A-Z Challenge 2025: Reflections

It was a case of “Once more unto the breach” and before I knew it I had planned to take part in the #AtoZChallenge for a second time.  Again, I decided to do it on my #OnePlaceStudy of Cuckfield, West Sussex, England.

Last year I chose topics for each day quite randomly but this year chose the Theme of People Connections with thanks to Liz Craig @willsmanonename.bsky.social , my #OnePlaceStudy buddy.  You can find her blog and One Place Study of Sudborne using this link. https://sudbourne.wordpress.com/list-of-posts/

I took onboard some of the ideas I reflected on last year and started scheduling posts earlier and having a spreadsheet of possible topics that I have unashamedly cribbed from other #AtoZChallenge bloggers or even just general reading of genealogy through magazines, social media and newsletters I subscribe to.  This year I have added Theme suggestions to the spreadsheet and will be thinking of those throughout the year.  It makes it sound like I have enjoyed doing it and have plans for next year; I certainly hope too.

The theme of People Connected to Cuckfield gave me a different range of topics I could blog about from buildings, organisations, census, occcupations to name a few.  In more detail they were:

A for anniversaries

B for baptisms

C for Cuckfield Parish Church Vicars

D for Death

E for Earning a Living

F for First World War

G for Gamekeepers

H for Hatchlands

I for Isaac Leeney

J for Journeymen

K for Kings Head

L for Literary Connections

M for Marriages

N for Nurse

O for Obituaries

P for Postmaster/Mistress

Q for Quassilarious

R for The Rose and Crown

S for Schooling

T for Tentercroft

U for Union Workhouse

V for Volunteers

W for The White Harte

X for X marks on documents

Y for ???

Z for zigzagging

Thank you to all those who have followed my journey during April and also to those who made comments.

A-Z Challenge 2025: April 30th : Z for Zigzagging

We have zigzagged across a lot of topics during this #AtoZChallenge to find people who have connections with Cuckfield and we have finally reached the last day.

Today I have done a random general search on Find My Past and Ancestry transcriptions for Z connections to Cuckfield.

Zacharias Berry birth registration 1844

Zuholmi Sanders probate 1731

Zilph H Pearman death registration 1923

Zipporah Allcorn death registration 1925

Zacharias Harden burial 1775

Zipah Nye burial 1679

Zechariah Holford baptism 1699

Zillah Alfey married William Vaughan 1776

Zachariah Smith hadd the banns read for his marriage to Patricia Saunders 1763

Zilpah Henty married 1844

Zilpa Harmer married 1866

Zilpah Harriet Kenward married 1876

Zoe Elizabeth Payne married 1900

Zephinah Thomas Smithers married 1871

Zilpha Bear birth registration 1848

Charles Edward Zee married 1891

Harold Spencer Zasson baptised 1899

Richard Zaan baptised 1715

Agnes Zeal married 1898

Mary S Zachary death registration 1925

My blog: Cuckfield Compendium

My website: Cuckfield Compendium 

A-Z Challenge 2025: April 29th : Y for ????

Yes, why?  What better day to ask questions.

Why or how are you connected to Cuckfield and if you aren't might you visit it at some point?  

Do take a look at my website (link below) where you can see a wealth of information about the village.

Why or how am I connected to Cuckfield?

I am connected to Cuckfield by attending Holy Trinity Church, although we don't live in the parish.  I sang in the church choir for nearly 30 years as an alto and both my children sang in the choir also.  My husband and I are readers at the morning service and I was a member of Cuckfield Mothers Union for many years. Twice now we have sponsored and decorated a tree for the Christmas Tree Festival and I have helped decorate the Mothers Union and Choir trees.  We still attend the church periodically although more frequently connect via Zoom for the Sunday services.

Holy Trinity means a lot to us; it is a place of peace and prayerfulness where you can't help but think back to it's ancient origins and all that has happened since.

My blog: Cuckfield Compendium

My website: Cuckfield Compendium 

AtoZChallenge

A-Z Challenge 2025: April 28th: X for X marks on documents

I was viewing the online parish register images at Familysearch and have transcribed these as an example of who signed with an "X".

Marriage: John Voice and Jane Fielders married in Cuckfield Church by banns on 12th day of November 1793.  Both of them made their mark on the marriage entry in the register. 

Marriage: James Harland and Susannah Holford married in Cuckfield Church by licence on 17th day of December 1794.  Susannah Holdford made her mark on the marriage entry in the register. 

Marriage: Christopher Denman and Ann Lee married in Cuckfield Church on 16th day of July 1795.  Both of them made their mark on the marriage entry in the register.

Marriage:  Henry Isted and Ann Oram married in Cuckfield Church on 11th April 1813.  Both of them made their mark on the marriage entry in the register as did both of their witnesses, Stephen and Elizabeth Oram.

Marriage: James Weller and Sarah Starley married in Cuckfield Church on 15th day of May 1814.  Both of them made their mark on the marriage entry in the register as did one of the witnesses, Charlotte Starley.

Marriage: Thomas Brand and Jane Vaughn married in Cuckfield Church on 19th day of May 1817.  Both of them made their mark on the marriage entry in the register as did one of the witnesses, William Vaughn.

These will be entered on my website.

My blog: Cuckfield Compendium

My website: Cuckfield Compendium 

A-Z Challenge 2025: April 26th : W for White Harte

The White Harte is an inn on the corner of South Street in Cuckfield. Parts of the White Harte have been dated at the beginning of the 13th Century. It has an imposing three-pronged chimney stack which sits above a timberframed, fish scale-tiled frontage. Below its pitched roof is an image of a white deer flanked by the numbers ‘1881’. Lettering also around the old sign includes ‘H’ and ‘W’ for the associated brewery (Hall and Woodhouse) and ‘Ye White Harte Inne’, its ancient and locally loved name. It is believed to be the oldest building now used as a public house.

These are census entries from Find My Past listing the publicans/innkeepers/licensed victuallers and their families living with them. 

1921

Caroline Mary Roffey, Head, aged 50. Licensed Victualler
Lillian Mary Roffey, Daughter, aged 23, Barmaid
Dorothy Alice Roffey, Daughter, aged 20, Cashier at Smith & Co Butchers

1911

Charles Roffey, Head, aged 50, Licensed victualler

Caroline Mary Roffey, Wife, aged 40, Assisting

Constance Roffey, Daughter, aged 18,| Assisting

Lilian Mary Roffey, Daughter, aged 13, School

Dorothy Alice Roffey, Daughter, aged 10, School

1901

William Hare, Head, aged 44, Publican
Ann Hare, Wifem aged 33

Dorothy Hare, Daughter, aged 3

Sylvia Hare, Daughter, aged 1

Jessie Butcher, Servant, ahed 17, General servant domestic

1891

Peter Gard, Head, Aged 49 Inn Keeper
Elizabeth Gard, Wife, Aged 53
Mildred Gard, Daughter, Aged 25
Walding Robinson, Boarder, Aged 37, Ropemaker
George Headman, Boarder, Aged 64, Labourer agriculture

1881

Peter Gard, Head, Aged 39 Inn Keeper
Elizabeth Gard, Wife, Aged 40
Mildred Gard, Daughter, Aged 15

Thomas Dyke, Boarder, Aged 58, Carpenter
George Headman, Boarder, Aged 56, Labourer 

1871

George Miles, Head, Aged 45, Publican

Mary Miles, Wife, Aged 31

Charley Miles, Son, Aged 2

Harry N Miles, Son, Aged 0

Elizabeth Brown, Servant, Aged 18, Domestic Servant

1861

Esther Weller, Head, Aged 45, Inn Keeper

George Huggett, Nephew, Aged 15, General Servant to a Whitesmith

1851

John Weller, Head, Aged 50, Licensed Victualler

Esther Weller, Wife, Aged 40

James Comber, Lodger, Aged 63, Annuitant

Amelia Dancey, Servant, Aged 13, House serv

My blog: Cuckfield Compendium

My website: Cuckfield Compendium 

fe, aged 33

Dorothy Hare, Daughter

A-Z Challenge 2025: April 25th : V for Volunteers

Taken from the Mid Sussex Times, 16 July 1869

The following gentlemen (Second Lieutenants) were on Tuesday gazetted as Lieutenants in the 2nd Volunteer Battalion of the Royal Sussex Regiment:  J G Clarke, E H Stafforth, C E Wilson and G C Woodbridge.  All commisions are dated 10th July, 1895

From the same edition:

Ex members of the Cuckfield Companies of Volunteers have been awarded the long-service medal: Colour-Sergeant S Chilcott, Quartermaster-Sergeant P Jupp and Sergeant S Knight.

Taken from the Mid Sussex Times, August 16, 1887.

The Volunteer Club, which is connected with the A and B Companies of the 2nd Volunteer Battalion Royal Sussex Regiment, had it's AGM at the drill hall.  Major Sergison was re-elected president of the club, and the committee, comprising the following members, was re-appointed, viz, Rev F J Mout, Messrs. W E Mithcell, R Anscombe, G T Bunting, S Knight, and H Bowell.  Sergeant-Instructor Middleton was re-elected librarian and Colour-Sergeant Hounsell secretary and treasurer.

Taken from the Mid Sussex Times, Dec 1st, 1891.

Friday night's London Gazette recorded the resignation of Captain and Hon Major T A Maberly, A and B Companies 2nd Volunteer Battalion Royal Sussex Regiment, who is permitted to retain his rank and continue to wear the uniform of the Battalion.  The resignation of Acting Chaplain the Rev W S Andrews, of the K (Hurstpierpoint) Company is also notified.

My blog: Cuckfield Compendium

My website: Cuckfield Compendium 

A-Z Challenge 2025: April 24th : U for Union Workhouse

 Some newspaper articles mentioning names of people and the Workhouse.

Sussex Advertiser 26 February 1883

Ten young tramps, James Wood, Henry Taylor, George Wisson, James Fibbett, George Themes, James West, James Jones, George Watson, Arthur Nicholson and Thomas Simpson werre sentenced to six weeks hard labour for destroying their clothes in the union-house.

Sussex Express 19 March 1895

Frank Bennet, a tramp, was sentenced to two months hard labour for committing an assault on Henry Preston the labour-master at the Cuckfield Workhouse.  He also broke a cell door and six panes of glass.  The damage was to the amount of £1 5s.

Sussex Express 18 December 1877

Joseph Hart and James Abraham, vagrants, were sentenced to 14 days hard labour for tearing up their clothes in the workhouse.

Sussex Express 6 January 1891

James Orton, labourer, was summoned to show cause why he should not contribute towards the support of his father.  William Mitchell, Relieving Officer, in the Cuckfield Union, gave evidence that the defendant was a single man living with his father, who was receiving out-relief from the parish.  He paid nothing towards his rent nor for his lodging.  He was ordered to make payment of 2s 6d per week.

Mid Sussex Times  13 March 1888

At the Horsham Police Court on Saturday, John Grinstead, a tramp, was charged with absconding from the Workhouse on September 5th, 1887, and carrying with him a suit of clothes, value £1. Until Wednesday last prisoner had not been seen. He then applied for a ticket of admission, and was taken into custody. He said he "swopped" the clothes with a chap in the Cuckfield Union. Sentenced to two months' hard labour.

Mid Sussex Times 7 November 1882
CUCKFIELD PETTY SESSIONS. SATURDAY. Before Major Sergison.

Two tramps, who gave the names of George Mutter, of Bristol, and Thomas Jones, of Birmingham, were charged with tearing up their clothes in the Union House, and committed for fourteen days' hard labour each.

My blog: Cuckfield Compendium

My website: Cuckfield Compendium 

A-Z Challenge 2025: April 23rd : T for Tentercroft

Tentercroft in Broad Street is a large Victorian building situated to the north of Broad Street, opposite the car park in the centre of Cuckfield. It has an attractive street frontage, complete with a steep grassed garden and several mature trees. The 1875 map of Cuckfield labels this location with the words British School for Boys and Girls underneath the name Tentercroft.

The British School for Boys and Girls were non-denominational institutions established in the 19th century to provide education to children from working-class families.

It is the birthplace of Charles Silvester Horne, a Liberal MP for Ipswich, a renowned orator and prominent Congregational minister. He was born in the eastern portion of Tentercroft on April 15, 1865. At that time, the building was divided into two distinct houses.  Silvester Horne's father, Rev. Charles Horne, was the minister of the Ebenezer Chapel where Silvester was baptized. The Chapel was later replaced by the Congregational Church, a building which is still there and now a dental surgery.

Charles Silvester Horne was the father of Kenneth Horne, the radio comedian.  Kenneth was only 7 years old when his father died abroad, in 1914.  Silvester Horne's legacy includes his contributions to the Free Church movement and his work as an author and preacher. He later became the Superintendent of Whitefield's Central Mission in London, where he was known for his dynamic sermons and social activism.

In 1911 and 1921 the national census records that Tentercroft was inhabited by Mary Agneta Cooper with her daughter Mary Helen Cooper.

In 1909 the property was inhabited by Lieutenant Colonel Woods and his wife.  A newspaper report in the Brighton Gazette tells of a theft case that was taken in the Haywards Heath Petty Sessions, involving Mary Louisa Bowdage, also known by the aliases Naylor and Vivian. Bowdage, described as a fashionably dressed young woman, stood accused of stealing four £5 banknotes from Tentercroft, the residence of Lieutenant-Colonel Woods and his wife, Mrs. Woods, in Cuckfield. The stolen notes, originally drawn from the Post Office Savings Bank, were meant to be sent to Clonsilla, Dublin, in a registered envelope but went missing.

Mrs. Woods later discovered the absence of the notes from her writing desk in December. Investigations revealed that the banknotes had been circulated through various establishments. Witness accounts played a key role in piecing together the narrative. Frederick Hoadley, a grocer in Cuckfield, testified to exchanging a £5 note for Bowdage, known locally as Mrs. Naylor, and depositing it into his firm's bank account. Henry Holden, a booking clerk previously stationed in Haywards Heath, recalled cashing a £5 note for a passenger. Additionally, Ethel Holland, a shop assistant in London, stated that Bowdage had used another of the notes for purchases under the name Mrs. Naylor of Tentercroft, Cuckfield.

The investigation extended beyond Cuckfield, with Police Sergeant Suter tracing Bowdage to London. She was apprehended at a boarding house in Bedford Place, Whitehall, where various incriminating items, including an envelope and cheques, were discovered. The arresting officer noted that Bowdage had written her name on a bank passbook to appear as though she had money. During her transfer to prison, she admitted to taking the notes, citing a compulsive inclination to steal. She expressed regret and revealed a troubling history of theft, including an earlier incident involving a prayer book. Bowdage expressed concern about her inability to break the habit, mentioning a desire to live under stricter conditions, such as in a convent or home, to avoid further criminality.

My blog: Cuckfield Compendium

My website: Cuckfield Compendium 

A-Z Challenge 2025: April 22nd: S for Schooling

Early Schooling in Cuckfield.

The founder of the first school in Cuckfield, a Free Grammar School, was Edmund Flower.  In his will of 1521 he stated that he had run a free Grammar School for many years.  He left an endowment for the school in his will.  Thomas Pelham and William Spicer also made endowments for the school.  All the school masters in the 1800s also held concurrent church appointments:  Thomas Bysshe, Philip Shore, John Willis, John  Tattershall, James Ingram, William Hopkins, Joseph Francis Fearon and Thomas Spencer.

Robert Middleton, Vicar, left money in trust with Timothy Burrell, in his will in 1712 to set up a charity school for the poor children of the parish to teach them to read and write.

Morley Schools:  Richard Morley was called a schoolmaster of Cuckfield in his will in 1752.  William Morley was described as schoolmaster at the baptisms of his sons in 1792 and 1798 and in his will in 1800 when he was 38.

There is no record of an early Sunday School but there is likely to have been one at least when Joseph Francis Fearon became vicar of Cuckfield before the end of the century.

Other known schoolmasters or mistresses at the time were:

Drury Bird

Richard Cook

John Cook

Mary Brown

Mary Wood 

Samuel Picknell

Information published by The Sussex Record Society.

My blog: Cuckfield Compendium

My website: Cuckfield Compendium 

A-Z Challenge 2025: April 21st : R for The Rose and Crown

The Rose & Crown  public House is a listed building and the entry on Historic England's website is:  

TQ 32 NW CUCKFIELD LONDON ROAD 1/71 The Rose and Crown Public 6.4.70 House GV II Inn. Possibly late C16 or early C17 in origin with C17 features but refronted in C19. Timber-framed building, the ground floor now clad in painted brick, the upper floors tile hung with slate roof. 3 storeys, 1:3:2 windows. Second floor has 1 tripartite casement, ground and first floors are tripartite sashes with glazing bars and horns. Bar front with splayed bay. The rear elevation has 2 gabled dormers. 2 end external brick chimney stacks, the north one late C16 with base of sandstone. 3 detached square shafts set close together under a single capping. The Saloon Bar has a sandstone late C16 4-centred arched chimneypiece with the initials 'W B A' and the date '1688' carved in the spandrels. Chamfered spine beam but otherwise the interior has been refurbished. (See VCH, Vol VII p 148).  Listing NGR: TQ3056225014

The Rose and Crown was a popular venue to hold meetings.  In the late 1800s the Cuckfield Bonfire Boys used to meet there every Monday evening.  The Society of Oddfellows also met there. The September Fair was regularly held in the Rose and Crown meadow and sometimes the Circus would come to there too.

In 1890 the Mid Sussex Times reported on entertainment that had been held on the Rose and Crown meadow:  The town has received visits from two traveling troupes of entertainers during the week, both of which have been located in the Rose and Crown Hotel field. On Tuesday evening, a circus and menagerie were the attraction, with daring feats performed by Colonel Chevalier E. D. Boone and five lions, assisted by Mdlle. Milli Carlotte. These performances were watched with great interest by a large number of spectators. On Saturday, Julian's international circus drew large audiences, maintaining its reputation for showcasing wild animals, acrobats, and clever horses. Both circuses featured outdoor spectacles that paraded through the streets, with Mr. Julian's procession dazzling in new costumes adorned with bright colors and shining tinsel, worn by the troupe of performers.

These newspaper reports give the names of some of the publicans:

The Sussex Advertiser, on 12 February 1856 reported:

JUNIPER.—February 7, Mrs. Juniper, wife of Mr. Charles Juniper, of the Rose and Crown Inn, Cuckfield, aged 71 years.

The Sussex Advertiser, on 15 June 1858, reported proceedings at the Petty Sessions: in which Charles Juniper applied to have the pub's license transferred to him after the death of his father, who passed away without a will (intestate). Charles, being the heir-at-law, was already managing the Rose and Crown Inn before his father's death. The application for the license transfer was granted.

The Sussex Advertiser, on  13 November 1855, reported proceedings at the Petty Sessions:  The following circumstance shows that when servants are inclined to be dishonest, they will be so in spite of caution. Mr. C. Juniper, of the Rose and Crown, had given out to his man 10 bushels of wheat to be sown on 5 acres of land, at Henmead Farm. The field was sown and harrowed to Mr. Juniper's satisfaction, but on Wednesday last, as he was turning over some rubbish in an outhouse, he found one of the sacks he had given out concealed, with about 2 bushels of wheat in it—no doubt the same he had given the man to sow. He very incautiously removed it and took it home before informing the police of the circumstance and thus lost all chance of discovering the real delinquent, his only resource being to discharge his man.  A £2 reward has also been offered  for the discovery of some mischievous person who broke a gate of Mr. Juniper's, of the Rose and Crown, and turned some colts loose on the road.

In December 1893 Mid Sussex Times:  On Tuesday evening, a farewell gathering took place at the Rose and Crown, where the landlord, Mr. A. Pierre, bid an affectionate goodbye to his many friends. The occasion was marked by a lively and convivial atmosphere, with the traditional “loving cup” being passed around. The evening was filled with harmonious camaraderie, as attendees enjoyed a jovial time together.

The previous September Alexander Leon Pierre was summoned to appear at the Haywards Heath Petty Session before Mr. W. H. Campion (in the chair) and other magistrates, Alexander Leon Pierre, of the Rose and Crown Inn, Cuckfield, was summoned for permitting drunkenness on his licensed premises on August 30th.

January 1912 Mid Sussex Times:  transfer of license of the Rose and Crown Inn, Cuckfield, from Mrs. E. Weller to Mr. Walter Richard Hazell

April 1913 Mid Sussex Times:  The license of the Rose and Crown, Cuckfield, was transferred from Mr. W. R. Hazell to Mr. Harry Hammond.

January 1926 Mid Sussex Times:  Mr. Harry Hammond, the well-known licensee of the Rose and Crown, suffered a sad bereavement last week with the passing of his wife, Mrs. Emma Hammond. At the age of 49, Mrs. Hammond had been in declining health for several years.

My blog: Cuckfield Compendium

My website: Cuckfield Compendium 

A-Z Challenge 2025: April 19th : Q for Quassilarius

Quassilarius is an  old occupation which in more recent times is called pedlars & hawkers.

1861 Census

Charles Atfield, Head, aged 25, Licensed Hawker
Violet Atfield, Wife, aged 28, Hawker

Henry Beney, Head, aged 54, Licensed hawker if brooms and brushes,

Louisa Beney, Wife, aged 49, Hawker

Unity Beney, dau, aged 23, Hawker

Fanny Beney, dau, aged 21, Hawker

Alfred Beney, son, aged 17, Hawker

Ellen Mitchell, Servant to Charles Atfield, aged 16, Hawker

Henry Beney, Head, aged 28, Licensed Hawker of brooms and brushes

Mary A Smith, sister in law to Henry Beney, aged 21 Hawker

William Beney, servant to Henry Beney, aged 22, Hawker

1871 Census

Charles Core, Lodger at Ship Inn, aged 59, Hawker
Ann Thomas, Lodger at Ship Inn, aged 31, Hawker

Samuel Collins, Lodger at Shipp Inn, aged 30, Hawker

1881 Census

William Light, Lodger at Wheatsheaf Inn, aged 63, Pedlar
Michael Locklin, Lodger at Wheatsheaf Inn, aged 51, Pedlar

George Wirt, Lodger at Wheatsheaf Inn, aged 37, Pedlar

Robert Green, Lodger at Wheatsheaf Inn, aged 31, Pedlar

Jane Collins, Inmate at Cuckfield Union Workhouse, aged 37, Hawker

Charles Harris, Lodger at Lamb Inn, aged 44, Licensed Hawker

1891 Census

Charles Harris, Lodger at Lamb Beershop, aged 56, Hawker

George Horden, Lodger at Wheatsheaf Inn, aged 59, Hawker

Thomas Lee, Cuckfield Union, aged 75, Hawker

1901 census

George August, Lodger at Wheatsheaf Inn, aged 41, Pedlar
John Malloy, Lodger at Wheatsheaf Inn, aged 37, Pedlar

George Miles, Lodger at Wheatsheaf Inn, aged 56, Pedlar

Charles Harris, Board with Fanny Botting, aged 69, Hawker wool & c

1939 Register

William Bedford, Inmate, born 09 April 1879, West Hylands Institution, Pedlar

My blog: Cuckfield Compendium

My website: Cuckfield Compendium 

A-Z Challenge 2025: April 18th : P for Post Master/Mistress

 Postmaster/Postmistress at the Cuckfield Post Office

1841

Samuel Mitchell, aged 65, Postmaster

1851

Samuel Mitchell, Head, aged 75, Postmaster

1861

Elizabeth Mitchell, Head, aged 60, Postmistress

1871

Elizabeth Mitchell, Head, aged 70, Postmistress

1881

John Meux, Head, aged 41, Postmaster, draper, grocer

1891

Edward Anscombe, Head, aged 58, Postmaster and stationer

1901

Edward Anscombe, Head, aged 68, Sub Postmaster

1911

Edward Anscombe, Head, aged 78, Postmaster

1921

Winifred Jane Hodge, Head, aged 33, Postmistress

My blog: Cuckfield Compendium

My website: Cuckfield Compendium 

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 

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