamshire in 1830 and spent his final two years in Cuckfield. He lived at a house called Attrees (now Kingsleys) which is next to the Queens Hall.  He passed away there in 1876. Kingsley is buried in the churchyard of Holy Trinity Church in Cuckfield.

His most notable works include:
The Recollections of Geoffry Hamlyn (1859), The Hillyars and the Burtons (1865), Ravenshoe (1861) and Austin Elliot (1863).  Ravenshoe is considered his best work.

Kingsleys is located on the High Street in Cuckfield.  It was originally built in the 16th century with timber frames and infilled with plaster panels and later restored in the 20th century. The house is a Grade II listed building, recognized for its architectural and historical significance.

Percy Bysshe Shelley (1792–1822) was an English writer who was born in Warnham, Sussex.  He is considered one of the major English Romantic poets and had connections to Cuckfield through his family and personal experiences.  Shelley's maternal uncle, Captain John Pilfold, a celebrated naval officer who fought at the Battle of Trafalgar, lived at Marshalls Manor on Cuckfield High Street from 1806 to 1813. Shelley often visited him during his youth, particularly during holidays.

During his time in Cuckfield, Shelley was interested in the occult and science, and developed radical political opinions during these years. It was during these early years that he wrote Zastrozzi, a gothic novel that reflects his early fascination with rebellion and dark themes.

Shelley is best known for his poetry but also wrote essays and pamphlets on political, social, and philosophical issues. During one of his stays in Cuckfield, Shelley recounted an amusing story about his uncle reading his controversial pamphlet, The Necessity of Atheism. This work, co-authored with his friend Thomas Jefferson Hogg, sparked debates and reflected Shelley's radical views. His rebellious nature and views were evident in works like The Necessity of Atheism and Queen Mab.

Marshall's is a historic manor house dating back to around 1575 and is a Grade II listed building. It is a timber-framed construction, Ardingly sandstone ashlar facade, and later brickwork additions. The building features unique elements such as a Horsham stone slab roof, Tudor rose motifs, and a 16th-century stone fireplace.

My blog: Cuckfield Compendium

My website: Cuckfield Compendium 

A-Z Challenge 2025: April 12th: K for Kings Head

The King's Head in Cuckfield was an historic coaching inn situated in the south of the village. This establishment played a significant role in the village's social and economic life, especially during the Georgian coaching era when it was a stopping place for travellers between London and Brighton.

The inn was known for its hospitality and was frequented by notable figures, including the Prince Regent (later King George IV), who often stopped there as he passed through Cuckfield on his way to his residence in Brighton.  One of the most famous anecdotes involves the Prince Regent setting a record for traveling from Brighton to London and back in a single day, passing through Cuckfield. This feat, achieved with relays of fast horses, highlighted his love for speed and adventure. The journey reportedly took him 4.5 hours to London and 5.5 hours back, an impressive accomplishment given the state of the roads at the time.

The earliest recorded mention of the King's Head dates back to June 23, 1756, when it was leased to Richard Jarvis. Previously, the inn was known as "Goldings". The original building was practically demolished in 1858, and a new structure was erected in its place.

Throughout its history, the King's Head was managed by several notable publicans:

James Lintott: Listed as the proprietor in the Universal British Directory of 1791, Lintott's tenure coincided with the inn's flourishing period during the late 18th century. 

Joshua Scott: In the early 19th century, Scott owned and occupied the King's Head, with records from that time valuing the inn, including its stables, at £32 per annum. 

Daniel Dench: Another landlord in the early 19 century and perhaps the most renowned.  He managed the inn during the reign of George III and the Regency era. His tenure is particularly noted for hosting the Prince Regent. Dench's daughter, Amelia, later reminisced about the inn's vibrant past, highlighting its importance during that period. He kept up to 30 pairs of horses at the inn.

James Webber: Succeeded Daniel Dench in 1817.

Edward Jenner: Took over the King's Head in 1846. He was previously a baker in Cuckfield and was known as "Uncle Ned"

The village’s traditions, such as the Independent State of Cuckfield's Mayor's Election, have seen participation from former publicans of the King's Head. 

My blog: Cuckfield Compendium

My website: Cuckfield Compendium