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 

A-Z Challenge 2025: April 11th : J for Journeyman in 1851

My 2x great grandfather was a journeyman carpenter in East Sussex which has given me this idea for today's blog post.

1851 census - 41 people

James Ayres, aged 61, servant of Robert Tyler, Blacksmith (journeyman)

William Bax, aged 22, son of William Bax, Bakerjourneyman

Henry Bennet, aged 50 , head of house, Harnessmaker (journeyman) & sexton

Henry Bleach, aged 52, head of house, Carpenter's (journeyman)

Thomas Brigden, aged 68, head of house, Currier journeyman

William Brookshaw, aged 20, son of Henry Brookshaw, Smith & tinman journeyman

Edwin Cook, aged 24, son of John Cook, Shoemaker (journeyman)

Alfred Cook, aged 15, son of John Cook, Shoemaker (journeyman)

Michael Dancy, aged 49, lodger with John Holder, Carpenter (journeyman)

Edwin Dann, aged 20, son of Edward Dann, Cooper journeyman

Faiton Dumsday, aged 36, son of Kezia Dumsday, Tailor (journeyman)

Edward Elliott, aged 31, head of house, Shoemaker (journeyman)

James Elliott, aged 37, Lodger with William Clear, Boat maker (journeyman) sic

John Elliott, aged 39, head of house, Shoemaker (journeyman)

Thomas Elliot, aged 47, son living with William Elliot, Shoemaker (journeyman)

George Ewens, aged 29, head of house, Whotesmith's journeyman

Thomas Frake, aged 32, Lodger with John Cook, Stone mason (journeyman)

William Gibson, aged 81, Father in law of William Walder, Pauper (carpenter journeyman)

John Gumper, aged 82, Brother of Charles Gumper, Carpenter Journeyman

Jenner Harland, aged 27, head of house, Blacksmith journeyman

John Howard, aged 49, head of house, Carpenter journeyman

George Huggett, aged 28, head of house, Black smith (journeyman)

Benjamin Jeffery, aged 45, head of house, Carpenter journeyman

Edward Jeffrey, aged 18, lodger with Thomas Upton, Carpenter journeyman

Henry Langridge, aged 25, lodger with Louisa Sharp, Carpenter (journeyman)

John Lindfield, aged 18, Servant of Edmund Jenner, Butcher journeyman

John Malthouse, aged 47, head of house, Shoeaker (journeyman)

Joseph Marshall, aged 17, son of James Marshall, Bricklayer journeyman

Stephen Maynard, aged 20, servant to Charles Knight, Brazier journeyman

Edward Mitchell, aged 26, son of Samuel Mitchell, Plumber & glazier (journeyman)

Henry Mitchell, aged 21, son of Samuel Mitchell, Carpenter journeyman

Samuel Mitchell, aged 40, head of house, Carpenter journeyman

George Morley, aged 20, Servant to Thomas Jenner, Butcher journeyman

Orlando Ollive, aged 21, Servant to Thomas Jenner, Butcher journeyman

Peter Peerless, aged 28, head of house, Wheelwright journeyman

George Pitcher, aged 28, lodger with Thomas Brigden, Carpenter journeyman

Frederick Roser, aged 18, servant to Thomas Jenner, Butcher journeyman

Thomas Vaugham, aged 37, head of house, Carpenter's journeyman

Peter Vaughan, aged 26, head of house, Carpenter (journeyman)

John Vincett, aged 19, nephew of William Leney, Shoemaker journeyman

Edwin Walder, aged 21, aon of William Walder, Boot & shoemaker (journeyman)

Quite a wide variety of occupations amongs these residents.

These were all researched using Find My Past.

My blog: Cuckfield Compendium

My website: Cuckfield Compendium 

A-Z Challenge 2025: April 10th: I for Isaac Leney

The Norman West Tower of Holy Trinity Church, Cuckfield houses the old 17 century turret clock that once hung in the tower, but is now preserved on a shelf high above the ground floor.  It is unique in that it not only has it's date and the initials of the maker, Isaac Leney, recorded on the blades of the fan but it also has the date and name of the clockmaker who converted it from a folio clock to a pendulum one recorded  in the Church accounts. Unfortunately the pendulum has not been preserved.  

The date on the blades of the fan are: 1667 and on the other blade is the initials I.L.

Who Isaac Leney was has not be confirmed.  He is thought to be local but attempts to find him in Cuckfield has not been fruitful.  

There is an Isaack Leney baptised in Burwash on 20th December1632, son of Stephen.  Is this our Isaac Leney referred to above?

My blog: Cuckfield Compendium

My website: Cuckfield Compendium 

A-Z Challenge 2025: April 9th: H for Hatchlands

Hatchlands is a property in Broad Street, Cuckfield and today I am listing the names of the residents whilst it was being occupied by the Paynes who were a prominent family in the village.

In the 1920's the building became the home to the Hatchlands Girls School and is now a small modern housing estate.

1881

William Payne , Head, aged 54, 

Ann Payne, Wife,  aged 43

Edith A. Payne, Daughter,  aged 22

Alice E. Payne, Daughter, aged 20

Fanny O'brian, Servant, aged 33,

Hannah M. Burfe, Servant, aged 40, 

Ellen Howell, Servant, aged 32, 

1891

William Payne, Head, aged 64

Ann Payne, Wife, aged 52

Edith A Payne, Daughter, aged 32

Ernest Payne, Son, aged 31

Amelia L Payne, Daughter, aged 28

Ellen Howell, Servant, aged 42

Alice M Layers, Servant , aged 24

Mary J Holden, Servant, aged 28

1901

William Payne, Head, aged 74

Ann Payne, Wife, aged 63

Ernest Payne, Son, aged 41

Amelia E Payne, Daughter, aged 38

Selwyn J Brinton, Visitor, aged 41

Ellen Howell, Servant, aged 52

Ada M Smith, Servant, aged 22

Nora Wells, Servant, aged 22

1911

Edith Annie Payne, Head, aged 52

Annie Evenden, Servant, aged 48

Caroline Ball, Servant, aged 36

Hilda Bignall, Servant, 15

1921

Edith Annie Payne, Head, aged 63 Years 1 Month

Alice Trevena, Friend, 49 Years 6 Months

My blog: Cuckfield Compendium

My website: Cuckfield Compendium 

A-Z Challenge 2025: April 8th : G is for Gamekeepers

Cuckfield is in a rural area and so I thought I would look to see how many Cuckfield parish residents put Gamekeepers as their occupation.  I used Find My Past for this information.

1841        0

1851        2

Edward Bentley aged 40, living with his family at Bents Cottage.
Benjamin Tulley aged 40, living with his famiy at New Cottage

1861        2

Henry Field aged 26, living with his father and other family at a cottage of no name

Reuben Russel aged 56, living with his family at Old Mill

1871        5

Traiton Anscombe, aged 26 , living with his father and other family at Highlands Cottage

Thomas Anscombe, aged 16, living with his father and other family at Highlands Cottage

William Budgen, aged 47, living with his family at Borde Hill Cottage

Henry Elsey, aged 45, living with his family at Little Brantridge

William Steer, aged 50, living with his family at Penland Cottage

1881        5

Traiton Anscombe, aged 33, living with family at Penland Cottage

Francis Bozier, aged 48, living with family at Dorcas Cottages, Staplefield Common

Robert Edwards, aged 46, living with family at East Lodge, Borde Hill

Cyprus Moore, aged 40, living with family at Upper Common Cottage

David Terras, aged 29, living with family at Beech Cottages

1891        4

Trayton Anscome aged, 46, living with at a cottage at Beech Farm

Henry Churchyard aged 60, a servant living with the Naylor family at Hazeldean

John R Edwards aged 56, living with family at East Lodge East at Borde Hill

George J Halfacres aged 36, living with family at Woodlands, High Street

1901        0
1911        0
1921        0

My blog: Cuckfield Compendium

My website: Cuckfield Compendium 

A-Z Challenge 2025: April 7th: F for First War 1 soldiers

Like in many villages in Britain, there were many First World War men who died for their country.  These are memorialised around the base of The Cross of Sacrifice War Memorial in the churchyard of the Parish Church, Holy Trinity and on a memorial stone in the church.  

There is also aboard listing all the men inside the Queen's Hall, up the hill.

Shirley Bond has also written a book about the men, detailing regiments, letters they had written home and as much other information that she could find.  Her book is called "Cuckfield Remembered"  ISBN  0955891108.

Shirley also kindly wrote a page about Cuckfield during the war for my website Cuckfield Compendium

There is also page called "The Fallen" on my site that lists the names of the fallen for the Boer War and the two World Wars.

Here is a link to the Roll Of Honour for Cuckfield that gives information about the men.  

My blog: Cuckfield Compendium

My website: Cuckfield Compendium 

A-Z Challenge 2025: April 5th: E for Earning a living

Here are some of the people earning a living in Cuckfield, taken from Pigots Directory 1832-1834:

Innkeepers:  
Dolphin - George Taylor
Kings Head Inn - James Webber
Rose & Crown - Chas. Juniper
Talbot Inn - Faulconer Best

Saddlers and Harness Makers:
Bennet Henry

Tailors:
Bray Henry
Dumsday Hezekiah
Jones Emmanuel

Watch and Clockmakers:
Bates Edward
Cox Edward

Corn Dealers:
Heryett William
Sayers John

My blog: Cuckfield Compendium

My website: Cuckfield Compendium 

A-Z Challenge 2025: April 4th: D for Death

Death and In Memorium notices from newspaper archives:

1854:  July 15, at Cuckfield, Sussex, of hooping (sic) cough, Sydney Cromwell, the infant son of Mr Daniel Pratt, aged four months.

1856: Akehurst - April 29, at Cuckfield, Esther, daughter of Mr Superintendent Akehurst, aged 15 years and 11 months.

April 1867:  On the 22nd inst. , at Cuckfield, somewhat suddenly from dropsy, Mr Joseph Agate, of Westup Farm, in his 42nd year.

10th January, 1882:  4th inst at Cuckfield Workhouse Infirmary, William Attwood, aged 56 years.

March 1883:  4th inst., at Highlands, Cuckfield, Frank Edward, the second twin child of Mr. Chas. Goddard, aged 15 months and 3 weeks.

28 July 1885:  13th inst., at Oaklands, Cuckfield, Mr. Richard Coates, aged 66 years.  22nd inst., at Clifton-ville, Cuckfield, Mr. William Beggs, aged 57 years

Sept 1885:  30th ult at South Street, Cuckfield, Miss Mary Mitchell.  2nd inst. at Brook Street, Cuckfield, Miss Lucy Batchelor, aged 32 years.  3rd inst at Cleaver's Lane, Cuckfield, Sophia, widow of the late George Cooper, aged 67 years.  5th inst at Broad Street Cuckfield, Mr John Norris, aged 39 years.

16th August 1887: We have to record the death on Friday last, at Rose Cottage, of Mr T J Crowhurst, who practised for a number of years as a veterinary surgeon at Cuckfield, and was well known in the surrounding districts.  The "doctor", who was 49 years of age, had been ill for some time before his death.  The funeral took place this afternoon.

18th October, 1887:  14th inst at Brighton Hospital, after undergoing a painful operation, James Rowland, greengrocer, Cuckfield, aged 63 years.

June 1888:  Elizabeth Jane Chambers, born July 11th, 1844, died June 11th 1888.  The funeral took place in the Parish Churchyard, the Vicar, Rev J H Cooper officiating.

July 1888: 16th inst., at Cuckfield Park, Warden Sergison, Esq., J.P., aged 53 years.

January 19th, 1892: 16th inst. at High Street, Cuckfield, George Webber, in his 85th year.  17th inst. at Briggs Farm, Cuckfield, Louisa Welfare, widow of the late George Young, aged 70 years.

1893:  Baker - On Dec 13, at Cuckfield, John Baker, J.P., late of Hockley, Essex, 82.

1893: Mr Edward Norris, Builder of Broad Street, a native of Cuckfield.  He was attended by Dr Byass and Dr Wells but their efforts were to no avail.  He was 52 and left a wife and seven children.  He took over the business from his father and it would be taken over by Edward's sons who were already connected with it.

Basil Frank Vaughan-Powell 9th April 1899 at Leyon House, Cuckfield.  Only son of James Nevil Powell.

My blog: Cuckfield Compendium

My website: Cuckfield Compendium 

A-Z Challenge 2025: April 3rd: C for Cuckfield Parish Church Vicars

Informaion here about two of the vicars of Holy Trinity Church, Cuckfield, whose names begin with the letter C.

Charles Ashburnham; vicar in1761.  He also became Canon of Chichester Cathedral, Preb. of Chichester in 1761.  

He was born in 1723 in Chichester, Sussex, England and baptised at St Bartholomews, Chichester. He was admitted at Corpus Christi, School, Charterhouse, Cambridge in 1744 and matriculated 1745 with B.A. 1747-8 and M.A. 1756.  He was vicar of Cowfold in 1755 until he moved to Cuckfield. During his tenure in Cuckfield he was instrumental in the rebuilding of the new vicarage in 1780.  Charles passed away on 16 December 1800 and was buried in Chichester Cathedral.

Canon Charles William Goodall Wilson; vicar in 1915  Wall memorial for him reads:   "In affectionate and grateful memory of Charles William Goodall Wilson MA, Prebendary of Thorney in Chichester Cathedral; Born 1860 - Died 1948; Vicar of Cuckfield 1915 - 1936.  I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills from whence cometh my help. Given by friends in Cuckfield"

He was born in 1860 and passed away in 1948 He was also an alumnus of Pembroke College, Oxford, where he matriculated in 1880 and later earned his B.A. in 1883 and M.A. in 1887.

You will find information about other vicars on my website, Cuckfield Compendium 

My blog: Cuckfield Compendium

My website: Cuckfield Compendium 

A-Z Challenge 2025: April 2nd: B for baptisms

Some more baptisms to add to my website.

Baptisms  1819

July 15th:  Richard, son of John and Elizabeth Haylor, Cuckfield Labourer

Sept 5th:  Steven Molineux (illegitimate) son of Mary King, Cuckfield

Sept 13th:  Catherine, daughter of William and Charlotte Noble, Cuckfield Gent

Oct 24th:  William, son of William and Rachael Haselgrove, Cuckfield Labourer

Baptisms  1891

March 1st:  Arthur Thomas, son of  William and Sarah Murrell, Long Acre Labourer

March 1st:  James, son of  Ernest and Maria Rowland, Cuckfield Labourer

March 21st:  Albert Edward, son of  Mary Sayers, Cuckfield Union

March 30th: Emily Natalie, daughter of  Thomas William and Martha Field, Cuckfield Hop Merchant

My blog: Cuckfield Compendium

My website: Cuckfield Compendium 

A-Z Challenge 2025: April 1st: A for Anniversaries.

There aren't many anniversaries of marriages for today as in most years it would have fallen in Lent.  However I did find these in published transcriptions for early years:

1627:    Richard Brishar and Katherine Renfield  .....   398th anniversary this year

1657:    Thomas Winpenny and Mary Jenkin  .....        368th anniversary this year

1673:    John Gatland and Susan Tomsat  .....             352nd anniversary this year

My blog: Cuckfield Compendium

My website: Cuckfield Compendium 

A-Z Challenge 2025: March 23: Introduction

This will my second participation in the #AtoZChallenge for bloggers. Starting Tuesday April 1st, readers will find daily posts (excluding Sundays) centered around my One Place Study of Cuckfield. 

My theme this year is "People Connected with Cuckfield"

Each post will delve into the people who have connections with Cuckfield whether resident or visitor; law abiding or transgressor; notable figures or ordinary folk.  I have used genealogy websites. newspaper articles and other online publications.

Throughout the month, we will journey through the alphabet, starting with A on the 1st and concluding with Z on the 30th. Some letters are more challenging so stay tuned to see what I come up with.

I hope you enjoy and learn from the posts. Please leave comments, follow my blog, and visit my website where I will be uploading much of this information.

My blog: Cuckfield Compendium

My website: Cuckfield Compendium 

Cuckfield Dinosaurs

 The ancient stone quarries to the north of the village, especially Whitemans Green, are renowned as the locations where some of the most significant early dinosaur fossil discoveries in the world were made.

Dr Gideon Mantell discovered the first fossilised remains of the Iguanadon in 1824 in Whiteman's Green.  Since it's discovery it has been in the Natural History Museum in London.  

In 1990 the Cuckfield Museum held a celebration, in the Queens Hall, Cuckfield, of the discovery and Dr Mantell's birthday.  It was the start of a three month long exhibition.

Baptisms: 1822 Holy Trinity Church

 More baptisms are now on the website for 1822.  You can find more details here.

Caroline Penfold

Eliza Gumbrell

Louisa Humphrey

Charlotte Parker

John Holden

George Packham

Friend Field