Ashdown Forest Historical Minute Books A meeting of the ...

1906 - 1913 

A meeting of the Conservators of Ashdown Forest duly convened and held at the Nutley Inn, Nutley on 

Friday the 10th day of August 1906 at 2 p.m. 

Present 

Mr. George M. Maryon-Wilson in the chair 

The Honourable H.B. Portman 

Mr. William Carr 

Mr. Douglas W. Freshfield 

Mr. Robert Kenward 

Mr. Edward Martin 

Mr. Llewellyn Midgley 

Mr. Joseph Ridley (Horney Common) 

Mr. Mark Sandford 

Mr. Albert Turner 

The minutes of the last meeting are read and confirmed. The Chairman expresses to the Board his sincere thanks 

for the vote of sympathy with him which they passed at the last meeting on connection with the serious illness of 

his brother and which he assures them he appreciated greatly. 

The Bank Pass Book is produced showing a balance in hand of ₤140:2:1. 

Fires 

The Clerk reports that pursuant to the resolution passed at the last meeting, he wrote to Mr. Nicholson for 

permission to divide up into blocks the gorse and coarse heather too large for litter and to burn it, and that Mr. 

Nicholson replied on 22nd May last that the Board is authorised to do so with the concurrence of the Lord’s Reeve. 

Dividing up and burning large furze and heather 

On the proposition of Mr. Martin recorded by Mr. Midgley it is resolved that it be referred to the Forest Row and 

Maresfield Committees to consider and report to the next meeting of the Board, with a rough plan what rides they 

recommend should be cut, for dividing up the big gorse and heather into separate blocks, and who is willing to cut 

the rides or blocks gratuitously in consideration of being permitted to carry away what is cut and further, to report 

whether any areas of big heather should be burnt, and if so, which. 

Burnt gorse stems removed 

On the proposition of Mr. Freshfield, seconded by Mr. Sandford, it is also resolved that, subject to permission 

being obtained from the Lord, the said Committees be empowered to remove the dead gorse along each side of the 

high road from Pippingford to Nutley, the expense to be paid out of the Protection and Improvement Fund. 

W.H Cowan road licence completed 

The Clerk reports that the licence to Mr W.H. Cowan to make a road in connection with his Crows Nest property 

has been completed. 

J. Walters and L. Tester police prosecution for arson failed 

The Clerk reports that Thomas Walter and Laurie Tester charged at the Uckfield Petty Sessions on the 10th May 

last, with firing the Forest on the night of Good Friday last, that he attended to watch the case on behalf of the 

Board, and found that the Chief Constable had not instructed any solicitor to prosecute, and the prosecution was, 

therefore, conducted by the Superintendent. 

Mrs. Eliza Warnett gave most clear and circumstantial evidence that she saw both men together and away from 

anyone else, and that one of them set fire to the furze, and that one of them threatened, if her fagot stack did not 

catch fire, to pour paraffin upon it. The two other female witnesses, who were called to support her, broke down. 

Mr. Buckwell defended and called seven or eight local men, who swore they were with Defendants, that fires were 

1 

Ashdown Forest Historical Minute Books

urning close by before they arrived on the scene, that the dependants did not go near the spot indicated by Mrs. 

Warnett and did not light a fire there. Eventually the bench stated that no jury would convict on the evidence 

before them, and dismissed the summonses. 

Police prosecutions urge employment of solicitor 

On the proposition of the Chairman, seconded by Mr. Portman, it is resolved that the Clerk write to the Chief 

Constable urging most strongly upon him that, should any similar case arise hereafter, he will employ a solicitor to 

conduct the case for the police. 

Brigade camp Crowborough 

The Maresfield Committee report that on the 22nd June last, they met the Commanding Officer Crowborough, and 

explained their requirements with regard to the Camp such as that at the close of the Camp all broken crockery and 

glass and other such refuse should be removed altogether or buried, all trenches filled in and the surface restored as 

nearly as possible to its former condition and that a written undertaking had been given to the Clerk to comply with 

their requirements. 

They also gave permission to the Young Men’s Christian Association to have a tent on the Forest during the Camp 

week. The Committee visited the Camp on the 7 th instant and gave further directions as to clearing up after the 

Camp breaks up tomorrow, which the Commanding Officer undertook to comply with. They also instructed the 

Ranger to see that their requirements are complied with. 

Engineers Camp 

The Forest Row Committee report that the Royal Engineers Telegraph Corps held their camp on the Forest near 

Kidbrooke between 1st June and 12th July last, and that they afterwards removed all refuse and restored the surface 

properly. 

Pathway near Broadstone repair 

The Forest Row Committee report that a pathway from Broadstone Warren, towards Chapel Lane, has been cut 

through and rendered dangerous by the scour of water. It is resolved that the Committee be authorised to do such 

work as is necessary to repair it, and prevent future scouring, the cost to be paid out of the Protection and 

Improvement Fund. 

Foresters’ application to admit as Conservators 

A letter is read from the Forestry Protection Association stating that they are prepared with some of the 

information required by the Board, but that there is a disposition on the part of many of the claimants, to think that 

the Conservators do not mean to admit them. 

Mr. Joseph Ridley states that the view of the Association is that all occupiers of land within the Forest pale 

(excluding land enclosed under the Decree of 1693, and land sold under the award of 1887), whether held as 

freehold, copyhold or on tenancy at will, who and whose predecessors in occupation can show that they have 

turned out stock on the Forest and taken litter and brakes therefore continuously for 60 years last past, in respect of 

such land should be admitted as legal Commoners and pay the Forest Rate. 

On the invitation of the Chairman, Mr H. Jesse Ridley, the Hon. Sec. of the Association, is called in and agreed that 

the above statement of Mr Joseph Ridley, which is carefully read over to him, correctly expresses the view of the 

Association. 

The Chairman reminds Mr H. Jesse Ridley that the Board have no power to admit persons as Commoners who are 

not regularly entitled as such without the consent of the Lord and the Commoners and he can assure him that the 

Board have every intention as they have already expressed to give the fullest consideration to the claims and that 

they will meet them as far as they possibly can and that the application will be therefore fully and fairly submitted to 

the Lord and Commoners as soon as the Board are furnished with the information asked for in the letter which the 

Clerk wrote to him on the 11th April last. 

2 


The Clerk states that he informed Mr. H. Jesse Ridley some time ago that, as soon as the claimants were ready in 

batches of 20 or more, to meet him with their documents he would fix a day convenient to them to meet them at 

Nutley, in order to work our the particulars which the Board require and Mr. Ridley promises to arrange with the 

Clerk accordingly. 

Cart Road near Boring Wheel Will 

Mr H.J. Ridley applies on behalf of the Association for payment of £2:6:0 the balance of the contribution promised 

by the Board out of the Protection and Improvement fund, towards the repair of the cart road on the Forest 

adjoining the Boring Wheel Well. It is pointed out that the Board’s consent to the work was given on condition that 

the consent of the Lord was also obtained and the balance of the contribution was to be paid on the satisfactory 

completion of the work, that the work had not been completed and the Board had now learnt that instead of the 

Lord giving his consent he had objected to his well being interfered with. 

Having considered the representations made by Mr. Ridley, the Board resolves that the Clerk write to the Lord’s 

representative pointing out that the repair of the road will be a great convenience to the Commoners on which 

ground they gave consent and expressing the hope that he will see his way to sanction the work being continued 

and completed. 

Forest Row Golf club application to clear course 

The Forest Row Committee report that the Royal Ashdown Forest Golf Club having applied last month for 

permission to cut the course within the same boundaries as last year, they had taken upon themselves to sanction 

the cutting (so far as the Board is concerned) on condition that no litter is cut, and that the cutting is not 

commenced before the day fixed last year. 

It is resolved that the action of the Committee in this matter be approved and confirmed. 

Forest Row Golf club application to do works. 

A letter is read from the Club, dated 4th inst. asking the consent of the Board to the Club carrying out the following 

works during the next winter, viz:- 

Holes 

1 st Improve the course for tee shots and approach taking up and re-laying turf where necessary 

2nd Improve ground above the road by patching 

4th Cut and roll grass to make new temporary tee to left and back present medal tee 

7th Make up path leading to the green. Drain upper left side of course below slope to green 

10th Fill up “pot” beyond bunker to the right 

11th Make new wee ten to fifteen yards behind the present back tee. 

12 th Level lower portion of right hand green and extend bank 

It is resolved that the application be referred to the Forest Row Committee with power to give consent to the 

works or such of them as they may think fit, subject to such conditions as they may consider necessary and to the 

Club obtaining the sanction of the Lord. 

Sylvanus Ridley application to make roads 

A letter is read from Mr. Sylvanus Ridley dated the 6th inst. asking the Board’s consent to his metalling the old road 

18 feet in width from the high road to his farm at Sweet Mine Pits, Nutley, and to his making a new road to the 

field, on which he proposes to build a new house. It is resolved that the application be referred to the Maresfield 

Committee to view and report to the next meeting. 

William Markwick licence to deposit building materials:- 

The Clerk reports that under the power delegated to him by the Board, he, on the 28th May last, informed Mr. 

William Markwick of Prospect Villa, Fairwarp, that the Board would not object to his placing building materials on 

the Forest close to his own fence in such a position as not to inconvenience any neighbour on condition that they 

are completely removed, and any damage done to the surface is made good within three calendar months. 

3 


William Markwick alteration of fence:- 

The Maresfield Committee report that having learnt Mr. William Markwick had altered his fence, they viewed the 

spot and ascertained that he had filled up the ditch outside his hedge at the south east corner of his property for a 

length of about 25 yards part on the east and part on the south side and had erected a wooden fence 3 feet outside 

the stem of the hedge. The Committee pointed out to Mr. Markwick that he must not make a ditch outside this 

fence and he undertook not to do so. 

William Markwick consent to level surface 

Mr. Markwick also asked permission to level the uneven surface of the Forest immediately outside his gate. 

It is resolved that the Clerk inform him that the Board will not object provided he obtains the sanction of the. 

[PAGES 7 AND 8 OF THE MINUTE BOOK ARE MISSING] 

A Meeting of the Conservators of Ashdown Forest duly convened and held at the Nutley Inn, Nutley on 

Friday the 12th day of October 1806 at 2 p.m. 

Present:- 









The minutes of the last meeting are read and confirmed. 

The Bank Pass Book is produced showing a balance in hand of ₤108.7.1. 

The Forest Row Committee present the following reports which are read and it is resolved that they be entered on 

the Minutes. They are as follows: 

(Copy reports A and B) see below 

Footpath repairs 

Mr. Freshfield states that 2 or 3 planks and a hand rail are necessary to renew the footbridge carrying the above 

mentioned footpath over the stream, and that he will be happy to provide and fix these at his own expense. It is 

resolved that Mr. Freshfield’s liberal offer be accepted and the thanks of the Board be awarded to him for same. 

Also that the 15/- cost of repair to footpath be paid out of the Protection and Improvement Fund. 

Forest Row Golf Club works 

Also that the recommendations of the Committee with reference to the works proposed by the Golf Club be 

approved and that the Clerk writes to the Club authorising such works as the Committee recommend 

Copy report A 

Meetings of the Forest Row Committee were held on September 6th and 10th for the purpose of considering the 

protection of the Forest from fires. 

Mr. Hyde was absent from illness. Mr. Midgley was not able to attend owing to absence from home. 

4 


Mr. Freshfield and Mr. Martin took a general view of the greater part of the portion of the Forest under the control 

of the Committee and more particularly inspected the portions between Prestridge and the road from Wych Cross 

to Colemans Hatch. They came to the conclusion that the more pressing work was the destruction of portions of 

the high gorse and its division in all cases by alleys - from 12 to 20 feet wide, of the protection of the timber on the 

Forest by the removal of inflammable growths in its immediate vicinity. They drew out on sheets of the 25 inch to 

the mile Ordnance Map a preliminary plan of cuttings in the portion inspected. 

Mr. Freshfield reported that Mr. J. Luxford was prepared to cut high furze for use in his brick kilns free of cost to 

the Board and that two other residents at Forest Row would cut and take long heather in the same way. 

It was reported that the work on the footpath from High Beeches to Forest Row would be done for 15/-. This has 

now been completed. 

The cutting of the burnt furze on the side of the Wych Cross Nutley road was arranged for in accordance with the 

resolution of the Board. 

Copy report B 

Forest Row Golf Club Works 

Referring to the application of the Forest Row Golf Club which was referred to the Forest Row Committee at the 

last meeting we beg to report as follows:- 

1st Hole 

We see no objection to scything over and lifting the turf and packing underneath the triangular piece immediately 

before the green and levelling cart ruts and holes and scything on the main course in the green. 

2nd Hole 

No objection to patching or improve by cutting (i.e. chopping turf with spades). 

4th Hole 

We see no objection to a new tee behind forward tee, say about 6 yds by 6 yds square. 

7th Hole 

No objection to turfing pathway and making level with Forest turf if replaced and levelling up where water runs and 

if necessary put in pipe. 

10th Hole 

Yes no possible objection. 

11th Hole 

We see no objection to another tee being made 10 yards immediately behind present back tee. 

12th Hole 

Having regard to the very large amount of work which was carried out some 2 years ago on this green we cannot 

recommend the Board to allow further work to be carried on at present 

Signed 

Ll. Midgley / Edward Martin. 3rd Oct. 06 

Cutting big gorse etc. 

A letter from Mr. Job Luxford of Forest Row dated 8th inst. offering to cut and remove a quantity of large gorse 

and furze from the Forest free of expense to the Board. It is resolved that the offer be accepted and that it be 

referred to the Forest Row Committee to arrange with Mr. Luxford the particular areas which he is to cut. 

5 


The Maresfield Committee presents the following report which is read and it is resolved that it be received and 

entered on the Minutes. It is as follows:- 

Conservators of Ashdown Forest 

Maresfield Committee 

Report of meeting held at Nutley Inn on Monday 17th September 1906. 

Present: The Honourable H.B. Portman in the chair, Messes W. Carr, R. Kenward, M. Sandford, A. Turner, Mr. 

Hudson the Manor Reeve was also present 

Mr. Hudson on behalf of the Lord of the Manor gave permission to the Conservators to have all the burnt stalks 

on the Forest cut and removed with the exception of Scotch Fir. He also gave permission to the Conservators to 

cut rides through the furze and heather **** part of the Forest (preparatory to burning) that they may think 

necessary with the reservation that plans for the same be first submitted to him. 

Cart track Boring Wheel Mill 

After an interview with Mr. Jesse Ridley the Secretary of the Foresters Preservation Association. It was unanimously 

resolved to ask the Conservators at their next meeting to pay the balance of the £5 promised towards restoring the 

Forest tracks near Fairwarp, viz. two pounds six shillings, and it was also resolved to ask the Board to petition Lord 

De La Warr to allow the track near the Boring Wheel Mill to be completed. 

Sylvanus Ridley roadways 

The Committee inspected Mr. Sylvanus Ridley property at Sweet Mine Pits and recommend that permission be 

given him to metal the track from the main road to his farm yard and also to open a fresh gateway into his pasture 

field there and to make a short length of road thereto on the understanding that he Mr. Ridley pays one shilling per 

annum as acknowledgement and closes the present gateway. 

Cutting and burning big gorse 

The Committee spent some hours in walking over and inspecting the Forest between Sweet Mine Pits and Lisburn 

and on to the Boring Wheel Mill. They marked in pencil on the Ordnance Survey maps, second edition Maresfield 

Parish Nos. XXVII 3 and XVI 15 certain tracks through which the furze and heather in their opinion should be 

blocked and afterwards burned. They selected that district as being in a position that could be easily superintended 

by local members of the Committee. 

They do not recommend that any heather should be burned at present. 

Filling in holes 

They recommend the Board during the winter months when labourers are plentiful and cheap to expend a portion 

of their Protection and Improvement Fund in filling in dangerous holes on the Forest. 

H.B. Portman 

Chairman 

Sept. 21.06 

It is resolved that the report be adopted in its entirety and that the balance of £2.6.0 be paid out of the Protection 

and Improvement Fund to the Treasurer of the Foresters Protection Association. 

Filling holes on Forest 

Also that the Maresfield Committee be and are hereby authorised to expend in the coming winter season not 

exceeding £5 out of the Protection and Improvement Fund in filling up holes on the Forest within their district. 

6 


Protection works against fire 

Also that each of them, the Forest Row Committee and the Maresfield Committee be and is hereby authorised to 

expend during the coming winter a sum not exceeding £15 out of Protection and Improvement Fund in executing 

work for the protection of the Forest from fire. 

Repair fence of Ford’s Green Recreation Ground 

Mr. Albert Turner, Superintendent of the Recreation Ground on Fords Green, reports that the fencing round the 

ground is very much in need of repair, and that some parts of the ground require levelling, that the Nutley Carnival 

Committee have raised nearly enough money to carry out the work, and that the balance will be forthcoming, and 

he asks the permission of the Board to carry out the work. It is resolved that such permission be granted, the work 

to be carried out under his supervision and to his satisfaction. 

Police prosecution 

The Clerk reports that pursuant to the resolution passed at the last meeting, he wrote to the Chief Constable with 

reference to the Forest, urging him to employ legal assistance should any similar case arise here after, and he reads 

the reply from the Chief Constable stating that the question of engaging a solicitor rests with him and that should a 

similar prosecution arise an Officer of the Conservators should lay the information, and their own solicitor should 

be engaged, so that the matter could be conducted in accordance with their instructions. It is resolved that the Clerk 

reply to the Chief Constable that the terms of his letter are not quite clear, and asking whether the Board are to 

understand from it that he will employ the Board’s solicitor and treat it as a police prosecution, reminding him at 

the same time that the Board can only prosecute for breach of their Bye laws. 

Foresters’ application to admit as Commoners 

The Clerk reports that since the last meeting he has held two sittings at the Nutley Inn at which 27 claimants have 

attended and furnished particulars of the holdings and in many cases have also produced their documents of title. It 

is resolved that steps be taken to complete this enquiry as soon as possible, and that the Clerk request Mr. H. Jesse 

Ridley to inform within a week how many more claimants he will be prepared to bring forward, and inform Mr. 

Ridley that all the remaining claimants must attend before the Clerk with their documents on a day to be arranged 

not later than 12th November in order that the Board may be enabled to go thoroughly into the matter before the 

Annual Meeting of Commoners in Dec next. 

Claude Johnston gate onto Forest 

The Clerk reports that he wrote to Mr. Claude Johnston pursuant to resolution of the last meeting, with reference 

to the wicket gate and footbridge opened out of Broadstone Farm onto Forest, and that Mr. Johnston replies he is 

ready to take a licence, and the Clerk is only waiting an opportunity to inspect the spot in order to draw up the 

licence. It is resolved that the Clerk be and is hereby authorised to grant a licence to Mr. Johnston to maintain a 

gate not exceeding 4 feet in width with the necessary footbridge on payment of a yearly acknowledgement of 1/- 

each to the Lord and Conservators and subject to the usual conditions. 

Fires 

The Clerk reports that several extensive incendiary fires having occurred on the Forest since the last Meeting he 

wrote the Chief Constable on the 25th August drawing his attention to the fact, and arguing him to take some steps 

to protect the property in the district who replied that the police are doing all they can to prevent these fires and to 

ascertain the origin. 

Mr. Freshfield presents the following report with reference to a number of fires that have occurred on the Forest 

since the last meeting which is read, and it is resolved that it be entered on the Minutes. The report is as follows: 


Report of Mr. Douglas W. Freshfield with regard to Fires which occurred on the Forest in September 1906. 

Wych Cross Place 

October 1906 

7 


Sir, 

I have to report 4 fires on the Forest between the Vetchery Wood and the high roads leading from Wych Cross to 

Nutley and the Red Lion during last month. 

The first, near to Red Lion, was caused by a spark from a traction engine. I obtained the name of the owner and I 

understand you have communicated with him. Two or three acres of gorse and heather, mostly litter, and were 

burnt. 

The second fire was close to the Vetchery Wood and endangered that property. It was put out by my men who 

were active at each of these fires or it would have been destructive over a large area. As it was several acres were 

burnt and timber injured. I was on the spot and as soon as the flames were mastered searched the spot where the 

fire began with the result that I found 3 lemonade bottles with an East Grinstead brand. Two were melted out of 

shapes, the third was intact and coated with a greasy film which I have had analysed (see enclosure). This fire 

occurred about 6 p.m. 

The next fire broke out about 4 p.m. close to Bishop Fisher’s cottage on the Ashdown Park Estate. It was 

apparently an attempt to carry on the destruction of roadside furze affected last year nearer Nutley. It was lit not 

from the high road, but from a green track a few yards back. I was able to get my men on the spot very promptly 

and they put it out before it had extended more than say 60 yards by 40. 

The last and most extensive fire was on the night of Sunday September 30th. It broke out between the Isle of 

Thorns and Vetchery Wood among some high gorse covering disused gravel pits. It was clearly the act of 

incendiaries and had been lighted in several places. The flames advanced in a line in 3 directions and many acres 

were burnt. It was present for about 2 hours from 9 to 11 p.m. Two if not three constables were on the spot, and a 

large crowd including three notorious poachers with their guns and dogs. The crowd cheered and hooted, jeering 

the police and anyone they saw working to limit the conflagration. One of my men was told anyone putting out the 

fire ought to be thrown into it, and some lads I induced to work were soon made to desist by their fellows ridicule 

and abuse. 

During this time the constables remained spectators and inactive except one who used a small branch in beating 

down the fire for a few minutes. 

I do not impute to them any misconduct, it was impossible to stop the flames short of an open track and then my 

men dealt with them, and I did not see any forcible interference with the workers. 

At the same time the present state of things is most unsatisfactory. The public property is unprotected. The police 

are apparently powerless, and are not prepared to take the special measures which as a Conservator of the Forest 

and owner of the property I hold ratepayers have a right to expect. 

The matter is one, it appears to me, of more than local importance, and if the local Authorities not see their way to 

give more efficient protection it may become the duty of the Conservators to appeal elsewhere. 

Douglas W. Freshfield. 

To the Clerk to the Conservators 

It is resolved that the thanks of the Board be tendered to Mr. Freshfield for his very valuable report, that a copy of 

it be sent to the Clerk to the Joint Standing Committee with a request that he will lay it before that body at their 

next meeting and that he will endeavour to give it an early place upon their agenda. 

Also that the Clerk place on the agenda of the next Board meeting a notice to consider the subject of Forest fire. 

8 


Messrs. Wood application to dig gravel 

A letter is read from W. Wood and son, asking the permission of the Board to dig some hard gravel from a pit on a 

Forest near Crows Nest for which they have already obtained a permission of the Lord’s Reeve. It is resolved that if 

the gravel is to be dug in an existing pit, the Board cannot object. 

William Markwick deposit of materials 

The Ranger reports that Mr. William Markwick, to whom permission was granted on 28th May last to deposit 

building materials on the Forest on condition they were removed and the surface made good within three calendar 

months has not yet removed all the materials but promises to do so within fourteen days. 

William Markwick alteration of fence 

The Clerk reports that after the last meeting he wrote to Mr. W. Markwick reminding him of the stipulation of the 

Committee with reference to the alternation he had made in his fence and his understanding to comply. 

William Markwick level surface 

The Ranger reports that Mr. W. Markwick has satisfactorily levelled the surface of the Forest in front of his gate. 

William Burgess deposit of materials 

The Clerk reports that he wrote to Mr. William Burgess of Fairwarp on 14th August last, requiring him to remove 

the deposits he had on the Forest. The Ranger reports that Mr. Burgess has removed the building materials but not 

the wagon and other rubbish, and it is stated that the 

occupiers of his wheelwright’s shop and smithy have been accustomed to have certain trade deposits on the Forest 

outside his premises. 

Alfred Dadswell pigsty 

The Clerk reports that he wrote to Mr. Alfred Dadswell of Brown’s Brook on 14 August last, requiring him to 

remove pigsty he had erected on the Forest. The Ranger reports he has made enquirers and has ascertained that the 

pigsty has been erected on a site previously occupied by an old lodge. 

F.R. Lucas hen coops 

It being reported to the Board that Mr. F.R. Lucas of Forest Row, who in April last on the requisition of the Board 

removed the poultry coops and other obstruction he had scattered about the Forest near his premises, has placed 

some coops out on the Forest again. It is resolved that the Ranger sees him and requests him to remove them. 

Enoch Tyler deposit 

That Enoch Tyler of Horney Common having deposited some earth on the Forest near Forest Lodge, it is resolved 

that he be reminded it is a breach of the Bye-law, but that if he will spread it over the Forest to the satisfaction of 

the Ranger the Board will be satisfied. 

Burial of horses on the Forest 

The Ranger reports that a dead horse being found in a bog on the Forest between Lisbon and Spring Gardens, and 

there being danger of its polluting the water, it was got out of the bog and buried on the Forest. The Clerk having 

pointed out that the Board have no authority to disturb the soil of the Forest, it is resolved that he write to Mr. 

Nicholson asking permission in such an emergency to bury the carcass of an animal in the Forest. 

Plain clothes Constable’s payment for 

The Clerk reports that the Chief Constable has been paid out of the Protection and Improvement Fund the balance 

of £33.10.0 for service of plain clothes Constables in 1904. 

Golf Club licence to carry materials 

Also that on the 17th August permission was granted to the Forest Row Golf Club to unload building materials on 

the Forest adjoining their boundary in connection with the extension on their premises. 

9 


Rate 

The Clerk reports that when cheques are drawn at the next meeting to close the accounts for the current year, the 

funds will be almost exhausted. It is resolved that be give notice on the agenda for the December meeting to make 

a rate and prepare the necessary documents for the purpose. 

Audit Committee 

It is resolved that Messrs Portman, Sandford and Turner be appointed a Committee to audit the Board’s accounts 

for the current year. 

The Commoners’ Annual Meeting 

Also that the Annual General Meeting of Commoners be held at Nutley Inn on Friday the 21st December next at 

11 a.m. 

Cheque 

It is resolved that a cheque be drawn for:- 

Mr. A.J. Pilbeam 9 weeks’ salary as Ranger 

and house rent to the 15th inst. £11.5.0 

Mr. Wm. Card Treasurer of the A.F. Commoners 

and Foresters Protection Association balance of 

donation towards repair of cart track adjoining 

Boring Wheel Mill £2.6.0 

It is resolved that the next meeting of the Board be held on Friday the 7th December next at 2 p.m., or on such 

earlier or later date as the Chairman may consider necessary. 

The Meeting terminated at 4.30 p.m. 

George M. Maryon-Wilson Chairman 

A Meeting of the Conservators of Ashdown Forest duly convened and held at the Nutley Inn, Nutley, on 

Friday the 7th December 1906 at 2 p.m. 

Present 


The Honble H.B. Portman 

Mr. W. Barr 


Mr. Robert Kenward. 


Mr. Joseph Ridley 

Mr. Mark Sanford 



The Bank pass book is produced, showing a balance in hand of £106.1.1. 

Bank account 

It is resolved, that as Messrs. Barclay and Co.’s office at Battle is now made into a Branch, the banking account of 

the Conservators be transferred from their Lewes to their Battle Branch as a greater convenience for the Clerk. 

10 


Police prosecutions 

The Clerk reports that he wrote to the Chief Constable as directed at the last meeting, and he reads the reply of the 

Chief Constable, dated 9th November last, that he cannot give any undertaking as to the employment of a solicitor 

in any case, and that if another case of arson occurs, he should then decide as to the necessary of legal assistance. 

It is resolved that a copy of the correspondence with the Chief Constable be laid before the Standing joint 

Committee with a letter from the Clerk stating the circumstances and urging the Committee to authorise legal 

assistances in these cases. 

Foresters claims to be admitted as Commoners 

The Committee appointed by the Board on the 6th April last to consider the whole subject of the claims of small 

holders within the Forest pale, to be admitted to the position of Commoners, to make such enquirers as they 

deemed necessary, and to advice, the Board what action, in their opinion, should be taken in the matter, now 

present the following report which is read, and it is resolved that it be entered on the minutes. It is as follows:- 

To the Conservators of Ashdown Forest 

We the Committee appointed by the Board on the 6th April 1906 to consider the whole subject of the application 

of small holders within the Forest pale to be admitted to the position of Commoners, to make such enquires as we 

might deem necessary, and so advice the board what action in our opinion, should be taken in the matter, beg to 

report as follows:- 

On the 30th June 1905, a deputation consisting of the Chairman, Treasurer, Secretary; and 15 other members of the 

Committee of the Ashdown Forest Commoners and Foresters Protection Association accompanied by their 

solicitor Mr. H. Buckwell, attended; before the Board and made (amongst other things) the following 

representations, aims and proposals, viz. 

That in many instances the claims of persons who have applied to be recognised as Commoners, have not been 

dealt with to their satisfaction, and while some have been admitted others have not, possibly because they have not 

put their cases clearly; and they ask the Board:- 

(a) 

(b) 

(c) 

To reconsider all claims of Foresters to be admitted as Commoners by freehold or copyhold for 60 years 

past. 

To consider application to be admitted as Commoners by grace in respect of property held similarly by 

persons who while they cannot prove 60 years user, can prove user for say 40 years or thereabouts. 

To consider like applications by persons who can prove 60 years user in respect of property which has been 

held during part of the time as freehold or copyhold, and during the remainder of the time, on tenancy at 

will. 

It was explained to the deputation that, as regards 

(a) In every case where a smallholder had satisfied the Board that property in respect of which he claimed had 

been held as freehold or copyhold for 60 years and had produced reasonable evidence of user in the respect 

of the property of 60 years then last past, the claimant had at once been recognised as a Commoner and the 

property had been entered on the register of properties entitled to rights of common. 

That as regards classes (b) and (c), while persons, the tenure or user in the respect of whose properties was not 

sufficient to qualify them as Commoners, could not legally be made Commoners, the Board were prepared to 

consider whether some arrangement could be devised to meet these representations, provided the necessary 

consent of the Lord and the Commoners was obtained and that as soon as the Board was placed in possession of 

particulars of (1) the persons coming within the classes. (2) the properties and their acreages in respect of which 

they claim. (3) evidence of the tenure on which they hold, and how long held as freehold or copyhold, they would 

go thoroughly into the matter. 

11 


The Secretary of the Association having sent in a list of nearly 100 persons who desired to claim, the Clerk was 

instructed to identify the holdings on the Ordnance Maps and the ascertain the titles on which they are held. 

By arrangement with the Secretary of the Association, the Clerk held sittings at Nutley, and took down such 

particulars as were furnished by those who attended. The last meeting was held on the 29th October after notice to 

the Secretary that, all who had not previously attended must then attend, as the Committee had to make their 

report. 

Particulars were taken down by the Clerk from all persons who attended on that date by 1 p.m., and as no other 

persons appeared down to 3.15 p.m., he closed the sitting. 

A tabular statement giving the result of these investigations was submitted to your Committee by the Clerk, who 

pointed out that an examination of the counterfoils of licences granted during the past 18 years would probably 

show that many of the claimants had taken litter and brakes by issue of licences, which would negative any legal 

claim to rights. 

Your Committee have gone thoroughly into the whole matter and:- 

1. They find that the claimants, whose names and properties are set out in Schedule to this report, come under 

the class indicated above as (a). 

2. They recommend that these and any other claimants who can show a title as freehold or copyhold for 60 

years and user for 60 years last past, be admitted as Commoners irrespective of whether they have taken 

brakes and litter by licences or not. The Committee have been reasonably satisfied that all who showed 60 

years’ title have exercised 60 years user, so that none of those who have yet claimed come under class b. 

3. The Committee find that the claimants whose names and properties are set out in Schedule 2, to this report, 

come under class (b), that is while tenancies at will within 60 years last past, they have been converted into 

freeholds or copyholds within periods varying from a few months to a considerable number of years. 

4. The Committee regret that the law does not permit of classes (b) and (c) being constituted legal 

Commoners and Mr. Buckwell, aware of this fact, invited the Board to deal with these cases as of grace: 

These are, in fact, the classes referred to by the Land Commission in the Special Report it presented to 

Parliament in 1885 when submitting its Provisional Order for Regulation of the Forest for confirmation. 

The report states as follows:- 

“There was however a general wish in the neighbourhood that small occurs of land in the Forest, who had not a 

legal right to take breaks and litter should be authorised to do so, for use on their property, but not for sale, on 

payment of a nominal sum to the Conservators. This proposition was generally approved of at the meetings, and no 

doubt prevented several persons from dissenting who would otherwise have done so, and we should have been glad 

if such a privilege could have been granted. The Commons Act, however, does not authorise the insertion in a 

Provisional Order of any provision giving legal rights of common, or in the nature of common, to those who do 

not possess them. 

Bearing in mind, then , the impossibility of conferring legal rights of common on classes (b) and (c), the Committee 

are of opinion that the best and only solution of the matter and one which they strongly recommend to the Board is 

to put these classes on a separate register, and permit them to turn out their stock levant and couchant and take 

breaks and litter for use on their holdings, in the same way as the Commoners, so long as they pay 

acknowledgement at the same rate and at the same times as the Forest rates are made, and they strongly 

recommend that, if the assent of the Lord and Commoners can be obtained this plan should be adopted. 

5. Incorporated with some of the holdings set out in the Schedules to this report are some small encroachments 

purchased under the award and specified in the several Schedules to this report. The above recommendations do 

not apply to these encroachments as they were purchased on the distinct condition that they carried us rights of 

Common and this is distinctly set out in the deeds of conveyance to the purchases. 

12 


6. Of the nearly 100 claims which the Secretary of the Association sends in a list, Schedules 1 and 2 comprise 

38 claims. In addition, excluding of tenancies at will, 18 other claims were made and particulars taken, but 

evidence of title was not produced, but may be produced later on. The Secretary’s list was admittedly not 

exhaustive, so that it will have to be borne in mind that a number of additions may have later on to be made 

to the several classes. 

7. There is a large and important class of small holdings within the Forest for which the deputation from the 

Association did not ask privileges, namely those which are held of the Lord at the present lime or tenancies 

at will and these your Committee recommend as regards classes (b) and (c). 

The Committee trust that the Board will endorse their recommendations and will use their best endeavours to give 

effect to them. 

Dated the 30th November 1906 

George M. Maryon-Wilson 

Albert Turner. 

Mark Sandford. 

Douglas W. Freshfield 

Edward Martin 

Joseph Ridley. 

Schedule No.1 

Claimants Property Acreage Remarks 

Bedwell Charles House and land at Cackle Street 0:2:29 

Bellingham, Eliz. M. (Mrs.) Cottage & land near Whitehouse Bank, 

Hartfield 

0:0:12 Award 

no. 60 – 1 

½ perches 

Bellingham, Eliz. M. (Mrs.) 3 cottages & land near Whitehouse 1:3:28 

Bank, Hartfield 

Bellingham, Eliz. M. (Mrs.) Cottages, building & land called 0:2:12 

Peculiars in Hartfield 

Bellingham, Eliz. M. (Mrs.) Cottage & garden at Chuck Hatch 0:0:8 

Green in Hartfield 

Bellingham, Eliz. M. (Mrs.) Cottage & orchard at Chuck Hatch 0:3:0 

Corner 

Bellingham, Eliz. M. (Mrs.) Double tenement & garden north side 0:1:0 

of Forest Row Green 

Bellingham, Eliz. M. (Mrs.) Messuage garden & orchard at 0:2:0 

Hartfield 

Constable, Lucy S. (Mrs.) Cottage, buildings & land called “Forge 2:2:28 

Bank” in Nutley 

Fox, Samuel 

House & land at Dodds Bottom, 0:3:15 

Nutley 

Groomfield, Emily (Mrs.) Double cottage & land nr. Newbridge, 0:1:16 

Hartfield 

Hobbs, Henry Double cottage & garden, Fairwarp 0:1:8 

Killick, Richard Spencer Double cottage & land, nr. Newbridge, 0:1:0 

Hartfield 

Osborne, Mary Ann 

Property called Oaklands NE side 4:0:11 

Putlands Farm 

Ridley, Sylvanus Double cottage & garden at Fairwarp 0:1:8 

13 


Scott, Hannah Cottage & plat E side of Putlands Farm 0:2:0 

Waller, Alfred 

Double cottage, single cottage and land 3:0:0 

Marlpits, Fairwarp 

Wickham, Philley (Mrs.) 3 houses & land called Forest Bank at 4:1:25 

Broomhill E of Nutley 

Subject 

As to claims of S. Ridley & H. Hobbs 

to further evidence as to title 

Schedule No. 2 

Claimants Property Acreage Remarks 

Bedwell Charles Land at Cackle Street 0:3:0 

Bedwell Charles Land at Cackle Street 0:3:16 

Bellingham, Eliz. M. (Mrs.) Cottage & land in Hartfield 1:1:1 

near Whitehouse Bank 

Bellingham, Eliz. M. (Mrs.) Row of cottages & gardens 0:0:* 

opposite Royal Oak south side 

of road from Wych Cross 

Road to Tompsetts Bank 

Best, Luther 

Cottage & land Dodds Bank, 

Nutley 

1:0:0 Of this Award No. 

135 – 28 perches 

Burgess, Amelia Maria (Mrs.) Cottage buildings & land at 0:3:0 

Brown’s Brook in Buxted & 

Maresfield 

Card, James 

Cottage & land called Birches 2:1:30 

in Hartfield 

Card, Frederica Jane (Mrs.) Cottage buildings & land nr. 1:0:32 

Duddleswell Tollgate, Buxted 

Hale (Misses) 

Cottage & land Little Claypits, 2:0:0 

Hartfield 

Inns, George 

Cottages & buildings & land 

adjoining 

4:2:3 Award No. 146 – 1 

½ perches 

Izzard, William 

Cottage & land East side of 1:0:0 

Putlands Farm 

Marlyn, Dora (Miss) 

Cottage & land “The Laurels” 0:1:30 

Fairwarp 

Mitchell, George 

Cottage & land called Yew 1:2:0 

Tree Cottage adjoining Mrs. 

Reed’s Broadstone 

Moorcock, Wm. James House & garden Forest View, 0:0:36 

Dodds Hill, Nutley 

Pilbeam, Frederick Land at Dodd’s Hill, Nutley 0:1:0 

Ridley, Joseph Land at Nutley Bank, Nutley 3:3:4 

Shoebridge, Thomas 

House & land on Forest S of 

Minepits, Nutley 

Tester, Albert 

Cottage & land at Brown’s 

Brook 

1:0:28 Includes award No. 

90 – 7 perches, 

No.112 – 10 

perches; No. 113 – 

19 perches & 

encroachments since 

1896 

0:2:0 

14 


Turner, Nelson Senior 

Tyler, Luther 

Wilson, Mary Ann (Mrs.) 

Wood, Ephraim 


Albert Turner. 

Mark Sandford. 


Edward Martin 

Joseph Ridley. 

House & land, Forest Bank, 

Nutley 

Detached house & land on 

Forest W. of Duddleswell 

Cricket Ground 

Double cottage & detached 

cottage and land Oldlands 

2 cottages & garden called 

“Woodholme” adjoining N of 

Putlands Farm 

0:3:19 

0:3:12 Includes award No. 

129 – 13 perches 

4:1:36 

0:2:0 

Claimants in Schedule 1 admitted as Commoners 

It is resolved that the Clerk be directed to insert the names of the twelve persons set out in Schedule No. 1 so the 

report in the Register of Commoners, in respect of the properties set opposite to their names in the said Schedule 

irrespective of whether they have in the past had licences to take breaks or litter or not. 

Claimants in Schedule 2 

It is proposed by Mr. Portman, and seconded by Mr. Kenward, that application be made to the Lord to consent 

(subject to the assent of a meeting of the Commoners being obtained) to the names of all the persons set out in 

Schedule No.2 to the said Report, in respect of the properties set opposite their names in the said Schedule and of 

all other persons owning properties coming within the definitions of classes (b) and (c) in respect of such properties 

being permitted to burn out their cattle levant and couchant on such properties and to cut brakes and litter on the 

Forest for use on such properties in the same manner as the Commoners so long as they pay acknowledgements at 

the same rate and at the same times as the Forest rates are made. 

But at the request of Mr. Joseph Ridley and Mr. William Carr the foregoing resolution was withdrawn, and upon 

their respectively proposing and seconding it was resolved that so much of the Report as deals with classes (b) 

and(c) and demands at will, stand over for further consideration. 

Fires Licences to cut safety zones 

It is resolved that on the application of any owner or occupiers of property on or adjoining to the Forest for 

permission to cut a strip of the big gorse, heather etc., on the Forest, immediately adjoining his boundary fence of 

reasonable width for the purpose of protecting his property from Forest fires, the Clerk be authorised to grant 

permission on behalf of the Conservators subject to the consent of the Lord’s Reeve being obtained. 

Burial of horses on Forest 

The Clerk reports that he wrote to Mr. Nicholson on the subject of burying the cares of animals on the Forest as 

directed at the last Meeting and the reply of Mr. Nicholson dated 15th Oct last is read and is to the following 

effect:- 

“I do not see what you could have done otherwise but I cannot give you liberty to turn the Forest into a burial 

place for all dead horses, especially in view of the gipsy encampment, as they would turn it to account. 

In real emergency I could do no other than, as in this case, condone any offence” 

15 


Ladies Golf Club licences exceeded 

The Forest Row Committee report that the Ladies Golf Club, in carrying out certain works for which permission 

was given on the 16th February last, and renewed by the Clerk on 24th November last, viz: - to take up the turf on 

2nd and 5th greens and level them and replace the turf, have largely exceeded such permission in that they have 

practically reconstructed the 2nd green, involving considerable earthwork and making it into a flat green instead of 

on the slope. 

It is resolved that the Clerk write to the Hon. Sec., pointing out that the work executed on the 2nd green is entirely 

in excess of what was contemplated by the Forest Row Committee and also entirely in excess of what was asked for 

her in her letter of 20th October last, and that if, in future, such licences are exceeded, the Board may fell 

compelled to refuse any future applications. 

Ladies Golf Club application for works 

An application is read from the Ladies Golf Club for permission:- 

(1) To cut a little more litter before the 3rd and 4th greens. 

(2) To make a new Tee to the 2nd green not raised at all, also to the 5th and 7th. 

(3) To put some drain pipes in and level the deep water course now in front of the 8th green (as the water now 

running down is making a deep hole), taking care where the water would run to. 

It is resolved that the consideration of this application be deferred till a reply has been received with reference to 

the work done at the 2nd green. 

Forest Row Golf Club application for work 

On the recommendation of the Mr. Martin, it is resolved that permission be granted to the Forest Row Golf Club 

to drain some water, standing on the surface of the Forest, on the way to the first green by pipes underground, and 

to fill up the grips on each side of and level a small raised track on the way to the same green. The works to be 

completed to the satisfaction of the Forest Row Committee. 

Ranger’s resignation 

A letter is read from Mr. A.J. Pilbeam that he has succeeded in obtaining an appointment as Constable in the East 

Sussex Constabulary, and giving notice to terminate his appointment as Ranger on the 7th January next. 

Ranger appointment of new one 

It is resolved that it be referred to a Committee consisting of the Honble H.B. Portman, Mr. Sandford and Mr. 

Turner, to select and engage a suitable person to take his place at a remuneration not exceeding that received by the 

present Ranger. 

Miss Annie Carr taking litter 

The Ranger reports that on the 13th November, he found Thomas Carr of Horsted Keynes, loading litter on the 

Forest, who stated he was taking it to Jefferies Farm Horsted Keynes of which Mrs. Annie Carr is the owner. 

It is resolved that the Clerk enquire into the matter. 

Lord Brassey resignation 

A letter is read from Lord Brassey stating that, as he finds it impossible to attend the meetings of the Board, he is 

compelled, with great reluctance, to resign the office of Conservator. 

Fires 

It is resolved that notice be put on the agenda for the next meeting to consider the whole subject of Forest Fires. 

Cheque 

It is resolved that a Cheque be drawn for:- 

Mr. A.J. Pilbeam 11 weeks salary as Ranger and 

16 


house rent to the 31st inst. £13.15.0 

It is resolved that the next meeting of the Board be held on Friday the 21st December instant, immediately after the 

Commoner’s meeting. 

The meeting terminated at 4:45 p.m. 


4.12.1906 Chairman 

The Annual Meeting of the Commoners interested Ashdown Forest duly convened by the Clerk by notice 

on the principal doors of the Church of each of the parishes and ecclesiastical districts into which the 

Forest extends, by advertisement in two newspapers circulating in the neighbourhood, to wit:- “The 

Sussex Daily News” and “ The East Sussex News”, at least 14 days before this date, and by notice sent by 

post to every Commoner, and held at the Nutley Inn, Nutley on Friday the 21st day of December 1906 at 11 

o’clock of the forenoon. 

Present 

Mr. Geo. M. Maryon-Wilson in the chair 

The Right Honble Muriel Countess De La Warr 

The Reverend Henry James Peckham 

The Honble Henry B. Portman 

Colonel Needham 

Dr. Henry John Rutherford Jones 

Mr. John Bashford 

Mr. T.W. Barron 

Mr. James Card 


Mr. Alfred Faber 

Mr. W.W.S. Follett 



Mr. S. Larnach 


Mr. John McAndrew 




Mr. Henry Waters 

Chairman 

On the proportion of Mr. Albert Turner and seconded by Mr. Mark Sandford, Mr. George M. Maryon-Wilson was 

chosen Chairman, and having taken the chair. 

The Clerk reads the notice convening the meeting and reports the due publication thereof as above mentioned. 

The minutes of the last annual meeting of Commoners are then read and confirmed. 

A letter is read from the Right Honble Lord Brassey stating that as he had hitherto found it impossible to attend the 

meetings of the Conservators, and use no prospect of being more fortunate in this respect in the future, he, with 

great reluctance religious the office of Conservators. 

17 


It is resolved that Lordship’s resignation be accepted with much regret, and that he be informed thereof. 

The Clerk reports that the Conservators who retire by rotation on 31st, instant are Mr. Douglas William Freshfield, 

Mr. Joseph Ridley (Horney Common), the Honble Henry Berkeley Portman and Mr. Edward Martin and that Lord 

Brassey’s term of office would have expired on the 31st December 1907. 

Election of Conservators 

The Chairman states that he will proceed first with the election of four Conservators to fill the places of those that 

retire by rotation, and will afterwards ask the meeting to elect a Conservator to take the place of Lord Brassey. He 

reminds the meeting that no Commoner can vote for more that 5 candidates in all. 

It is proposed by Mr. Albert Turner and seconded by Mr. T.W. Barron that Mr. Douglas William Freshfield be 

elected a Conservator. 

It is proposed by the Reverend A.J. Peckham and seconded by Mr. William Carr that Mr. Joseph Ridley (Horney 

Common) be elected a Conservator. 

It is proposed by Mr. Albert Turner and seconded by Mr. Mark Sandford supported by Colonel Needham that the 

Honble Henry Berkeley Portman be elected a Conservator. 

It is proposed by Mr. Alfred Faber and seconded by Mr. T.W. Barron that Mr. Edward Martin be elected a 

Conservator. 

No other nominations being made the Chairman declares the above named four Commoners duly elected as 

Conservators for the ensuing three years. 

The Chairman states that he will proceed with the election of a Conservator to fill the vacancy occasioned by the 

resignation of Lord Brassey. 

It is proposed by Mr. Joseph Ridley and seconded by Mr. William Carr that Mr. James Card be elected to fill the 

vacancy. 

No other nomination being made the Chairman declares Mr. James Card duly elected in the place of Lord Brassey 

for the residue of term ending 31st December 1907. 

The several gentlemen elected then return thanks in their elections. 

H.B. Portman.Dec 20 th 07 

A meeting of the Conservators of Ashdown Forest duly convened and held at the Nutley Inn, Nutley, on 

Friday, the 20th December 1906, immediately after the Commoners meeting. 

Present 



Mr. W. Carr 



Mr. Edward Ridley. 



18 




The Clerk produces and reads the following certificates and it is resolved that it be entered on the Minutes. 

To Mr. William Augustus Raper 

Clerk to the Conservators of the Ashdown Forest 

As Chairman of the Meeting of Commoners duly convened and held this [day] at the Nutley Inn, Nutley, for the 

purpose of electing five Conservators, I hereby intimate to you that at such meeting the following Commoners 

were elected namely: Mr. Douglas William Freshfield, Mr. Joseph Ridley (Horney Common), The Honble Henry 

Berkeley Portman and Mr. Edward Martin in the place of the four Conservators who retire by rotation on the 31st 

instant and Mr. James Card in the place of the Right Honourable Thomas Baron Brassey of Bulkeley who has 

resigned and whose term of office would have expired on the 31st day of December 1907. 

Dated this 21st day of December 1906 

George M. Maryon-Wilson) 

The Bank Pass Book is produced showing a balance in hand of ₤92.6.1. 

Banking account 

The Clerk reports that pursuant to the resolution passed at the last Meeting the Conservators banking account has 

been transferred from the Lewes Branch to the Battle Branch of Messrs. Barclay & Co. Limited. 

Police prosecutions 

The Clerk reports that pursuant to the resolution passed at the meeting he forwarded a copy of the correspondence 

which had passed between himself and the Chief Constable with reference to police prosecutions, to the Clerk of 

the Standing Joint Committee with a letter stating the circumstances, and urging the Committee to authorise legal 

assistance should any future prosecutions for arson on the Forest take place. 

Ladies Golf Club licence exceeded 

The Clerk reports that he wrote to the Hon. Secretary of the Ladies Golf Club as instructed at the last meeting with 

reference to their having exceeded the licence granted on the 16th February last, and reads a reply from her stating 

that she had no idea the work done on the 2nd green would be considered by the Board to be in excess of their 

licence, and regretting that anything had been done contrary to their intention, and suggesting that in future the 

Green Committee should have an opportunities of meeting the Committee of Conservators so that they might 

explain exactly what they desired. 

Ladies Golf Club additional works 

It is resolved that the letter be acknowledged and that the application of the Ladies Golf Club brought before the 

last meeting be referred to the present Forest Row Committee with power to act. 

Protection Association claims 

Mr. Buckwell attends before the Board on behalf of the Ashdown Forest Commoners and Foresters Protection 

Association with reference to the claims of persons to be admitted as Commoners and at his request the Chairman 

reads to him the statement which he made to the Commoners at their annual Meeting held this morning. 

Mr. Buckwell asks, (1) whether the proposal made by the Committee with regard to class (b) can be carried out so 

as to confer on them as indefeasible right as set out in the Report, that is, to turn out their stock levant and 

couchant and to take brakes and litter for use on their holdings so long as they pay acknowledgements at the same 

rate and at the same times as the Forest rates are made (2) whether the Board will reconsider the position of 

members of class (b) as they can prove 60 years user, so that they may then be admitted as Commoners and be 

entered in the register of Commoners. 

19 


It is pointed out to him that as regards question (2) the payment of acknowledgments may prevent user during the 

period such acknowledgments are paid from being counted “as of right” and that as regards the replies to both 

questions the present Board have us power to bind their successors, but that subject thereto the answer of the 

present Board to both questions is in the affirmative so far as they can legally do so. 

Mr. Buckwell then submits to Board the following propositions, (a) that in case of an ordinary Common which is 

not affected by any decree or other exceptional restriction on the user of the rights of common, where the 

successive tenants of a holdings belonging to the Lord have used the common in the same way as the Commoners, 

on the sale of the holding by the Lord the conveyance passes to the purchaser an indefeasible right to continue the 

same user as a legal right of Common by virtue of the words implied by the Conveyancing and Law of Property Act 

1881 section 6(a). The Conveyance usually contains a description such as “all that piece of land situate etc. now in 

the occupation of the purchaser and which has been held by him and his predecessors for 30 years last past and 

upwards as tenant at will”. 

(b) That as regards Ashdown Forest, notwithstanding the Degree of 1693, a tenant at Will holding of Lord De La 

Warr an encroachment made on the Forest, which tenant at Will and his predecessors in occupation have for 60 

years last past used the Common in the same way as the Commoners have done has exercised such user adversely 

to the Commoners who are entitled to the sole common pasturage and herbage thereof under that decree, and has 

thereby acquired as appurtenant to his holding, for the benefit of his Landlord, Earl De La Warr and his tenants, an 

indefeasible right of common and that on his purchasing the holding from the Lord and its being conveyed to him 

by a description such as “all that piece of land situate etc. now in the occupation of the purchaser and which has 

been held by him and his predecessors for 60 years last past and upwards as tenants at will”. The conveyance if 

made before the Conveyancing and Law of Property Act 1881, and purporting in express words to convey all rights 

of Common appendant or appurtenant to the holding, or if made subsequent to the said act, then by virtue of 

section 6(a) of the said act would pass to him an indefeasible right to continue such user as a legal right of common 

appurtenant to the holdings, and that there is nothing in the Judgement in Hale v De La Warr which bars this 

proposition. 

The Chairman explains that these propositions are contrary to the opinion given on these points by Mr. Charles 

Elton Q.C. to the Conservators in 1883, which the Clerk reads. 

Mr. Buckwell however urges his propositions on the Board who promise to consider them further. 

After Mr. Buckwell withdraws it was suggested that the opinion of some eminent counsel on the points at issue 

should be obtained at joint expense, each party agreeing beforehand to be bound by his decision so far as legally 

may be. It was also suggested that a legal decision on these points might be obtained upon an originating summons 

under Order 55 or some other Order as a less costly and more decisive process than Counsel’s opinion which 

would not be definitive and final and be afterwards liable to be reviewed. It is resolved that if the Clerk finds on 

consideration that the question can be judicially settled in an inexpensive manner on an originating summons and if 

the Association which Mr. Buckwell represents, assents to the proposal, a decision on these points be obtained 

upon a statement to be agreed between the parties, the cost of the proceeding to be equally divided, the 

Conservators share to be defrayed out of the Protection and Improvement Fund. 

It is also resolved in the event of this course being agreed to, the Chairman be and is hereby authorised to settle on 

behalf of the Board, with such advice as he may deem necessary, the question to be submitted for the opinion of 

the court. 

Ranger appointment of 

The Committee appointed at the last Meeting to engage a suitable person as Ranger present their report, which is 

read and it is resolved that it be entered on the Minutes. It is as follows:- 

To the Board of Conservators of Ashdown Forest 

20 


Report of the special Committee appointed on the 7th Dec. 1906 to interview candidates for the office of Forest 

Ranger and to appoint a suitable man to that office. 

The Committee met on the 15th December. After examining the applications for the appointment they interviewed 

the most eligible candidate viz William Manners of Chelwood and decided to engage him on approbation for one 

month. It will be with Pilbeam the outgoing Ranger for two weeks from the 24th December instant at a pay of 20/- 

per week and for 2 weeks after Pilbeam leaves at 25/- per week. 

It he gives satisfaction he will then be required to sign the usual agreement prepared by the Clerk to the Board at a 

weekly wage of 25/- which includes his house rent. 

H.B. Portman, Chairman, 

Mark Sandford 

Albert Turner 

It is resolved that the report be approved and adopted, and that the thanks of the Board be accorded to the 

Committee for their services. 

Rate 

The Clerk having reported that the funds in hand will be exceeded by payment of the current liabilities, and having 

produced an estimate of the annual expenses. It is proposed by Mr. Edward Martin and seconded by Mr. Robert 

Kenward, and unanimously resolved that a rate be made for defraying the expenses of the Conservators in the 

execution of the duties under the Award made under the provisions of the Enclosure Acts 1845-1878 and the 

Commons Regulation (Ashdown Forest) Provisional Order Confirmation Act 1885 be levied upon the respective 

owners of the rights of commons upon the Forest at the rate of 6d. per acre in respect of the acreage of their 

respective lands to which such rights attach, which Commoners and their respective acreages aforesaid and the 

respective sums payable by them are hereinafter set out, viz:- 

Name Address Acreage Amount 

£ s d 

Abbey & Sons Brewery, Brighton 15 0 7 6 

Adams, Mr. Moss Cottage, Newbridge, 

2 0 1 0 

William 

Colemans Hatch 

Amps, James Ashdown House, Danehill, Uckfield 65:2:24 1 18 0 

William Esq. 

Andrews, Miss & 6 Linden Towers Tunbridge Wells 1/2 0 0 6 

others 

Appleby Mr. Fords Green Nutley Uckfield 1/2 0 0 6 

Isaac, decd. 

Repres. 

Arbuthnot W.R. Plaw Hatch East Grinstead 200 5 0 0 

Esq. 

Avis, Mrs The Hollies, Fryars Gate 

3 0 1 6 

Sarah A. Withyham 

Baker Mr. Chelwood Common Dane Hill Uckfield 2 0 1 0 

Matthias 

Baker Mr. William Chelwood Common Dane Hill Uckfield 2 0 1 0 

Ballard & Co. Brewers, Lewes 2 ½ 0 1 6 

Messrs. 

Banister Mrs. Bank Farm, Forest Row 20 0 10 0 

Barchard, Mrs. Duddleswell Uckfield 12 0 6 

K.L.S. 

21 


Barralet, Mrs. The Laurels, Nutley (late Barolet) ¾ 0 0 6 

Phoebe 

Barron, J.W. Esq. Yew Tree Hall, Forest Row 4 ½ 0 2 6 

Bashford, Mr. Forest Row East Grinstead 16 0 7 6 

John 

Bailey, Abe Yewhurst, Forest Row 180 4 10 0 

Bedwell, Mr. Nutley, Uckfield 0:3:29 0 0 6 

Charles 

Bellairs, Mr. A.B. Stone House, Forest Row (late Banister) 37 0 18 0 

Betchley, Mr. A. Forest Row 1 0 0 6 

Bellingham, Mrs. Salisbury House, Hartfield, Tunbridge Wells 4:0:18 0 2 6 

Eliz. 

Bennett, Mr. Turners Green, Danehill 2 0 1 0 

Birch, Fredk. 8 ½ Angel Court, Throgmorton Street, 3:3:12 0 2 0 

Peregrine Decd. London SE 

Repres. Of 

Birch, Francis Flat 9, Westminister Place Hotel, London 44 1 2 0 

Esq. 

SW 

Box Mr. Richard “Chalest”, Hainault Road, Leytonstone, 3 0 1 6 

Essex 

Brassey, The Rt. Normanhurst, Battle, Sussex 11-1-22 0 6 0 

Hon. Lord 

Brassey, The Normanhurst, Battle, Sussex 95:2:14 2 8 0 

Hon. Lady 

Browning Mr. Chelwood Common Dane Hill Uckfield 9½ 0 5 0 

William 

Budd Budd Fred. Restlands West Hoathly East Grinstead 146 3 12 6 

& John. 

Burgess, Mrs Fairways, Uckfield (late W. Walters) 5:2:0 0 3 0 

Amelia 

Burns, L.B. Esq. Parrock Wood, Colemans Hatch 15 0 7 6 

Card, Mr. James Broadstone Farm, Colemans Hatch 2 0 1 0 

Chatterton, Geo. Bridge Wharf, Caledonian Road, London 6 0 3 0 

J. 

Carr, Mr. William Nutley, Uckfield 

8 

0 14 0 

(admitted 31 Jan 1908) 

19:2:31 

Champneys, Dr. Highlands, Nutley, Uckfield 7:3:0 0 4 0 

Frank 

2:1:0 

Chilton, Mr. Uckfield (late Walton) 32:2:24 0 10 0 

Alfred 

Clarke 

C/o Daniel Watney & sons 

133:3:15 3 7 0 

Stephenson, Mrs. 33 Poultry London 

Clarke, Lieut. Col. 

Stephenson 

C/o Daniel Watney & sons 

33 Poultry London 

56:2:0 1 0 0 

Clough, A.H. Esq. Castletop, Burnley, Ringwood, Hants 498 12 9 0 

Colchester The c/o E.P. Whitley, Hughes, East Grinstead 213 5 6 6 

Rt. Hon. Lord 

Constable, Mrs. Forge Bank, Nutley 2:2:28 0 1 6 

Lucy S. 

Cook Misses The Hall Nutley Uckfield 17 0 8 6 

Bessie & Fanny 

22 


Cooper, Ernest Pasdens, Limpsfield, Surrey 140 3 10 0 

Esq. 

Corbett, Charles Woodgate, Dane Hill Park Uckfield 248:1:24 6 4 6 

Esq. 

Cowan, W.H. Crows Nest, Buxted (late Sylvanus Ridley) 3:1:14 0 2 0 

Dadswell, Alfred Ballards Hill, Goudhurst, Kent 1 0 0 6 

Darling The Rev. The Ridge, Colemans Hatch 4 0 2 0 

F 

De La Warr, The Old Lodge, Uckfield 9:0:4 0 5 0 

Rt. Hon. Muriel, 

Countess 

Darwin, Major Hospital Farm, Forest Row 30 ½ 0 15 6 

Leonard Rob. 

Dodge Miss Mary C/o J.G. B***ngton (late Sylvanus Ridley) 

Hoadley 

Du Croz, Chas. Court Lands West Hoathly E. Grinstead 80 2 0 0 

Eason, Edward 43 Bishopsgate Street Without London E.C. 1:1:8 0 1 0 

Henry Physick 

Esq. 

Eggledon, Mrs. Fletching, Uckfield (late Colgate) 4:0:10 0 2 6 

Evenden, Mrs. Maresfield, Uckfield 1 0 0 6 

Faber, Alfred Esq. Forest Row, East Grinstead (late Banister) 3:0:16 0 2 0 

Fleet Mr. George Grislings Common Piltdown 

2½ 0 1 3 

Uckfield 

Follett, W.W.S. 44 New Square, Lincolns Inn, London WC 5 0 2 6 

Esq. 

Freshfield, Wych Cross House, Forest Row 219 ¼ 5 10 0 

Douglas 

Fox, Mr. Samuel Dodds Bottom, Nutley 0:3:15 0 0 6 

Fuller Miss Vaughans Fletching Uckfield 10 0 5 0 

Millicent 

Funnell, Mr. Gorses Farm, Birch Grove, East Grinstead 14:0:23 0 

Frederick 

Gardiner. Mrs. M. 71 Eccles Road, Lavender Hill, London SW 2 0 7 6 

Gasson Mr. Chelwood Common Dane Hill Uckfield 3 ½ 0 2 0 

Humphrey 

Gilbert 

C/o Messrs. Norton Trist & Gilbert, 79 40 1 0 0 

William Esq. Queen St., Cheapside E.C. 

Goard Mrs. The Green, Forest Row, East Grinstead 2 ¾ 0 1 6 

Phillipa. Philcox 

Goldsmiths’ Goldsmith’s Hall London E.C. 100 2 10 0 

Company 

Gordon, Shalesbrook, Forest Row 5 ½ 0 3 0 

Granville 

Gordon, John F. Domaha, Forest Row East Grinstead 5:1:36 0 3 0 

Goslett, G.A.D. Chelworth, Chelwood Gate 7 0 3 6 

Greenfield, Mrs. Dodds Bottom, Nutley, Uckfield 0:1:16 0 0 6 

Emily 

Grice, Mrs. Broadstone, Forest Row 3:3:20 0 2 0 

Hale The Misses c/o Joseph Turner Esq. East Grinstead 69 1 14 6 

Head, F.H. Goldstrow, Piltdown, Uckfield 10 0 5 0 

Heasman Mrs. 

Eliza 

Newbridge, Hartfield 3 0 1 6 

23 


Heasman Messrs 

Samuel, William 

and Charles 

Grubbs Farm, Withyham, Tunbridge Wells 2 ½ 0 1 6 

Hewitt, H.B. Perrymans Hill, Turners Green, Uckfield 8:0:36 0 4 6 

Hillhouse J. 33 Chancery Lane London E.C 1 0 0 6 

Hoare, Alfred 37 Fleet St. London E.C 101 2 10 6 

Hoath, Mrs. Lydia C/o Mr. Alfred Hoath, Fryars Gate 4 0 2 0 

Withyham Tunbridge Wells 

Hoath, Mr. Amos Temple Cottage, nr. St. John’s, 3 0 1 6 

Crowborough 

Hobbs, Mr. Fairwarp, Uckfield 0:1:8 0 0 6 

Henry 

Hope, James F. Herons Ghyll, Buxted, Uckfield 520:3:0 13 0 6 

Hounsom Wm. Cleveland, New Church Road, Brighton 28 0 13 0 

Allin Esq. 

Hutchinson, Shepherds Gate, Hartfield 5 ¼ 0 3 0 

Horace G. Esq. 

Hyde, Thomas Pixton Hill Forest Row East Grinstead 127 3 3 6 

Inns, Mr. Alfred Mount Pleasant, Fairwarp, Uckfield 4 0 2 0 

George 

Keeys, Mr. Hartfield, Tunbridge Wells(late ***ing) 10:1:15 1 4 0 

Richard 

23:3:24 

Kenward, Mr. Fletching, Uckfield 74 1 17 0 

Robert 

Kenward, Mr. Budletts, Maresfield (late Knight) 0:2:0 0 0 6 

Hercules 

Killick, Mr. Old Town, Groombridge, Tunbridge Wells 0:1:0 0 0 6 

Richard Spencer 

Knight, Mr. J. Railway Inn, Forest Row, East Grinstead 0:2:2 0 0 6 

Larnach, Jas. C/o Messrs. Turner, Rudge & Turner, East 500 12 10 0 

Walker, Larnach, Grinstead 

David Geo. & 

Larnach Sydney 

Esq. 

Langridge, Mr. Dane Hill, Uckfield 1 ½ 0 1 0 

Enoch 

Laver Miss Greystones, Crowborough 5 ½ 0 3 0 

Elizabeth Fielder 

Lethbridge, H. Summerford Farm (late W. Waters) 4 0 2 0 

Esq. 

Longley, Mr. C. Oakhurst, Chapel Lane, Forest Row 0:1:1 0 0 6 

McLeod, Addison Rose Cottage, Chelwood, Uckfield 8 0 4 0 

Esq. 

Manners, Mr. Chelwood Common, Dane Hill, Uckfield 5 0 2 6 

James Thomas 

Marchant, Mr. Cackle Street, 

5 0 2 6 

Thomas Maresfield, Uckfield 

Maresfield, The The Rectory, Maresfield 100 2 10 0 

Rector of 

Marriott, Mr & c/o Messrs. Hastie, 65 Lincolns Inn Field, 57 ½ 1 9 0 

Miss Cordelia W.C 

24 


Isabella. 

Marsden, James. Hurst Wood House, Hurst Wood, Buxted 3 ½ 0 2 0 

Martin, Edward Woodcote, Forest Row 1:1:28 0 1 0 

Martin, Mr. Coach & Horses, Dane Hill, Uckfield 7 ½ 0 4 0 

William 

May, Mr. Frank Dane Hill, Uckfield 12 0 6 0 

Maynard, Mr. Cold Harbour Farm, Forest Row, E. 5 0 2 6 

George 

Grinstead 

Methuen, David Holly Croft, Forest Row 3 ¾ 0 4 4 

Esq. 

Midgley, Forest Farm, Chelwood Gate 9 ¼ 0 5 0 

Llewellyn 

McAndrew, John Holly Hill, Hartfield, Tunbridge Wells 196 4 18 0 

Esq. J.P. 

Mira, W. Pablo Old Lands, Buxted, Uckfield 285 7 2 6 

Esq. 

Mitchell, Mr. Nutley Road, Nutley (late W. Ridley) 3 ¼ 0 2 0 

William 

Munster, Count Maresfield Park, Uckfield 2402:3:23 60 1 6 

Alexander 

Needham, Tylehurst, Forest Row 58 1 9 0 

Colonel 

Norman, Mr. Fairwarp, Maresfield, Uckfield 6 0 3 0 

Henry The 

Repres. of 

Norris, Edward S. Barons Down, Lewes 100 2 10 

Ogle, Revd. J.L. Aegen Gill, Forest Row, East Grinstead 3:2:26 0 2 0 

Osborne, Mr. Jas Annwood Farm, Fletching 2 ½ 0 1 6 

Osborne, Miss 30 Treherne Road, East Sheen, Surrey 4 0 2 0 

Osborne, Mrs. 

4:0:11 0 2 6 

Mary Ann 

Osborne, Mr. Foresters Arms, Fairwarp, Uckfield, late Jas 7 0 3 6 

William and Bennett 

Elizabeth his wife 

Osborne, Mr. The Old Brickyard, Nutley 17 0 8 6 

Thomas and 

Harriet his wife 

Osborne, Mr. The Old Brickyard, Nutley 7 0 3 6 

Thomas 

Parker, Mrs Emily Crow & Gate Inn, Buxted 3:1:6 0 2 0 

Page, Messrs. Fairwarp, Uckfield 10 0 5 0 

Thomas & James 

Hardy, Guy c/o Ralph ******* 311 ½ 7 16 0 

Execs. of 

Peckham, George Sunnyside, Hartfield, Tunbridge Wells 0:1:16 0 2 0 

Peckham, Revd. Nutley Vicarage, Uckfield 4 0 2 6 

H.J. 

Philcox, Mr. Newbridge, Maresfield, Tunbridge Wells 2 ½ 0 1 6 

George 

Phillips, Mrs. Broadlands, Crowborough, Sussex 2 ½ 0 1 6 

Gertrude 

25 


Portman, the C/o Messrs. Powell & Co., Lewes 173:1:31 4 7 0 

Hon. Henry 

Porter, Mr. John Ringmer, Lewes 27 0 13 6 

Read, Mrs Emma Bank Cottage, Forest Row 5:0:17 0 3 0 

Ridley, Mr. Joseph Forest Bank, Nutley, Uckfield 12 ½ 0 6 6 

Ridley, Mr. Joseph Horney Common, Nutley, Uckfield 14 0 7 0 

Ridley, Mr. 

Sylvanus 

Ridley (or Gurr), 

Mr. Timothy John 

Forest Farm, Danehill, Uckfield 0:1:8 

21:2:** 

0 14 6 

Cripps Corner, Ashdown Forest, E. 3 0 1 0 

Grinstead 

Ridley, Mrs. Lucy Whitehouse Farm, Horney Common, 19:2:26 0 10 0 

Rose (H.J.) Maresfield 

Robinson, Mr. Ashdown Forest Hotel, Forest Row 0:0:31 0 0 6 

Joseph 

Sadlier, Mrs. C/o Joseph Turner Esq. 

185 4 12 6 

East Grinstead 

Sandford, Mark “Martin”, Newick, Lewes 1 ¾ 0 1 0 

Sargeant, John Westminster, London 7 0 3 6 

Sayers, Mr. Post Office, Forest Row, East Grinstead ¼ 0 0 1 ½ 

Frederick 

Seymour, Mr. Forest Row (late W. Miles) ¼ 0 0 6 

Mark 

Sheffield, the Sheffield Park, Fletching, Uckfield 946 23 13 0 

Right Hon. The 

Earl of 

Shoebridge, Mr. Summer Hill, Horney Common, Nutley 3 ½ 0 2 0 

Owen 

Shoebridge, Mr. Nutley, Uckfield 11:0:37 0 6 0 

Thomas 

Shoebridge, Mr. Nutley, Uckfield 2 0 1 0 

Thos. Richardson 

Southdown & Lewes 4:2:30 0 2 6 


Breweries Ltd. 

Stenning, J.C. C/o Messrs. Turner, Rudge & Turner, East 5:1:4 0 3 0 

Esq. 

Grinstead 

Stevens, Mrs. Collinsford, Danehill 5 ½ 0 3 0 

Mary Ann 

Stevenson, Mr. near Windmill, Nutley, Uckfield 1 ¾ 0 1 0 

Joseph 

Streatfeild, R.J. C/o Messrs. Powell & Co. 

240 6 0 0 

Esq. 

Lewes 

Tamplin & Sons Phoenix Brewery, Brighton ½ 0 0 6 

Brewery Brighton 

Ltd 

Tapps-Gervis, 

Miss Clara 

c/o Messrs. Hastie, East Grinstead 925 23 2 6 

26 


Taylor 

William 

Mr. 

Darvell Beech Farm, Battle 2 0 1 0 

Tomsett, Mr. Chelwood Common, Dane Hill, Uckfield 3 0 1 6 

Jesse 

********* C/0 Messrs. Cope & Co., 15 Victoria Street, 5 0 2 6 

Westminster SW 

Turner Albert The Limes, Nutley, Uckfield 80 2 0 0 

Esq. 

Turner Mr. James Hugletts Pit Farm, Maresfield 5 0 2 6 

Tyler Mr. Enoch Horney Common, Uckfield 5 ¾ 0 3 0 

Villeneuve-Smith Forest Lodge, Maresfield 16:1:5 0 8 6 

Wallace Mrs Railway Inn, Town Row, Rotherfield 2 0 1 0 

Reginald. 

Walpole, Lady Hartfield Grove, Colemans Hatch 61:2:26 1 11 0 

Walsham, Mrs. Warrenside, Forest Row, Sussex 2 0 1 0 

Walter, Mr. Alfred Marlpits, Fairwarp, Uckfield 3:0:0 0 1 6 

Walters, Mr. Coal merchant, Uckfield 34 ½ 0 17 6 

Walter 

Waters, Mr. Shepherds Well, Tompsetts Bank, Forest 1 ¾ 0 1 0 

Henry 

Row 

Waters Mr. James Forest Row, East Grinstead 0:2:8 0 0 6 

Welfare Mr. Post Office, Withyham 3 0 1 6 

William 

Wheatley Mr. Coleman’s Hatch, Hartfield. Tunbridge 4 0 2 0 

Joseph 

Wheeler Mr. Chelwood Common, Dane Hill, Uckfield 5 0 2 6 

Charles 

White, W. Whitecroft, Forest Row 0:1:15 0 0 6 

Leeland 

Whitewood, Mr. Nutley, Uckfield 2 ½ 0 1 6 

James 

Wickens Mr. J.W. Dane Hill, Uckfield 21:3:8 0 11 6 

Wickens Mr. Chelwood Common, Dane Hill, Uckfield 59 ½ 1 10 0 

Simeon 

Wickens Mr. Chelwood Common, Dane Hill, Uckfield 15 0 7 6 

Spencer Snr. 

Wickham, Mrs. Forest Bank, Nutley, Uckfield 4:1:25 0 2 6 

Philly 

Wilson Mr. Mount Pleasant 1 0 0 6 

Edward 

Wilson Geo. M. Searles, Fletching, Uckfield 1660 41 10 0 

Maryon Esq. 

Wood, Mr. Jesse Blacklands Farm, Forest Row (late Keys) 8 ½ 0 4 6 

Wood John Edgar The Limes, Crookford Park Road, 4 0 2 0 

Addlestone, Surrey 

Wood, Mr. The Hollies, Bennett Park, Blackheath, Kent 30 ¾ 0 15 6 

Thomas Daynes 

Wood, Mr. C/o A, Turner Esq., The Limes, Nutley 12 0 6 0 

Charles Devisees 

of 

27 


Young 

William 

Mr. 

Fincham, Hartfield, 

Tunbridge Wells 

23 0 11 6 

Audit Committees report 

The Audit Committee appointed at the last meeting to audit the accounts for the current year produces the 

accounts and Vouchers, and report that they have examined the accounts and compared them with the Vouchers 

and find them correct and that the balances shown by the accounts agree with the Bank Pass Book and the Post 

Office Savings Bank deposit book respectively. 

They further report that, as regards the extra work performed by the Clerk during the year, in connection with the 

investigations of claims of persons to be made Commoners, the preparation of the tabulars, statements etc., they 

recommend that a special remuneration of 15 guineas for this work be made to him and that a cheque be drawn for 

the balance of disbursements, salary, etc. due to the Clerk £95.10.7. 

It is resolved that the report and recommendation of the Committee be approved and adopted, that a cheque be 

drawn accordingly, that the accounts be signed by the Chairman and that the thanks of the Board be accorded to 

the Committee for the thorough and satisfactory manner in which they have audited the accounts. 

Reed driving ever green 

A letter is read from Mr. A.B. Bellairs of Stone House, Forest Row, stating that on the 20th instant, he saw Mr. 

Reed of Bank Cottage, Forest Row, drive across the new laid slope adjacent to and across the lower part of green 

no. 17, that he was going to collect out litter and might have gone much more directly to the litter, and urging the 

Board to take action in the matter. 

It is resolved that the Clerk enquire of Mr. Bellairs whether Reed drove was “prepared sward” within the meaning 

of Bye Law 13(b) and if so, whether he is prepared to prove the fact in the event of the Board deciding to take 

proceedings, and that the Chairman decide whether proceedings be taken under the Bye-law. 

Reed driving over Forest 

It is prepared out to the Board that Mr. Reed is in the habit of driving over the Forest in various directions causing 

considerable damage to the surface of the Forest. 

It is resolved that it be referred to the Forest Row Committee to consider and report whether there is any definite 

track to and from his property. 

Thomas Case taking litter 

The Clerk reports that after the last meeting he wrote to Miss. Annie Barr of Jeffries Farm, Horsted Keynes, to 

inquire whether her tenant, Mr. Thomas Barr, took litter from the Forest, in pursuance of any claim of right and 

she replied that she claims no rights on the Forest. 

It is resolved that the Clerk informs her tenant thereof and cautions him that, if he trespasses again the Board will 

be obliged to prosecute him. 

R. Hatfield claim to rights 

A letter is read from Mr. R. Hatfield, the occupier of the Old Roebuck house about 18 acres of land, which he 

holds of the Thompson estate, claiming rights of common in respect thereof. It is resolved that the Clerk enquire 

into the matter and report to the next Meeting. 

Sir S. Walpole application to cart and deposit buildings materials 

Mr. Job Luxford having applied for permission to cart materials across an old drift way or cart track to Noah’s Ark 

Cottage, part of Sir Spencer Walpole’s Estate, and to stack bricks on the Forest close to Sir Spencer’s fence in 

connection with the enlargement of the cottage. It is resolved that permission be granted on condition that the 

28 


icks be removed within three calendar months and that he make good all damage done to the surface of the 

Forest by the cartage and deposit to the satisfaction of the Conservators. 

Conservators’ attendances 

The Clerk produces the following return of the attendances of Conservators at meetings of the Board during the 

past year and it is resolved that it be entered on the Minutes. It is as follows:- 

Total number of Meetings-7 

Mr. G.M. Maryon-Wilson 6 

Mr. Nicholson - 

Lord Brassey - 

Mr. Carr 7 

Mr. Freshfield 6 

Mr. Hyde 3 

Mr. Kenward 6 

Mr. Martin 7 

Mr. Midgley 5 

Mr. Portman 4 

Mr. Ridley 7 

Mr. Sandford 7 

Mr. Turner 5 

On the proposition of Mr. Freshfield seconded by Mr. Sandford it was unanimously resolved that a very sincere 

vote of thanks be accorded to the Chairman for his conduct in the chair. 

It is resolved that the next Meeting of the Board be held on Friday the 22nd February next at 2 p.m. or on such 


It is also resolved that a hearty vole of thanks be accorded to the Chairman for his constant attention to and his 

admirable conduct of the business of the Board during an unusually difficult year. 

The meeting terminated at 3.45 p.m. 

George M. Maryon-Wilson Chairman 


Friday the 22nd February 1907, at 2 p.m. 

Present 




Mr. D.W. Freshfield 





Chairman temporary 

This being the first Meeting of the year and the first business being the Election of Chairman for the year, Mr. 

Freshfield is temporarily voted to the chair. 

29 


Chairman Election of 

Mr. Robert Kenward proposed the re-election of a Mr. George M. Maryon-Wilson as Chairman of the Board for 

the current year. Mr. Freshfield points out how desirable it is that Mr. Maryon-Wilson should be re-elected, as his 

long experience would enable him to deal with the difficult questions that from time to time arise in the same able 

and conciliatory manner as has hitherto distinguished his conduct of the business. 

The motion having been seconded by Mr. Edward Martin is carried unanimously. 

Mr. Maryon-Wilson having taken the chair thanks the Board for renewing their confidence in him and he especially 

thanks Mr. Freshfield for the kind terms in which he referred to him, he appreciated the fact that he had been 

unanimously re-elected for he had felt that with out the unanimous vote of the Conservators he would have been 

unable to accept office and it would be impossible satisfactorily to fulfil the duties falling to his lot unless he felt he 

had whole board behind him. 

He congratulated the Board on the work of the past year especially that of the meeting on the arrangement by 

which many small holders were admitted to the status of Commoners. The Board took very great trouble in 

investigating their claims and have shown their strong desire to meet all legitimate claims of smallholders and as far 

as he was personally concerned, he should always endeavour to guard the interest of all Commoners large or small, 

with absolute impartiality. 

The minutes of the last meeting are then read and confirmed. 

Forest Row Committee 

It was resolved that Messrs. Freshfield (Chairman), Hyde, Martin and Midgley, be appointed the Committee for the 

Forest Row district for the current year. 


Also that Honble H.B. Portman (Chairman) and Messrs. Carr, Kenward, Sandford and Turner be appointed the 

Committee for the Maresfield District for the current year. 

Committees 

Also that such members of the respective Committees as shall be Members of the Board after the 31st December 

next shall continue to act as such Committees respectively till the first meeting of the board in the next year. 

Rate 

That the Clerk reports that the rat made at the last meeting was confirmed by Board of the Agriculture and 

Fisheries on the 28th December last produces the sealed copy thereof, and stated that he had collected, up to date, 

£136.9.11 on the account thereof. He produces the Bank Pass Book which shows the balance in hand of £111.18.5. 

Acknowledgements 

He also reports that he has collected all the acknowledgements for licences and the contribution of the Royal 

Ashdown Forest Golf Club, due on 1st January last, and having paid over the Lord his proportion of the road 

acknowledgements, he has paid the balance of £41.6.5 into the Savings Bank Account of the Protection and 

Improvement Account and produces the Deposit book which shows a balance in hand of ₤51.3.6. 

Ranger appointment of 

The Committee appointed to engage a Ranger report that William Manners having given satisfaction during his 

trial, they directed that he should be taken on regularly on signing the usual Agreement. 

The Clerk reports that he prepared the Agreement which was signed by William Manners and which he produces 

.And it is resolved that the Chairman sign the same in token of confirmation by the Board. 

Fires 

The Ranger reports that fires occurred on the Forest on the 3rd, 7th, 20th and 21 February instant. 

30 


The Clerk reports that the Standing Joint Committee has appointed the Sub-Committee to consider the 

correspondence with the Conservators with reference to fire on the Ashdown Forest, and to report thereon at their 

next meeting. 

Mr. Freshfield stated it was desirable [for] instructions to be given to the new Ranger how to act, and where to seek 

assistance in case of fires on the Forest .He stated that if the Ranger communicated with his stables there were 

always about a dozen men available to go cut and help extinguish fires in the neighbourhood, and he thought other 

residents would be ready to furnish similar assistance. He also advised that a number of bill-hooks should be 

available for assisting on the work. 

It is resolved that the Clerk communicates on the subject with the principal residents. 

Royal Ashdown Forest Golf Club - drain surface water 

The Clerk reports that on 24th December last permission was granted to the Royal Ashdown Forest Golf Club to 

drain by underground pipes surface water on the way to the first green, and to fill up the grips on each side; and 

level a small raised track on the way to the same green, the works to be completed to the satisfaction of the Forest 

Row Committee. 

The Forest Row Committee report that they have since granted permission to the same Club (subject to the 

confirmation of the board) to drain a portion of the Forest surface between their Club house premises and the 

brook below with underground pipes, on the condition that the Club gives a written undertaking that no drainage 

or overflow from the drainage tank on the Club premises be discharged either directly or indirectly into the pipes 

proposed to be laid down. It is resolved that the action of the Committee be approved and confirmed. 

The written understanding received from the Secretary of the Club not being sufficiently explicit, the Clerk is 

directed to call on him for an under taking covering the whole of their stipulation. 

Reed driving lower green 

The Forest Row Committee also reports that they investigated the complaint that Mr. Reed had driven across the 

lower part of green no. 17 and in their opinion, the damage done is insufficient to justify proceedings being taken. 

R. Cavendish permission to deposit soil 

They also recommend that an application received from Mr. R. Cavendish of Ashdown Place for permission to 

deposit a large quantity of earth in a hollow on the Forest near his fence be assented to on condition (1) that before 

filling up the hollow he lift and set aside the top soil a spit deck and afterwards replace it on the surface (2) that the 

earth be carted through a gap to be made in his hedge at the point nearest to the hollow to be filled and (3) that he 

fill up, level and relay the top spit to the satisfaction of the Forest Row Committee. 

It is resolved that the report and recommendation of the Committee be approved, that subject to the Lord’s assent, 

the Clerk write to Mr. Cavendish accordingly. 

The Maresfield Committee present the following report, which is read and it is resolved that it be entered on the 

minutes .It is as follows:- 

At a meeting of the Maresfield Committee held on January 11th 1907. 

The Committee instructed Manners the new Ranger to arrange with Mr. J. Ridley and other people willing to cut 

and remove at their own expense the stems of the burned furze bushes on the west side of the turnpike road from 

Nutley to Pippingford and to have the work finished if possible before the 22nd of February next. 

Mr. A. Turner having purchased the whole of the underwood on the west side of the stream running from the 

corner of the Bird Wood on the Hole Farm at the back of Misbourne Farm to the Duddleswell road Mr. Turner 

volunteered to cut at his own expense all necessary rides through the undergrowth on that portion of the Forest. 

This offer the Committee gratefully accepted with thanks. 

31 


Mr. Turner also stated that Mr. Hudson the Lord’s Reeve proposed at once to sell all the underwood and scrub on 

that portion of the Forest lying to the north of the Boring Wheel Mill. The Committee trust that Mr. Hudson may 

have done so. 

Mr. Sylvanus Ridley’s property near the Nutley Windmill was inspected nothing was there on worthy of note. 

They inspected the Forest from Lisburn Farm to Burnt Oak and on to the bank near the Whitehouse Farm, 

Duddleswell, where they marked out four rides 40 feet wide the direction of which is shown in pencil marks on the 

Ordnance map. The Ranger was instructed to set local labourers to do this work at 3/- per day and when he had 

started the work to inform Messrs. A. Turner and W. Carr that he had done so as they had kindly promised to 

supervise the work with the Ranger. 

The Committee recommends the Board of Conservators to block out all the rough coarse heather on the Forest 

from Crowborough and Duddleswell to Kings Standing so that it may be burned at favourable times in patches 

from 6 to 10 acres in extent. 

H.B Portman, Chairman. 

The Committee further report that the rides have been cut and look very satisfactory, and that the Committee have 

sold the rough litter cut in the rides and hope the price will cover the expense of cutting. 

They recommend that the Ranger be instructed to see to the turning of the cut secret which they cannot get anyone 

to remove and to employ necessary assistance for the purpose under the direction of the Messrs Turner and Barr. 

The Committee hopes the removal of the burnt stems of gorse on the east sides of the high road from Nutley to 

Pippingford will be completed in about three weeks. 

It is resolved that the report be approved and the recommendations carried out. 

Sylvanus Ridley fence 

The Maresfield Committee report that Mr. Sylvanus Ridley has extended the wire fencing in front of part of his 

property, Beech View, Nutley, to its eastern boundary, marked by the stem of an old beech tree, but that instead of 

continuing it in a straight line with the boundary wall in front of his house, and the length of the wire fencing first 

erected as originally arranged on a give and take principle, it ends at the eastern extremity about 4 feet in advance of 

its proper position. Mr. Ridley attends and offers to set back the fence in straight lines from the straining post about 

the middle of the length recently put up, to a point about 3 feet inside its present position at the extreme east end, 

and to plant his live hedge inside. 

It is resolved that his proposal be agreed to subject to the position to which it is proposed to set back the fence 

being approved by the Maresfield Committee, to a plan showing the exact position of the fence being made so that 

the position of the fence can, at any future time, be checked, and that Mr. Ridley sign an acknowledgement that the 

fence, when this alteration has been made, forms the boundary of this property, and an undertaking that he will not 

here after remove the fence, or interfere with the Forest outside it by digging a ditch or otherwise. 

Sylvanus Ridley metal cart track 

Mr. Ridley applies for permission to make and maintain a hard metalled road over the existing cart–track from the 

high road in front of his Beech View property to form buildings there. 

It is resolved that subject to Mr. Ridley obtaining the assent of the Lord permission be granted, on condition that 

the road including water tables shall not exceed at any point 10 feet in width, and that he do not interfere with the 

surface of the Forest outside that width. 

32 


Protection Association claims 

The Clerk reports that before recording on the minutes the claims put forward by Mr. Buckwell on behalf of the 

Foresters Protection Association at the last meeting, he submitted the draft thereof to Mr. Buckwell, who corrected 

and settled the same as entered on the minutes. 

Mr. Buckwell applied to the Clerk to supply him with a copy of the Report presented to the Commoners at their 

last annual meeting, but the Clerk having no authority to do so, has not complied and has heard nothing further. It 

is resolved that if the application be renewed, the Clerk be authorised to supply the copy, on condition that Mr. 

Buckwell pay him for him it at the usual charge of 4d per folio. 

The Clerk stated that he searched the Rules and Orders of the High Court referred to at the last meeting, and that 

there appears to be no orders under which questions raised by the Protection Association can be decided in a 

summary manner or an originating summons, so as to bind the Commoners, and that the Mr. Buckwell concurs in 

this conclusion. 

Mr. J. Ridley states that the Association are not prepared to contribute to the cost of getting the questions decided, 

but would be prepared to concur if the Board will pay the cost of the Association and permit them to select their 

own Counsel. 

Sir S. Walpole application to cart & deposit materials 

The Clerk reports that pursuant to resolution of his last meeting he granted permission to Sir Spencer Walpole 

K.C.B. to cart materials over an old cart-track and stack bricks on the Forest immediately outside his boundary in 

connection with the enlargement of his Noah’s Ark Cottage, on condition that the bricks are removed before 24th 

March next, and all damage made good to the satisfaction of the Conservators. 

V.P. Misa safety zone 

Also that on the 21st January last with the approval of the Lord's Reeve, he granted Mr. V.P. Misa permission to cut 

a protective belt against fire of the width of 30 feet from his boundary. 

Connor Bros. building materials 

Also that on the 15th January last he granted permission to Messrs. Connor Bros. of Crowborough to cart materials 

over the Forest to Mr. Cruttenden’s premises near Pound Gate, and deposit building materials on the Forest 

immediately outsides his premises on condition that they are completely removed, and all damage made good to the 

satisfaction of the Ranger before the 15th April next and Messrs. Connor paid 5/- acknowledgement to the 

Protection and Improvement Fund for having trespassed before permission. 

Job Luxford cartage 

Also that on 25th January last he granted to Mr. Job Luxford permission to cart building materials over to a cart– 

track at Fords Green for the erection of a house on Mr. Mew’s property, he making good all damage to the 

satisfaction of the Superintendent of the Green. 

S.M. Samuel road from Vetchery 

The Joint Committees report that Mr. W. Flockhart, Architect to Mr. S.M. Samuel M.P. having submitted for the 

approval of the Board, in accordance with the terms of the licence, a plan and specification of the works proposed 

to be executed in making the road across the Forest from the Vetchery to the Wych Cross road, they met Mr. 

Flockhart on the spot this morning, who desired to make a slight deviation from the route laid down on the plan at 

the end next to the Vetchery, which they recommend should be approved. The Committee suggested that Mr. 

Samuel should make a reverse curve in the road to the westward, north of the proposed divergence with power for 

the Chairman to sanction the same. It is resolved that it be left to the Chairman to approve the proposed 

divergence, and if Mr. Samuel agrees to the proposed reverse curve subject to the same being defined on the plan 

and that subject to these matters being settled, the plan and specification be approved and permission be granted 

to proceed with the work. 

33 


F. Barchard safety Zone 

A letter dated 8th February instant from Mr. Francis Barchard of Duddleswell is read, stating that a series fire 

having occurred on the Forest which, but for the direction of the wind, would have endangered his stacks and 

buildings; he had caused the gorse on the side of the road to be cut that day and removed to one of his own fields. 

Pound Gate School annoyance by gypsies 

Mr. W.B. Rickman of Stroods, Buxted, one of the manages of the Pound Gate schools, having applied that the 

gypsies who encamp close to the schools may be removed, as their manners and language are a very bad example to 

the children, and their camping round constitutes a nuisance. It is resolved that the Ranger summon any gypsies 

found camping in the neighbourhood without waiting to give them notice to remove, and that Mr. Rickman be 

informed thereof. 

Fires by Fairwarp schoolchildren 

The Ranger having reported that a small fire occurred on the Forest on the evening of the 20 inst. between Spring 

Gardens and Fairwarp, burning about half an acre, and another occurred on the 21st inst. at Old Forge, which he 

put out, and that from indications on the snow he had no doubt the fires were started by the children coming out 

of school, it was resolved that the Clerk write to the Chairman of the School Managers, The Reverend Johnston, of 

Fairwarp Vicarage, requesting him to cause the school children to be cautioned and warned that they are liable to be 

summoned before the magistrates. 

Joseph Ridley filling up pond 

The Ranger having reported that Mr. Joseph Ridley of Forest Bank has filled up a pond immediately outside his 

premises which furnishes water for the Commoners cattle, Mr. William Carr undertakes to see Mr. Ridley with a 

view to his cleaning out the pond. 

Royal Ashdown Forest Golf Club and Ladies Golf Club application for works 

The following applications are received from the Royal Ashdown Forest Golf Club and the Ladies Golf Club for 

permission to execute works viz: 

From the R.A.F. Golf Club 

To lay three more tee mats at the .4th, 8th and 11th holes. 

To remove mat at the 13th tee and replace same on the spot, say 10 ft square, 2 ½ yards from its present position. 

To cut a rough tee to the left of and 30 yards from below course to the 11th hole, 160 yards from the 12th green, 

To improve rough tees at the 12th and the rough tee to the right of the 16th fees by patching, levelling, and relaying 

turf. 

General work 

To lift “pad“ level ground and replace turf near existing tees. 

Ladies Golf Club 

We should be so very much obliged if the Board could see their way to inform us now whether in the autumn we 

might level up the remaining portion of the green. In the event of their not being able to consent to this 

proposition perhaps they would kindly suggest some modified form of this plan which we might carry out. 

If the Board should be able to give us leave to finish the green, we should be pleased to slope the outer banks more 

gradually so that the appearance of the green would be improved. 

We given up all idea of asking permission to cut any more litter, but should like to have one or two or more tees. 

One to the 2nd green about 20 yards behind the present tee, but further from the road. One to the 5th green 

between the 4th green and the present raised tee. One to the 6th green behind the present tees, and just across the 

road; none of these would involve any rising or litter cutting. 

34 


The plan we suggest for improving the old track immediately in front of the 8th green is to put in the some hard 

stones, driving some stakes well down to keep them in place, and cover with sand, but not quite up to the level of 

the sides, and so make it a playable sand bunker. 

It is resolved that the application be referred to the Forest Row Committee with power to act except as regards the 

general works asked for by the Royal Ashdown Forest Golf club which the Board consider too general in its terms, 

and therefore cannot grant. 

Barron T.W. application to cut grips to road 

Mr. T.W. Barron, of Yew Tree Hall, having applied for permission to make new grips to keep the water from the 

Forest from running down and damaging the road past his property to Quabrook, it is resolved that permission be 

granted subject to approval of the details by the Forest Row Committee. 

Cheque 

It is resolved that a cheque be drawn for: 

Mr. William Manners 2 weeks salary as Ranger to 7th January 

at £1.5.0 per week ₤10.15.0 

It is resolved that the next meeting of the Board be held on Friday the 26th April next, at 2 p.m. or on such earlier 

or later date as the Chairman may consider necessary. 


G.M. Maryon-Wilson Chairman 

A meeting of the Conservators of Ashdown Forest convened by direction of the Chairman and held at the 

Nutley Inn, Nutley on Friday, the 15th March 1907, at 2.30 p.m. 

Present 




Mr. W. Carr 








The Minutes of the last meeting are read and confirmed. 

The Bank pass book is produced, and shows a balance in hand of £131.2.10. 

The Clerk reports that has received a satisfactory undertaking from the Secretary of the Royal Ashdown Forest 

Golf Club with reference to the drainage work between the Club house premises and the brook. 

Also that he sent a circular to the following landowners in and around the Forest with reference to rendering 

assistance in extinguishing Forest fires:- 

Arbuthnot Mr. W.R. 

35 


Barchard Mrs. K.L.S. 

Barron Mr. T.W. 

Cowan Mr. W.H. 

De La Warr Muriel Countess of 

Darwin Major 

Du Croz Mr. C.G. 

Hale Misses 

Hope Mr. J.F> 

Macmillan Mr. M. 

Methuen Mr. David 

McAndrew Mr. John 

Misa Mr. V.P. 

Needham Colonel 

Walpole Sir Spencer K.C.B. 

Wood Mr. Charles Devisees 

and has received favourable replies from:- 

Major Darwin 

Mr. McAndrew 

Mr. V.P. Misa 


Sir Spencer Walpole K.C.B. 

It is resolved that a similar circular be sent to Mr. Harold Ramsbotham and Mr. Walter Claude Johnson. 

Mr. Samuel's road 

The Chairman reports that Mr. Samuel wrote pointing out the hardship that if would entail on him if he were 

required to alter the course of his proposed road so as to carry it over the gravel pits, and that he, the Chairman, 

acing on the authority delegated to him at the last meeting, agreed to waive the proposal, and is now waiting for Mr. 

Samuel’s Surveyor to submit a plan, showing the proposed deflection of the road next to the Vetchery boundary. 

Cutting lanes etc. 

The Maresfield Committee report that they have not quite completed the work of cutting for protection against fire, 

but hope to do so in a few days; that they have expended £10.19.0 to date and ask for £10 on account, also that Mr. 

Sylvanus Ridley has put back his fence and they have viewed it and have expended £1.1.0 in having a survey and 

plan made of the fence as it now stands, which plan they hand in. 

Joseph Ridley pond 

That Mr. Joseph Ridley of Forest Bank has not cleared out the pond referred to at the last meeting, and they 

recommend that the Clerk order him to clear it out and restore it to its former condition before the next meeting. 

It is resolved that the report be approved and adopted and that the sums of £10 and £1.1.0 be paid to the 

Committee out of the Protection and Improvement Fund. 

The Forest Row Committee present the following Report which is read and it is resolved that it be entered on the 

minutes. It is as follows:- 

Report of Forest Row Committee 

Your Committee met at Forest Row on Friday lst March 1907. 

36 


Ladies Golf Club works 

They 1st visited the Ladies Golf Course and sanctioned the making of new tees to the 2 nd , 5th and 6th holes. The 

one to the 2nd about 40 yards behind the present tee but further from the road - simply levelling. The one to the 

5th to be 14 yards behind present raised tee and to be 5 yards by 4 yards and l foot high at the back but sloped away 

to nothing. The one to 6th further back and across the road to be decided by one of your Committee before the 

work commences. To improve the water course in front of the 8th green by putting in some hard stones and 

driving down 3 or 4 rows of stakes to keep the stones in place and covering all with sand. Leave to alter the 2nd 

green by sloping the banks more gradually and making it less conspicuous, for as it now is, it is not approved by 

your Committee. 

All the work to be under the Superintendent of the Professional of Gentleman’s Golf Club who visited the spots 

with us. 

R.A.F. Golf Club works 

Sanction given to lay three more tee mats for the 4th 8th and 11th holes and to remove the mat at the 13th tee and 

replace the same on the spot, 10 ft square, 24 yards from its present position To improve the rough tees at the 12th 

and 16th by stripping, levelling and replacing turf without bringing fresh soil. With regard to the request to cut a 

rough tee for the 12th hole, 30 yards below the present course to the 11th green, your Committee could not see 

their way to grant this, as it would mean destroying some part of the Commoners litter and in their opinion it is 

unnecessary. They therefore refer this request to the Board for consideration. 

J.W. Barron training road 

Mr. Barron being away from home for a month they were unable to deal with his request. 

Ll. Midgley 

Edward Martin 

6 March 1907 

It is resolved that the report be approved and confirmed, and that permission be not granted to cut the rough tee 

for the 12th hole. 

Claimants 

The Chairman then in dealing with the question of the applications for admissions as Commoners, the chief object 

of the meeting, briefly reviews the whole history of the matter up to the present date. He reminds the board that 

the claimants were divided in to there separate classes in the Schedules to the Committees Report of 30th 

November last, viz., Class A (Schedule I), Class B (Schedule II), Class C (Schedule III). That all included in 

Schedule I have been admitted as Commoners amounting to 18. That as regards Classes (B) and (C) the Committee 

recommended in the report that a separate register should be formed for the purpose of including them, 

recognising that they could not be made legal Commoners; that at the meeting of 7th December last, a majority 

resolution was passed that (subject to the consent of the Lord and Commoners being obtained) all persons owning 

properties coming within the definitions of Classes B and C should be entered in this separate register and be 

permitted to turn out and take brakes and litter in the same manner as Commoners, so long as they pay 

acknowledgements at the same rate and at the same times as the Forest rates are made, but at the instance of two 

members of the board Mr. Joseph Ridley and Mr. William Carr the resolution was withdrawn and the matter was 

postponed for further consideration. 

That the Committees Report and the above proceedings were fully laid before the Commoners at their meeting on 

21st December last in the form of a written statement submitted by the Chairman but that no action was taken on 

the matter. 

That at the Board meeting which followed certain legal contentions were put forward by Mr. J.C. Buckwell with 

regard to Classes B and C, and a suggestion was made that the opinion of Counsel should be taken on them, which 

should be accepted as binding by both parties, but that this was dismissed as not decisive, and it was then proposed 

that the legal decision should be obtained by means of an originating Summons under an Order of the High Court, 

37 


ut it was afterwards found that the Orders do not provide a means of deciding such questions so as to bind all 

parties. In these circumstances the matter had remained in abeyance and as some of the Conservators felt that 

further steps should be taken with the view of settling this question as to these Classes B & C in which he quite 

concurred, he had convened this meeting in the hope that they might see their way to bring the matter to a 

satisfactory conclusion. 

Mr. Freshfield while feeling that the claimants are ill-advised in not accepting the proposal contained in paragraph 4 

of the Committee’s Report, strongly urges that, if a means can be devised of doing so Classes B and C should be 

admitted to the status of the Commoners. 

Mr. Martin reads extracts from the special Report made by the Land Commissioners to Parliament in submitting 

for confirmation the Order for Regulation, from which it appears that the Commoners, at that time, applied for 

“adjustment of rights”, but that that part of the application had to dropped, because the Lord refused his consent. 

He suggests that in case the status of Commoners cannot be conferred on Classes B and C by agreement, it may be 

possible to affect it by a supplemental Order for “adjustment of rights”. 

Mr. Joseph Ridley and Mr. James Card claim that all who can prove 60 years user, irrespective of whether they now 

or within 60 years last past have held their holdings on tenancies at Will, are legal Commoners. 

After further discussion on the proposition of the Chairman it is resolved that the Clerk write to the Secretary of 

the Protection Association, informing him that the Conservators are advised that the owners of holdings coming 

within Classes B and C have no legal right to common on the Forest ,and that there is no known means of 

constituting them legal Commoners; but that in the interest of all parties the Board are prepared to ask the Lord 

and Commoners to assent to the proposals contained in paragraphs 4 and 7 of the Committee’s Report as to the 

formation of a separate register and would be glad to have a definite reply from the Association whether they are 

prepared or not to avail themselves of the proposal. That if the Association does not accept these views of the 

Board as to the legal status of Classes B and C, the Clerk suggest that they (the Association) take the opinion 

thereon of some competent Counsel and submit that opinion to the Board, or themselves suggest some means by 

which the legal question can be definitely settled. 

It is also resolved that in case the Chairman deem it expedient to take the opinion of the Counsel or any points 

connected with the matter, he be authorised to do so; the fee to Counsel not to exceed 5 guineas, the expense to be 

charged to the Protection and Improvement Fund. 

A suggestion having been made with regard to enfranchised tenants that those small holders who have purchased 

their holdings from Lord De La Warr might be treated differently from those who still hold on tenancies at Will, it 

is resolved that the question be referred to the same Report Committee, viz: the Chairman and Messrs. Freshfield, 

Martin, Ridley, Sanford and Turner, who were re-appointed as a Committee for the purpose. 

Digging stone and road on Forest for protection of house in Vetchery 

It appearing from a communication received by the Clerk that it is proposed to dig stone and sand for the erection 

of Mr. Samuel’s house and buildings in the Vetchery on the Forest near the Vetchery. 

It is resolved that if any contractor commences or intimates his intention to commence to open new ground on the 

Forest for the purpose, which appears likely to prejudice the exercise of any of the rights of the Commoners, he be 

required to obtain the consent of the Conservators as well as the Lord. 

Grip near Pound Gate School 

As it is found extremely difficult to prevent the gypsies camping on the Forest near the Pound Gate School. It is 

resolved that the Clerk apply to the Lord’s representative for permission to cut a deep grip along the boundary of 

the Forest next the high road between the Pound Gate Schools and the enclosed lands about 30 yards to the cast so 

as to render it impossible for the gypsies to drive their vans on the Forest. 

38 


It is resolved that the next meeting of the Board be held on Friday, the 26th April next at 2.30 p.m., or on such 



George M. Maryon-Wilson Chairman 16.4.1907 


Friday, the 26th April 1907, at 2.30 p.m. 

Present 

Mr. George M. Maryon–Wilson in the chair 



Mr. W. Carr 


Mr. Robert Kennard 




Mr. Mark Sanford 



The Bank Pass Book is produced and shows a balance in hand of £165.2.10. 

Fires 

The Ranger reports that since the last meeting fires have occurred on the Forest as follows:- 

March 19th at Church Hatch burning about 15 acres 

March 19th at Spring Gardens burning about 7 acres 

March 19th at Fairwarp burning about 2 acres 

March 20th at St John’s Crowborough burning about 200 acres 

March 21st between Spring Gardens and Boring Wheel Mill burning about 8 acres. 

March 21 st at Camp Hill burning about 1 acre 

March 21 st at Duddleswell burning about 1 acre 

March 22nd between Old Lodge Windmill and Burnt Oak burning about 100 acres 

March 22nd at Duddleswell burning about 4 acres 

March 22nd at Nutley Bank small fires burning about 20 acres 

March 23rd at Wych Cross 

March 23rd at Millbrook 

March 23rd at Pippingford burning about 20 acres 

March 24th at Fairwarp between Old Lodge and Windmill burning about [blank] 

March 25th at Kings Standing burning about 60 acres 

March 28th between Gills Lap, Old Lodge and Kings Standing burning about 60 acres 

March 31st from Spring Gardens across Slays Ham, Burnt Oak, nearly to Old Lodge grounds, Kings Standings, 

Camp Hill, Duddleswell and Fairwarp, lit in 3 places burning about 1000 to 1500 acres 

April 19th at Kings Standing burning 3 acres 

April 20th between Windmill, Old Lodge and Camp Hill, lit in 6 or 7 different places 

April 24th near Spring Gardens burning 1 1/2 acres 

April 24th near Old Lodge 2 fires burning 3 acres 

39 


Mr. Job Luxford wrote that he sent about 1 dozen of his men to extinguish the fire near Pippingford on the 23rd 

March. 

The Chairman stated that having regard to the very serious condition of affairs he instructed the Clerk to issue a 

bill, offering a reward of £50 for such information as should result in a conviction for arson, that he settled the 

form of the bill which was issued on the 30th March last, and a print is laid on the table. On the proposition of Mr. 

Sandford, seconded by Mr. Portman, it is resolved that the action of the Chairman in the matter be approved and 

confirmed. 

The Ranger reports that he distributed the bills at all the Public houses and beer shops, and posted them up at all 

available spots in and around the Forest. 

The Clerk reports that no information has yet been received in response to the offer. 

He further reports that he has received from various owners and occupiers in and around the Forest promises to 

contribute to the reward, sums considerably in excess of the amount offered. 

Harry Miles prosecution for arson 

He further reports that having heard that the police had a case against one Harry Miles, bricklayer of Horsted 

Keynes, employed at the Vetchery, for firing the Forest on the 23rd March last, he immediately telegraphed to the 

Chief Constable enquiring whether such was the case, when and where would be heard, and whether he proposed 

to instruct a solicitor, and offering to render any assistance in the matter. That the Chief Constable replied the case 

would be heard at Uckfield on the 11th April, and that he was instructing a solicitor. The Clerk at wrote to the 

prosecuting solicitor, Mr. F. Lawson Lewis, inquiring whether he was retained, and offering to assist him with any 

information, and attended to watch the case at the Uckfield Petty Sessions, when Miles was committed for trial at 

the next Assizes. 

It is resolved that the Clerk be instructed to attend the Assizes to watch the trial on behalf of the Board, and to give 

the prosecution any assistance he may deem necessary. 

Ranger emergencies 

Having regard to the delay in distributing and posting the reward bills occasioned by the Ranger having met with an 

accident which temporarily incapacitated him, it is resolved that in any similar difficulty or in any other emergency 

he at once communicate with Mr. Albert Turner so that the emergency may be met. 

Fires aid to extinguish 

The Clerk reports that since the last meeting he has received replies from the following that their employees will 

assist in extinguish fires:- 

Arbuthnot W.R. Esq. 

Barron T.W. Esq. 

Hope J.F. Esq. 

Barchard Francis Esq. 

Mr. Samuel’s road 

A plan is submitted of Mr. Samuel’s proposed road out of the Vetchery showing a slight deviation which Mr. 

Samuel desires to make in the line of the road next the boundary of the Vetchery. It is resolved that the Board 

approve the deviation, and that Mr. Samuel be requested to push on the completion of the road as soon as possible 

in the interests of the Forest. 

Claimants 

The Clerk reports that pursuant to the resolution passed at the last meeting, he wrote to the Secretary of the 

Protection Association on the 30th March last, a letter settled by the Chairman, and which he reads. Also that at the 

40 


equest of the Secretary of the Association he supplied him with a list of the persons and properties in Class A 

which have been admitted as Commoners. 

He reads a reply from the Secretary dated the 22nd inst. stating that the Committee of the Association went in to 

the matter sometime ago, and were unanimously of opinion that all who can prove 60 years user ought to be 

accepted as legal Commoners, and adding he will lay the Clerk’s letter before the next Committee meeting, but does 

not think there is the least likelihood of any different decision being decided upon. 

It is resolved that the Secretary be called on for a definite answer within one month to proposal of the Board as to 

the formation of a separate register, contained in the Clerk’s letter of the 30th ulto. 

Cut a grip near Pound Gate Schools 

The Clerk reports he applied to Mr. Nicholson for permission to cut a deep grip along the boundary of the Forest 

near Pound Gate Schools, who has replied that on behalf of the Lord he sees no objection, so long as the Board 

does not get him in to trouble. 

It is resolved that the Maresfield Committee be empowered to take such action in the matter as they deem 

expedient. 

Standing Joint Committee 

The Clerk reads a letter he received from the Clerk to the Standing Joint Committee, dated the 10th inst., asking for 

information and suggestions for the consideration of the Committee appointed to consider the correspondence 

which had passed between the Conservators and the Chief Constable with reference to affording better police 

protection in connection with Forest fires, and he reads the reply he sent thereto on the 15th inst. 

He also reads a further letter received from the Clerk to the Standing Joint Committee, dated the 18th inst., in 

which he states that he fails to see why the Conservators cannot prosecute for arson, and suggests that Bye Law 

No. 4, which declared that no person unless expressly authorised by the Conservators or their Officer, in writing, 

shall light any fire on the Common, or set fire to any gorse etc., is conclusive as to any alleged right to burn that 

might be set up by a Commoner on the ground that a Bye–law may be held to be ultra vires, and in any case, that it 

would hardly prevail in a criminal prosecution if there were reasons to think that the person honestly believed he 

had the right. 

The Clerk states that he thought it unnecessary to make any reply to this last letter. 

It is resolved that the Board approves the Clerk’s reply of the 15th inst. 

Also that in the event of an unfavourable reply being received from the Standing joint Committee, the Chairman be 

authorised to lay the whole correspondence before the Home Secretary. 

Volunteer manoeuvres 

The Clerk reports that with the sanction of the Chairman and members of the Forest Row Committee, he granted 

the Captain commanding the C Company, 2nd Vol. Bat. Royal Sussex Regiment, permission for this Company and 

some cyclists to execute manoeuvres on the Forest on Good Friday, Saturday and Easter Sunday so far as the 

Conservators are concerned, on condition that every precaution was taken to prevent accidental fire. 

Protection zone 

The Clerk also gave permission to the Vicar and Church wardens of St. John’s Crowborough, to cut the gorse 

between the Church yard hedge and road for protection from fire, subject to their obtaining the permission of the 

Lord’s Reeve. 

R.A.F. Golf Club drainage 

Messrs. Alfred Hoare and J.W. Barron representing the Royal Ashdown Forest Golf Club attend before the Board, 

and explain that the Club has met with difficulties in dealing with the drainage of the Club premises, and desire the 

41 


permission of the Lord and the Conservators to lay a drain from the Club premises across the Forest to connect 

with the Forest Row main drainage system, and ask for some assurance from the Board as to whether they would 

be prepared to give the matter their favourable consideration before taking any further steps. 

It is resolved that the deputation be informed that the Board will consult the Lord, and if he consents, they will 

raise no objection, subject to the plans being approved by the Board, and the works being executed, and the surface 

of the Forest resolved to their satisfaction. 

The Forest Row Committee present to report which is read and it is resolved that it be entered on the minutes. It is 

as follows: 

Report of the Forest Row Committee 

26th April 1907. 

5 April 1907. Messrs. Midgley & Martin met Mr. Barron with reference to his application to cut some grips by the 

side of the road leading from his private gate to the gate on the high road between Forest Row and Colemans 

Hatch. After considering Mr. Barron’s application and looking at the spot Messrs. Midgley & Martin saw no 

objection to some 4 or 5 grips being cut in places pointed out by Mr. Barron on the left hand side of the road 

running from his gate to the gate on the high road so as to prevent water from flowing over and damaging the road. 

In pursuance of the resolutions of the Board the Committee have employed men to cut lanes in the high gorse and 

to cut burnt gorse. Such lanes have been cut in the portions of the Forest round Lavender Plat, adjacent to the 

Goat and along the W side of the high road from Wych Cross to Nutley, and between Highgate and Broadstone 

Warren. 

The total cost has been £15 2 10 an excess of 2s 10d on the sum granted by the Board for cutting lanes. 

By an arrangement with Mr. J. Luxford the Committee have succeeded in getting several large plots of over grown 

gorse cut and removed free of cost to the Board. 

The Committee desired to call the attention of the Board to the need of a conspicuous Notice at the entrance to the 

Forest on the London and Lewes road near Highgate calling attention to the Bye Laws forbidding the lighting of 

fires on the Forest. Several acres have been recently burnt near Ashdown Place by a fire lit by Easter holiday 

makers. 

As it appears that the local constables are unaware of the Forest Bye Laws it is suggested that copies of them 

should be furnished to the proper police authority. 

Having regard to the efficient protection of the Forest both from tramps and incendiaries as well as to its general 

supervision Committee are convinced that in existing circumstances a single Ranger is insufficient. They 

recommend that a second should be appointed, and that he should be a man of some experience in the kind of 

work called for – by preference one who has served in some branch of the police and that he should live near the 

NW end of the Forest. 

2nd Ranger appointment of 

Pursuant to notice given to each Conservator, it is moved by Mr. Midgley, seconded by Mr. Freshfield, and resolved 

that a second Ranger be appointed for one year. The voting on the resolution was as follows:- For Messrs. 

Portman, Freshfield, Martin, Midgley and Turner, Against Messrs. Card, Carr and Ridley. Not Voting the Chairman 

and Messrs. Kenward and Sandford. 

It was also resolved that it be referred to the Forest Row Committee to appoint a Ranger, and settle the terms of his 

appointment and the area and nature of his duties so that his remuneration do not exceed the amount paid to the 

present Ranger. 

42 


Also that the Clerk communicate with the principal owners other than Commoners adjoining the Forest, explaining 

the necessity for the appointment of an additional Ranger, and inviting contributions towards his salary for the year. 

Gorse cutting 

Also that the Forest Row Committee be refunded out of the Protection and Improvement Fund, the £15 expended 

by them in cutting for protection from fire. 

Rubbish removal of 

Also that the Committee be authorised to incur the expense of removing from the Forest, broken bottles, crockery, 

etc. exposed to view by the burning of the gorse in the vicinity of the Forest Row. 

Scowler’s Gate Recreation Ground pavilion 

Mr. Midgley, Superintendent of the Recreation Ground, at Scowler’s Gate, applies for permission to alter the 

position of one of the cricket pavilions on the Forest adjoining the Recreation Ground and to construct a urinal in 

connection therewith. It is resolved that he be authorised to do so. 

Misa application to repair cart track 

A letter is read from Mr. Misa applying for permission to repair a cart track from his entrance gate on the North 

side of his property to his cottage further north, lately occupied by Tester, on the recommendation of the 

Maresfield Committee. It is resolved that the Board has no objection to Mr. Misa repairing the first 100 yards of the 

track from his entrance gate with faggots and metal and to his filling in the ruts along the remainder of the track 

with hard core leaving the grass on this letter part undisturbed as at present. 

Road materials licences to take 

Applications are read from the following highway authorities for permission to take materials as undermentioned 

from the Forest for repair of their roads during the year ending the 25th March next namely:- 

The East Sussex County Council 

West Road Division (H.W. Bowen, Surveyor) 

Locality Materials Cubic yards 

Kings Standing Forest gravel 90 

Green Wood Gate ditto 100 

Central Road District (A.G. Tucker Surveyor) 

Isle of Thorns pit near Chelwood gate Forest gravel 30 

Pippingford pit (Millbrook Hill) Hard stone and sandstone dug in 40 

finding hard stone 

Kings Standing pit Forest gravel 60 

East Grinstead Rural District Council 

Near Kings Standing Hard gravel 130 

St John’s Quarries sandstone 40 

Near Legs Heath ditto 40 

Uckfield Rural District 

Stone Hill Forest gravel 45 

Barns Gate ditto 35 

Braziers Bank ditto 35 

Fairwarp ditto 35 

43 


It is resolved that licences be granted accordingly subject to the same terms and conditions as the licences granted 

to the road authorities on 16th December 1899, but that in the case of the East Grinstead Rural District Council 

the quantity asked for being a slight increase instead of a reduction on that granted last year, it be pointed out to the 

Council that the increase only assented to on the understanding that there are special circumstances requiring it this 

year. 

Eliza Warnett clothes posts 

The Ranger reports that Mrs. Eliza Warnett of Sunnyside Cottage, Pound Gate, who has five old clothes posts on 

the Forest near her house, has recently put up two additional posts. It is resolved that the matter be referred to the 

Maresfield Committee to deal with. 

Gorse cutting 

The Maresfield Committee having reported that they have completed for the season, the work of cutting for 

protection against fire, and that their total expenditure amounts to £13.13.0 be paid to the Committee out of the 

Protection and Improvement Fund. 

Dead horse burial 

It is resolved that the Ranger be repaid 3/6d, the cost of the assistance to bury the remains of a dead horse found 

concealed in ditch on the Forest near Pound Gate. 

Cheques 

It is resolved that cheques be drawn for:- 

A.J. Pilbeam 1 weeks salary as Ranger 

and House rent to 7th January last £1.5.0 

William Manners 9 weeks ditto to 29th inst. £11.5.0 

It is resolved that the next Meeting be held on Friday, the 7th June next at 2.30 p.m., or on such earlier or later date 

as the Chairman may consider necessary. 


G.M. Maryon-WilsonChairman 

A meeting of the Conservators of Ashdown Forest duty convened and held at the Nutley Inn, Nutley, on 

Friday the 2nd August 1907, at 2.30 p.m. 

Present 


Mr. E.A. Nicholson representing the Lord 


Mr. J. Card 

Mr. W. Carr 


Mr. Robert Kennard 

Mr. J. Ridley 


The Minutes of the last Meeting are read and confirmed. 

44 


Counsels opinion 

The Chairman reports that acting on the authority given to him by the Board on 15th March last, to take the 

opinion of Counsel with reference to the contentions of the Foresters’ Protection Association he instructed the 

Clerk to prepare a case which he (the Chairman) settled, the principal questions put to the Counsel being first 

submitted to and approved by Mr. Buckwell; that he (the Chairman) considered it necessary to have the opinion of 

the highest authority of the Bar on this branch of the law and he therefore directed that the case should be laid 

before Mr. W.O. Danckwerts Q.C., whom Mr. Buckwell approved, but as Mr. Danckwerts’ Clerk declined to accept 

the fee of £5.5.0 which the Board had authorised, and asked a fee of £15.15.0, he ultimately authorised the Clerk to 

mark a fee of £8.8.0 which was accepted; that the papers were put before Mr. Danckwerts as far back as 22nd May 

last, and as there was no pressing business to render a Meeting of the Board necessary in June, he deferred 

convening it till today in anticipation of receiving Mr. Danckwerts’ opinion, but that it had not yet come to hand. It 

is resolved that the action of the Chairman, particularly with reference to the increase of the fee, be approved and 

confirmed, and that the consideration of Mr. Danckwerts’ opinion, when received, be deferred till the next ordinary 

Meeting of the Board. 

2 nd Ranger contributions towards salary 

The Bank Pass Book is produced and shows a balance in hand of £260.5. 4 which includes the following donations 

towards the salary of the 2nd Ranger for one year, viz:- 

H.S. Clarke Jervoise Esq. £3:0:0 

E.H.P. Eason Esq. £1:0:0 

J.R. Lucas Esq. £2:0:0 

The Reverend F. Darling £0:10:0 

Alfred Faber Esq. £1:1:0 

Horace G. Hutchinson Esq. £0:10:0 

He also states that the following donations have been promised for the same purpose, viz. 

The Right Honble Jas Bryce £2:2:0 

A.E. Bellairs Esq. £1:0:0 

Mrs. Banister £2:0:0 

Dr. Champneys £2:0:0 

Mr. Gryce £2:0:0 

Thomas Hyde Esq. £2:2:0 

Miss A.H. Hutchinson £1:0:0 

Edward Martin Esq. £2:0:0 

Hewald Ramsbotham Esq. £5:0:0 

Mr. Freshfield states that having extensive properties adjoining the Forest which are not rated to the Forest Rate, he 

has decided as his contribution towards the expenses of the 2nd Ranger to allow him to occupy rent free the 

Leopard Cottage in Broadstone Warren (for which he has been offered a rent of from 5/- to 6/- per week) and 

which is situate in most central and convenient position for the Ranger duties. 

It is resolved that a cordial vote of thanks be tendered to Mr. Freshfield for so generously allowing the 2nd Ranger 

the use of the cottage. 

Annual Return 

The Clerk lays on the table the annual return made by him to the Local Government Board for the year ending 31st 

December last. 

H. Miles arson 

The Clerk reports that acting on the instructions given at the last meeting, he communicated with Mr. J. Lawson 

Lewis, the solicitor conducting the police prosecution of Harry Miles for arson at the Summer Assizes, and supplied 

him with plans and all information and assistance he required, and attended the Assizes to watch the trial. The 

45 


usiness of the Assizes commenced on the 27th June, the cases were not taken in any prescribed order, and it was 

impossible to ascertain beforehand when any particular case would be tried. Miles’ case was not reached until the 

afternoon of Saturday, the 29 th , when the prisoner was acquitted, the Judge in his summing up, suggesting that it 

was a case of suspicion and no more. 

The Clerk submits his bill of costs in connection with the prosecution amounting to ₤10.16.6 and it is resolved that 

the same be discharged out of the Protection and Improvement Fund 

Claimants 

The Clerk reports that by the Board’s direction, he wrote on the 27th April last, to the Hon. Secretary of the 

Foresters’ Protection Association, stating that the Board regretted to find that no step had been taken to submit to 

the Association (as distinguished from the Committee), the proposals contained in the Clerk’s letter to him of the 

30th March last, and calling on the Association for a definite answer within one month to the proposal contained in 

that letter as to the formation of a separate register. 

The Clerk reads a reply he received, dated the 23rd May last, stating that the Clerk’s letter of 30th March last had 

been laid before the Committee and that the Association has always held that all who can prove 60 years user are 

entitled to rights. He also stated he regretted the Board seemed to favour the idea that the firing of the Forest is 

organised or encouraged by the Association, and that the Association does not protect any member in any act of 

violence whether incendiary or otherwise. 

He also pointed out that the Forest gate near Woods Nursery is broken down, and should be renewed, to prevent 

cattle straying on the road to Maresfield. 

The Clerk replied promising to lay the letter before the Board, and informed Mr. Ridley that the Board has not 

suggested that fires were organised or encouraged by the Association, but desired to **** that the Association 

should openly denounce them, and use their best influence to stop them. 


The Clerk states that, after the last meeting he communicated with Mr. Nicholson representing the Lord, the letter 

with reference to the application of the R.A.F. Golf Club to lay a drain across the Forest to connect the Club house 

with the Forest Row public sewer, and that Mr. Nicholson having approved the application subject to the payment 

of a yearly rent or acknowledgement and to certain conditions, he wrote to the Secretary of the Club, informing him 

thereof, and stating that if the plans and details when submitted are satisfactory, a licence can be prepared. 

The Clerk reports that the plans have not yet reached him. 

Mr. E. Martin states that delay has arisen from the Club finding they cannot carry out the work unless they are 

permitted to construct on the Forest one manhole on the turf, and others in the lane. Mr. Nicholson, on behalf of 

Lord, states that he will not object to these manholes being made. 

It is resolved that the Board assent to the manholes, that the plans, specifications, etc. of the work, when received, 

be referred to the Forest Row Committee with power to approve the same, and that the work be carried out to the 

satisfaction of the said Committee. 

Road materials licences 

A letter is read from the East Grinstead Rural District Council with reference to the statement in the Clerk’s letter 

licensing the taking of the road materials for the current year, that the Council “should bear in mind the 

arrangement under which the quantities are to be gradually reduced“, stating that the Council do not admit the 

existence of any such arrangement, that no circumstances have arisen since the conference whereby Forest stone is 

less suitable than before, and that the increased traffic and where possible, the widening of the roads, not likely in 

the future to render any less quantity of stone necessary, but probably the opposite, but that the Council are loyally 

abiding by the understanding they consider is in existence that they will limit their requirements as far as possible. 

46 


Standing Joint Committee 

The Clerk reports that the Standing Joint Committee have adopted a report recommending that where the Chief 

Constable has information justifying in his opinion a prosecution for arson or attempted arson on the Forest, the 

employment by him of a solicitor to appear before the Magistrates to conduct the prosecution should have the 

approval of the Committee, and on the Chairman of this Board pointing out that the Chief Constable recently 

drafted extra men on to the Forest with a view to detecting incendiaries. It is resolved that the Board, feeling 

assured that the Standing Joint Committee will, in future, exercise closer supervision over the Forest, no further 

action be taken in the matter for the present. 

2nd Ranger appointment of 

The Forest Row Committee report that they have appointed William Brown, retired Constable, to act as the 2nd 

Forest Ranger from Monday, the 17th June last, at a salary of £1 per week with the rent free of the cottage in 

Broadstone Warren so kindly provided by Mr. Freshfield, his appointment to be on the same terms in other 

respects as the other Ranger, and they produce the Agreement he has signed. It is resolved that the action of the 

Committee be approved and confirmed and that the Chairman sign the agreement on behalf of the Board which 

accordingly by does. 

Committees & Rangers’ Districts 

The Forest Row Committee also recommended that the Forest should be divided into two areas, the same as the 

present Committee districts, except that the road made by Mr. Samuel from the high road at Pippingford to the 

Vetchery instead of the road from Nutley to Pippingford Lodge from one Boundary and a line drawn from the 

eastern point of Old Lodge to the south western point of Kings Standing Farm form the other boundary both of 

the Committees and the Rangers’ areas. Ranger Brown to devote his entire time to the north west area, and Ranger 

Manners to devote his entire time to the south eastern area, except when either Ranger is away on his holiday, or his 

services are required to assist the other. It is resolved that the action and recommendations of the Committee be 

approved and confirmed. 

Quarry Bunkers Hill dangerous 

The Clerk reports that in April last a complaint having been received that the disused stone quarry on the Forest at 

Bunker’s Hill, near St. John’s Church is dangerous in consequence of there being no fence, and it appearing that the 

quarry has not been used since Earl De La Warr took stone from it about 30 years ago for building the towers at 

Buckhurst, he drew the attention of Mr. Nicholson to its condition, and asked him to have it property protected. 

H.G. Hutchinson protection zone 

Also that he granted Mr. Horace G. Hutchinson of Shepherd’s Gate, permission to cut the gorse for a width of not 

exceeding 30 feet from his boundary fence for protection against fire, subject to his obtaining the permission of the 

Lord’s Reeve. 

James Reed damaging turf 

Also that James Reed of Bank Cottage, near Broadstone, having on the 2nd May last seriously damaged the 15th 

green of the R.A.F. Golf Course by driving his milk cart round and round the flag on the green, was summoned 

before the East Grinstead Bench on the 21st May last, for break of Bye Law 15, and by the direction of the 

Chairman Mr. F.S. White, solicitor of East Grinstead, was instructed to appear in support of the summons. 

Defendant was convicted and fined £1 and 14/- costs. Mr. J.B. Buckwell, who represented the Defendant, applied 

for a case on the ground that the Bye-Law is ultra vires, as the Order for regulation only empowers the making of 

Bye laws for preserving the Forest in its natural condition, and that Defendant had set up a bona fide question of a 

right to drive his cart there in exercise of a right of way. The Bench agreed to grant a case and fixed the deposit at 

£30, but the Defendant having made no written application within the prescribed time, the conviction stands. 

A letter is read from the R.A.F. Golf Club thanking the Board for the action they took in the matter. 

Proposed Telegraph line to Vetchery 

A letter is read from the Postmaster General dated 19th July last, applying for the consent of the Conservators to 

erecting a telegraph line along the high road from Hill End, Nutley, towards Wych Cross as far as the new road to 

47 


the Vetchery, and the Clerk’s reply dated 20th July last, pointing out that the Conservators are charged by 

Parliament to preserve the natural beauty of the Forest, and the Vetchery can be equally well secured by carrying 

the line outside the Forest along the high road via Stonemead, and inviting the Postmaster General, if he had any 

further remarks to offer, to forward them before the 1st instant, but none have been received, and the Clerk reports 

that a similar application made by the Postmaster General to the County Council of East Sussex has been refused. 

It is resolved that for the reasons stated, in the Clerk’s letter of the 20th July last, the Board cannot grant the 

application and that the Clerk reply to the Postmaster General accordingly. 

Dead donkey buried 

The Clerk reports that a dead donkey was buried by some gypsies on the Forest in a hollow near Duddleswell near 

a spring from which the neighbours obtained their drinking water, that Ranger Manners had been unable to trace 

the owner of the donkey to summon him; by the Clerk’s instructions he gave notice to the Sanitary Inspector at 

Uckfield, who had however taken no action. 

G. Philcox encroachment 

Ranger Manners reports that on 30th May last he found that Mr. G. Philcox of Newbridge has been attempting an 

encroachment by planting outside his hedge on the west side of his property, and then cutting away the old hedge 

inside, it is resolved that Ranger Brown do remove the growth outside Mr. Philcox’s hedge where recently planted. 

W. Watson complaint 

A letter is read from Mr. W. Watson of Highgate, dated 3rd June last, complaining of the effect of the pathway 

made over the Forest outside his boundary from the Mr. Clough’s cottages some three years ago. It is resolved that 

Mr. Watson be informed that if he can come to an arrangement with Mr. Clough for the removal of the footpath to 

another position on the Forest the Board will be prepared to consider the matter. 

Also that in the case the parties come to an arrangement the matter of shifting the footpath be referred to the 

Forest Row Committee with power to act. 

R.A.F. Golf Club course 

An application is read from the R.A.F. Golf Club for permission to cut the course within the same limits as last 

year. It is resolved that permission be granted on the same terms as last year. 

Motor club hill climbing tests 

The Clerk reports that the Southern Motor Club applied for permission to erect tents on the Forest by the side of 

the road in connection with a proposed open hill climbing competition on the 22nd June, up Kidd’s Hill, New 

bridge, the Chairman instructed the Clerk to assent, subject to the Club obtaining the permission of the Lord, but 

the climbing contest was afterwards carried out in Kent. 

Putlands Farm road to repair 

The Clerk reports that, since the last Meeting an application was made to him for permission to take materials from 

the Forest for the purpose of repairing a road leading to Putlands Farm, which on enquiry, appeared to be a public 

road, he therefore informed the applicant that the Board are not concerned in the matter, and referred him to the 

Lord for permission to take materials. 

R.S. Newsam camping out 

The Clerk reports that Mr. R.S. Newsam of Brighton having applied for permission for 5 or 6 persons to camp on 

the Forest near Coleman’s Hatch, for the month of August, he refused the application on the ground that camping 

is prohibited by the Bye laws, and the Board are constantly prosecuting gypsies for the offence. 

The Maresfield Committee report as follows: 

The grip near the Pound Gate School has been completed at a cost of £1:5:6 and so far it has the desired effect. 

48 


The Committee recommended that the notice board near the School warning off gypsies be repainted. 

Mr. Misa has repaired a short part of the road in accordance with the consent given by the Board, but he has not 

yet touched the green part of the track. 

The Committee recommended that the Board take no step with reference to repairing the Forest Gate near Wood’s 

Nursery, but grant permission to those who use it to repair it 

The Committee report that the Mrs. Warnett of Sunnyside Cottage near Pound Gate has on the Forest 6 old 

clothes posts, and 3 newly erected ones, and she having written requesting that the latter may remain and 

understanding to remove them when required, the Committee recommend that her request be granted on that 

understanding. 

It is resolved that the report of the Committee be received and adopted, and that the cost of cutting the grip, 

£1:5:6, and of repairing the notice board, be paid out of the Protection and Improvement Fund. 

Forest gate repair 

Mr. Joseph Ridley states that since the Secretary of the Foresters Protection Association wrote on 23rd May last 

about the above mentioned Forest Gate, it has been repaired by Mr. Philip Coleman of Little Putlands Farm. 

F.R. Lucas claim to rights 

An application is read from the solicitors of Mr. F.R. Lucas of Greenhall, Forest Row, claiming rights in respect of 

his property. It is resolved that notice of the next meeting be given them to enable them to produce the title deeds 

and evidence of user. 

Rangers’ insurance 

It is resolved that the Clerk effect an insurance in respect of the Rangers against all liability under the Workmen’s 

Compensation Act 1906, the Employers Liability Act 1880, the Fatal Accidents Act 1846 and at Common Law. 

Bye Laws 

It is resolved that in order to comply with the award, the Clerk get 50 copies of the amended Bye-laws printed on 

broadsides for posting up on notice boards, and get 6 notice boards made for the purpose with posts (where 

required) and that each Committee have 3 of the notice boards to fix up in such conspicuous places as they may 

consider most suitable. 

Cheques 

It is resolved that cheques be drawn as follows:- 

W. Manners, 14 weeks salary as Ranger 

and house rent to the 5th inst. £17:10:0 

W. Brown, 7 weeks salary to 5th inst. £7:0:0 

F.S. White Esq., fee for conducting 

prosecution of James Reed £2:2:0 

W.A. Lockyer for repairs to Ranger 

Manners bicycle £1:15:9 

The Clerk, half years salary to 

30th June last £50:0:0 

It is resolved that the next Meeting be held on Friday, the 11th October next, at 2.30, or on such earlier or later date 


49 



G.M. Maryon-Wilson Chairman 11.10.1907 


Friday, the 11th October 1907, at 2.30 p.m. 

Present 

Mr. George M. Maryon-Wilson in the Chair 

Mr. J. Card 

Mr. W. Carr 




Mr. J. Ridley 




2nd Ranger contributions towards 

The Bank Pass Book is produced and shows a balance in hand of £209.10.7 which includes the following 

subscriptions and donations paid towards the salary of the 2nd Ranger for one year viz:- 

Annual subscriptions paid 

Barron, J.W. Esq. £1:1:0. 

Bellairs, A.E. Esq. £1:1:0 

Cunliffe, Walter F. Esq. £1:1:0 

Darwin, Major £2:2:0 

Davey, Lady £1:1:0 

Eason, E.H.P. Esq. £1:0:0 

Goslett, Geo. A.D. Esq. £1:1:0 

Harris, Percy Esq. £1:1:0 

Hoare, Alfred Esq. £1:1:0 

Hutchinson, Miss £2:0:0 

Johnson, J. Claude Esq. £2:2:0 

Macmillan, M.C. Esq. £1:1:0 

Marsden, James Esq. £1:1:0 

Osborn, Miss £0:1:0 

Southdown, East Grinstead 

Brewery Co. £1:1:0 

Stephenson Clarke, Mr. £2:0:0 

Stephenson Clarke, Lt. Colonel £2:0:0 

Whitfeld, J.S. Esq. £1:1:0 

Annual Subscriptions promised 

Brice, the Rt. Honble James £2:2:0 

R.A.F. Golf Club £3:3:0 

Hyde, Thomas Esq. £2:2:0 

Donations paid 

Ashdown Forest Ladies Golf Club £1:1:0 

50 


Chatterton, G.J. Esq. £0:10:0 

Cowan, W.H. Esq. M.P. £2:2:0 

Clarke, Jervoise H.S.C. Esq. £3:0:0 

Faber, A. Esq. £1:1:0 

Gordon, John F. Esq. £1:1:0 

Hutchinson, Horace G. Esq. £0:10:0 

Lucas, F.R. Esq. £2:0:0 

Martin, Edward Esq. £2:0:0 

McAndrew, John Esq. £1:1:0 

Tamplin and Sons Brewery Ltd £0:10:0 

Donations promised 

Banister, Mr. £2:0:0 

Champneys, Dr. £2:0:0 

Gryce, Mr. £2:0:0 

Ramsbotham, H. Esq. £5:0:0 

2nd Ranger expenses 

It is resolved that a list of the subscription and donations towards the expense of the additional Ranger be sent out 

with the next annual statement to all Commoners, and to donors and subscribers who are not Commoners. 

Accounts 

Also that the account of receipts and payments on account of additional Ranger be kept separate from the account 

of receipts and expenditure of the Forest rates. 

Counsels opinion 

The Clerk reports that since the last meeting he received Mr. Danckwerts’ opinion which he submitted to the 

Chairman, and acting on his instructions, he sent Mr. Buckwell a copy of the questions put to Mr. Danckwerts and 

his replies thereto. 

The Clerk produces the case, and reads the questions put to Counsel and his replies. 

Adjustment of rights 

The Clerk also reads a copy of a letter he wrote to the Board of Agriculture & Fisheries on the 10th May 1907, as to 

whether, by means of an Order for regulation for the adjustment of rights, the Foresters could be given the legal 

status of Commoners, and the expense of such an order be raised by sale of a small acreage of the Forest, but that 

owing to the great pressure of work in the Department, he had as yet received no definite reply. 

It is resolved that Mr. Danckwerts fee of the cost of preparing the case amounting respectively to £8.13.0 and 

£5.15.0 be paid out of the Protection and Improvement Fund, as arranged at the meeting on the 15th March last. 

Rangers insurance 

The Clerk produces an Employers Indemnity Policy he has taken out in the Sun office in respect of the two 

Rangers, at a premium of £1.1.0 per annum. 

Bye-law Boards 

The Board examined a proof print of the Bye-Laws for posting on Boards round the Forest, and it is resolved that 

it be approved and that 60 copies be printed. 

Mr. Samuel application to erect direction post 

A letter is read from Mr. Job Luxford, applying on behalf of Mr. Stuart M. Samuel of the Vetchery, for permission 

to erect a direction post at the entrance next the Wych Cross road to the Vetchery. It is resolved that permission be 

granted. 

51 


Crowborough sewage 

The Clerk reports that a complaint having been received that cesspool refuse from Crowborough had been emptied 

by the Sanitary Authority’s scavengers on Ashdown Forest, he wrote to the Uckfield Rural District Council on the 

subject, and had received an assurance that no sewage shall be in future deposited on the Forest. 

Lord De La Warr coal and iron 

A letter is read from Mr. W.H. Cowan M.P. asking what steps the Board proposes to take in connection with Lord 

De La Warr’s recent experimental works on the Forest with the view of finding and working coal and iron. 

Miss Hutchinson application for bay at Quabrook 

An application is read from Miss Hutchinson of Water Farm for permission to construct a dam and settling tank on 

the Quabrook near Foxbury Wood, in order to pass water through a small pond on her property. 

The following report of the Forest Row Committee is read, and it is resolved that it be entered on the Minutes. It is 

as follows:- 


Meeting of the Forest Row Committee held at Woodcote on the 3rd of September 1907. Present Mr. Freshfield, 

Mr. Midgley and Mr. Martin. 

A letter dated the 23rd of August last from Mr. Raper relating to borings by Lord De La Warr on and adjoining 

Ashdown Forest with view of finding coal and iron was read. 

A copy of a question asked by Mr. Cowan M.P. on the 12th of August last in the House of Commons on the same 

subject, and a copy of the reply of the President of the Board of Agriculture were also read. 

As regards the various borings by Lord De La Warr, the Committee have to report that these borings have ever 

since they were commenced, been carefully watched by some members of the Committee, but up to the present 

they have not seen their way to interfere. 

The boring on the Forest in their district only extended to one small hole near Broadstone Farm of no great depth 

which was within a few days filled in. As regards the borings referred to in Mr. Raper’s letter, Mr. Freshfield stated 

that he had looked at the map on the award, and that he was satisfied the spot referred to was not within the Forest 

area. 

Mr. Freshfield also stated that he had written to Mr. Cowan, and told him that any borings made under the 

directions of Lord De La Warr had been and would be carefully watched by the Conservators. 

Miss Hutchinson application for bay at Quabrook 

An application was received from Miss Hutchinson of Water Farm asking for permission to construct a small dam 

and settling tank in the Quabrook stream near Foxbury Wood in order that she may be able to convey water from 

the stream through a small pond on her property. Plans as to this were submitted. The Committee determined that 

they would advise the Board to grant a serviceable licence to Miss Hutchinson for diverting the water from the 

stream on the following conditions namely:- 

(1) that a floodgate shall be fixed below the proposed small dam and settling tank and so arranged that water 

from the stream can be diverted by underground pipes through Miss Hutchinson’s property when in the 

opinion of the Forest Row Committee or their Ranger water can be spared. 

(2). that the pond on Miss Hutchinson’s property shall be properly puddled and kept free from pollution of any 

sort. 

(3) that an overflow pipe shall be laid from this pond to a lower point in the Quabrook stream. 

(4) that she pay a yearly acknowledgment of 2/6d. 

(5) works be carried out to the satisfaction of the Board. 

52 



An application was received from the Ladies Golf Club for permission to cut litter through their course at places 

which had been pointed out to Mr. Martin. The application being to cut a considerably less amount of litter than 

has been usually cut permission was granted. An application was also received from the same club for permission to 

returf the 1st green and to extend the 7th and to patch some of the tees. The Committee considered that as to those 

matters the Ladies Club must furnish fuller particulars before the application could be considered. 

The Committee have since received a letter from the Hon. Sec. of the Ladies Golf Club stating that the Club 

cannot afford any alterations this Autumn but would like to fill up the holes on the tees with fresh turf; and if 

permission should be given to enlarge the 7th green by 14 feet, and give back the extra bit beyond they would be 

very grateful; making two greens would involve rather more labour for old Edwards, or any green keeper. 

The first green the green Committee did not consider needed any alteration at present. 

The Committee recommended that that work asked for in the letter be sanctioned subject to the Professional of the 

Gentlemen’s Golf Club superintending the work. 

Bye-law Boards 

In accordance with instructions from the Committee determined that copies of the Bye-Laws should be put up in 

the 7 following places:- 

(1) On the turf nearly opposite to Mr. Banister’s water pump at the top of the Chapel Lane. 

(2) At the old post leading to Ashdown Place. 

(3) At Wych Cross. 

(4) At Chelwood Gate near the Red Lion. 

(5) By the pillar box near Plaw Hatch. 

(6) At Coleman’s Hatch by the corner of the road leading to the Ridge Chapel. 

(7) At Chuck Hatch. 

Lord De La Warr coal and iron 

It is resolved that Mr. Cowan be informed that certain excavations were made by Earl De La Warr near to, though 

not on the Forest, but that only one small hole was made on the Forest itself, and was closed up again in a few days, 

and that the Conservators are keeping careful observation. 

Miss Hutchinson bay Quabrook 

Also that subject to the Lord’s assent being obtained, Miss Hutchinson’s application be granted subject to a Licence 

and agreement, in the usual being signed, and a yearly acknowledgement of 2/6 being paid to the Conservators, and 

that the Clerk be and is hereby authorised to sign the licence on behalf of the Board. 


Also that the recommendations of the Committee with regard to the Ladies Golf Club be approved, the work to be 

carried out under the supervision of Mr. Edward Martin. 

Bye-Law boards 

Also that the Committee’s recommendation with regard to the number and position of the Bye-Law boards be and 

is hereby approved, and that the Maresfield Committee be authorised to erect boards not exceeding seven at such 

places on the Forest as they may deem expedient. 

Also that the Clerk obtain a tender for making and providing the requisite number of framed Bye-Law Boards and 

posts. 

Mr. J.R. Lucas claim to right: 

Mr. J.R. Lynn of Messrs. Peerless Sons and de Rougemont, attends to claim rights of common in respect of Mr. 

J.R. Lucas’ property at Tompsett’s Bank known as Green Hall, and comprising No. 307 on the Ordnance Map, 2nd 

53 


Edition 1899, and containing 1a.1r.2p. He produces the documents of title, from which it appears that “All that 

piece of land with the cottage and buildings there on containing half an acre were situate near Tompsett’s Bank, 

East Grinstead, and surrounded on all sides by the Forest”, was on 26th July 1847, granted as copyhold of the 

Manor of Duddleswell to John Morris whose father, William Morris, the grant states, inclosed it 45 years previous, 

Mr. Lucas was admitted to the property 22 nd July 1891. A small portion of the property containing 31 perches 

comprises encroachments Nos. 35 and 36 sold and conveyed to William Baldwin under the Regulation Award. 

The Clerk points out that as the property contained only half an acre in 1847, the remainder has been encroached 

since that date, and consequently cannot establish a claim to rights. 

William Jenner of Tompsett’s Bank aged 67, who has lived there all his life, testified that the previous owners from 

about 60 years ago till Mr. Lucas purchased in 1891, regularly turned out stock and took lifter and brakes from the 

Forest, and that Mr. Lucas regularly took brakes and lifter except during the past two years, when he has bought 

straw instead; that he has had poultry coops out on the Forest, but has never turned out cattle. 

It is resolved that the consideration of the claim be adjourned. 

Fairwarp application for football ground: 

A letter is read from the Reverend G.W. Johnson, Vicar of Fairwarp, and Chairman of the Managers of Fairwarp 

School, stating there is not sufficient space in the present school playground to allow three sets of boys to play 

football, and asking that it may be extended 50 yards by 100 yards and mown and levelled and goal posts erected 

for the use of the scholars of the Elementary School. 

The Clerk reminds the Board that under the Award, 5 acres of the Forest near Duddleswell, coloured red on the 

Award Map, was set out as a Recreation ground for the inhabitants of Fairwarp and Duddleswell and the 

neighbourhood, which ground appears to have fallen into disuse, and that in January 1904 (Minute Book 2, p.24), a 

piece of the Forest near Fairwarp village was set out, levelled and turfed, as a practice ground for the Fairwarp 

Cricket Club. It is resolved that the Clerk communicates with the Lord’s representative on the matter and inform 

him that the Board are favourable to the application. 


Mr. Edward Martin, on behalf of the R.A.F. Golf Club, states that, to carry out the proposed scheme for draining 

the clubhouse, the engineers find it will be necessary to provide three manholes instead of one on the open Forest, 

between the Club premises and Mr. Ogle’s fence but that they would be sunk under the surface and covered with 

soil and turf. It is resolved that subject to the sanction of the Lord being obtained, the Board will not object to the 

three manholes being constructed on the understanding that they are below the surface and are covered with soil 

and turf. 

Lord Sheffield 

A letter dated the 29th August last, from Lord Sheffield to the Chairman, in reply to the circular inviting 

subscriptions towards the cost of the 2nd Ranger, and a letter of same date from his Lordship to the Clerk on the 

same subject are by request of his Lordship, read to the Board, and it is resolved that the fact of their having been 

read be noted in the Minutes. 

Tylehurst corner 

The East Grinstead Rural Distinct Council point out that a corner of the road on the Forest from Forest Row to 

Plaw Hutch just below Tylehurst, is very dangerous, and apply for permission to improve it by making a slight 

diversion. 

It is resolved that the Clerk apply to the Council to furnish a plan and particulars of the proposed diversion, and 

that the matter be referred to the Forest Row Committee to consider and report to the Board thereon. 

54 


W. Watson complaint 

The Clerk reports that pursuant to the resolution passed at the last Meeting, he wrote to Mr. W. Watson of 

Highgate, stating that if he could come to an arrangement with Mr. Clough for the removal of the footpath to 

another position on the Forest, the Board would be prepared to consider the matter and he states that Mr. Watson 

has forwarded him a reply for Mr. Clough stating “I do not think it could possibly be convenient to my tenants at 

Balfour Gardens to move the path”. 

Geo. Philcox encroachment: 

It is resolved that the matter of the alleged preparation by Mr. George Philcox of Newbridge to make an 

encroachment referred to at the last Meeting, be left to the discretion of the Forest Row Committee to deal with. 

Samuel and J. Ridley litter cutting 

Ranger Manners reports that on the 30th September he saw Samuel Ridley, a householder, and Jack Ridley, both of 

Fairwarp, cutting a barrow load of litter on the Forest near Fairwarp. 

Spring Garden Stream, dangerous bank 

Mr. Joseph Ridley draws attention to the dangerous condition of the bank of the stream which runs from spring 

gardens wood to Boring Wheel Mill Pond. 

It is resolved that it be referred to the Maresfield Committee to view and do what is necessary. 

Cutting lanes for protection from fire 

The Forest Row Committee report that they have an offer from Mr. Job Luxford to do certain cutting of lanes in 

the gorse on the Forest for protection from fire, free of expense to the Board. It is resolved that the Committee be 

authorised to arrange the matter with Mr. Luxford. 


It is resolved that Messrs. Portman, Sandford and Turner be appointed a Committee to audit the Board’s accounts 

for the current year. 

Commoners Annual Meeting: 

Also that the Annual General Meeting of Commoners be held at the Nutley Inn on Friday, the 20th December next 

at 11 a.m. 

Cheques: 

Also that cheques be drawn for: 

W. Manners, 10 weeks’ salary as Ranger and 

house rent to the 14th inst. £17:10:0 

W. Brown, 10 weeks salary as Ranger to the 

14th inst. £10:0:0 

Also that the next Meeting of the Board be held on Friday, the 6th December next, at 2 p.m. or on such earlier date 



G.M. Maryon-Wilson 

Chairman 

55 


A Special Meeting of the Conservators of Ashdown Forest duly convened and held at the Nutley Inn, 

Nutley, on Friday, the 8th November 1907 at 2 p.m. 

Present 


Mr. J. Card 

Mr. W. Carr 

Mr. W. Freshfield 


Mr. Ll. Midgley 

Mr. J. Ridley 



A letter is read from Mr. E. Martin regretting his inability to attend this Meeting owning to a previous engagement. 


The Bank Pass Book is produced and shows a balance in hand of ₤236:1:7. 

The Clerk reports that since the last Meeting he has received the following subscription towards the salary of the 

2nd Ranger for one year viz: 

House H.E. Esq. £0:10:0 


The Maresfield Committee report that they have decided to fix Bye-Law boards at the following places viz: 

St Johns, Crowborough 

Friars Gate 

Near entrance to new road at Pound Gate 

Near entrance to new road at Duddleswell end 

At Fairwarp - Duddleswell 4 cross ways 

Fords Green 

Mill Brook 

Chilton and others carting building materials: 

The Clerk states that after the last meeting it was reported to him that Mr. A. Chilton of Uckfield, is building a 

house on the north part of Summerford Farm, Fairwarp, for Mr. John Sargeaunt who has purchased 7½ acres, part 

of the farm and that Messrs. Tyhurst & Son, brickmakers of Uckfield were conveying bricks by a steam traction 

engine from the corner of the road by Fairwarp Vicarage to the building site over Forest land where no track 

previously existed, and cutting up the Forest greatly. He (the Clerk) at once wrote to both Mr. Chilton and Messrs. 

Tyhurst, requiring them to stop the traffic and the use of a traction engine was discontinued. Members of the 

Maresfield Committee visited the spot on the 15th October, and I under a misapprehension as to the legal position, 

instructed the Ranger that the cartage must be confined to the cart track on the Forest which runs from Tyes Gate 

along the north-west front of the farm. This was communicated by the Ranger to the parties and Mr. Chilton 

continued the cartage over the track. The Clerk learning this wrote to his legal advisers, pointing out that this track 

could only be used for ordinary purposes connected with the Farm and requiring that the traffic be stopped and by 

direction of the Chairman warned them that, if persisted in, an injunction would be applied for. The Clerk also 

wrote to the owner, Mr. Sargeaunt, explaining the matter. The cartage over the Forest was then stopped without 

prejudice, and the materials were carted for some days over Summerford Farm, but during the last three days, 

carting over the track in front of the farm has been resumed. The Clerk explained the legal position to the parties 

and referred them to the legal decisions. 

56 


The Clerk reads Ranger Manners’ daily reports; also a letter received from Mr. H. B. Willett, the solicitor to Mr. 

Sargeaunt. 

Lincoln’s Inn Chambers 

40 Chancery Lane. W.C 

London 1st November 1907 

Dear Sir, 

Summerford Farm 

I am obliged for your letter of yesterday’s date. 

You do not, however, say when the next meeting of the Board will be, and this is of importance to my client 

because, as I am sure you will appreciate, any delay in proceeding with the building must of necessity cause my 

client extra expense. I also understand from the builder that he has written you saying he will not cart any more 

building materials until he hears from me so that matters are for the moment at a standstill. 

As I cannot think the Conservators would wish to put my client to this extra expense, and feeling sure that the 

matter is one which can be settled by some friendly arrangement, I suggest that the builders be allowed to proceed 

with the building on the clear understanding of course, that my client makes good any damage done to the track 

and without prejudice to any rights our respective clients may have over it and I will write to the builder on Monday 

to this effect unless I hear from you to the contrary in the mean time. 

Yours faithfully 

H.B. Willett 

W.A. Raper Esq. 

The Clerk refers the Board to the opinion of Mr. Guy Lushington on this question, which they took in April 1901, 

and states that, by the Chairman’s directions, he submitted a statement to Mr. Lushington with reference to the 

present case, and reads Mr. Lushington’s opinion thereon dated 24th October last, which is as follows: 

Opinion 

I have carefully read my opinion given on April 4th 1901 and I see no reason to depart from the conclusion 

expressed therein that the right of way acquired by prescription to an enclosed plot of ground is limited to such 

right of way as was ordinary and reasonable according to the condition of the enclosed plot at the time of the 

presumed grant. 

From the facts laid before me I am of opinion that the right of way to Summerford Farm is only a right of way for 

such purposes as are reasonable for the use of the farm qua farm and cannot be used for the carriage of bricks in 

order to turn the farm into a building estate. 

The question now before me is as to the proper course to be taken in order to stop such illegal uses. 

By s.30 of the Commons Act 1876 (39 and 40 Vict. c 56) it is provided that a County Court within whose 

jurisdiction a common or part of a common is situate shall have jurisdiction to hear any case relating to any illegal 

enclosure or encroachment of or upon such common or part of such common respectively or to “any nuisance 

impeding the exercise of any right of common”. 

In my opinion it is difficult to say that the mere illegal use of a right of way such as there is in this case is “a 

nuisance impeding the exercise of any right of common” and the proper course is for the Lord of the Manor to 

57 


apply to the Chancery Division of the High Court of Justice for an injunction, a trespass having been committed 

against his right as owner of the soil, the County Court having no jurisdiction under such circumstances. 

It may be a wise precaution to join some of the Commoners with him as it might turn out on the evidence that the 

carting of bricks and building material over the track had injured their right of pasture owing to the limits of the 

track having been exceeded or circumstances of a like nature and no additional expense would be incurred by such 

course. 

Mr. Chilton, Messrs. Tyhurst and Sons and Mr. John Sargeaunt must be made defendants. 

Guy Lushington 

Temple 

Oct 24th 1907” 

The Clerk states that since the papers were submitted to Mr. Lushington, Mr. Chilton has raised a contention that 

the track from Tye’s Gate along the north-west front of the farm has, for the past 70 years, been a public road in 

the direction of Oldlands. In consequence, the Clerk visited the spot this morning with the Maresfield Committee, 

and Mr. Carr, Mr. Kenward and Mr. Turner stated that of their own knowledge many years ago, persons 

unconnected with the farm used to drive over this track from one road to another, the highroad then being very 

bad and at times impassable, but that this user had altogether ceased many years ago. 

The Clerk reminds the Board they have no power to expend the rates in litigation. 

The matter is then fully discussed and on the proposition of Mr. Freshfield, seconded by Mr. Sandford, it is 

resolved that Mr. Sargeaunt’s solicitor be informed that, taking into consideration all the circumstances of the case, 

and subject to the Lord’s concurrence being obtained, the Board on the understanding that all damage done to the 

Forest by the cartage of building materials for the erection of Mr. Sargeaunt’s house and offices is on completion 

thereof, made good to the satisfaction of the Board are willing to grant to Mr. Sargeaunt a licence to complete the 

cartage of building materials required for completion of the house and offices now in course of erection on Mr. 

Sargeaunt’s land, over the cart track running over the Forest from Tye’s Gate along the north-west side of the farm, 

and to use the said track (in addition to farming purposes) for all purposes connected with the residential enjoyment 

of the said land, house and offices (but not of any additional house that may hereafter be built on the land) the 

licence to contain the conditions inserted in similar licences granted by the Lord and the Conservators, and Mr. 

Sargeaunt to pay to the Lord and the Conservators so long as the licence shall continue in force, a yearly 

acknowledgement of ₤1:0:0 each, and that it be distinctly understood that the proposed licence only applies to the 

property now belonging to Mr. Sargeaunt and not to any other part of the farm. 

On the proposition of Mr. Freshfield seconded by Mr. Sandford, it is also resolved that Mr. Chilton be informed of 

the terms offered to Mr. Sargeaunt, and that they apply only to the property purchased by Mr. Sargeaunt, and point 

out to Mr. Chilton that should he hereafter have occasion to apply for a similar licence in respect of any other of 

the farm, the decision of the Board will be materially without having previously obtained the authority of the Board. 

On the proposition of Mr. Turner seconded by Mr. Kenward, it is resolved that the instructions given by the 

Chairman to the Clerk be and are hereby approved and confirmed, that the thanks of the Board be accorded to the 

Chairman for his prompt action in the matter and that the cost and expenses incurred in the matter be paid out of 

the Forest Rate. 

Earl De La Warr mining 

The attention of the Board is directed by Mr. Douglas W. Freshfield to reports which are current that Earl De La 

Warr is about to grant a lease to parties unnamed to search for coal, iron etc., on the Forest and work the same. 

On the proposition of Mr. Freshfield, seconded by Mr. Midgley, it is resolved that in view of the possibility of the 

rumour being correct, the Chairman be and is hereby authorised to take such preliminary steps (including the 

opinion of Counsel) as he may deem expedient, with a view to the protection of the Forest. 

58 


Lord Sheffield 

The Clerk reports that after the last meeting he wrote to Lord Sheffield, informing his Lordship that his letters were 

read at the last meeting, and that he had received a reply (which he reads) complaining that his Lordship’s letters to 

the Chairman and Clerk were not set out in the minutes of the last meeting. 

It is resolved that the Clerk inform his Lordship that as his letters were read at the last meeting in the presence of 

the representatives of the pubic press, the Board felt that they had complied with his Lordship’s request, and saw 

no reason to make an exception to their usual practice by setting them out in the minutes, but that there is a record 

on the minutes that the letters were read. 

Cheal and Sons removing trees 

Ranger Brown having reported that Messrs. Cheal and Sons of Crawley were lifting and removing with large boles 

of earth round the roots, a number of fir trees from the Forest neat Gill’s Lap, the Clerk states he wrote to Mr. 

Cheal enquiring by whose authority they were acting and he reads their reply stating they are authorised by the 

Lord’s Reeve, Mr. Hudson, and have done the same each season for the last two of three years. 

Ranger Brown reports that the holes from which the trees were taken were partially filled up and the top spit laid 

over them. 

Fairwarp application for football ground: 

The Clerk reports that Mr. Nicholson, representing the Lord, has expressed his assent to permission being given to 

the Reverend G.W. Johnson to level and now the piece of Forest land, 50 yards by 100 yards, adjacent to the 

Fairwarp School playground and shown on the plan submitted to the Board, and to use it for football and to erect 

goal posts upon it on the express condition that the land is not enclosed. It is resolved that the Clerk grant 

permission to the Reverend G.W. Johnson according by and on the understanding that should the Lord or the 

Conservators hereafter require it, the user will be discontinued and the goal posts removed. 

In consequence of this Meeting having been held, it is resolved that it is unnecessary to hold a meeting on the 6th 

December next as decided on at the last meeting, and that the next meeting by held on Friday, the 20th December 

next, immediately after the Commoners’ Meeting or on such earlier date as the Chairman may consider necessary. 

The Meeting terminated at 5 p.m. 


The Annual Meeting of the Commoners interested in Ashdown Forest duly convened by the Clerk by 

notice on the principal door of the Church of each of the Parishes and Ecclesiastical Districts into which 

the Forest extends, by advertisement in two newspapers circulating in the neighbourhood, to wit “The 

Success Express” and “The Sussex Daily News” at least 14 days before this date, and by notice sent by 

post to every Commoner, and held at the Nutley Inn, Nutley, on Friday, the 20th day of December 1907 at 

11 o’clock of the forenoon. 

Present 

The Honble H.B. Portman in the Chair 

Mr. Jas Card 

Mr. Wm. Carr 


Mr. R.W. Kemp 

Mr. J.W. Larnach 


Mr. Edw. Martin 

Mr. Wm. Mitchell 

59 


The Rev. H.J. Peckham 



Mr. John Sargeaunt 


Mr. H.J. Waters 

Mr. Geo M. Maryon-Wilson 

Chairman 

On the proposition of Mr. A. Turner seconded by Mr. Mark Sandford the Honble H.B. Portman was chosen 

Chairman, and he having taken the Chair, the Clerk reads the notice convening the Meeting and reports the due 

publication thereof as above mentioned. 

The Minutes of the last Annual Meeting of Commoners are then read and confirmed. 

The Clerk reports that the Conservators who retire by rotation on 31st instant are: Mr. George Maryon Maryon- 

Wilson, Mr. Albert Turner, Mr. Robert Kenward and Mr. James Card. 

Elections of Conservators 

It is proposed by Mr. Albert Turner and seconded by the Revd. H.J. Peckham that Mr. Geo. M. Maryon-Wilson be 

re-elected a Conservator. 

It is proposed by Mr. Mark Sandford and seconded by Mr. Carr that Mr. Albert Turner be re-elected a Conservator. 

It is proposed by Mr. Wm. Carr and seconded by Mr. Joseph Ridley (Horney Common) that Mr. Robert Kenward 

be re-elected a Conservator. 

It is proposed by Mr. Joseph Ridley (Horney Common) and seconded by Mr. Wm. Mitchell that Mr. James Carr be 




A vote of thanks to the Chairman concluded the business of the meeting. 

G.M. Maryon-Wilson 11.12.1988 


Friday, the 20th December 1907 at noon; immediately after the Commoners Meeting. 

Present 



Mr. J. Card 



Mr. J. Ridley 




60 


A letter is read from Mr. Midgley regretting his inability to attend this meeting in consequence of being laid up with 

an injury to his knee. It is resolved that the Clerk convey to Mr. Midgley the regret of the Conservators at the cause 

of his absence and their sincere wishes for his speedy restoration. 


The Clerk produces and reads the following certificate and it is resolved that it be entered on the minutes: 


Clerk to the Conservators of Ashdown Forest 

As Chairman of the Meeting of Commoners duly convened and held this day at the Nutley Inn, Nutley, for the 

purpose of electing four Conservators. I hereby intimate to you that at such meeting Mr. George Maryon Maryon- 

Wilson, Mr. Albert Turner, Mr. Robert Kenward and Mr. James Card who retire by rotation on the 31st instant 

were re-elected as Conservators for the ensuing three years. 

Dated this 29th day of December 1907 

H.B. Portman 

Chairman 

The Bank Pass Book is produced showing a balance hand of ₤248:4:1. 

Tender for Bye Law boards 

The Clerk produces the form of specification for the supply of 14 Bye Law boards and posts. The following were 

invited to tender viz. 

Mr. James Gillham and Son, Nutley 

Mr. H.C. Taylor, Nutley 

Mr. William Burgess, Fairwarp 

and tenders having been received as follows:- 

Messrs. James Gillham and Son ₤21:15:0 

Mr. H.C. Taylor ₤22:2:6 

It is resolved that the lower tender, namely that of James Gillham and Son be accepted and that they be instructed 

to carry out the work. 

Mr. Sargeaunt 

The Chairman states that on further consideration taking the view that the amount of the acknowledgement fixed at 

the last meeting to be paid by Mr. John Sargeaunt in respect of the licence which the Clerk was authorised to offer 

him, in connection with the roadway to his land at Summerford Farm, namely ₤1 per annum payable both to Lord 

and to the Conservators was, under the Circumstances, somewhat too high, he authorised the Clerk to alter the 

amount to 10/- per annum each making together ₤1. It is resolved that the action of the Chairman be approved 

and confirmed. 

The Clerk reports that he has had a long negotiation with Mr. Sargeaunt’s Solicitor, and also with the Lord’s 

representative, the result of which is that a form of licence has been settled and signed, by Mr. Nicholson on behalf 

of the Lord, while the Counterpart has been signed by Mr. Sargeaunt. The Clerk reads the Licence and it is resolved 

that the same be and is hereby approved, and that the Clerk do sign the same on behalf of the Board and deliver it 

to Mr. Sargeaunt. 

61 


G.J. Chatterton claim to rights: 

Mr. John James Sand, tenant of Mr. George J. Chatterton’s property known as Rippiers Common Farm at 

Chelwood Gate, attends by Mr. Chatterton’s directions to claim rights for that part of his holding which is not 

entered in the Schedule as entitled to rights. It is resolved that the matter be referred to the Clerk for investigation. 

The Forest Row Committee present reports which are read, and it is resolved that they be entered on the minutes. 

They are as follows:- 


Meeting of the Forest Row Committee held at Woodcote on the 11th of December 1907. 

Present Mr. Freshfield, Mr. Hyde and Mr. Martin. Mr. Midgley was prevented by illness from being present. 

Mr. John Waters, the Chairman of the East Grinstead Rural District Council and Mr. Alfred Faber, a member of 

the Council attended, and produced a plan showing the alteration the Council proposed to make for straightening a 

portion of the road leading from Forest Row to Plawhatch at a point a short distance beyond Tylehurst with the 

view of doing away with a dangerous corner there. The Committee were of opinion that the alteration would effect 

a great improvement and determined to advise the Board that they saw no objection to the Council being allowed 

to make the alteration on the understanding that so much of the present road as will become disused shall become a 

part of the Forest and be turfed over or seeded down. 

Miss Hutchinson’s application 

Miss Hutchinson asked for permission to construct a small dam in the Quabrook stream and a settling tank 

adjoining it, in order that she may convey by pipes water from the stream to a small pond on her property. This 

application was considered by the Committee on the 3rd of September last and on the 11th of October the Board 

agreed to grant a revocable licence to Miss Hutchinson for diverting some water from the stream. A question has 

since arisen as to whether the sluice valve should be placed in the settling tank, or in the dam to be formed in the 

stream. On this point a letter, dated the 26th of November last from Mr. Luxford and a letter dated the following 

day, from Mr. Raper were read. A plan furnished by Mr. Luxford was considered. The Committee decided to report 

to Board valve should be allowed to be put in the settling tank as suggested by Mr. Luxford and that a key of 

settling tank and sluice valve be kept by the Forest Row Ranger as well as one by Miss Hutchinson. 

Golf Club drainage of Club House 

The application from the Royal Ashdown Forest Golf Club for leave to carry the drainage from the Club House to 

a point near Shalesbrook under a part of the Forest and from there to the Parish main drain and which had been 

referred to the Committee by the Board was considered. Specification of a plan furnished by the Club were 

approved of, and the Committee decided to advise the Board that the work being carried out in accordance with 

the plan, and under the supervision of the Committee and on the understanding that no ventilating shafts should be 

put up, except upon leave being obtained from the Committee. 



On the 13th December 1907. Mr. Hyde and Mr. Martin met the Captain and Secretary of the Ashdown Forest Golf 

Club on the Golf course to consider some proposed alterations on the course mentioned in 2 letters dated the 12th 

of December from the Secretary which are as follows: 

Forest Row 

Sussex Dec. 12th. 1907 

62 


Dear Sir 

R.A.F.G.C. New Tees 

I am desired to ask the Conservators for permission to carry out the following work: 

3rd hole To make a new tee behind the present ones. 

4th hole do do 

7th hole To make a new tee behind the present one on the right of the 6th green 

8th hole To make a new tee behind temporary one 

12th hole To construct a catch pit in the left corner of 12th green with line of pipes to outlet below green 

15th hole To make new tee behind medal tee 

18th hole To remove mat, place same on a small tee to be prepared at right of existing tees 

Yours truly 

E.P. Shute 

Sec. R.A.F.G.C. 

Edward Martin Esq. 

Forest Row 

Sussex 

December 12th 07 

Dear Mr. Martin 

As requested, I annex particulars of the proposed extension and alteration of the present 5th hole, sanction for 

which the Committee of the R.A.F.G.C. propose to ask from the Conservators at their next meeting. 

Yours truly 

E.P. Shute 

Sec. R.A.F.G.C. 

Edward Martin Esq. 

Proposed new 5th hole 

To tee off at or about the present forward tees at the 5th hole, bearing slightly to the left of present course, crossing 

swamp (draining where necessary) to left of present green, piping open drainage cuts and so crossing road and 

continuing over swampy ground and crossing Quabrook to the corner of Mr. Whitfeld’s property there making a 

green and close by tees for present 6th hole. 

Having considered each proposed alteration the Forest Row Committee have to report that as regards:- 

The 3rd hole The Committee see no objection to a new small tee being made at a spot pointed out to Mr. Martin at 

the back of the right hand medal tee and behind the brook but without any alteration in the level of the ground. 

The 4th hole The Committee sees no objection to a new tee being made behind the furthest back tee. Such tee not 

to raised more than a foot above the present level of the ground. 

The 5th hole This application is for making a new hole. To make this will involve the cutting of some heather, 

making of ground, and a considerable amount of drainage on both sides of the road leading to Mr. Barron’s house 

and also on the other side of the Quabrook stream and between the stream and Mr. Whitfeld’s property. Having 

regard to the swampy nature of the ground, to the fact that the heather proposed to be cleared away is old, and is of 

no use for grazing purposes, the Committee think that the work proposed to be done for making a new hole would 

be great benefit to the Commoners as the herbage would be improved,. The Committee therefore sees no objection 

63 


to the hole being made on the line pointed out to Mr. Hyde and Mr. Martin to the heather being cleared away and 

the drainage being carried out on the area also pointed out to them. This alteration will also involve a new tee being 

made for the 6th hole near the new proposed 5th hole, to which the Committee see no objection. Mr. Freshfield 

had previously viewed the spot with Mr. Martin and he also saw no objection. 

The 7th hole The Committee see no objection to a new tee being made some 20 yards behind the one adjoining 

Mr. Methuen’s hedge, but without any alteration being made in the level of the ground. 

The 8th hole The Committee sees no objection to a new tee being made behind the furthest back temporary tee 

and to the ground being slightly raised for this purpose, but without any mound of bank being made. 

The 12th hole The Committee see no objection to a catch pit being constructed on the left corner of this green 

with line of pipes to outlet below the green. 

The 15th hole The Committee see no objection to a new tee being made 4 yards square and some ten yards behind 

the present medal tee and to the ground being raised not more than one foot for this purpose. 

The 18th hole The Committee sees no objection to a small tee 3 yards on length and feet in width being made for a 

mat at the right side of the present right hand tees. 

It is resolved that permission be granted to the East Grinstead Gas Company to lay service pipes from the main to 

the houses at Tompsett’s Bank, but that the Clerk point out to the company that in laying the main and before 

permission was granted, they have committed a breach of the Bye-Laws, and warn them that should they at any 

future time commit a breach of any Bye-Laws, the Board will have no alteration but to prosecute. 

Miss Hutchinson Licence 

It is resolved that the report and recommendations of the Forest Row Committee with regard to Miss. 

Hutchinson’s licence be approved and that the Clerk be authorised to complete the Licence accordingly. 

Tylehurst Corner 

It is resolved that the report and recommendation of the Committee with reference to the improvement of the high 

board from Forest Road to Plaw Hatch just below Tylehurst, be approved and that the Clerk inform the Rural 

District Council thereof. 


It is also resolved that the report of the Committee with reference to the drainage of the R.A.F. Golf Club House 

be approved, and that the Clerk inform the Secretary thereof. 


It is resolved that the report and recommendations of the Committee with reference to the proposed alterations 

and additions to the R.A.F. Golf Club course be approved, subject to the works being carried out to the satisfaction 

of the Committee and that the Clerk inform the club thereof accordingly. 

Spring Gardens stream dangerous bank 

The Maresfield Committee report that they viewed the dangerous bank at Spring Gardens Farm on the 17th 

December and recommend that the conduit from the Boring Wheel Pond, if no longer required, be filled in, but 

that if it is required then that if possible 16 feet of 9 inch pipes be laid in the bed of it near the Pond, so that a 

passageway may be made over it, that the Clerk should write to Count Munster’s Agent enquiring how much use is 

now made of the conduit from the Boring Wheel Mill, and whether the Count would sanction the filling up of the 

conduit entirely, or if not, whether he would be willing to supply 16 feet of 9 inch pipes across the conduit near the 

Mill Pond. Also that Mr. W. Carr and A. Turner have been nominated to meet Count Munster’s Agent on the spot 

and explain the proposals to him. 

64 


Sylvanus Ridley new road to Old Toll Farm 

The Committee further report that they have considered on application received by the Clerk from Mr. Sylvanus 

Ridley, who has recently purchased the Old Toll, of Lower Spring Gardens Farm, Maresfield, for permission to 

make a road from field no 333 Ordnance Map, immediately east of farm buildings, to the high road which runs 

from Boring Wheel Mill to the Duddleswell high road, which application was forwarded to them by the Clerk. The 

length of road across the Forest would be about 50 feet, and they recommend that a licence be granted to Mr. 

Sylvanus Ridley to form, metal and maintain a hard road at the point indicated, not exceeding 10 feet in width, he 

laying a sufficient pipe under the road to carry the ditch where it would cross, the work to be carried out in all 

respects to the satisfaction of the Conservators, and the licence to contain all usual clauses including payment of a 

yearly acknowledgement of 6d. each to the Lord and the Conservators. 

J. Sargeaunt cart track 

The Committee also report that they viewed the cart track which runs over the Forest form Tyes Gate near the 

north-west front of Summerford Farm, and recommend that subject to Mr. Sargeaunt’s making good to their 

satisfaction the damage caused to the surface of the Forest, by the cartage of materials from the road opposite 

Fairwarp Vicarage to his property, he be authorised to fill in with sandstone the ruts in the cart track above 

mentioned from Tyes Gate to his entrance gate and to gravel the same. 

Pound Gate notice board 

They also report that in accordance with the resolution of the Board of 2nd August 1907 (Minute Book p 92) they 

have had the notice board near the Pound Gate School repainted and lettered and set up on a higher post. 

It is resolved that the report of the Committee be approved and adopted and that the Clerk do what is necessary in 

relation thereto. 

Audit Committee Report 

The Audit Committee appointed on the 11th October last produces the accounts and vouchers for the current year, 

and report that they have examined the accounts, and compared them with the vouchers and find them correct, and 

that the balances shown by the accounts agree with the Bank Pass Book and Post Office Savings Bank deposit 

book respectively. 

They further report that during the past year the work thrown on the Clerk has been exceptionally heavy and that 

the correspondence alone has largely increased, as shown by the following figures:- 

1906 

Letters stamped with 1d. 522 ₤2:3:6 

Letters stamped over 1d. 22 £0:4:2½ 

Communications stamped ½d. and not including postcard 

notices of meetings 197 £0:8:2½ 

741 ₤2:15:11 

1907 

Letters stamped with 1d. 768 ₤3:4:0 

Letters stamped over 1d. 62 £0:10:10 

Communications stamped ½ and not including postcard 

notices of meetings 524 £1:1:10 

1354 ₤4:16:8 

And they therefore recommend the Board to grant the Clerk an honorarium of ₤21 in view of the exceptional work 

of the year. They also recommend that cheques be drawn as follows, namely:- 

William Manners 11 weeks salary and 

house rent as Ranger to 30th inst. £13:15:0 

William Brown 11 weeks salary and 

65 


house rent as Ranger to 30th inst. £11:0:0 

The Clerk half year’s salary to 31st inst. £50:0:0 

The Clerk disbursements postages 

during the year £33:5:1 

The Clerk honorarium £21:0:0 

£104:5:1 

It is resolved that the report of the Audit Committee be received and adopted and entered on the minutes and 

cheques be drawn as recommended and that the best thanks of the board be given to the Committee for the great 

trouble and care they have taken in the audit of the accounts. 

The Clerk, who was absent from the room during the reading and discussion of the report, having been informed 

by the Chairman of the Board’s decision to grant him the above honorarium, expresses his thanks to the Board for 

the same, stating that he especially appreciated it as a recognition of his efforts to discharge his duties to their 

satisfaction, and that he quite understands the grant is made by reason of the exceptional amount of work which 

had been imposed upon him during the current year. 

Foresters 

The Clerk reminds the Board that in consequence of some of the Commoners having expressed a view that it was 

desirable to confer on the occupiers of small holdings within the Forest pale, who are not already Commoners, 

namely (1) Holdings, the freehold of which has been acquired from the Lord within the last 60 years, (2) Holdings 

which have been granted as copyhold within the last 60 years, and (3) Holdings which are still held of the Lord on 

tenancies at will he (the Clerk), by direction of the Conservators, wrote to the Board of Agriculture and Fisheries on 

the 10th May last, setting out the facts and asking for information on the following points:- 

1. Whether an order for “improvement” having already been granted it is still competent to obtain an Order 

for “adjustment of rights”. 

2. If so, whether in an Order for adjustment it would be possible to insert such provisions as would give these 

Foresters the legal status of Commoners i.e. not the mere right to pasture and estovers, but the 

qualifications to sit as Conservators, the right to vote for the election of Conservators and on all other 

business at meetings of Commoners, and the right in case Parliament should at any time hereafter sanction 

the sale or inclosure of the Forest, to receive a share of the purchase money or an allotment of the land. 

3. The cost of adjustment of rights is I believe, very heavy. The bulk of the Commoners derive practically no 

pecuniary benefit from it, and as its preservation [is] a great public benefit, it would be a considerable 

hardship on the Commoners if they had to bear the cost of adjustment. Under these circumstances, I desire 

to ask whether it would be competent to your Board and whether they would be prepared to recommend a 

provision authorising the sale of sufficient of the Forest to pay the expenses, probably 10 acres out of the 

6400 would suffice. 

4. It is assumed that in the present state of the law a Provisional Order could not be made unless the Lord 

consents. 

The Clerk reports that he has now received a reply to this letter and it is resolved that it be entered on the Minutes. 

It is as follows:- 

Board of Agriculture and Fisheries 

St. James Square 

London S.W. 

10th December 1907 

66 


No. 3067/1107 

Ashdown Forest 

Sir 

I am directed by the Board of Agriculture and Fisheries to advert to your letter of the 10th May last and to express 

their regret at the delay in replying to it, which has been due to the pressure of other and urgent business. 

With regard to your first question the Board are advised that it is at least very doubtful whether there is power to 

make a supplemental Provisional Order for “Adjustment of Rights”. 

On the second point, it does not appear that even if such an order could be made, the suggested provisions could 

be inserted in it. “Adjustment” under section 4 of the Commons Act, 1876, seems to mean ascertainment of 

existing legal rights and would not enable new legal rights to be created. 

On the third question it is probable that the expense would be heavy and the proceedings very contentions. 

Moreover the sale of part of the Forest would be contrary to the accepted policy, and is likely to arouse opposition. 

Finally I have to add that the consent of the Lord of the Manor to such a provisional Order would be necessary. 

I am 

Sir 

Your obedient Servant 

R.H. Rew 

Assistant Secretary 

W.A. Raper Esq. 

Lord Colchester rights 

Ranger Brown reports that on the 12th October last he called on Mr. Waters the tenant of Lord Colchester’s Burnt 

House Farm, adjoining the Swan Inn at Forest Row, with reference to litter he had taken from the Forest and Mr. 

Waters stated he had taken litter for the farm, which contains 44 acres, for nine years past, and was informed by 

Lord Colchester’s Agent, that the farm had rights on the Forest. 

The Clerk states that he is at present unable to trace the farm in the Schedule of properties entitled to rights, and it 

is resolved that he enquire further into the matter. 

W.J. Evelyn claim to rights 

Ranger Brown reports that on the 20th November last, he found Edward Wood of Chelwood Gate, cutting litter 

on the Forest near Cripps’s Corner, who stated he was cutting it for Mr. W.J. Evelyn of North Wood, West 

Hoathly. 

The Clerk states that the property not being included in the Schedule of those entitled to rights, he wrote to Mr. 

Evelyn, and has received a reply that the property known as Kixes Farm has exercised rights for 60 years past. It is 

resolved that the Clerk require Mr. Evelyn to prove the user. 

Haig claim to rights 

Ranger Brown reports that on the 12th November last, he saw near Chuck Hatch a wagon load of litter which the 

carter, Henry Wood, stated he was taking from the Forest to Pound Farm, Blackham, owner Mr. Haig, tenant 

Ephraim Crowhurst. 

The Clerk reminds the Board that on 31st March 1894, Mr. Haig’s Agent, Mr. Floyd, attended before the Board to 

claim rights in respect of Willett’s Farm, 100 acres, which included part of Pound Farm, and that it was then alleged 

67 


that part of the property had belonged to the Earls De La Warr down to 1843 and that as regards the rest, evidence 

of user was then given by Mr. John Crowhurst down to 1839 and Mr. Floyd was informed that evidence of 

subsequent user would have to be produced. 

The Clerk wrote to Mr. Floyd reminding him of this and Mr. Floyd replied to the effect that the rights were 

admitted on that occasion, which however, was not correct. It is resolved that it be explained to Mr. Floyd again 

that the rights were not then admitted and that they must be proved in the ordinary way. 

Dorset Arms Hartfield, claim to right 

Mr. S. Bentley of the Dorset Arms Hotel, Hartfield, with which he holds a Farm belonging to Earl De La Warr 

applied to Ranger Brown for a licence to take litter. The Clerk stated he had advised Ranger Brown that this 

property is not included among the properties of Lord De La Warr in respect of which a right to take litter had 

been established, under the terms of the Judgement in Hale v. De La Warr, and that he could not therefore grant a 

licence. The Clerk communicable with Mr. Bentley on the subject, and having ascertained that licences had been 

granted to him for several years to take litter he authorised the Ranger to grant him a licence on the present 

occasion, pending the consideration of the matter by the Board. 

It is resolved that this matter be placed on the agenda of the next meeting for consideration. 

Underwood Bros litter 

Ranger Brown reports that on the 6th instant he found two men cutting litter on the Forest near Twyford, who 

stated they were cutting for Messrs. Underwood Brothers who own and occupy Little Holdings Farm, Horsted 

Keynes. 

The Clerk reports that this property is not included in the Schedule and it is resolved that he communicate with 

Mrs. Underwood on the subject. 

F. Settford litter 

Ranger Brown reports that Mr. Frederick Funnell of Gooses Farm, Birch Grove, had carted four loads of litter for 

Frederick Settford, occupier of Hazelwood Farm, Horsted Keynes, which is the property of J.R. Esdaile Esq. This 

property not being in the Schedule, it is resolved that the Clerk communicate with the parties. 

William Miles litter 

Ranger Brown reports that on the 9th November he saw William Miles of the Laundry, Tompsetts Bank, loading 

litter on the premises he occupies opposite the Royal Oak, Tompsetts Bank, belonging to his father-in-law George 

Taylor. 

The Clerk thinks that this property is part of a field the remainder of which is owned by Mrs. Bellingham, who is 

claiming rights in respect thereof. It is resolved that the Clerk enquire into the matter, when dealing with Mrs. 

Bellingham’s claim. 

G. Heasman cutting birch tree 

Ranger Brown reports that on the 13th instant he saw George Heasman of Primrose Alley, Forest Row, cut down a 

birch tree, measuring about 20 inches round the butt and about 20 feet high, on the Forest near Green Hall Clump. 

Heasman stated he had as great a right to cut the birch as anyone, and afterwards took the tree to the premises he 

occupies which belongs to Mrs. Stone of Forest Cottage, Tompsetts Bank. It is resolved that the Clerk 

communicate the facts to Mr. D. W. Freshfield who owns the freehold of this part of the Forest for Lord De La 

Warr’s life. 

Mrs. Hobbs stable 

Ranger Manners reports that on the 11th November last he found some posts erected on the Forest, adjoining the 

property of Mrs. John Hobbs, Primrose Villa, Paines Hill, Fairwarp and she informed him that her son had put 

them there for the purpose of erecting a rough stable on the site of a stable belonging to her; this fell down about 

eighteen months ago. It is resolved that the Clerk enquire into the matter. 

68 


Dangerous quarry 

Attention is drawn to the unprotected state of a quarry at Stone Hill, which is being worked by the Uckfield Rural 

District Council and the Clerk is directed to call upon the Council to have it securely fenced. 

It is resolved that the next meeting of the Board be held on Friday, the 31st January next, or on such other date as 

the present Chairman may consider necessary. 

In conclusion it was resolved that a vote of thanks be accorded to the Chairman for the admirable manner in which 

he had conducted the business of the Board during the past exceptionally heavy year, and the Chairman in 

acknowledging the vote pointed out to the Board that it was only with the hearty co-operation of the various 

members of the Board that he was able to carry out the work satisfactorily. 



Chairman 


Friday, the 31st January 1908 at 2.30 p.m. 

Present 

Mr. George Mr. Maryon-Wilson in the Chair 


Mr. J. Card 




Mr. J. Ridley 



Chairman temporary 

This being the first meeting of the year and the first business being the election of a Chairman for the year the 

Honble H.B. Portman is temporarily voted to the chair. 

Chairman election of 

It is proposed by Mr. Albert Turner seconded by Mr. D.W. Freshfield and unanimously resolved that Mr. George 

M. Maryon-Wilson be Chairman of the Board for the current year. 

Mr. Maryon-Wilson having taken the Chair thanked the Board for the confidence they had shown in him by reelecting 

him once more to the office of Chairman. He stated that he had always endeavoured to act with courtesy 

and absolute justice and impartiality, and should endeavour to do the same during the current year. He pointed out 

that the Office is no sinecure having regard to the enormous increase in the work during the last four or five years 

as especially evidenced by the increase in the correspondence which had taken place during the past year most of 

which had to come before him. He stated that the two principal features of the past years work were: (1) the 

appointment of the second Ranger, which was a matter for congratulation to those responsible for the supervision 

of the Forest, and was absolutely a step in the right direction and (2) the re-arrangement of the Districts of the 

Committees which though it might seem a small matter had proved to be very beneficial. He expressed the hope 

that the Board would extend to him during the current year their unanimous and unfailing support without which it 

would be impossible for him to do justice to the position to which they had re-elected him. 

The Minutes of the last meeting are then read and confirmed. 

69 


Conservators attendances 

The Clerk reports that seven board Meetings were held during the past year, and that the attendances were as 

follows: 

Mr. Maryon-Wilson 7 

Mr. Nicholson 1 

Mr. J. Card 7 

Mr. W. Carr 7 

Mr. D.W. Freshfield 6 

Mr. T. Hyde 

- (owing to ill health) 

Mr. R. Kenward 7 

Mr. E. Martin 6 

Mr. Ll. Midgley 5 

The Honble H.B. Portman 5 

Mr. J. Ridley 7 

Mr. M. Sandford 7 

Mr. A. Turner 5 

The Bank Pass Book is produced showing a balance in hand of ₤123:9:0. 

Annual Summary of Accounts 

The Clerk lays on the table a summary of the accounts for 1907 and reports that a copy has been sent to each 

Commoner. 

2nd Ranger Accounts 

He also lays on the table an account of the receipts and expenditure in relation to the 2nd Ranger for the year 1907 

and reports that a copy has been sent to each subscriber. 

It is resolved that a print of this account be sent to each Commoner who is not yet a subscriber or donor to the 

fund. 


It is resolved that Messrs. Freshfield (Chairman), Hyde, Martin and Midgley be re-appointed the Committee for the 

Forest Row district for the current year. 


Also that the Honble H.B. Portman (Chairman) and Messrs. Carr, Kenward, Sandford and Turner be re-appointed 

the Committee for the Maresfield District for the current year. 

Committees 

The members of the respective Committees to continue to act after the 31st December next till the first meeting of 

the Board in the next year. 

It is also resolved with the view of expediting the business of the Board that all matters cropping up between two 

meetings of the Board which may require the consideration of a Committee be referred at once to the Committee 

of the District concerned, so that they may investigate and report thereon to the next meeting of the Board. 

East Grinstead Gas Co. 

The Clerk reports that he wrote to the East Grinstead Gas Company as directed at the last meeting and he reads a 

reply from the Secretary dated 8th inst. stating: 

“I trust the Conservators understand that the gas main was laid under the road in question by the Gas Manager on 

his understanding that the road in question was one maintained by the Local Authority and that he gave the 

required notice to such Local Authority accordingly. 

70 


Your letter shall be laid before the next meeting of the Board of Directors, and I have furnished the Gas Manager 

with a copy thereof and asked his particular attention thereto”. 


The Clerk reports that after the last meeting he wrote to the Secretary of the R.A.F. Golf Club, returning their plan 

and specification of the proposed drainage of the Club House, and stating that the Board had no objection to the 

work being carried out subject to the manholes being properly sunk below the surface and no ventilating shaft 

being erected on the Forest without the authority of the Board. The work to be completed to the satisfaction of the 

Conservators. 

The Club then applied to Mr. Nicholson for the Lord’s consent and as Mr. Nicholson thought it desirable to have a 

written agreement the Clerk prepared one and submitted it to Mr. Nicholson. The latter when returning the draft 

sent him a plan received from the Club, which the Clerk produces, and from this plan it appears that the club has 

misunderstood what was the actual boundary of the Forest, and propose to construct on the Forest 8 instead of 3 

manholes, a ventilating grating at No 4 manhole and a trap and air inlet at No.8 manhole. 

The Board having examined the plan it is resolved that it is be approved with the additional manholes, etc. above 

mentioned. 

The Clerk then reads the draft agreement with the Trustees of the Club which he has prepared and which has been 

submitted to the Lord’s Representative and the Secretary of the Club and it is resolved that it be approved and that 

the Clerk be hereby authorised to sign the agreement on behalf of the Board. 

Ladies Golf Club shed 

An application dated the 16th inst, from the Secretary of the Ladies Golf Club is read, asking permission to erect a 

small neat shed beyond, but touching the Cricket Pavilion to be used for the purpose of storing charcoal, sand, etc. 

for use of the Club. 

It is resolved that it be left to the discretion of the Superintendent of the Recreation Ground to deal with the 

application, but if permission is granted to erect the shed the plan must be approved by the Board and an annual 

acknowledgement of 2/- must be paid while the shed is allowed to remain. 

Dorset Arms Hartfield 

The Minutes of the last meeting with reference to the correspondence that had passed with Mr. S. Bentley of the 

Dorset Arms Hotel, Hartfield, as to his taking litter from the Forest for use on the land attached to the farm are 

then read and considered and it is resolved that the Board cannot admit any right in the occupier of the land to take 

brakes or litter from the Forest but that under the special circumstances of the case, they are willing that the Ranger 

shall continue to grant him licences to take a reasonable quantity of brakes and litter for use on the land till further 

orders. 

Brake and litter licences 

It is also resolved that at the end of each brake and litter season an alphabetical list of licences granted by each 

Ranger during the season be submitted to the Board. 

W. Carr claim to rights 

Mr. William Carr of Pricketts Hatch, who pays Forest rates in respect of 8 acres at Pricketts Hatch, Nutley, claims 

that 20 acres adjoining the same is also entitled to rights, i.e. to say he claims common rights in respects of the 

following property including the said 8 acres viz. the inclosures numbered in the Ordnance Map 2nd Edition 1899: 

In Maresfield 553, 615, 624, 625, 626 17:2:15 

In Fletching 2, 5, 29, 30 10:1:16 

27:3:31 

71 


The Clerk states that he has examined the title deed to the land, that Mr. Carr is already on the Register in respect 

of the following lands formerly ancient copy holds of the Manor of Maresfield namely: 

A message called Prickett’s Hatch with a small barn and one piece of land a parcel of Windsale containing 2 acres in 

Maresfield ancient the property of Thomas Orgles. 

Two parcels of assart land containing 3 acres at Cantrysale in Nutley, and 

Two pieces of assart land called Marles adjoining the last mentioned land and containing 3 acres, and that as regards 

the remainder of the land, one parcel containing 4 acres at Cantry aforesaid was formerly old copyhold of the same 

Manor and the remainder of the land is ancient freehold. 

Messrs. A. Turner and J. Ridley state they have known Mr. Carr’s property intimately for 60 years past and that the 

successive occupiers thereof have always turned their stock on the Forest and taken brakes and that the Clerk insert 

the additional 20 acres in the Schedule of lands entitled to rights. 

Mr. G.J. Chatterton 

The Clerk reports that since the last meeting he has been in communication with Mrs. G.J Chatterton but he has 

not yet submitted to him the deeds referring to the property for which he claims rights. 

W.J. Evelyn rights 

The Clerk states that he wrote to Mr. W.J. Evelyn’s Solicitors after the last Meeting, calling on them to establish that 

Kixes Farm is entitled to rights and that he subsequently called on them when in London. They stated that as it 

would be an expensive matter to look into, they will take their client’s instructions. 

It is resolved that the matter be left to the Clerk to clear up. 

F.R. Lucas Rights 

The Clerk refers to the Minutes of the Meeting of 11th October last with reference to Mr. F.R. Lucas’s claim to 

rights. He reports that on 18th August 1894 (Minute Book 1 p. 310) the right of Goddard’s Farm in Lindfield 

belonging to Mr. Stephenson R. Clarke was admitted to take any litter from the Forest but not to turn out or take 

any other profit therefrom. 

The Clerk further reports that where it can be proved that a particular profit a prendre has been taken from a 

common continuously for 60 years last past as of right by the successive occupiers of the property, such right is 

established by virtue of the Prescription Act without its being necessary to show that other profits a prendre have 

been enjoyed by the property over the common. 

It is resolved that as the evidence shows that no stock has been turned out on the Forest since 1891 a claim to 

common of pasture by prescription cannot be established. 

It is further resolved that it be referred back to the Clerk for further consideration whether a claim to take brakes 

and litter alone without common of pasture can be established by prescription. 


With reference to the tenant of Pound Farm, Blackham, taking litter from the Forest which was reported at the last 

meeting, the Clerk states that he wrote to the Bailiff Mr. Floyd as directed (p.13) but received no reply. 

It is resolved that this matter be put on the Agenda for the next Meeting. 

The Clerk reports that he received a letter from Mr. Nicholson dated 20th inst., complaining that a large quantity of 

birch has been destroyed at Wren’s Warren and other places on the Forest and stating that Commoners are only 

entitled to take estovers on the assignment of the Reeve, who alone can judge if they are necessary and that subject 

to any such assignment it appeared to him that the Lord can cut birch willow and elder. 

72 


As regards the question of assignment, the Clerk replied asking if Mr. Nicholson could point to any documentary 

evidence on the subject and could give any specific instance in modern times of a Commoner having applied to the 

Reeve and having been assigned specific trees to cut and that he is availing further information from Mr. 

Nicholson. 

As regards the actual cutting reports are read from Ranger Manners, stating that a quantity of birch trees had been 

cut between Crowborough Warren, the 500 and Friars Gate, by the tenants of Mr. William Taylor, whose property 

is situate on Marden Hill, and they stated that had done so far many years; that the wood at Mrs. Lee’s Cottage (one 

of the tenants) represents from a quarter to half a cord while the tops had been left lying on the Forest. 

Ranger Brown also reported a large quantity of birch had been cut near Wren’s Warren by Albert Crowhurst of Ivy 

Cottage, Jumper’s Town (owner Mrs. Bellingham) and that Crowhurst stated the property had a right to cut, and he 

should continue to cut. He also found that Jesse Weeding had cut birch trees near Wren Warren which he had 

carried to the property he occupies called Moons Cottage adjoining the Forest near Marsh Green belonging to 

Edward Tasker, and he stated he had cut birch on the Forest for many years, and that the right to do so belonged 

to the property he occupied. 

It is resolved that the Clerk look into the question whether the Commoners are entitled to take estovers by or 

without the assignment of the Lord or his Reeve and report fully thereon to the Board. 

Small holdings, etc. Act 

The Clerk states that there seems to be an impression abroad that under the Small Holdings and Allotments Act 

1907, the authorities may acquire and enclose portions of the Forest for small holdings and allotments and he 

reminds the board that sec. 36 of the Commons Act 1876 enacted that, where an order for regulation of a Common 

has been confirmed by Parliament no part of such Common shall be enclosed without the sanction of Parliament 

subsequently obtained and as there is no express provision in the Small Holdings Act empowering the authorities to 

acquire and enclose any Common or a part thereof, whether regulated or not regulated, the Small Holdings Act 

does not appear to constitute such a sanction of Parliament as is required by sec. 36. 


Mr. Albert Turner reports that Messrs. James Gillham and Son have completed the Bye-Law boards that he 

inspected the materials used and also the boards when finished, and found them properly made and finished in 

accordance with the contract; the Rangers also report that the erection of the Bye-Law boards within their 

respective districts was satisfactorily completed on the 29th inst. 

Messrs. Gillham and Son having applied for payment of the ₤21:15:0 due to them under the contract, it is resolved 

that the bill be paid. 

The Clerk states that he has written to the Superintendent of Police at East Grinstead and Uckfield and to the 

Ranger requesting them to keep the Bye Law boards under their special observation in order to prevent or detect 

any damage being done to them. 

Miss Hutchinson licence 

The Clerk reports that the licence to Miss Hutchinson with reference to taking water from the Quabrook has been 

completed and the first acknowledgement there under has been paid. 

Sylvanus Ridley new road 

The Clerk reports that he communicated to Mr. Sylvanus Ridley the resolution passed at the last meeting with 

reference to granting him a licence to make a new road to Old Toll Farm, but had received no reply. 

Underwood Bros. litter 

The Clerk reports that after the last meeting he wrote to Messrs. Underwood Bros. of Little Oddynes Farm, 

Horsted Keynes, with reference to taking litter from the Forest and had received a reply that they were under the 

73 


impression that payment of quit rent for the farm entitled them to Forest litter but that they would not take any 

more. 

Ranger Brown hands in a letter dated 26th inst. which he had received from Messrs. Underwood Bros. asking if he 

could arrange for them to have litter in future and offering in case he could, that they would make things right with 

him on seeing him, to which he replied by letter referring them to the Clerk. 

It is resolved that the Clerk notify Messrs. Underwood Bros. that their letter to the Ranger has been brought to the 

notice of the Board. 

F. Setford letter 

The Clerk reports that after the last meeting he wrote to Mr. F. Setford of Hazelwood Farm, Horsted Keynes, 

enquiring whether he had taken litter as reported at the last meeting and if so, on what ground and pointing out that 

the property has no rights on the Forest and that persons unlawfully taking litter are liable to a penalty. He states he 

has received no reply. 

G. Heasman birch trees 

Mrs. Freshfield states that the birch tree cut by George Heasman as reported at the last meeting was cut on that 

part of the Forest which is vested in him (Mr. Freshfield), that he communicated with Heasman on the subject who 

has given an understanding not to repeat the offence. 

Mrs. Hobbs stable 

The Clerk reports that since the last meeting he has made enquiries and satisfied himself that the new stable erected 

by Mrs. Hobbs of Paines Hill, Fairwarp, on the Forest has been erected on the site of an old stable which fell down 

some time ago. 

Dangerous quarry Stone Hill 

A reply is read from the Clerk to the Uckfield Rural District Council, stating the Council’s surveyor has been 

instructed to repair the fence around the quarry at Stone Hill referred to at the last meeting. 

W. Markwick building materials 

The Clerk reports that Mr. W. Markwick of Duddleswell having applied for permission to deposit building materials 

on the Forest outside his plot near the Fox on which he is building a cottage, he granted permission for the deposit 

on condition that it does not cause annoyance or inconvenience to neighbours, that be removed before the 25th 

March next and the surface restored to its former condition. 

Spring Gardens stream 

Messrs. Carr and Turner report that since the last meeting they viewed with Count Munster’s Agent, Mr. Findlay, 

and Mr. H. Jesse Ridley, the dangerous bank at Spring Gardens stream, and that Mr. Findlay has arranged to carry 

out the improvement proposed by laying in pipes and forming a crossing way over them. 

Summerford Farm 

They also report that they have viewed the Forest near Summerford Farm and find that Mr. John Sargeaunt has 

made good to their satisfaction the damage done to the surface of the Forest by the cartage by stream traction of 

building material from opposite Fairwarp vicarage to his entrance gate, and has also satisfactorily repaired and 

gravelled the cart-track from Tyes Gate to his entrance gate. 

T.J. Ridley or Gurr acreage 

Mr. T.J. Ridley or Gurr of Cripp’s Corner attends and states that since a portion of his property at Cripp’s Corner 

was sold to Mr. Hoodbars, now held by Major Darwin, the acreage of the land he retains which is entitled to rights 

is not quite 3 acres, whereas he is rated in respect of 3¼ acres. The matter having been enquired into it is resolved 

that in future rates Mr. Ridley be assessed only on 3 acres. 

74 


Cheques 


Messrs. J. Gillham and Son for Bye-Law boards £21:15:0 

W. Manners, 5 weeks salary and house rent 

as Ranger to 3rd prox. £6:5:0 

W. Brown, 5 weeks salary as Ranger to 3rd prox. £5:0:0 

It is resolved that the next meeting of the Board be held on Friday the 3rd April next or on such other date as the 

Chairman may consider necessary. 

The Meeting terminated at 6 p.m. 


A Meeting of the Conservators of Ashdown Forest duly convened and held at the Nutley Inn, Nutley, on 

Friday, the 3 rd April 1908, at 2.30 p.m. 

Present 


Mr. J. Card 

Mr. W. Carr 




Mr. J. Ridley 




The Bank Pass Book is produced, showing a balance in hand of £92:11:0. 

Mr. Martin, in reference to the minutes of the last meeting states that the East Grinstead Gas and Water Company 

were apparently under the impression that have power under the special Act to lay mains, not only under roads 

repairable by the Highway Authority, but also under private roads, and they had a right, without the permission of 

the Board, to lay their main under the road on the Forest. He also states he understands the company are waiting 

the permission of the Board to lay service pipes from this main to private houses under the intervening strip of the 

Forest. 

It is resolved that the Clerk apply to the Company for a copy of the Act referred to, and that, subject to the Lord’s 

consent being obtained a licence be granted to the company to lay and maintain the said service pipes subject to the 

usual conditions, the company to pay acknowledgments of 1/- each per annum to the Lord and the Conservators 

so long as the license continues in force. 

Acknowledgements 

The Clerk reports that he has collected all the acknowledgments due this year to date, and has paid the sum of 

£42:2:0 into the Savings Bank account of the Protection and Improvement Fund, the deposit book of which he 

produces. 

75 


2 nd Rangers Account 

Also that since the last meeting he has forwarded a copy of the receipts and payments in respect of the 2 nd Ranger 

Account to 31 st December last to each Commoner who is not yet a subscriber or donor to the fund. 


Also that since that last meeting, the R.A.F. Gold Club has been carrying on negotiations with Mr. Granville D. 

Gordon, which may result in the drain being carried across his land, in which case the length of the drain and 

number of manholes which would otherwise be laid and made on the Forest, will be reduced, and the agreement 

has in consequence been amended, so as to consent to either of the two routes. The Clerk produces the amended 

agreement and it is resolved that it be approved and that the Clerk be and is hereby authorised to sign the 

agreement on behalf of the Board. 

Ladies Golf Club shed 

The Superintendent of the Forest Row Recreation Ground reports that the Ladies Golf Club have decided to 

postpone their application to erect a shed adjacent to the cricket pavilion until the autumn. 

W.J. Evelyn 

The Clerk reports that since the last meeting Mr. W.J. Evelyn does not propose to prosecute his claim to rights on 

the Forest, and has given instructions to his Bailiff not to get any more litter from the Forest. 


The Clerk reports that he has heard nothing further from Mr. Haig or his Steward, Mr. Floyd, with reference to his 

claim to rights. 

It is resolved that the Ranger during the next brake and litter season, keep careful observation and report at once to 

the Clerk if any brakes or litter are taken from the forest to Mr. Haig’s property. 

Estovers 

Pursuant to the resolution passed at the last meeting the Clerk reads a report on the question whether Commoners 

are entitled to take their estovers without assignment by the Cord or his bailiff. 

It is resolved that the report be entered on the minutes. It is as follows: 

The law with regard to Common of Estovers appears to be, that in the absence of a special custom, house bote, 

rough bote, etc., in another persons woods, may be taken without waiting for an assignment thereof (see Cruise’s 

Digest Title XXIII Common 24). 

The early evidence as to what was the custom on the forest is very conflicting. Phillippa, Consort of Edw. III, on 

whom the Forest was settled for life, granted to the Lords of the Manor of Barkham 10 loads of suitable wood of 

beech, oak and birch each year during her life for the Manor of Barkham to be taken by view and licence of the 

Queen’s Custodian of the Forest; and by Patent 24 Edw. III (1351) the King granted to the Lords the same right 

after the death of his Consort forever “without let or hindrance of us or our laws or the Ministers of our Forest 

whatsoever” (which may or may not mean without assignment). 

46 Edw. III Thomas Lodedowe a free tenant, having satisfied the Crown that he and his predecessors in title of the 

Parrock had always been entitled to take l oak and 4 beeches twice a year to burn “by the livery and survey of our 

Bailiff”. The King issued a warrant confirming same. 

The Kings’s customary Tenants on Ashdown Forest, at a court held at Nutley 10th October 1520, set up among 

their claims a right “to fell cut and take two loads of birch, wood and alder to carry home to their houses before the 

feast of Christmas” they make no mention of any obligation to get the trees assigned to them for this purpose, but 

in the same presentment they claim ***** and tenant within the Forest “by the deliverance of the Forester” which 

would imply that their claim to take trees was without assignment. 

76 


In a return to the Crown, dated 20th May 1520 made by certain Commissioners appointed to view the Forest, the 

Commissioners state that the tenants pretend to have within the Forest yearly certain birches and windfalls by 

virtue of their custom, and hath enjoyed the same till that of late they are excluded by the keepers of the Forest. 

Nothing is said about assignment and for the purpose of their reports it was perhaps unnecessary to do so. 

In a presentment by the King’s Tenants made 1st June 1545-6, they present that the King’s entire tenants have been 

used long out of time to mind that every man being the King’s entire customary tenant to fell and to take two loads 

of birch wood and alder to carry home to their houses afore the feast of Christmas. Here again no mention is made 

of assignment. 

In a presentment by the Ranger and Foresters made in 1545-6, it is presented that the tenants fell thorns and beech, 

brakes and heath without assignment of any of the Foresters, which is contrary to their custom, here evidently, the 

complaint is, that they felled without assignment. 

On 30 th May 1610 an organisation was held and the ***** of Tenants claimed estovers or **** wood on the Forest 

(no mention of assignment) and they also claimed wind fallen woods and not fallen woods by appointment of the 

Marshall of the Forest. 

The above are principal examples, and therefore they evidently claimed to take **** wood without assignment. 

Early records appear to amount to this, that the Forest Officers always claimed that estovers must be assigned while 

the Commoners always claimed they had a right to take them without assignment so that they do not appear to 

solve the question. As, however the Forest was a Royal Chase or Forest, a requisite of which would be cover for the 

game, it seems to me that the presumption would be in favour of the Crown having reserved the right to assign the 

estovers. 

On the restoration of the Charles II the Forest was disafforested and granted out to a subject; and later on arose the 

great suit of 1689 between the Grantees and the Commoners. Among the answers of the Defendants in that suit, I 

have found the joint answer of Thomas Rootes, Richard Page and John Day, which claimed Common of Estovers 

by right, and asserted that it was falsely alleged they could not take the Estovers without the Keepers of other 

Officers of the Forest did assign. Various other Defendants in their answer claimed certain loads of woods for fuel 

without specifying whether by assignment or not. 

The first Decree made in the suit on the 4th December 1691, states that it appeared to the Court that there was no 

wood ever esteemed or allowed for estovers, but birch, willow and alder only, and the Court ordered that the 

Plaintiffs be at liberty to cut any wood in the Forest, except birch willow and alder, being the sorts usually allowed 

to the Defendant for estovers. 

The final Decree in 1693 merely confirmed the report of the Commissioners sent down to set out sufficient 

Common, and decreed that the Commoners should have the sole Common pasturage and herbage over the land set 

out, and that the Plaintiffs should be for ever excluded from any Common of pasture or herbage in the same. This 

final Decree says nothing about estovers, but as the Decree of 1691 recognised estover of birch, willow and alder, it 

may fairly be presumed that the prohibition against the Plaintiffs cutting these woods remained in force. 

The judgement in Hale v De La Warr declares that the Commoners are entitled to estovers for the necessary uses 

on their respective land and tenements of birch, willow and alder; it does not define their nature or indicate whether 

they were to be taken by assignment, and it therefore left the matter as it stood before the suit. 

If I am right, however, in assuming that the prohibition in 1691 against the Lords’ cutting birch, willow or alder still 

remains in force, the purpose for which the right to assign, if it originally existed would seem to have ceased 

though’ the right may still remain in the Lord, as the trees are his property till ******. 

I regret that the documentary evidence in existence is so indefinite that I am unable to make a more definite report. 

W. Aug. Raper 2nd April 1908 

77 


F.R. Lucas claim to rights 

The Clerk states that as directed at the last meeting he has further considered the question of whether a claim to 

take brakes and litter alone without Common of pasture can be established by prescription and reports that he has 

satisfied himself that if the owner or occupier of specific land can prove that he has for 60 years last past 

continuously as of right taken brakes and litter from the Forest for use on the land for littering the stock he winter 

thereon, the right shall, under Sec. 1, of the Prescription Act 1832, be deemed absolute and indefeasible, unless it 

can be shown that the same was taken and enjoyed by express consent or agreement in writing; that in Mr. F.R. 

Lucas' case there is no suggestion of any such consent or agreement and that he has therefore established a right by 

prescription to Common of estover, i.e. of brakes and litter ,and that as the Order for Regulation and the Award 

made thereunder make no distinction between different classes of Commoners, but provide for “the protection and 

regulation of the rights of the Commoners”, the property should be inserted in the Schedule of lands entitled to 

rights [of] Common in respect of brakes and litter only, and that the owner is liable to be rated in respect thereof. 

Mr. Martin states that in his opinion unless a person is entitled to Common of pasture, he is not a Commoner in 

the ordinary acceptation of the word, and is not entitled to be scheduled as such, and that the insertion of his 

property in the Schedule might lead to the presumption hereafter that the property is also entitled to Common of 

pasture. The matter having been fully discussed it is resolved that Mr. F.R. Lucas has established his claim to take 

brakes and litter from the Forest, and to turn out or to take any other profit from the Forest, and that the Clerk 

inform him thereof accordingly. 

Small Holdings Act 

The Clerk reports that since the last meeting he received a letter from the Clerk to the County Council of East 

Sussex, stating they had received some applications to hire or purchase for small holdings land forming part of 

Ashdown Forest and enquiring whether the Conservators would be prepared to sell or let any land for the purpose 

and that he replied referring the Clerk to Sec. 36 of the Commons Act 1876 which prohibits the inclosure of any 

part of the common without the sanction of Parliament. 

Bye-law boards 

The Rangers report that since the last meeting three of the Bye–Law boards recently erected on the Forest were 

bodily removed, two have been found and replaced, but that the one at Fairwarp has not been traced, that damage 

has been done to one or two other of the boards which has been made good except as regards the boards near 

Kings Standing, the printing on which has been defaced. 

W. Markwick building materials 

The Clerk reports that he has extended the time. for Mr. W. Markwick of Duddleswell to deposit building materials 

on the Forest near the Fox till 31st May. 

Boring Wheel Road 

The Clerk reports that he has had a correspondence with Mr. E.A. Nicholson who complains that the Conservators 

made a second payment of £2:6:0 to the Foresters Protection Association in respect of outlay on the drove way 

near Boring Wheel Pond in October 1906 after they were aware that the Lord had refused his consent to the work 

being done. 

It is resolved that the matter be refereed to the Maresfield Committee to consider and report thereon to the next 

meeting. 

S.M. Samuel claim to rights; Ephraim Wood claim to rights 

A claim by Mr. Stewart M. Samuel to rights of Common in respect of two farms at Millbrook, Nutley, recently 

purchased by him is read and also a letter from Mr. Ephraim Wood renewing his claim to rights which was dealt 

with in the report of the Committee presented to the Board on the 7th December 1906. 

It is resolved that the both claims be referred to the Maresfield Committee to investigate and report thereon to the 

next meeting. 

78 


G. Philcox cutting birch 

The Clerk reports that Mr. Nicholson wrote to him, on 27th February last that Mr. George Philcox of Newbridge 

and his sons had cut a quantity of alder and birch on the Forest and asked the Conservators to bring him to 

account on the ground that there is no custom which warranted their doing so, Mr. Philcox’s holdings having been 

granted in 1726, 1773 & 1853. 

The Clerk replied that assuming Mr. Philcox not to have the right, the only remedy the Board has is to prosecute 

for a breach of the Bye-laws, in which case Mr. Philcox would set up a claim of right which would prevent the 

Justices adjudicating, and suggesting that as the property in the trees till lawfully severed was in the Lord, he should 

prosecute for malicious injury and he was since informed that the Lord has since taken possession of and sold the 

wood that was cut. 

Road materials licences to take 

Applications are read from the following Highway authorities for permission to take road materials as 

undermentioned from the Forest for repair of their highways during the year ending 25th March next namely:- 


West Road Division (A.G. Wallingford, Surveyor) 

Locality Materials Cubic yards 

Kings Standing Forest gravel 70 

Green Wood Gate ditto 70 

Central Road District (A.G. Tucker Surveyor) 

Isle of Thorns pit near Chelwood gate Forest gravel 50 

Pippingford pit (Millbrook Hill) Hard stone and stone dug 20 

in finding same 

Kings Standing pit Forest gravel 40 


Stone Hill pit gravel 45 

Barns Gate pit ditto 35 







The quantities applied for by the two last named Councils being the same as last year, while the application of the 

County Council shows a considerable reduction. 

It is resolved that licences be granted for the quantities applied for, subject to the same terms and conditions on 

which licences were granted to the Road authorities on 16th December 1899. 

A Coleman fire prosecution 

The Clerk reports that Ranger Manners having about 10:45 p.m. on the Sunday, the 15th March last, detected 

Alfred Coleman of Fairwarp in the act of setting fire to the furze on the Forest, he with Manners saw the Chief 

Constable at Lewes on Wednesday, 18th March, who stated he had received a report from the Superintendent at 

79 


Uckfield and had sent the paper onto his solicitor, Mr. Lawson Lewis, for consideration, and that he was prepared 

to prosecute in case Mr. Lawson Lewis advised there was sufficient evidence to justify his proceeding. The Chief 

Constable telephoned however, yesterday, that he had consulted Mr. Merrifield and Mr. Lawson Lewis, and having 

regard to the remarks made on previous cases by the Judge of Assize, he was advised not to prosecute for arson, 

but to leave the Board to prosecute under the Bye-Law. 

It is resolved (Mr. Joseph Ridley alone voting against the resolution) that the Chairman be requested to see the 

Chief Constable and Mr. Merrifield with the Clerk with a view to inducing the Chief Constable to prosecute, and 

that in the event of his declining to do so, the Chairman be and is hereby authorised to institute a prosecution 

against Coleman for arson, or take such other action (if any) in the matter as he may deem advisable). 

Military camp and training 

A letter is read from the General of the Staff Eastern Command, requesting the permission of the Board for a 

brigade of infantry or artillery to train on the Forest for about 10 days at the end of July 1908 camping on the site 

occupied in August 1906 by the Sussex and Kent Volunteer Infantry Brigade, and to cut trenches in the heathland, 

they undertaking to fill them in again and replace the heather before the troops depart. 

It is resolved that the application be refereed to the Maresfield Committee with power to act. 

Mining. Opinion of Counsel 

The Chairman states that acting on the authority given to him by the Board on the 8th November last he caused a 

case to be laid before Mr. Montague Lush K.C. to advise what right (if any) the Lord has to disturb the surface of 

the Forest to search for and work minerals, and what remedies the Conservators or Commoners have in relation 

thereto and he puts before the meeting the case submitted and reads Mr. Lush’s opinion thereon. 

It is resolved that the Clerk return the papers to Mr. Lush and request him to advise: (1) Whether it would be 

competent for one or more Commoners on behalf of themselves and the other Commoners to bring an action 

against the Lord or his Licencees for an injunction and what is the advantage of an information by the Attorney 

General over such an action, and (2)Whether the Conservators have power to pay the cost of such an action or of 

an information out of the rates levied by the Conservators. 

The Clerk reports that in consequence of reports from the rangers that over 150 holes had been dug on the Forest 

by authority of Earl De La Warr, nearly all of which had been left open, and were a serious danger to the cattle of 

the Commoners, he on the 24 th ulto wrote to Lord De La Warr’s Solicitors, Messrs. Cox and Lafone, calling on 

them to have all the excavations properly filled up again without delay, and warning them that in default, the Board 

would be compelled to prosecute for a breach of the Forest Bye-laws, that Messrs. Cox and Lafone replied on 25th 

March promising to at once investigate the matter ,but that he had as yet had no further reply, that though a few of 

the excavations had been filled in apparently on the responsibility of the foreman in charge before the date of the 

Clerk’s letter, the large majority of the excavations still remain open. 

It is resolved that the Clerk write again to Messrs. Cox and Lafone requesting them to give immediately instructions 

that all holes now open be at once filled in and the surface restored, and that no further excavations be made on the 


W.R. Arbuthnot application for road 

The Forest Row Committee report that they have had under consideration a letter forwarded to them by the Clerk 

from Mr. Arbuthnot of Plawhatch, who has recently erected a new house facing the Forest near to and to the south 

of Plaw Hatch Gate, to which a carriage road already runs across the Forest land from the high road asking for 

permission to make and maintain a second carriage road to the house from the same high road and they 

recommended that a licence be granted to Mr. Arbuthnot to make metal and maintain a road accordingly not 

exceeding 10 feet in width, subject to the usual conditions and reserving during its continuance in force yearly 

acknowledgements to the Lord and the Conservators of 5/- each. 

80 


It is resolved that the recommendation be approved and the Clerk be authorised, on obtaining the Lord’s consent 

to grant a licence on the terms mentioned and that the Forest Row Committee be empowered to supervise and 

approve the work on the behalf of the Board. 

H. Ashby litter 

The Clerk reports that Ranger Brown having informed him that on 4th February last litter was carried from the 

Forest for Mr. Herbert Ashby of Lodge Field Farm, Withyham ,(a tenant of Lord De La Warr, he wrote to Mr. 

Nicholson referring him to a correspondence which passed in March 1903 and requesting him to stop Mr. Ashby 

from taking litter in future, that Mr. Nicholson thereon wrote to Mr. Ashby pointing out that he no right to take 

litter, and Mr. Ashby had replied that he would not take any more. 

Messrs. Stenning carting 

The Clerk reports that Ranger Manners having informed him that on 28th February last Messrs. John Stenning and 

Sons of East Grinstead in clearing timber from Old Lands wood carted it across the Forest instead of by the proper 

road, he wrote to them pointing out that they had committed a breach of the Bye-Laws, and reminding them that 

this was not the first occasion on which the Board had had occasion to complain to them of a similar offence, and 

stating that if they should hereafter repeat it, the Conservators would be reluctantly compelled to prosecute; that 

they replied on 9th March last that it is not their wish to infringe the Bye–laws, but claim a right to cart timber over 

the Forest where an undoubted right of way exists. The Clerk replied that on the occasion in question, as on 

previous occasions, when complaint was made, their timber tugs went over the Forest where no right of way 

existed, and cut up the surface of the Forest and that the Board are determined to stop this practice. 

Ashdown Park application for telegraph wires 

The Clerk reports that he received from the Postmaster General an application dated the 11th March last for 

permission to place an overhead telegraph line across the Forest from Coleman’s Hatch to Ashdown Park and that 

he replied reminding the Postmaster General that this question was thoroughly gone into with precedence early in 

1906, and that the Board sometime since decided they cannot consent to any more overground wires being carried 

across the Forest whether by the high road or otherwise and that when opportunity arises all overhead wires now 

crossing the Forest should be put underground. 

It is resolved that the Clerk’s reply be and is hereby approved. 

R.A.F. Golf Club application for telephone wire 

A letter is read from the Secretary of the R.A.F. Golf Club applying for the Board's permission for telephone wires 

to be carried across the Forest to the Club house either overhead or underground. The Clerk stated he had replied 

that they could not consent to any overhead wires and it is resolved that the Board will be prepared to favourably 

consider a application to lay underground wires when a plan is submitted. 

Public sewer 

The Clerk produces the notice served upon him yesterday by the East Grinstead Rural District Council notifying 

their intention to carry a 9 inch sewer under part of the Forest adjoining Crowborough. 

It is resolved that the Clerk apply to the Council for further particulars, and particularly whether it is proposed to 

construct any manholes, or erect any ventilating shaft on the Forest, to which latter strong objection would be 

taken, and that on receipt of the particulars the application be referred to the Maresfield Committee to consider 

with power to act. 

Rate 

The Clerk reports that the last rate was made on 21st December 1906, and that when all claims are paid the funds in 

hand will be exhausted by Midsummer. 

It is resolved that notice be given on the Agenda for the next ordinary meeting of the Board to make a rate at of 6d. 

per acre, and that the Clerk prepare the necessary document for the purpose. 

81 


Cheques 


H. Kenward and Son, Uckfield, for new notice 

board near Pound Gate School £1:4:0 

W. Manners, 9 weeks salary and house rent 

as Ranger to 6th inst. £11:5:0 

W. Brown 9 weeks salary as Ranger to 6th inst. £9:0:0 

It is resolved that the next meeting of the Board be held on Friday, the 5th June next at 2.30 p.m., or on such other 

date as the Chairman may consider necessary. 



A Special Meeting of the Commoners interested in Ashdown Forest duly convened by the Clerk by 

advertisement in two newspapers circulating in the neighbourhood to wit the Sussex Daily News and the 

East Grinstead Observer and by notice sent by post to every Commoner at least 14 days before this date, 

stating that it is to consider an application from the War Office to hold an artillery camp on that part of the 

Forest adjacent to Crowborough, and to execute manoeuvres on the Forest from about the 20th July to the 

12th August next and if approved to sanction the same, and held at the Nutley Inn, Nutley, on Friday the 

5th day of June 1908 at 2 o clock of the afternoon. 

Present 


The Right Honble, Muriel Countess De Le Warr 


Mr. W. Carr 







Mr. Maryon-Wilson having been chosen Chairman and taken the chair explained to the meeting that on the 

previous occasions when Military camps were held on the Forest, the applications from the authorities were 

received shortly before and were submitted to the Annual Meeting of the Commoners in December therefore no 

special meeting had hitherto been necessary but that the present application having only recently been received he 

considered it necessary to convene this meeting for the purpose of ascertaining the views of the Commoners on the 

matter and laying this application before them. 

He states that the proposal is that a force of about 1200 Artillery and 600 horses shall camp on the Forest near 

Crowborough on the site of a former Camp from about the 20 th July to 12 th August next, and shall be authorised to 

execute manoeuvres over the Forest under arrangements by which all damage to the surface is to be made good, 

proper measures taken for the protection of the Forest from fire, all refuse is to be removed or buried and all 

excavations properly filled up and levelled and the top spit restored immediately after the camp is removed. 

Compensation to be paid for damage to herbage, brakes and litter, and the expense incurred by the Conservators 

are to be reimbursed. 

82 


Mr. Turner states that provision has been made for an ample supply of water to the troops from the mains of the 

Crowborough Water Company, and that there is plenty of water available for the horses. And upon the proposition, 

seconded by Mr. Portman, it is unanimously resolved that the application of the War office be and is hereby 

approved, and that the Board of Conservators be and are hereby authorised to make all necessary arrangements on 

such terms and conditions as they may deem proper. 

Colonel Foster, Assistant Quarter Master General, Eastern Command, being present expresses his sincere thanks 

on behalf of the War Office and offers to give any information desired. 


Chairman 


Friday, the 5th June 1908, at 2.30 p.m. 

Present 


The Honble. H.B. Portman 

Mr. J. Card 

Mr. W. Carr 


Mr. Thomas Hyde 




Mr. J. Ridley 




The Bank Pass Book is produced, showing a balance in hand of £71.2.0. 

Military Camp 

The Chairman states that the Lord and the Maresfield Committee having approved of the proposal to hold a 

Military Camp near Crowborough and to carry out military manoeuvres on the Forest, he considered it would be 

necessary to obtain the approval of the Commoners before giving the Board’s sanction, and that a meeting of the 

Commoners was in consequence held this afternoon previous to this Meeting when a resolution was passed 

approving of the proposal, 

The Clerk submits a document which the War Department is prepared to sign, undertaking to do as little damage as 

possible to take precautions against fore, to fill up all trenches and remove all rubbish, to pay expenses incurred by 

the Board for additional Rangers, convening the meeting of Commoners, etc., not exceeding £50; and to pay 

compensation for damage to the herbage, brakes and litter to be assessed in case of disagreement by an arbitrator. 

It is resolved that the undertaking be and is hereby approved and that on its being signed the Maresfield Committee 

be and are hereby authorised to carry out all the arrangements and it see that the terms of the undertaking are 

complied with. 

83 


East Grinstead Gas and Water Co. 

The Clerk reports that he has examined the Acts of the East Grinstead Gas and Water company, and that the only 

provision affecting the Forest is in their act of 1892 which expressly limits the power of the Company to take an 

easement under the Forest for the laying of a conduit or line of pipes from a source of supply in Broadstone 

Warren to Tompsetts Bank. 

The Clerk, as directed at the last meeting, sent a draft licence for approval to the Secretary of the Company which 

was to be submitted to the Directors yesterday and has not yet been returned. 

A. Coleman fire prosecution 

The Chairman’s reports that on the 8th April last, accompanied by the Clerk, he had an interview with the Chief 

Constable and Mr. Merrifield at Lewes with reference to the prosecution of Alfred Coleman for arson with the 

result that the Chief Constable arranged to take the opinion of Mr. E.E. Humphreys, the Counsel who conducted 

the previous prosecutions for arson, as to the expediency of prosecuting Coleman. That a case (which was not 

submitted to the Clerk before being laid before Counsel) was sent to Mr. Humphreys and that this case with his 

opinion and other papers has been sent by the Clerk of the Standing Joint Committee to the Board; that Counsel’s 

opinion is substantially to the effect that the evidence appears sufficient to justify a prosecution for arson but that 

as only a small piece of furze was burnt he considers it is unadvisable to prosecute for arson and that a prosecution 

under the Bye-laws would meet the case. 

It is resolved that the whole matter be referred to a Committee of three Conservators with full power to take such 

action in the matter as they may deem expedient, and that the Chairman, Mr. Freshfield and Mr. Portman be the 

Committee. 

Mining 

The Clerks report that immediately after the last meeting he wrote to Lord De La Warr’s Solicitors requiring that all 

excavations opened on the Forest for prospecting for minerals be at once filled in, and that no further excavations 

be made, and that all the excavations were immediately afterwards filled in and the surface restored. 

Mining - opinion of counsel 

The Clerk reads the further questions put to Mr. Montague Lush K.C. with reference to proceedings against the 

Lord for mining on or under the Forest and his opinions thereon and it is resolved that the same be entered on the 

minutes. They are as follows:- 

The Conservators would be glad if Mr. Lush would state his opinion in writing 

1. Whether it would be competent for one or more Commoners on behalf of themselves and the other 

Commoners to bring an action against the owner of the soil or his licence for an injunction. 

2. What is the advantage of an information by the Attorney General over such an action. 

3. Whether the Conservators have power to pay the costs of (a) such an action by Commoners or (b) by the 

Attorney General out of their rates. 

Further opinion 

1 I am of opinion that it would be competent for one or more Commoners to bring such an action. The 

Commoners have a common proprietary intent in preventing a disturbance of their rights and they are 

entitled therefore to maintain a representative action. 

2. It would be to the advantage of those who are entrusted in preserving the Forest and protecting the rights 

of the Commoners and the public to rely on all the available and legitimate methods of preventing the 

threatened disturbance. There are two remedies which are open to them: one to prevent a breach of the Bye 

Laws and the other to prevent a violation of the proprietary rights of the Commoners. If the former remedy 

84 


is to pursued for penalties it must be by way of an information by the Attorney General on the relation of 

the Conservators. I advised the latter proceedings in my original opinion in addition to those by the 

Commoners in order that both available remedies should be pursued. 

3. (a) On the whole I think not though I feel some doubt about it. If it can be shown that an action by 

Commoners is the most effective way of protecting their rights it may be contented with some force that is 

the within the power of the Conservators to support such an action. I have come however to the 

conclusion that it would be probably be held that the enforcement of Bye Laws in the method by which the 

legislature contemplated that such rights would be protected by the Conservators (b) I am of opinion that 

the Conservators have power to pay these costs. It is really a mode of enforcing the Bye Laws. They cannot 

be enforced by the proceedings before Justices if a claim of rights is set up and in such a case (which I 

assume would be the case here) this is the alternative mode of obtaining the same result. 

Montague Lush 


The Clerk reports that the agreement with the R.A.F. Golf Club with reference to carrying a drain under the Forest 

from the Club house has been completed, but the plans of the work have not yet been submitted. 

R.A.F. Golf Club application for works 

The Club having applied for permission to improve the small patch of ground on the hillside above and behind the 

first tee for the purpose of a temporary teeing ground involving the slight cutting out from the bank and filling the 

existing hollow. The Forest Row Committee recommend that the application be acceded to with permission to cut 

a small grip if necessary, through the coarse growth for the purpose of drainage. 

It is resolved that the application be granted, the work to be carried out under the supervision and to the 

satisfaction of the Forest Row Committee with power to authorise any consequential additions. 

Boring Wheel cart track 

With regard to the complaint of Mr. E.A. Nicholson that the Conservators made a second payment to the Foresters 

Protection Association in reference to work done on the drove way near Boring Wheel pond after the Lord had 

refused consent to the work, which complaint was referred at the last meeting to the Maresfield Committee to 

consider the report on the Committee now report that had the Lord’s consent been given a satisfactory track would 

have been completed, and that as regards Mr. Nicholson's complaint the Committee consider that the work 

executed, having been done on the promise of the Board to contribute £5, they were bound to fulfil their promise. 

It is resolved that the report be approved and entered on the minutes. 

Crowborough public sewer 

The Clerk reports that he applied to the East Grinstead Rural District Council for further particulars with reference 

to the notice served on him, of intention to carry a public sewer across part of the Forest adjoining Crowborough, 

and was informed that no ventilating shaft was to be erected, as the manholes would all be self ventilating, and that 

the Council is not prepared to sink the manholes below the surface so that they may be covered with soil. 

He also wrote to the Board of Agriculture and Fisheries stating the facts, and asking their opinion whether the 

Regulation Act of 1885 being subsequent to the Public Health Act overrides it, and that he received a reply that, in 

their opinion the Bye-law prohibiting the damage of the surface of the Forest does not override the powers of the 

Local Authority under section 16 of the Public Health Act 1876. 

The Maresfield Committee present their report on the above matter which is read and considered and it is resolved 

that it be entered on the Minutes. It is as follows:- 


85 


The Committee met at St. John's Common, Crowborough on Monday May 11, 1908 at 11 a.m. Present the Honble 

H.B. Portman presiding, Messrs. Sandford and A. Turner. 

The Committee had with them the plan sent by the East Grinstead Rural Sanitary Authority of the proposed drain 

on St. John’s Common. The exact position of the same having been pointed out to them by James Smithers of 

Withyham who stated that he assisted the engineer in his survey thereof. 

By this plan it appeared there would be but one manhole actually on the Forest, the others being on a private road 

from Crowborough Warren to St. John’s Church. 

Bearing in mind the opinion of the Board of Agriculture, the Committee resolved unanimously to advise the Board 

of Conservators to make no move in the matter. 

H.B. Portman Chairman 

June 5th 08 

Summerford Farm damage to road 

The Maresfield Committee report that damage having been done to the east road on the Forest from Tyes Gate to 

the entrance to Mr. Sargeaunt’s premises they viewed the same that Mr. Turner subsequently interviewed the 

person who caused it and that person has now repaired the damage. 

Mr. S. Samuel M.P. claim to rights 

The Maresfield Committee report as follows:- 

We have required into the claim of Mr. S.M. Samuel M.P. to rights in respect of the property at Millbrook, Nutley, 

which he has recently purchased from Mr. John Wood. Several portions of the land are modern encroachments, 

sold under the Regulation Act and coloured on the map attached to the Award that these consequently can have no 

rights; and that the remainder of the property was copyhold more than 100 years ago. The Committee have satisfied 

themselves that the successive occupiers have exercised common of pasture, and taken brakes and litter on or from 

the Forest for use on the property continuously as of right for over 60 years last past, and they recommended that 

the Mr. Samuel’s name be entered on the Schedule of Commoners in respect of such portions of the inclosures 

Nos. 40.41.52 and 53 on the Map of the Ordnance Survey, 2nd Edition 1898, as were not sold under the Award. 

Mr. Ephraim Wood claim to rights 

The Committee have also inquired into the claim of Mr. Ephraim Wood to rights in respect of his property, 

comprising about half an acre at the north of Putlands Farm, Duddleswell. They have ascertained that 39 perches of 

the property were granted as copyhold on 3rd June 1842, and have satisfied themselves that the successive 

occupiers of this portion have exercised common of pasture and taken brakes and litter on and from the Forest for 

use on it continually as of right for 60 years last past and they recommend that Mr. Wood’s name be inserted into 

the Schedule of the Commoners in respect of this portion being part of inclosure No. 660 on the Map of the 

Ordnance Survey 2nd Edition 1899. That the remainder of the property appears to have been encroached in more 

recent years and has not acquired any right. 

The Committee desire to enter a protest against claims to rights being referred to the Committee. 

It is resolved that the report be approved and adapted and entered on the minutes, and the Clerk make the entries 

accordingly. 

Mr. Arbuthnot licence for road 

The Clerk reports that the he submitted to Mr. W.R. Arbuthnot a draft of the licence authorised at the last meeting. 

Mr. MacFarlane attends on behalf of Mr. Arbuthnot, and states that the latter approves of the draft licence except 

that he wishes the clause giving the power to revoke on the objection of any Commoner to be expunged. 

86 


It is resolved that Mr. Arbuthnot be informed that a licence cannot be granted without the condition in question 

and that it is inserted in all similar licences. 

Bishop Fisher application to deposit poles 

Bishop Fisher of Ashdown Park, having applied for permission to draw poles from the Ashdown Park estate, and 

deposit them on the Forest by the side of the road from Brick Kiln Farm to Coleman’s Hatch in small quantities, 

and for a short time only for convenience of the purchaser in carting them away. It is resolved that permission be 

granted accordingly. 

Safety zones 

The Clerk having applied to the Board for further instructions with reference to granting permission to owners or 

occupiers of property adjoining the Forest to cut safety zones immediately outside their fences for protection from 

fire. 

It is resolved that in future when permission is granted on behalf of the Board, the applicant and not the Clerk must 

apply to the Lord’s Reeve for his permission. 

Licences for brakes litter and turf; annual return 

The returns of the Rangers of licence granted by them during the past year are submitted to the Board, and show 

that the following have been granted, viz: 

By Ranger Manners 46 licences for 

6 Brakes for 9 loads 

6 Litter for 9 loads 

9 Rushes for 11 loads 

25 Peat for 36 loads 

By Ranger Brown 12 licences for 

5 Brakes for 13 loads 

4 Litter for 6 loads 

1 Rushes for 1 load 

2 Peat for 2 loads 

2nd Ranger as to providing expenses for 2nd year 

The Clerk reports that towards the expenses of the 2nd Ranger the following subscriptions and donations have 

been received viz: 

From Commoners Subscriptions £22:3:0 

From Commoners Donations £11:16:0 

From others Subscriptions £20:0:0 

From others Donations £5:0:0 

£58:19:0 

That the expenses of the Ranger to 15th June instant, 

the end of one year amount to £53:7:7 

learning a balance in hand of £5:11:5 

It is resolved that an appeal be addressed by the Chairman to all Commoners (expect the small ones) and all other 

subscribers and donors and persons likely to subscribe or contribute towards the expense of continuing the 2nd 

Ranger and asking for contributions to enable the Board to continue his services. 

87 


Fires 

The Rangers report a number of fires that have occurred on the Forest since the last meeting of the Board 

including a fire on the 17th April last near Crows Nest which burnt about 40 yards of a hedge and gate belonging to 

Crows Nest, and which but for prompt assistance would have burnt some thatched buildings. 

It is resolved that the Clerk furnish particulars at the next meeting of the number of fires, and area damaged thereby 

in 1907 and in 1908. 

Bye-law board 

The Bye-Law board erected at Tompsetts Bank having been lifted out of the ground and removed by some 

unknown person but recovered it is resolved that it be re-erected with a cross piece at the foot at the post to 

prevent its being dragged up again. 

Encroachments not barred by Regulation act 

The Clerk states that Mr. Nicholson having been asked the opinion of the Board of Agriculture & Fisheries with 

reference to the effect of section 36 of the Commons Act 1876 on encroachment made since the Regulation 

forwarded him a copy of their reply which is as follows:- 

Copy No B 676\1908 

Board of Agriculture and Fisheries. 

3 St James Square 

London SW 

16th April 1908 

Gentlemen, 

Ashdown Forest Regulations 

I am directed by the Board of Agriculture and Fisheries to advert to your letters of the 5th February last and the 

2nd inst; and to say that they have no jurisdiction to deal with cases of encroachments on a common which is 

regulated under the Inclosure Acts, but the Board are advised that section 36 of the Commons Acts 1876 would 

seem to be applicable only to such enclosures as might but for that section be lawfully made, and not to prevent 

acquisition of a title by operation of the statutes of Limitation. 

I am 

Gentlemen 

Your obedient servant 

J.H. Muir 

Assistant Secretary 

Messrs. Hunt, Currey and Co. 

Mr. Markwick building materials 

Mr. William Markwick having applied for an extension of time for removing the building materials deposited on the 

Forest near the Fox at Duddleswell, he not having completed his building. It is resolved that he be granted an 

extension till 31st July next. 

Rate 

The Clerk having reported that the funds in hand will be exhausted by payment of the current liabilities and having 

produced an estimate of the annual expenses. It is proposed by Mr. Llewellyn Midgley seconded by Mr. Albert 

Turner and unanimously resolved that a rate be made for defraying the expenses of the Conservators in the 

execution of their duties under the Award made under the provisions of the Inclosure Acts 1845-1878 and the 

Commons Regulations (Ashdown Forest) Provisional Order Confirmation Act 1885 to be levied upon the 

88 


espective owners of the rights of common upon the Forest at the rate of 6d. per acre in respect of the acreage of 

their respective lands to which such rights attach which Commoners and their respective acreages aforesaid, and the 

respective sums payable by them are hereafter set out viz: 

respective owners of the rights of commons upon the Forest at the rate of 6d. per acre in respect of the acreage of 

their respective lands to which such rights attach, which Commoners and their respective acreages aforesaid and the 

respective sums payable by them are hereinafter set out, viz:- 

Name Address Acreage Amount £ 

s d 


Adams, Mr. William Moss Cottage, Newbridge, 

2 0 1 0 


Amps, James William Ashdown House, Danehill, Uckfield 65:2:24 1 1 0 

Esq. 

8 



Appleby Mr. Isaac, Fords Green Nutley Uckfield 1/2 0 0 6 

decd. Repres. 

Arbuthnot W.R. Esq. Plaw Hatch East Grinstead 200 5 0 0 

Avis, Mrs 

The Hollies, Fryars Gate 

3 0 1 6 

Sarah A. 

Withyham 

Baker Mr. Matthias Chelwood Common Dane Hill Uckfield 2 0 1 0 


Ballard & Co. Messrs. Brewers, Lewes 2 ½ 0 1 6 


0 

Barchard, Mrs. K.L.S. Duddleswell Uckfield 12 0 6 

Barralet, Mrs. Phoebe The Laurels, Nutley (late Barolet) ¾ 0 0 6 


Bashford, Mr. John Forest Row East Grinstead 15 0 7 6 


0 

Bedwell, Mr. Charles Nutley, Uckfield 0:2:29 0 0 6 


8 


Bellingham, Mrs. Eliz. Salisbury House, Hartfield, Tunbridge Wells 4:0:18 0 3 0 

(late Banister) 

1:2:19 


Birch, Fredk. Peregrine 8 ½ Angel Court, Throgmorton Street, 3:3:12 0 2 0 

Decd. Repres. Of London SE 

Birch, Francis Esq. Flat 9, Westminister Place Hotel, London 44 1 2 0 

SW 


Essex 

Brassey, The Rt. Hon. Normanhurst, Battle, Sussex 11-1-22 0 6 0 

Lord 

Brassey, The Hon. Normanhurst, Battle, Sussex 95:2:14 2 8 0 

Lady 

Browning Mr. William Chelwood Common Dane Hill Uckfield 9½ 0 5 0 

89 


Budd Budd Fred. & Restlands West Hoathly East Grinstead 145 3 1 6 

John. 

2 

Burgess, Mrs Amelia Fairways, Uckfield (late W. Walters) 5:2:0 0 3 0 



Carr, Mr. William Nutley, Uckfield 

8 

0 1 0 

(admitted 31 Jan 1908) 

19:2:31 

4 

Champneys, Dr. Frank Highlands, Nutley, Uckfield 7:3:0 0 4 0 

Chatterton, Geo. J. Bridge Wharf, Caledonian Road, London 6 0 3 0 

Chilton, Mr. Alfred Uckfield (late Walton) 32:2:24 0 1 0 

0 

Clarke Stephenson, C/o Daniel Watney & sons 

133:3:15 3 7 0 

Mrs. 


Clarke, Lieut. Col. C/o Daniel Watney & sons 

56:2:0 1 0 0 

Stephenson 



6 

Colchester The Rt. c/o Whitley Hughes, East Grinstead 213 5 6 6 

Hon. Lord 

Constable, Mrs. Lucy Forge Bank, Nutley 2:2:28 0 1 6 

S. 



Cooper, Ernest Esq. Pasdens, Limpsfield, Surrey 140 3 1 0 

0 

Corbett, Charles Esq. Woodgate, Dane Hill Park Uckfield 248:1:24 6 4 6 

Cowan, W.H. Crows Nest, Buxted 3:1:14 0 2 0 


Darling, Miss The Ridge, Colemans Hatch 4 0 2 0 

De La Warr, The Rt. Old Lodge, Uckfield 9:0:4 0 5 0 

Hon. Muriel, Countess 


Leonard Rob. 

5 



Dodge Miss Mary C/o J.G. B***ngton (late Sylvanus Ridley) 11:1:30 0 6 0 

Hoadley 


Eason, Edward Henry 43 Bishopsgate Street Without London E.C. 1:1:8 0 1 0 

Physick Esq. 


Evenden, Mrs. Maresfield, Uckfield 1 0 0 6 



2½ 0 1 3 

Uckfield 

Follett, W.W.S. Esq. 44 New Square, Lincolns Inn, London WC 5 0 2 6 


Fincham, Mr. J.H. Nutley, Uckfield 1:3:0 0 1 0 

Freshfield, Douglas Wych Cross House, Forest Row 219 ¼ 5 1 0 

Fuller Miss 

Millicent 

0 

Vaughans Fletching Uckfield 10 0 5 0 

90 


Funnell, Mr. Frederick Gorses Farm, Birch Grove, East Grinstead 14:0:23 0 



Humphrey 

Gilbert 



Goard Mrs. Phillipa. The Green, Forest Row, East Grinstead 2 ¾ 0 1 6 

Philcox 

Goldsmiths’ Company Goldsmith’s Hall London E.C. 117:3:14 2 1 0 

9 

Gordon, Granville Shalesbrook, Forest Row 5 ½ 0 3 0 



Greenfield, Mrs. Emily Dodds Bottom, Nutley, Uckfield 0:1:16 0 0 6 



4 


Heasman Mrs. Newbridge, Hartfield 3 0 1 6 

Eliza 

Heasman Mrs. Grubbs Farm, Withyham, Tunbridge Wells 2 ½ 0 1 6 

Isabella, *** Charles 




0 




Crowborough 

Hobbs, Mr. Henry Fairwarp, Uckfield 0:1:8 0 0 6 

Hope, James F. 520:3:0 13 0 6 

Hounsom Wm. Allin Cleveland, New Church Road, Brighton 28 0 1 0 

Esq. 

3 

Hutchinson, Horace Shepherds Gate, Hartfield 5 ¼ 0 3 0 

G. Esq. 



George 

Keeys, Mr. Richard Hartfield, Tunbridge Wells(late Lurking) 10:1:15 

36:3:24 

0 

1 

5 

1 

6 

0 

4 

Kenward, Mr. Robert Fletching, Uckfield 74 1 1 0 

7 

Kenward, Mr. Budletts, Maresfield (late Knight) 2 0 1 0 

Hercules 

Killick, Mr. Richard Old Town, Groombridge, Tunbridge Wells 0:1:0 0 0 6 

Spencer 


91 


Langridge, Mr. Enoch Dane Hill, Uckfield 1 ½ 0 1 0 

Larnach, Jas. Walker C/o Messrs. Turner, Rudge & Turner, East 500 12 1 0 

Grinstead 

0 

Laver Miss Elizabeth Greystones, Crowborough 5 ½ 0 3 0 

Fielder 

Lethbridge, H. Esq. Mount Ephraim, near Uckfield 4 0 2 0 


McLeod, Addison Esq. Rose Cottage, Chelwood, Uckfield 8 0 4 0 

Manners, Mr. James Bankside, Danehill, Uckfield 5 0 2 6 

Thomas 

Marchant, Mr. Thomas Cackle Street, 

5 0 2 6 

Maresfield, Uckfield 

Maresfield, The Rector The Rectory, Maresfield 100 2 1 0 


0 

Marriott, Mr & Miss c/o Messrs. Hastie, 65 Lincolns Inn Field, 57 ½ 1 9 0 

Cordelia Isabella. W.C 



Martin, Mr. William Coach & Horses, Dane Hill, Uckfield 7 ½ 0 4 0 


Maynard, Mr. George Cold Harbour Farm, Forest Row, E. 5 0 2 6 

Grinstead 

McAndrew, John Esq. Holly Hill, Hartfield, Tunbridge Wells 196 4 1 0 

J.P. 

8 

Meyers, Miss Brick Grove, near East Grinstead 4:1:0 0 2 0 

Methuen, David Esq. Holly Croft, Forest Row 3 ¾ 0 4 4 

Meyrick Hartfield (late A.H. Clough) 1 ½ 0 2 0 

Midgley, Llewellyn Chelwood Corner, Nutley, Uckfield 9 ¼ 0 5 0 

Mira, W. Pablo Esq. Old Lands, Buxted, Uckfield 285 7 2 6 

Mitchell, Mr. William Nutley Road, Nutley (late W. Ridley) 3 ¼ 0 2 0 

Munster, His Highness Maresfield Park, Uckfield 2402:3:23 60 1 6 

Prince 

Needham, Colonel Tylehurst, Forest Row 58 1 9 0 

Norman, Mr. Henry Fairwarp, Maresfield, Uckfield 6 0 3 0 

The Repres. of 

Norris, The Revd. 11 The *******, Yeovil 100 2 1 

G.R.C. 

0 



Osborne, Miss S. 30 Treherne Road, East Sheen, Surrey 4 0 2 0 

Osborne, Mrs. Mary The Lower Brickyard, Nutley, Uckfield 4:0:11 0 2 6 

Ann 

Osborne, Mr. William Foresters Arms, Fairwarp, Uckfield, late Jas 7 0 3 6 

and Elizabeth his wife Bennett 

Osborne, Mr. Thomas The Old Brickyard, Nutley 17 0 8 6 

and Harriet his wife 

Osborne, Mr. Thomas The Old Brickyard, Nutley 7 0 3 6 


Page, Messrs. Thomas 

& James 

Fairwarp, Uckfield 10 0 5 0 

92 



Peckham, Revd. H.J. Nutley Vicarage, Uckfield 4 0 2 6 

Philcox, Mr. George Newbridge, Maresfield, Tunbridge Wells 2 ½ 0 1 6 

Phillips, Mrs. Gertrude Broadlands, Crowborough, Sussex 2 ½ 0 1 6 

Portman, the Hon. C/o Messrs. Powell & Co., Lewes 173:1:31 4 7 0 

Henry 


3 




Ridley, Mr. Sylvanus Forest Farm, Danehill, Uckfield 28:0:7 0 1 6 

4 

Ridley (or Gurr), Mr. Cripps Corner, Ashdown Forest, E. 3 0 1 0 

Timothy John Grinstead 

Ridley, Mrs. Lucy Rose Whitehouse Farm, Horney Common, 19:2:26 0 1 0 

(H.J.) 

Maresfield 

0 

Robinson, Mr. Joseph Ashdown Forest Hotel, Forest Row 0:0:31 0 0 6 

Sadlier, Mrs. 

C/o Joseph Turner Esq. 

185 4 1 6 


2 



Sayers, Mr. Frederick Post Office, Forest Row, East Grinstead ¼ 0 0 1 ½ 

Sclater, Rev. F.S. C/o W.T. Ingram Esq., Lewes 69:0:14 1 1 0 

5 

Scott, Mrs. Hannah Duddleswell, Uckfield 0:2:0 0 0 6 

Seymour, Mr. Mark Post Horn Lane, Forest Row, Sussex ¼ 0 0 6 

Soames, Arthur Sheffield Park, Fletching, Uckfield 946 23 1 0 

Gillstrap Esq. 

3 

Shoebridge, Mr. Owen Summer Hill, Horney Common, Nutley 3 ½ 0 2 0 


Thomas 

Shoebridge, Mr. Thos. Nutley, Uckfield 2 0 1 0 

Richardson 

Southdown & East Lewes 4:2:30 0 2 6 

Grinstead Breweries 

Ltd. 

Stenning, J.C. Esq. C/o Messrs. Turner, Rudge & Turner, East 5:1:4 0 3 0 

Grinstead 

Stevens, Mrs. Mary Collinsford, Danehill 5 ½ 0 3 0 

Ann 

Stevenson, Mr. Joseph near Windmill, Nutley, Uckfield 1 ¾ 0 1 0 

Streatfeild, R.J. Esq. C/o Messrs. Powell & Co. 

240 6 0 0 

Lewes 


Brewery Brighton Ltd 

Tapps-Gervis, Miss c/o Messrs. Hastie, East Grinstead 925 23 2 6 

Clara 

Taylor Mr. William Darvell Beech Farm, Battle 2 0 1 0 

Tomsett, Mr. Jesse Chelwood Common, Dane Hill, Uckfield 3 0 1 6 

93 


Turner Albert Esq. The Limes, Nutley, Uckfield 80 2 0 0 




Wallace Mrs Reginald. Railway Inn, Town Row, Rotherfield 2 0 1 0 

Waldstein, L. Possingford Farm, Hartfield (late A.H. 21:0:15 0 1 0 

Clough) 

1 


1 



Walters, Mr. Henry Shepherds Well, Tompsetts Bank, Forest 1 ¾ 0 1 0 

Row 


Welfare Mr. William Post Office, Withyham 3 0 1 6 

Wheatley Mr. Joseph Coleman’s Hatch, Hartfield. Tunbridge 4 0 2 0 

Wheeler Mr. Charles Chelwood Common, Dane Hill, Uckfield 5 0 2 6 

White, W. Leeland Whitecroft, Forest Row 0:1:15 0 0 6 

Whitewood, Mr. James Nutley, Uckfield 2 ½ 0 1 6 

Whitfeld, T.S. Esq. Dormans Cross, East Grinstead 3 0 1 6 


1 

Wickens Mr. Simeon Chelwood Common, Dane Hill, Uckfield 59 ½ 1 1 0 

0 

Wickens Mr. Spencer Chelwood Common, Dane Hill, Uckfield 15 0 7 6 

Snr. 

Wickham, Mrs. Philly Forest Bank, Nutley, Uckfield 4:1:25 0 2 6 

Wilson Mr. Edward Mount Pleasant, Oldlands, Maresfield 1 0 0 6 


Maryon Esq 

0 




Wood, Mr. Thomas The Hollies, Bennett Park, Blackheath, Kent 30 ¾ 0 1 6 

Daynes 

5 

Wood, Mr. Charles C/o A, Turner Esq., The Limes, Nutley 12 0 6 0 

Devisees of 

Young Mr. William 

Audit Committees report 



Cheques 


W. Manners 9 weeks salary and house rent 

as Ranger to the 8th inst. £11:5:0 

W. Brown 9 weeks salary as Ranger 

to the 8th inst. £9:0:0 

94 

Ashdown Forest Historical Minute Books 

23 0 1 

1 

6

Messrs. Horne and Burkett for Counsels fees 

£11:2:6 and their fees £4:4:0 in relation to 

obtaining the 2 opinions of Mr. Montague Lush K.C. 

re. mining £15:6:6 

It is resolved that the next meeting of the Board be held on Friday, the 31st July next, at 2.30 p.m. or on such other 

date or hour as the Chairman may consider necessary. 




Friday, the 31st July, 1908 at 2.30 p.m. 

Present 



Mr. J. Card 





Mr. J. Ridley 




The Bank Pass Book is produced, showing a balance in hand of £182.14.10. 

Rate 

The Clerk reports that the rate made at the last meeting was approved by the Board of Agriculture and Fisheries 

and is in course of collection. 

2nd Ranger 

Also that the Chairman’s appeal for subscriptions towards the expense of the 2nd Ranger for the 2nd year was sent 

to most of the Commoners ,to all previous subscribers and to all other residents likely to contribute, that 

subscriptions amounting to £45:6:6 have already been received, and that the R.A.F. Golf Club have promised to 

subscribe £3.3.0 in January next. 

Military camp 

The Clerk reports that the undertaking approved at the last meeting with reference to the camp at Crowborough 

was signed by the Brigade general of the Eastern Division. 

The Maresfield Committee report that they have made all necessary arrangements with the military authorities but 

that a question has arisen whether the horse manure made at the Camp should not be left and spread on the Forest, 

as some compensation for damage to the surface. The Chairman states he has seen General Tylden who is in 

command that a few loads have been removed in accordance with a contract but that he is willing to do as the 

Conservators may desire in the matter of the contract for sale of the manure can be cancelled. 

95 


It is resolved that the Clerk write at once to the General in, command requesting him not to permit any more of the 

horse manure to be removed, but to keep it on the Forest, and to have it spread thereon, as evenly as possible, at 

the termination of the Camp. 

Fires 

Ranger Manners reports that a fire occurred on the evening of the 25th June, near Kings Standing and 

Crowborough Warren burning about 20 acres. and another on the evening of Sunday 28th June, near new ponds 

Crowborough. Mr. Ramsbotham’s employees assisted him in extinguishing them. 

Police action incendiaries 

The Forest Row Committee present the following report which is read and it is resolved that it be entered on the 

minutes, and be approved and adopted .It is as follows:- 


Arson re Coleman’s case 

Report of Committee 

This Committee (Mr. Maryon-Wilson (Chairman), Hon. H.B. Portman, Mr. Freshfield) met June 6 th 1908 and after 

full consideration, decided that owing to the delay in taking proceedings in this case for an offence committed last 

March which would mean a case taken up after some 5 months and having regard to the totally inadequate penalty 

of 40/- even if a conviction were obtained and the full penalty awarded no further action should be taken in this 

case by the Board. 


6.6.1908 

Fire protection 

The Chairman states that all other matters with reference to the question of fires on the Forest is receiving the 

attention of the Committee approved for the purpose at the last meeting. 

S.M. Samuel M.P. as to fires 

The Clerk reads a letter dated the 30th ulto from Mr. S.M. Samuel M.P., in which he states:- 

“I regret to be unable to subscribe to the salary of the Ranger, as I do not agree with the policy of the Conservators 

towards the poorer Commoners. If they were to make arrangements to themselves [to] burn undergrowth so that 

the Commoners might have grass for their cattle I am sure they would have no trouble. If this entailed a payment to 

the Lord of the Manor I should be pleased to subscribe”. 

It is resolved that the consideration of the Mr. Samuel’s letter be referred to the Committee with the subject of 

Forest fires. 

Mr. Arbuthnot licence for road; East Grinstead gas licence for pipes 

The Clerk reports that the licence to Mr. W.R. Arbuthnot has been completed, and contains the usual revocation 

clause; also that he is daily expecting to get the licence to the East Grinstead Gas and Water Co. completed. 

R.A.F. Golf Club and Earl De La War 

The Clerk reports that he received from the Secretary at the Golf Club a letter dated 11th inst as follows:- 

“My Committee have requested me to write to the Conservators on the subject of a claim which Lord De La Warr, 

as Lord of the Manor, has recently made upon the Golf Club, for an annual payment for the use of ground over 

which this Club and the Ladies Golf club play. We are advised by legal authorities that the Lord probably has a 

claim, but up to the present no settlement has been come to, nor indeed has the position which the Club has taken 

up in the matter been other that they are prepared to hear from the solicitors acting for the Lord, what precise 

concession he is willing to give for any payment by us that may be eventually agreed upon. 

96 


My Committee think that the perhaps as the Conservators have always given the Club the benefits of this 

encouragement, and treated the Committee with such consideration, they may be willing at this juncture to give us 

their good offices in the matter, and help us with any advice they can, in dealing with this difficult question. In any 

case we should be glad if an opportunity could be afforded us of discussing the matter, either with your full Board 

or a small Committee appointed for the purpose.” 

And that he replied thereto on the 20th inst., asking the Committee to formulate in writing any request for 

information or advice that they desire to get from the Board, but that the Committee had instead interviewed the 

Chairman. 

The Chairman states that he granted on interview on the 23rd inst. to a deputation from the Club, who set their 

views fully before him, and as in his opinion, it is a matter which at any rate at the present stage, ought to be dealt 

with by a Committee, he recommends that that course be adopted. 

On the proposition of Mr. Martin seconded by the Mr. Kenward, it is resolved that the whole matter be referred to 

a Committee, consisting of the Chairman, Mr. Freshfield ,and Mr. Portman, to consider, negotiate on, and report to 

the Board. 


The Clerk reports that the R.A.F. Golf Club on 22nd June applied for permission to cut “landings” on the course at 

most of the holes, and, after conferring with members of the Forest Row Committee, he wrote consenting on 

behalf of the Board to the Club cutting landings to the extent authorised in previous years, and stating that if 

anything beyond that limit was required, application must be made to the Board. 


And that he dealt similarly with an application from the Ladies Golf club for permission to do some cutting back 

from a few of the green s on the approach side. 

Telegraph wires at Highgate 

Mr. Freshfield states that, hearing a postal telegraph line was being erected at Highgate, he communicated with the 

Postmaster General, and ascertained that a wire crosses lanes forming part of the Forest, for distances respectively 

of about 12 yards, and 35 yards, but that no posts have been erected on Forest Land. 

It is resolved that the Clerk write to the P.M.G., pointing out that the wires do, in fact, cross the Forest, but that as 

no posts are placed on the Forest, and the wires do not in this case materially affect the amenities of the Forest, the 

Board do not proposed to object to them, but reminding him that in future, when it is desired to carry any wire 

across land under the jurisdiction of the Board, an application must first be addressed to the Clerk. 

Lord Sheffield protest 

The Clerk reads a letter from Lord Sheffield’s agent dated 26th June last, as follows:- 

I herewith enclose the amount of Ashdown Forest Rate from Lord Sheffield and myself. I am desired by his 

Lordship to inform you that he considers this a charge upon rights, from which his Lordship derives no benefits 

whatever, but is of benefit only to those who live on or near the Forest, and therefore his Lordship is paying this 

Rate “under protest”. 

Wm. Watson conviction 

The Clerk reports that William Watson, of Holly Cottage, Highgate, having on 5th June last dug a wide and deep 

trench across the footpath on the Forest, passing near his boundary fence to Balfour Gardens, and with the earth 

excavated formed a bank across the path immediately in front of the track, making a drop of about 4”6 into which 

Frank Harman, a lodger at No. 8 Balfour Gardens, returning home at night in the dark, fell and hurt himself, the 

Clerk summoned him before the East Grinstead Bench on 29th June last, for a breach of Bye-law no. 7 for digging, 

breaking up, and disturbing the surface of the Common. Defendant was defended by Mr. F.S. White, who raised a 

97 


claim of right, but the Bench decided it was not a bona fide claim, and that there was no defence, and fined 

defendant 10/- including coasts which he paid. 

Philcox Snr., Philcox Junr. convictions 

The Clerk reminds the Board, that for the convenience of small Commoners, it has been the practice for the 

Ranger to call on them and collect their Forest Rates. In pursuance of that practice, Ranger Brown on the 21st inst. 

called on George Philcox Senr. at Newbridge and invited him to pay his rate of 1/6d, at the same time producing 

the receipt signed by the Clerk. George Philcox, Senr. then committed a violent and unprovoked assault on him, 

driving a pitchfork into his side, which was fortunately stopped by a book in his pocket, striking him with his fist on 

the temple and drawing blood, and giving him a violent blow over the head, with the pitchfork. George Philcox 

Junr. also, by direction of his father, seized him and ran him off the premises, no previous request having been 

made to him to leave. Both men were summoned before the East Grinstead Bench on the 27th inst for unlawfully 

assaulting and beating Brown, and the Clerk appeared to support the prosecution. Both defendants were convicted 

and George Philcox Senr. was fined £4 including costs, and George Philcox Junr. £1, including costs: both 

defendants paid. 

Putlands Farm rights of way 

The Clerk reports that Putlands Farm, Duddleswell, having been recently offered for sale in lots, with the 

statements that certain lots would have a right “for all purposes” over tracks across the Forest lands which were 

marked on the plan, he wrote to Messrs. Sprott of Maresfield, the vendors solicitors, pointing out that only rights of 

way over the Forest that have for 40 years last past, can be used and that only for the purposes, and to the extent 

for and to which they have been formerly used, and that the statement that these tracks can be used “for all 

purposes“ is incorrect, and may involve the vendor in trouble. Messrs. Sprott replied, enquiring whether, assuming 

the Clerk’s statement to be correct, the Conservators will be willing to consent to the tracks in question being used 

by any persons who shall erect houses on the land, in connection with such houses. 

It is resolved that the Board cannot entertain a general application of this kind, but that when a specific application 

with all particulars is laid before them, they will be disposed to consider it, but that this intimation must not be 

treated as indicating that a licence will be granted and further that licences can only be granted subject to a power of 

revocation. 

Annual return Local Government Board 

The Clerk reports that since the last meeting he has made the annual return of receipts and expenditure to the Local 

Government Board, and lays on the table a copy of such return. 

Mr. Marwick deposit 

Ranger Manners reports that all materials which Mr. William Markwick was authorised to deposit on the Forest 

have now been removed. 

Connor Bros. deposit 

Also that building materials deposited by Messrs. Connor Bros. of Crowborough on the Forest near Crows Nest 

since the last meeting, as to which the Clerk had been in correspondence with them, have been removed. 

Fire brigade suggested 

A letter is read from Mr. W.H. Cowan M.P. suggesting whether a fire brigade can be formed for the protection of 

the Forest, similar to the Heath Fire Brigade formed in connection with the Hindhead Common Management 

Committee. 

It is resolved that the suggestion be referred to the Committee now dealing with the general question of fires on the 

Forest to consider and report on to the Board, and that the Clerk inform Mr. Cowan of this resolution. 

98 


Colemans Hatch application for cricket ground 

A letter is read dated the 26th inst, from Mr. Horace G. Hutchinson, on behalf of the inhabitants of Colemans 

Hatch applying for leave to level, and mow, and play cricket on a portion of the Forest, between the westerly corner 

of Mr. Darling’s property and Mr. Welfare’s holding. 

It is resolved that the Board assent to the application, on condition that the work is carried out subject to the 

approval and to the satisfaction of the Forest Row Committee 

Cheques 


W. Manners 8 weeks salary and house rent 

as Ranger to 3rd prox. £10:0:0 

W. Brown 8 wks salary as Ranger to 3rd prox. £8:0:0 

E. Banister bill for printing £3:12:6 

The Clerk half year’s salary to 30th June last £50:0:0 

Ditto costs of stating case and obtaining 

opinion of Mr. Lush, K.C. re. mining £11:18:0 

And that the Clerk pays the following small bills viz: 

Ranger Brown petty payments £0:9:4 

Ranger Manners ditto £0:1:0 

Job Luxford repair to Bye law Board £0:8:4 

H.E. Waters ditto £0:10:6 

It is resolved that the next meeting of the Board be held on Friday, the 2nd October next at 2.30 p.m. on or such 

other date and hour as the Chairman may consider necessary. 




Friday the 2nd October 1908, at 2.30 p.m. 

Present 


Mr. J. Card 

Mr. W. Carr 



Mr. J. Ridley 



99 


Mr. Hyde's death 

Before commencing business of the meeting, the Chairman referred to the death on the 21st inst. of Mr. Thomas 

Hyde, who has served the office of a Conservator continuously since 1892, and on his proposition it was 

unanimously resolved: 

That this Board desires to place on record its grateful appreciation of the services rendered to the Conservancy by 

the late Mr. Thomas Hyde during the many years he has held the office of a Conservator commencing on the 27th 

August 1892, and to express its sincere sympathy with Mrs. Hyde in the irreparable loss she has sustained. 

Also that the Clerk forward to Mrs. Hyde a copy of above resolution. 


The Bank Pass Book is produced, showing a balance in hand of £282:5:10. 

2nd Ranger 

The Clerk reports that since the last meeting he has received further subscriptions towards the cost of the 2nd 

Ranger, amounting to £5:4:6, making £50:11:0 received altogether to date. 

The Maresfield Committee present the following report which is read and it resolved that it be received and entered 

on the minutes. It is as follows: 


The Maresfield Committee beg to report as follows:- 

Crowborough Camp 

The ground has been carefully restored and all refuse removed to our satisfaction. We regret however that the horse 

manure made during the Camp, and which we arranged with the commanding officer should be left and spread 

over the surface of the Forest was removed by the contractor. 

Crowborough sewer 

This has been completed and the surface of the Forest properly restored. 

W. Markwick encroachment 

We have viewed this property near the old Fox, at Duddleswell, and find that on the north west and sides a broad 

ditch over 4ft in width formerly existed outside the hedge. The hedge has been grubbed and a palisade fence 

erected from 6 feet to 6 feet 6 inches from the stem of the hedge. 

This property formed encroachment no. 143 sold under the Regulation Award to Henry Scott Junr. and according 

to the information supplied by Mr. Cowper who measured and set out these encroachments, a margin of 3 feet only 

from the stem of the hedge was included. 

Ranger Manners bicycle 

We have examined the accompanying bill of Mr. Lockyer for £1:18:8 for repairs to Ranger Manners bicycle and 

find it correct and recommend that it be paid. 

Dated 2nd October 1908 

M. Sandford 

A. Turner 

William Carr 

100 


Markwick encroachment 

Mr. William Richard Markwick attends the meeting with reference to his encroachment and the Board having gone 

fully into the matter, it is resolved that Mr. Markwick be required to set back the fence he has recently erected 3 feet 

from its present position to the satisfaction of Ranger Manners and that if he continues the fence further round his 

property the extension must not be erected further out than three feet from the stem of his hedge. 

Mr. Markwick having been called into the room is informed of this resolution, and Clerk is instructed to send him a 

copy of it. 

Mr. Marwick footpath etc 

Mr. Markwick then applies for permission to make a footpath from a gate in the front of the same property to the 

present foot track leading to the high road, and to improve the latter, also to repair and improve the cart track 

which leads from the high road to the north side of his property. 

It is resolved that the Board is not prepared to deal with this application until Mr. Markwick has set back his new 

fence in compliance with the foregoing resolution and he is informed thereof accordingly. 

It is also resolved that in the event of his putting back his new fence as required with reasonable speed then (subject 

to the concurrence of the Lord being obtained) a licence be granted to Mr. Markwick to make the said length of 

new footpath and to repair and improve the said cart track, such footpaths not to exceed three feet in width, and 

such cart track not to exceed 9 feet in width, the licence to contain all the usual conditions, including the power of 

revocation and the licence to pay during its continuance in force a yearly acknowledgement of 2/- each to the Lord 

and the Conservators. 

The Forest Row Committee present the following report which is read and it is resolved that it be received and 

entered on the Minutes. It is as follows: 


John Philcox trespass to road 

In consequence of a complaint received from William Heasman of Little Furnace Farm, Colemans Hatch, that John 

Philcox of Furnace Farm, Colemans Hatch, in making up and altering a road leading to his farm had put drains 

under it and cut grips on one side of it which caused a considerable amount of water in heavy rains to flow over a 

road leading to Heasman’s farm and over his land adjoining. The Forest Row Committee on the 8th of September 

1908 went to see the spot and to ascertain what Philcox had done and whether what he had done injured the 

property of Heasman. 

In the opinion of the Committee, Philcox before making the alterations he had made should have applied for and 

received the consent of the Board. They were also of opinion that a new drain which Philcox had made under the 

road and the enlargement of an old drain had caused a considerable amount of water in heavy rains to flow down 

leading to Heasman’s farm and afterwards to flow on to his property. 

The Committee therefore thought that John Philcox should be requested to appear before the Board on the 2nd of 

October and to explain why he had made the alterations without first obtaining leave and to suggest how the water 

coming from the above mentioned drains can be disposed of without damaging the road leading to Heasman’s farm 

and his property adjoining. 

The Forest Row Committee also received a complaint from James Reed of Bank Farm, Forest Row, that Mr. 

Winkley Smith who has lately purchased a plot of land from Abraham Wheatley near Tompsetts Bank, Forest Row, 

had in preparing to make a new fence made a slight encroachment on the Forest and put up barbed wire to protect 

the fence. 

The Committee viewed this spot and in consequence of their representation to Mr. Smith’s contractor the fence has 

been put back to the proper line and the barbed wire covered over so that it cannot injure any cattle. 

101 


A letter from Mrs. Read addressed to the Clerk to the Board complaining of the diminution in pasture and fodder 

caused by the action of the Golf Club having been handed to the Chairman was fully answered by him on behalf of 

the Committee. He told Mrs. Read that, if she was prepared and desirous to point out on the spot where any such 

sensible diminution had been recently caused, the Committee would be happy to view it with her, but that the 

Secretary of the Golf Club informed him that less ground on the whole had been cut than in previous years. 

No further communication has been received from Mrs. Read on this matter. 


Chairman F.R. Committee 

Wych X Place 

September 23/08 

John Philcox trespass 

The Clerk reports that by direction of the Committee, he wrote Mr. John Philcox, calling on him to attend before 

the Board today and furnish any explanation he may like to offer. Mr. Philcox however does not attend, and it is 

resolved that the Clerk write to him, requiring him to attend at the next Board Meeting and inform him that in the 

event of his failing to do so active steps will be taken by the Board. 

Fire brigades 

The Committee appointed on the 5th June last (p 167) with reference to fires on the Forest presents the following 

report, which is read, and it is resolved that it be received and adopted and entered on the minutes. It is as follows: 


Re. Fire brigades 

Report of Committee 

The Committee have carefully considered the further question referred to them namely, how far it would be 

possible to constitute a fire brigade for the general protection of the Forest or to utilise the services of the fire 

brigades already existing in the neighbourhood. 

They have made enquiries with regard to the Brigade established by the residents round Hindhead Common, 

Haslemere, Surrey, and the reply received from the Hon. Secy. to the Hindhead Common Management Committee 

dated August 16th 1908 is appended to this Report. From that reply it will be noticed that under an officer whose 

duties resemble those of our Rangers, twelve firemen (local gardeners, etc.) are employed at a salary of £1 per 

annum plus a payment of 6d. an hour while at work in putting out fires and that in addition to these fireman special 

watches are engaged on holidays and during times of danger, no fire engine is used. Rides are cleared from time to 

time and protective circles are cut round timber and hollies. 

The Committee would point out that Hindhead Common represents comparatively a very small area and in their 

opinion no single “Brigade” could give efficient protection to Ashdown Forest. 

Brigades practically similar to that at Hindhead have already been formed from the employees of residents near 

Forest Row, Wych Cross and Colemans Hatch and it seems to us desirable that similar informal brigades should be 

organised by residents in the Crowborough and Nutley districts. The men should be provided with sickles for 

cutting down gorse and heavy brooms for beating out the fires. 

It may also prove expedient to communicate with the members of the Forest Row Fire Brigade and other Brigade 

adjacent to the Forest and inform them that their services either with or without an engine would be remunerated 

by the Board on a fixed scale of payment to be settled by arrangement in advance. 

The Committee attach considerable importance to the further division of the gorse on the Forest into blocks of 

moderate size by cutting lanes or rides, and by clearing circles with the view of protecting the trees. Much of the 

gorse now on the Forest covers old gravel pits and ground quite useless for fodder or pasture but where it can be 

102 


clearly shown that the gorse encroaches in places on pasturage to the detriment of the latter the Committee would 

suggest that single blocks should be burnt at the direction of the Board, under the supervision of the Rangers. 

They have reason to believe that this course would be agreed to by Lord’s representatives who have been 

approached in the matter. It would not only afford on effective check to the advance of a fire when started, 

certainly in a large number of cases but would also serve to remove the only plausible excuse which has so far been 

alleged for the recent outbreaks of indiscriminate and incendiarism. 


Chairman 

26th September 1908 

The following is a copy of the letter referred to:- 

Highcome Edge 

Hindhead 

Haslemere R.S.O. 

Surrey 

August 16th 1908 

Dear Sir, 

Our local Heath Fires Brigade consists of twelve retained “firemen” residing so far as possible round the Common 

and in positions whence neighbouring heath covered private grounds are accessible as these come also under our 

operations. 

We prefer, if the employers consent, engaging gentleman’s gardeners or servants. They receive a yearly fee of 20/- 

and are paid 6d. per hour for work at fires, payments being made at Xmas each year. 

We have four honorary “captains” one or more being usually present at fires. If men other than firemen assist at 

extinguishing a fire, their names are recorded and they are paid at the same rate of 6d per hour in the autumn of 

each year. 

My duties as Hon. Secy. include keeping a record and particulars of all fires that occur so as to check fireman’s 

entries and to try and trace the causes a very hopeless pursuit. 

We engage special watches at 3/6 per day during holidays and we have a regular Commons keeper whose duties 

during the summer include controlling gypsies, cleaning up litter, keeping order and patrolling the Common. In dry 

weather an especial watch at the closing times of the public houses at which hours we find fires very frequently 

occur. 

During the winter and spring the Common Keeper (with assistance) is engaged in cutting rides on the Common 

and clearing circles round hollies and other trees so as to cut up and fires that occur and render it easier to save the 

trees. 

In making rides it is well when possible to follow old tracks and paths as there is no doubt that fires are lit so as to 

clear tracks when these become overgrown. 

We desire our funds from public subscriptions. 

I shall be happy to give you any further details in my power if you will enquire further 


W.R. Storr 

Hon. Sec., Hindhead Commons Management Committee 

103 


Forest fire brigades 

It is resolved that the two District Committee be and are hereby empowered to carry out the recommendation of 

the report within their respective areas, with power to co-opt additional members for the purpose whether 

Conservators, Commoners or not; but that before incurring any expense each Committee do prepare an 

approximate estimate of the outlay it considers necessary during the next six months, and submit such estimate to 

the Board for its approval at its next meeting. 

It is also resolved that the Clerk have 50 copies of the report printed for the use of the Committees and others. 

R.A.F. Golf Club and Earl De La Warr 

The Committee appointed at the last meeting to deal with the negotiations of the R.A.F. Golf Club for a lease or 

licence from Earl De La Warr, reports that they have been in communication with his Lordship’s Solicitors but 

have not yet been able to bring the matter to a conclusion. 

East Grinstead gas licences for pipes 

The Clerk reports that the licence to the East Grinstead Gas and Water company has been completed. 

Miss Constance Lowe 

The Clerk reads a letter of the 31st July last received from Miss Constance J. Lowe of Forest House, Tompsetts 

Bank, stating that she had heard a rumour that a road is likely to be made across the Forest in place of the present 

cart track which passes the front of her house, and protesting emphatically against the idea, on the ground that if 

motor cars could pass in front of her house all quiet would be at an end. The Clerk states he replied that no rumour 

of the proposed road, or application on the subject, had reached him. 

Proposed improvement cart tracks at Tompsetts Bank 

Mr. Martin brings forward an application he has received [from] Mr. W. Adams Frost of Shepherds Well for the 

repair and improvement of certain roads and cart tracks at Tompsetts Bank leading from the Ashdown Forest 

Hotel there by Miss Lowe’s house and on to Cherry Croft and Shepherds Well. 

After some discussion, on the proposition of Mr. Freshfield, it is resolved that, while favourably disposed towards 

the application, the Board cannot give a definite decision until the scheme has been put before them in a more 

complete form. 

Sir R. Cecil acknowledgement 

The Clerk reports that the £10 deposited by Lord Robert Cecil, when the licence for a road to his property near 

Chelwood Gate was granted him 10 years ago, having been exhausted by payment of the yearly acknowledgements 

of £1 his Lordship had forwarded a further £10 to meet the acknowledgements as they fall due. 

Rush cutting 

It is resolved that licences to small occupies to cut rushes be granted on and after the 1st likely in each year. 

Afforestation: 

A letter is read dated 30th September last from Mr. W.V.K. Stenning on behalf of the Royal English Arboricultural 

Society to the Chairman asking the Board to consider the possibility of allotting from 100 to 500 acres of the Forest 

for the purpose of a School of Forestry for the south of England. 

It is resolved that the Clerk reply to the letter informing Mr. sterling that the Conservators have no legal power to 

deal with the proposal contained in his letter. 

H. Jesse Ridley’s complaint 

A letter from Mr. H. Jesse Ridley to the Chairman dated 2nd inst. is read in which he forwards the Forest Rate due 

from his wife Mrs. Lucy Rose Ridley protesting that the Commuters are compelled to support a system which is 

practically ruining their rights. 

104 


It is resolved the Clerk inform Mr. Ridley that if he will put before the Board any definite matters that is really 

necessary for the benefit of the Commoners, with any definite suggestions, they will be quite prepared to consider 

the same. 


It is resolved that Messrs. Portman, Sandford and Turner be appointed a Committee to audit the accounts of the 

Conservatory for the current year, and to report thereon to the Board. 

Cheques 


W. Manners 9 weeks salary and 

house rent to 5th instant ₤11:5:0 

W, Brown 9 weeks salary as Ranger 

to 5th instant £9:0:0 

Lockyers repairs to Ranger Manners’ 

Bicycle £1:18:8 

It is resolved that the Annual Meeting of Commoners be held at the Nutley Inn on Friday the 11th December next 

at noon, and that next meeting of the Board be held on the same day immediately after the Commoners’ meeting or 

on such other date and hour as the Chairman may consider necessary. 

The meeting terminated at 5 p.m. 



notice on the principal door of the church of each of the parishes and ecclesiastical districts into which the 

Forest extends by advertisement in two newspapers circulating in the neighbourhood, to wit The Sussex 

Express and the Sussex Daily News at least 14 days before this date, and by notice sent by post to every 

Commoner, and held at the Nutley Inn, Nutley, on Friday the 11th day of December 1908 at 11 o’clock of 

the forenoon. 

Present 

Mr George M. Maryon-Wilson in the chair 

Muriel Countess De La Warr 

The Honble H.B Portman 


Mr. A.C. Dudley Rider 

Mr. I.L. Ogle 

Mr. Jas Card 

Mr. Thos Marchant 

Mr. Wm. Carr 



Mr. Freeland 

Mr. Geo. Osborne 


Mr. J. Ridley, Horney Common 

Mr. Amos Hoath 

Mr. J. Ridley (Nutley) 

Mr. H.G. Hutchinson 

Mr. Sylvanus Ridley 


105 


Mr. M. Sandford 

Mr. Enoch Langridge 

Mr. H.P. Waters 

Mr J. McAndrew 

Mr. Jas. Wickens 

Chairman 

On the proposition of the Honble H.B. Portman seconded by Mr M. Sandford, Mr. George M. Maryon-Wilson was 

chosen Chairman and he having taking the chair and explained to the meeting the order in which the business 

would be taken calls upon the Clerk to read the Notice convening the meeting and report the due publication 

thereof as above mentioned. This being done the minutes of the last Annual Meeting of Commoners are then read 

and confirmed 

The Clerk reports that the Conservators who retire by rotation on 31st instant are Messrs. William Carr, Llewellyn 

Midgley and Mark Sandford and that a vacancy has been occasioned by the death of Mr. Thomas Hyde, whose term 

of office would have expired on 31st December instant. 


It is proposed by Joseph Ridley (Horney Common) and seconded by Mr. James Card that Mr. William Carr be re 

elected a Conservator. 

It is proposed by the Rev J.H. Peckham and seconded by Mr. Edward Martin that Mr. Llewellyn Midgley be reelected 

a Conservator. 

It is proposed by the Honble H.B. Portman and seconded by Mr. William Carr that Mr. Mark Sandford be reelected 


It is proposed by Mr. H.G. Hutchinson and seconded by the Honble H.B. Portman that Colonel Charles Needham 

be elected a Conservator. 


Conservators for the ensuring three years 

Joseph Ridley motion to enclose 

Mr Joseph Ridley of Horney Common then moves the following resolution (a copy of which had been sent to 

every Commoner by the Clerk):- 

That this meeting of Commoners to apply forthwith to the Imperial Government of this Realm to take over the 

whole of Ashdown Forest by paying the Lord of the Manor and the Commoners out, with the understanding the 

Government shall dispose of the same in small quantities as freehold, except such portions as is required for 

recreation. And so long as any of the Forest remains indisposed of the Commoners and inhabitants of the Forest 

and neighbourhood to have free use of the same by licence for pasture and take herbage for their use. 

Mr. Ridley states that he moves the resolution because the Conservators have not sufficient power to do what 

people think they should have power to do viz, to admit persons as Commoners who have not the legal 

qualification as regards length of title and user, or to grant small holdings as was done by the Manor Courts prior to 

1855 and complains that the Small Holdings Act is not receiving encouragement from the County Councils and 

Parish Councils. 

Mr. Sylvanus Ridley seconds the motion on the ground that the present Board are not capable of managing the 

Forest but want it to grow up in order to burn out the small holders. 

The Clerk then reads letters from the following Commoners stating their inability to attend the meeting and 

protestation against Mr. Ridley’s motion viz:- 

Mr. W.R. Arbuthnot 

106 


The Rev. F. Darling 

Mr. E.H.P. Eason 

Mr. Alfred Faber 

Mrs. L.J. Grice 

Mr. R.R. Hyde 

Count Alexander Munster 

Lady Spencer Walpole 

Mr. Joseph Ridley of Nutley supported the motion 

Mr. D.W. Freshfield in opposing the motion points out that the mover of the resolution being a Conservator is in 

the position of a trustee for presenting the Forest and is therefore in effect committing a serious breach of trust in 

moving such a resolution; he reminds the meeting of the enormous increase that had taken place in the value of 

local property, especially small holdings, in consequence of the preservation of the Forest the large sums amounting 

to some ₤100.000 in the course of the last 10 or 15 years that had been expended in the neighbourhood which 

would never have been expended but for the preservation of the Forest, that if effect were given to the motion 

property, especially small holdings on and about the Forest would greatly depreciate in value, and the expenditure 

of money in the neighbourhood would be very greatly reduced and that were the Forest to be divided up as 

proposed the largest Commoners would take the greater portion as their share leaving the mover of the motion 

worse off than at present. 

The Rev. A.B. Dudley also opposed the motion and the mover having replied, the motion is put to the vote when 

the following Commoners vote for it viz: 

Joseph Ridley (Horney common) 

Joseph Ridley (Nutley) 

Sylvanus Ridley 

14 acres 

12 ½ acres 

28 ¼ acres 

And the following Commoners vote against it viz: 


9 acres 


173 ½ acres 

Rev H.J. Peckham 

4 acres 

The Rev. A.C. Dudley Rider 

100 acres 

The Rev. J.L. Ogle 

3 ¾ acres 

Mr. Jas Card 

1 acre 

Mr. W. Carr 

25 acres 


5 acres 


219 ¼ acres 

Mr. Amos Hoath 

3 acres 

Mr. H.G. Hutchinson 

5 ¼ acres 

Mr. R. Kenward 

74 acres 

Mr. J. McAndrew 

196 acres 

Mr Thos. Marchant 

5 acres 


1 ½ acres 


9 ¼ acres 

Mr. Geo. Osborne 

2 ½ acres 


1 ¾ acres 

Mr. H.J. Waters 

1 ¾ acres 

½ 

The Chairman therefore declares the motion lost by a large majority 

Notice of motion 

The Clerk mentions that he received notice of the above motion after the notices of the meeting had been issued, 

and it necessitated his subsequently issuing notices of the motion to about 180 Commoners, and he suggests that 

107 


some understanding should be arrived at as to the date by which notices of motions to be made at Annual Meetings 

of Commoners should reach him. 

On the proposition of Mr. Freshfield seconded by Mr. Midgley, it is resolved: 

that when any Commoner arises to bring a motion forward at any Annual Meeting of the Commoners notice 

thereof in writing should be delivered to the Clerk on or before the 15th November. 

There being no other business before the meeting, on the proposition of Mr. Hutchinson seconded by the Rev. 

H.I. Peckham it is resolved that a cordial vote of thanks be accorded to the Chairman for the admirable and 

impartial manner in which he has conducted the business of the meeting 

G.M. Maryon-Wilson Chairman17.12.1908 


Friday the 11th December, 1908 at 12.15 p.m. at the conclusion of the Commoners meeting 

Present 








Mr. L. Midgley 


The minutes of the last meeting are read and confirmed 

Election of Conservators: 

The Clerk produces and reads the following certificate and it is resolved that it be entered on the minutes. 



As Chairman of the meeting of Commoners duly convened and held this day at the Nutley Inn, Nutley, for the 

purpose of electing four Conservators, I hereby intimate to you that at such meeting the following were elected 

Conservators, Messrs William Carr, Llewellyn Midgley and Mark Sandford, and Colonel Needham in the place of 

the three who retire by rotation on the 31st instant and of the late Mr. Thomas Hyde, at the same date 



Chairman 

Mr. Hyde's death: 

A letter is read from Mrs. Hyde thanking the Board for their resolution of appreciation and sympathy on the death 

of Mr. Thomas Hyde. 

The Bank Pass Book is produced showing a balance in hand of £310:15:8. 

108 


Mr. Markwick road 

The Clerk reports that Mr. W.R. Markwick not having agreed to the terms on which the Board at the last meeting 

authorised the granting of a licence to him to make a short length of footpath and to repair an existing footpath and 

cart track to his property, the matter has fallen through. 

John Philcox trespass: 

Ranger Brown reports that in October last he found that John Philcox had caused some peat to be cut on the 

Forest without obtaining a licence. 

Mr. Philcox attends and with reference to the report of the Forest Row Committee that he had without authority 

repaired and made a drain under the read leading to his farm, he states that he was not aware any permission was 

necessary, and he applies for permission to further mend the road. It is resolved that the matter be referred to the 

Forest Row Committee with power to act. As regards the cutting of peat, he states that he has not removed it from 

the Forest and promises that in future he will apply for a licence. 

Colemans Hatch Cricket Club pavilion 

He applies a Secretary to the Colemans Hatch Cricket club for permission to erect a cricket pavilion on the Forest 

immediately adjoining the new cricket ground near the Ridge. It is resolved that on the Club obtaining the consent 

of the Lord, the Board will have no objection subject to the site and the structure being approved by the Forest 

Row Committee. 

The Maresfield Committee present the following report which is read and it is resolved that it be received and 

entered on the minutes. 

It is as follows: 



Report 

The Committee met at Buxted Park on Friday Oct 30th 1908. All members present. 

Ranger Manners reported that W. Markwick of Duddleswell had put back the fence adjoining his newly built house 

near the old Fox tavern to his, the Ranger’s, satisfaction in accordance with the resolution of the Conservators. The 

Ranger was instructed to take a plan of the property with special measurements of the fence on the north and west 

sides of the property giving the distances from the new house which was to be handed to the Clerk of the 

Conservators to be kept as a record for future reference. 

Permission having been given to the contractors for the Crowborough Drainage to deposit on the Forest 

superfluous rubble the Ranger was instructed to see that it be used only to fill up unsightly holes. 

With reference to the Board’s request that this Committee report on their resolution as to dealing with Forest fires 

the Committee resolved to ask the Conservators to apportion a sum of £50 to be spent for the purpose and they 

appointed a special Committee to carry out the Board’s resolution, this Committee to be called the Maresfield 

Forest Fire Committee, to comprise the whole of the members of the Maresfield Committee to which they have (in 

accordance with the resolution of the Conservators) co opted Mr. Joseph Ridley of Horney Common, Capt. 

Banbury of Pippingford Park. 

H.B. Portman 

Chairman 

Nov 16.08 

The plan of Mr. Markwick’s fence is handed to the Clerk to preserve. 

109 


The Maresfield Forest Fire Committee present the following report, which is read and it is resolved that it be 

received and entered on the minutes. It as follows: 

The Maresfield Forest Fire Committee: 

This Committee met on Friday November 9th 1908 when they co-opted F. Barchard Esq. J.P. of Duddleswell who 

consented to act with them. 

They ask the Board of Conservators to apportion to them the sum of ₤50 for expenses to be incurred in carrying 

out the Board’s resolution as to Forest fires, the money to be apportioned as follows, namely ₤25 for cutting rides 

and lanes, ₤5 for help to Ranger Manners when burning gorse and heather, and ₤20 for filling in holes. 

The Committee carefully inspected the Forest near Crows Nest and thence to Pound Gate and to Pound Gate 

Schools Crowborough and afterwards from Duddleswell to Old Lodge and also from Nutley to Pippingford. 

They propose to spend money granted by the Conservators in burning a large tract of coarse furze near Mr. Dennis’ 

property near the Pound Gate Schools also a large area of coarse heather between the Duddleswell clump and Old 

Lodge. The Committee propose to do all the ride cutting where possible by piece work and not by day labour. 

Cutting rides and lanes around the areas they propose to burn and burning as far as possible when the wind is in the 

right direction. 

The work must of course be limited to what can be accomplished by the amount of money granted by the 

Conservators. Present Mr. Portman, Mr. Sandford, Mr. Carr, Capt. Banbury, Mr. F. Barchard, H.B. Portman. 

The Forest Row Committee present the following report which is read, and it is resolved that it be recovered 

entered on the minutes. It is as follows: 


The Forest Row Committee have met and considered the matters relating to fire prevention referred to them and 

particularly to plan for dividing the high gorse into blocks. 

Mr. Freshfield offered to carry out experimentally such a division on the part of the Forest between Cherry 

Orchard and the Ladies Golf links at his own cost and this has been done. 

The question of cost of doing the same over the whole area under the Committee supervision has been considered 

and as far as possible information sought but the Committee do not find it possible to commit themselves to any 

exact or even approximate estimate. 

It appears impossible to engage labour by the piece as in each lane cut the amount of gorse in proportion to the 

heather and lighter growths varies largely. Labour by the week may be readily hired during the winter months at 15 

shillings. They consider a great deal might be done for ₤30. (ten weeks labour for four men). 

They suggest that the work should be begun in two places from the Vetchery towards Legs Heath and from New 

Bridge towards Kings Standing and Greenwood Gate. 

Mr. J. Luxford has as last year undertaken to cut a certain portion free of cost. 

For the lanes alongside the high road beyond Wych Cross, Mr. Hudson has already given the necessary assent and 

also for some opposite New Lodge. 

On the motion of the Chairman it is resolved that a sum of ₤30 be granted to each of the two Committees out of 

the Protection and Improvement Fund for fire prevention work. 

110 


And at the request of the Board, Mr. Freshfield undertakes to write to Mr. E.A. Nicholson as to continuing the 

cutting and burning of the coarse growth. 

Dr. Frost application to make and improve cart tracks 

An application is made by Mr. H.L. Waters who attends on behalf of Dr. Frost and others to do certain work to the 

undermentioned road at Tompsetts Bank, and to divert a portion of the road passing Miss Lowe's property, and he 

hands in a plan showing the roads and the proposed diversion. It is resolved that subject to the Lord’s assent being 

obtained permission be granted to make up and metal the track coloured brown on the plan running from the 

Ashdown Forest Hotel to Cherry Croft, the track not to exceed 10 ft in width, with permission to form and metal 

the loop coloured red not exceeding 10 ft in width instead of making up and metalling that portion of the road 

coloured brown which lay between the two ends of the loop; also permission to metal the cart track shown on the 

plan and running from the track coloured brown or red to the side gate of Shepherds Well not exceeding 9 ft in 

width, on condition that the wheel tracks and ruts running parallel to and outside the above mentioned widths of 

the several tracks are filled in and rolled down and that the whole of the work is carried out and completed to the 

satisfaction of the Forest Row Committee of Conservators. 

Ladies Golf Club shed: 

The Ladies Golf Club having now applied for permission to erect a small lean-to shed against the cricket pavilion 

on the Forest Row Recreation Ground for storing charcoal, sand, etc., and submitted plans thereof which the 

Superintendent of the Ground approves, it is resolved that the plans be approved and the erection authorised 

subject to the Secretary of the Club signing such revocable licence as the Clerk considers necessary and which he is 

hereby authorised to prepare and sign on behalf of the Board and to the annual payment of 2/-. 


An application from the R.A.F. Golf Club to execute certain works on the golf course having been considered by 

the Forest Row Committee that Committee reports that they see no objection to the following works being carried 

out: 

2nd Hole 

The removal of the mat at the tee from it present position, and to it being replaced on the further side of the 

Shalesbrook stream. The putting of drain pipes in the ditch on the left side of the Goose Green and the filling in of 

the ditch. 

3rd Hole 

The levelling of the rough tee by the stream behind the present tees. 

5th Hole 

The making of a new rough tee by the oak tree near Mr. Barron’s lodge. 

7th Hole 

The placing of a mat at new 7th tee. 

14th Hole 

The removal of the mat a few yards 

Read’s Track 

The repairing of the cart track leading from Shalesbrook past the 15th green to Read’s Farm without using any 

metal. 

Club house 

The fixing of a post outside the Club side gate for tradesmen to fasten their horses to at a spot to be fixed upon by 

the Forest Row Committee. 

The Committee recommend that the consideration of the application for the following matters stand over for the 

present: 

(1) To extend the 2nd green further back towards the 15th tees 

(2) To straighten the line of the course on the left hand side on the way to the 5th green 

(3) To cut the 2nd rough back 1 yard also on the way to the 5th green 

111 


It is resolved that the report be received, approved and entered on the minutes and that the Clerk inform the club 

that the Board do not object to the carrying out of the works approved by the Committee provided they are 

executed under the supervision and to the satisfaction of the Committee. 

H.J. Ridley’s complaints 

The Clerk reports that immediately after the last meeting he wrote to Mr. Jesse Ridley stating that if he would put 

before the Board any definite matter that is really necessary for the benefit of the Commoners, with any definite 

suggestions, the Board will be quite prepared to consider the same, but that he has received no reply. 

Capt. Banbury protection zone 

The Clerk reports that Capt. Banbury, the new owner of Pippingford Park, having applied to him for permission to 

clear a strip of Forest immediately outside his boundary for protection from fire he gave permission on behalf of 

the Board subject to Capt. Banbury obtaining the approval of the Lord’s Reeve to the exact length and width he 

should cut. 

Audit Committee report 

The Audit Committee produce the accounts and vouchers for the current year, and report that they have examined 

the accounts and compared them with the vouchers and find them correct and that the balances shown by the 

several accounts agree with the Bank pass book and post office savings Bank deposit book respectively they 

recommended that for the simplification of the accounts in future a separate banking account be opened with 

Messrs Barclay and Co. Ltd., for the receipts and payments on account of the Second Ranger, and that the balance 

of ₤28.0.9 now in hand be paid into that account. 

Cheques: 

They further recommend that to close the accounts for the year, and to open the 2nd Rangers account, cheques be 

drawn as follows: 

Mr. Manners 

12 week’s salary as Ranger and 

house rent to 29th instant £15:0:0 

Mr. Brown 

12 week’s salary as Ranger to 29th inst £12:0:0 

The Clerk 

half year’s salary to 31st instant £50:0:0 

Disbursements postages, etc. during the year £33:2:1 

£83:2:1 

Barclay and Co. Ltd. for 2nd Rangers acct. £28:0:9 

It is resolved that the report and recommendations of the Audit Committee be received, approved and that the 

accounts be signed by the Chairman, and that cheques be drawn as recommended. 

Also that the best thanks of the board be accorded to the Committee for the trouble they have taken and the clear 

and accurate statement they have laid before the Board. 

Fire Committee: 

The Chairman states that the Committee appointed to consider the whole subject of Forest fires, have formulated a 

scheme, but that on consideration they purpose to defer putting it into operation until they see the effect of the 

work which is about to be undertaken by the two Committees. 

P.O. Telegraph wires: 

The following letter is read from the Postmaster General and it is resolved that it be entered on the minutes: 

112 


General Post Office, London 


Sir, 

With reference to your letter of the 4th August last, I am directed by the Postmaster General to express his regret 

that through a misapprehension, the telegraph wire at Highgate, Forest Row, was erected across the “forest” land 

without the consent of the Conservators. 

He greatly appreciates the action of the Conservators in waiving any objection to the wire, and he will issue 

instructions which he hopes will prevent a recurrence of the oversight. 

I am, 

Sir, 


W. Kirkwood 

for the Secretary 

It is resolved on the proposition of Mr. Freshfield that a hearty vote of thanks be accorded to the Chairman for his 

able and impartial services during the past year, not only in the conduct of the meetings of the Board, but in all the 

work which in involves besides. 

In acknowledging the same the Chairman thanks the Board sincerely for this appreciation of his services and for the 

assurance which it gives him that he has the confidence, of the Board that without that confidence on the part of 

every member of it it would be quite impossible for him to carry on the work of the Board as Chairman, especially 

as that work so far from growing lighter has a tendency to become heavier every year. 

It is resolved that the next meeting of the Board be held on Friday the 5th February next or on such other date as 

the present Chairman may consider necessary. 




Friday the 5th February 1909 at 2.30 p.m. 

Present 









Chairman election of: 

Mr. Freshfield proposes that Mr. G.M. Maryon-Wilson be re-elected Chairman of the Board for the current year, 

stating that it is needless for him to remind the Board how thoroughly Mr. Wilson has justified their repeated 

choice of him by his conduct of the business for so many years with ability and dispatch and with the least possible 

amount of friction. The proposal having been seconded is carried unanimously. 

113 


Mr. Maryon-Wilson having taken the chair expresses his appreciation of the honour done him in again electing him 

their Chairman, and his personal thanks to Mr. Freshfield for the kind words he had spoken with regard to him. 

In reviewing the events of the last year he recognises the good intentions with which Mr. Ridley brought forward at 

the Recent Annual Meeting of the Commoners a proposal which was in effect to reduce the Forest with the 

assistance of the government to a kind of conglomeration of small holdings. 

Mr. Freshfield's reply very clearly set forth the objections to the proposal, and he the Chairman is convinced that it 

will take many years to persuade the Commoners of the desirability of such a scheme. During the past year they 

have made a real start in grappling with the difficult subject of the Forest fires, and if sufficient money is available 

he is satisfied that the plan of cutting and maintaining rides will act as a most important check, and feels assured 

that at the end of the year, they will be able to look back and say that Forest fires have been materially reduced. 

In conclusion he appeals to every member of the Board to continue to [give] him their best assistance and cooperation 

in dealing with the work which year by year is so materially increasing and reminds them that since his 

appointment as Chairman now some 7 or 8 years ago, he has given his best attention to the work and has only been 

absent from one meeting. 


The Bank pass book is produced showing a balance in hand of ₤172.12.10. 


It is resolved that Messrs. Freshfield (Chairman) Martin, Midgley and Colonel Needham be the Committee for the 

Forest Row District for the current year. 


Also that the Honble H.B. Portman (Chairman) and Messrs. Carr, Kenward, Sandford and Turner be the 


Forest gates repair of: 

Mr. Midgley draws attention to the defective condition of the Forest gates by the Boring Wheel Mill and Tyes Gate 

near Woodlands. It is resolved that the matter of repairing or renewing them be referred to the Maresfield 

Committee with power to act. 

2nd Ranger bank account: 

The Clerk reports that in compliance with the resolution passed at the last meeting a separate Banking account has 

been opened with Messrs. Barclay and Co. Ltd entitled No 2 account for the receipts and payments relating to the 

2nd Ranger and the balance of ₤28:0:9 has been paid into that Account and he produced the pass book. 

Acknowledgements: 

Also that he has collected nearly all the acknowledgements due in January and February 1909. 

Ladies Golf club shed: 

Also that the Hon. Secretary of the Ladies Golf Club has signed an undertaking to remove when required the shed 

proposed to be erected on the Forest Row Recreation Ground (which undertaking the produces) and that the first 

yearly acknowledgement in repeat thereof has been paid. And a letter is now read from the Superintendent of the 

Recreation Ground stating that the shed is now finished is quite satisfactory and has undoubtedly improved the 

appearance of the cricket pavilion. 

Fire preventing: 

Mr. Freshfield reports that Mr. E.A. Nicholson has expressed the approval of the Lord to the Conservators 

continuing the cutting and burning of the coarse growth on the Forest subject to the Reeve inspecting. 

114 


Mr. Sandford states that on behalf of the Maresfield Committee he saw Mr. Nicholson on the subject, who advises 

that cutting rather than burning be resorted to as far as possible. 

Mr S. Winkley Smith materials: 

It is resolved that permission be granted to Mr. S. Winkley Smith to deposit and level at his own cost certain surplus 

soil he desires to remove in such pits or holes on the Forest and subject to such directions as the Forest Row 

Committee may think fit. 

Forest fires prevention report: 

The Committee appointed to consider the whole subject of Forest fires present their report which is read and it is 

resolved that the report be received and approved and the material portion thereof be entered on the minutes as 

follows: 

The Conservators, have taken what steps are possible to detect incendiaries, and in conjunction with the Lord's 

representative, to limit the area of the fires. (1) by employment an additional Ranger. (2) by cutting broad lanes 

through and dividing up the gorse in parts. (3) by getting private owners and occupiers to organise their employees 

to assist in extinguishing fires and (4) by giving permission to owners and occupiers of adjoining the Forest. This 

work entails on them considerable labour and expense as there are in many cases miles of such boundary fence; and 

when all has been done there is still the apprehension that a fire may be started at night when no one is on the alert, 

which with the aid of a favourable wind may overcome all precautions. 

The Conservators would urge strongly that as a public body entrusted subject to certain rights, with the 

preservation for the public benefit of one of the few remaining examples of wild natural scenery in this part of 

England, they are entitled to every reasonable assistance and protection on the part of the County authorities. They 

would also point our that private owners and occupiers who contribute largely to the maintenance of the County 

police, are entitled to all the protection which the police can afford against a persistent outbreak of organised 

incendiarism. This protection might be afforded (1) by the employment of constables or detectives in plain clothes 

to watch the Forest deriving the active incendiary season, which generally commences about April and continues, in 

its most acute stage for 3 or 4 weeks, and (2) by prosecuting for arson whenever clear evidence is forthcoming and 

this not merely in cases in which great damage had been done, but also when the incendiary’s intention has been 

frustrated by weather or the accidental vicinity of persons who are able to stamp out the fire. 

As to the motive for these fires, the Conservators are of opinion that they are mainly due to an impatience of any 

control on the part of the Foresters, and secondly to a desire on the part of some of them who are annoyed at the 

inability of the Conservators to admit them as Commoners to retaliate on those who are responsible for the 

administration and preservation of the Forest, and probably in a minor degree to a belief on the part of some of the 

smaller Commoners that the fires will by destroying all the coarse growth and underwood on the Forest improve 

the quality of the grazing in the immediate vicinity of their homesteads. 

In these circumstances the Conservators desire to lay before the Standing Joint Committee the statement of facts 

herein before set forth our and to urge upon them that they should in every way in their power support the Board 

of Conservators in carrying our the duties laid on the body by Act of Parliament of one of the largest tracks of 

unenclosed Forest land in the south of England in its natural condition as required by terms of the Commons 

Regulation (Ashdown Forest) Provisional Order Confirmation Act 1885 governing the administration of the Forest. 

With this object they would ask the Joint Committee to give the necessary directions to the Chief Constable for 

East Sussex to instruct the public under his control to render adequate extra assistance, when requested to do so by 

the Board, to employ additional Constables, when needful for the prevention of fires at the cost of the County, to 

prosecute for arson whenever clear evidence is forthcoming, and generally to support the Conservators in 

maintaining law and order on the Forest. 

It is further resolved that the thanks of the Board accorded to the Committee for the great amount of labour and 

consideration they have bestowed on the subject. 

115 


Also that the Clerk do forward a copy of the Report to the Clerk to the Standing Joint Committee requesting him 

to bring it before the next meeting of that Committee and to arrange to give it an early place in the agenda. 

Pound Gate repairs: 

The Clerk reports that Mr. W.H. Bowman M.P. of Crows Nest Fairwarp having complained that the nuisance from 

gypsies collecting near Pound Gate is due to the encouragement they receive from Mr. Morphew, the broom 

maker, who occupies a holding there belonging to Mr. R.J. Streatfeild, he (the Clerk) wrote to Mr. Streatfeild on the 

subject, who has instructed his agents to do what they can to induce Morphew not to encourage them in future. 

Henry Smith camping: 

The Clerk points our that on 10th December Ranger Manners found Henry Smith with a tent on the Forest near 

Pound Gate, and summoned him before the Uckfield Bench and that on the 15 th December Ranger Brown found 

the same man has two tents and a cart camped on the Forest at the top of Kidds Hill, who refused to move on the 

ground that Ranger Manners had seen Smith’s wife, and told her that they might stay until the summons was heard 

at Uckfield. Ranger Manners reports that he gave no such permission and that Smith failing to appear before the 

Uckfield Bench on the 17th December, a warrant was issued for his apprehension. 

Henry Kemp camping: 

Ranger Brown reports that on the 6th January he found that Henry Kemp had two tents pitched on the Forest near 

Cripps Corner, and made him clear off: and Ranger Manners reports that on 9th January he found Henry Kemp 

with a tent pitched on the Forest near Pound Gate and as he did not clear off he summoned him before the 

Uckfield Bench on the 14th January when Kemp not appearing a warrant was issued for his apprehension. 

It is resolved that when either Ranger summons a gypsy for camping within his area he communicate with the other 

Ranger to ascertain whether the defendant has also been warned off his area within the last few days with a view to 

giving evidence of the fact at the hearing. 

Mr. F.E. Williams licence to deposit building materials 

The Clerk reports that he authorised Mr. J.E. Williams at Oak Villa, Fairwarp to deposit building materials on the 

Forest immediately outside the fence of Prospect House (late Markwick’s) all to be removed before 10th March 

next and notified Ranger Manners thereof. 

Goldsmith’s Company rights: 

Mr. Alfred Heath of Fryars Gate attends and informs the Board that a quantity of litter has recently been carted 

from the Forest to Hollamby’s Nurseries in the parish of Rotherfield which is hired by Messrs. W. and A. Neve of 

the Goldsmiths Company, and on drawing attention to the matter he was informed Messrs. Neve had applied to 

the Clerk to the Company and was informed the Nurseries have a right. Mr. Heath states that the tenant of the 

following farms belonging to the Goldsmiths Company viz. Summersales 44 acres, Adds Farm 27a 3p 10r and 

Cooks Corner Farm 46 acres have always exercised rights on the Forest and are in his opinion entitled, but that he 

considers the Nurseries have no such rights. The Clerk points out that the Company have always paid rate on 100 

acres, but that this quantity was agreed on merely as a basis for contributing to the cost of the litigation with the late 

Lord De La Warr, and that he has no evidence at present of what lands of the Company are entitled to rights. 

It is resolved that the Clerk be empowered to communicate with the Clerk to the Goldsmith’s Company a view to 

settling what lands belonging to the Company are entitled. 

It is resolved that the thanks of the Board be accorded to Mr. Hoath for bringing the matter before them. 


approved and entered on the minutes it is as follows: 

The Forest Row Committee have received a letter dated the 26th of January last from Mr Shute, the Secretary of 

the Royal Ashdown Forest Golf Club, in which he asks for permission for the Club to make a permanent tee at the 

6th hole, where permission was given to make experimental tees, and also for permission to move the mat at the 

116 


9th tee a few yards from its present position. The Forest Row Committee see no objection to the permanent tee 

being made, provided that it is not raised more than a few inches above the level of the adjoining ground and to the 

removal of the mat tee. 

The Committee have taken in hand the protection of the Forest by cutting lanes through the gorse and high heather 

as instructed by the Board. Mr. Freshfield has on the part of the Forest over which he holds the Lord’s rights cut at 

his own expense to the extent of ₤6:10:0. 

The Committee have cut lanes on both sides of the road near the Goat and Major Darwin's roads and on the S.W. 

of the Wych Cross - Nutley road as far as their district extends. 

They have now men employed in cutting on Kidds Hill and they have planned lanes near the road from Wych 

Cross to Colemans Hatch. 

They have given leave to several proprietors Colonel Lawrence (Ashdown Place), Mr. Hutchinson (Shepherds 

Gate) and others to cut protection strips along their boundaries. Up to the end of January they have paid for labour 

or otherwise spent in this matter ₤16:2:3. 

On the other hand they have received for fagots ₤1:13:0, they have more in hand which they expect to dispose of. 

They ask for a grant for the sum they were out of pocket on January 31 st , viz. £14:11:3. 

R.A.F. Golf Club latest works 

It is resolved that the Clerk communicate to the Secretary the consent of the Board to the proposed works, subject 

to the conditions mentioned in the report. 

Forest fire prevention 

The Maresfield Forest Fire Committee report verbally the action they are taking with regard to the protection of the 

Forest from fires, and state that Mr. W.H. Cowan M.P. of Crows Nest, Capt. Banbury of Pippingford and Mr. 

Francis Barchard of Duddleswell House, have organised their employees for extinguishing Forest fires. 

Cart track Millbrook repair 

Mr. Ridley draws attention to the bad state of the cart track on the south side of the clump at Millbrook. 

It is resolved that the matter be referred to the Maresfield Committee for consideration with power to act. 

Cheques 

It is resolved that the following cheques be drawn:- 

Manners W. 

6 weeks salary as Ranger and 

House rent to 8th inst £7:10:0 

Brown W 

6 weeks salary as Ranger to 8th inst £6:0:0 

It is resolved that the next meeting of the Board be held on Friday the 2nd April next at 2.30 p.m. or on such other 

date as the present Chairman may consider necessary. 



Chairman 

117 


A meeting of the Conservators of Ashdown Forest, duly convened and held at the Nutley Inn, Nutley on 

Friday the 26th March 1909 at 2.30 p.m. 

Present 





Mr. Robert Martin 






The Chairman states that he found it necessary to convene this meeting earlier to as was arranged in consequence 

of the position with reference to the negotiation for the new arrangement with the R.A.F. Golf Club for use of the 

golf course on the Forest hereafter referred to. 


The Bank Pass Books are produced showing a balance in hand on account no. 1 of ₤168:16:4 and on account No 2 

of ₤25:14:3. 

F.E. Williams licence to deposit building materials: 

The Clerk reports that Messrs. Williams having been prevented from completing the building operations at 

Prospect House (late Markwick’s) before the 10th instant he has extended the time for removing the deposits on 

the Forest and restoring the surface to 12th apart next. 

W and A. Neve taking litter 

The Clerk reports that since the last meeting he has been in communication with Messrs. W. and A. Neve, tenants 

of Hollamby’s Nurseries, and with the Clerk of the Goldsmiths Company the landlords, with reference to litter 

taken from the Forest by Messrs. Neve, with the result that the Goldsmiths Company agree that Hollamby’s 

Nurseries which are in the parish of Rotherfield have no Forest right and Messrs. W. and A. Neve have paid the 

Clerk 2/- per load for nine loads of litter wrongfully taken by them and have promised not to trespass on the 

Forest again. 

Goldsmiths Company rights: 

The Clerk has also been in communication with the Clerk of the Goldsmiths Company with reference to the rights 

on the Forest, and has agreed with Sir Walter Prideaux, the Clerk, that the properties of the company which are 

entitled to rights are the following viz: 

Summersales Farm 44:0:0 

Adds Farm 27:3:10 

Cooks Corner Farm 46:0:0 

117:3:10 

and that these will be rated accordingly in the next Forest rate. 

Mr. George Pickard, Lealands Farm, Groombridge taking litter 

The Ranger having reported that Mr. George Pickard of Lealands Farm, Groombridge, which has no rights on the 

Forest, had taken two waggon loads of litter from near Friars Gate, the Clerk communicated with him and in the 

result Mr. Pickard paid 3/- for each load taken and undertook not to trespass on the Forest again. 

118 


R.A.F. Golf negotiation with Earl De La Warr 

The Chairman reports that he received a letter from the Secretary of the R.A.F. Golf Club, dated the 2nd instant, 

stating that subject to the arrangement of certain small details the Club has agreed with Lord De La Warr to pay 

him for the first seven years for 25th March, ₤125 per annum, and for the next fourteen years ₤150 per annum, and 

that the Ladies golf Club is included in the above arrangement. 

The Chairman points out that the interest of the Commoners which are of paramount importance are not touched 

upon in the letter, not is there any reference whatever to the Board and that there are two ways of dealing with the 

matter either by appointing a small Committee to negotiate with the Club with full power to act or by thrashing the 

whole matter our at this meeting. After some discussion on the proposition of Mr. Sandford, seconded by Mr. 

Turner, it is unanimously resolved that it be referred to a special Committee to negotiate and settle with the Golf 

Club the terms on which the Conservators shall grant to the Club a licence to continue to use the present golf 

course on the Forest with full power to act. 

And on the proposition of Mr. Martin seconded by Mr. Turner, it is also unanimously resolved that the Committee 

consist of Mr. Maryon-Wilson, the Chairman of the Board, Mr. Freshfield the Chairman of the Forest Row 

Committee and the Honble H.B. Portman, the Chairman of the Maresfield Committee. 

Also that the Clerk inform the Secretary of the Club that the matter has been referred to a special Committee who 

will deal with it with the least possible delay, and that the Board request that the Club will in the meantime take no 

further steps in the matter. 

A Chilton trespass 

The Clerk reports that on the 12th instant he received a letter from Ranger Manners informing him that Mr Alfred 

Chilton, of Uckfield the owner of Vale Cottage was metalling a track 14 feet in width across the Forest from 

Fairwarp village to his property and had metalled a large oval space 26 feet in width in front of the entrance to his 

property. 

The Clerk at once telegraphed Mr. Chilton requiring him to stop immediately the work he was doing on the Forest 

without authority, and confirmed it by letter, pointing out he had no right to interfere with the Forest without the 

sanction of the Lord and the Conservators and warning him that unless he immediately suspended the work, 

proceedings would be taken for an injunction. 

The Clerk ascertained from Mr. E.A. Nicholson that Mr. Chilton has no authority from the Lord to do the work 

and Mr. Chilton replied on the 17th instant that he had a right of way over the track and that he was merely filling 

in some of the ruts and that he has a legal right to do so. 

The Ranger reports that the whole work was carried out with great speed and was completed within about two 

days. 

The Clerk at once reported the whole matter to the Maresfield Committee who presented a report which is read. 

It is resolved that the report be received and entered in the minutes. It is as follows: 

The Committee report that they have inspected the Forest track from Fairwarp to Marlpits Cottage to which their 

attention had been drawn by the Clerk. They find that the track had been metalled by Mr. Chilton of Uckfield the 

new owner of the Marlpits property without the permission of the Conservators and as far as they show without 

the sanction of the Lord of the Manor. The track has been widened about one foot on each side and in front of the 

cottage about 16 feet in width of turf has been removed and the ground metalled to form a road. 

The Committee in carrying out the instructions of the Conservators accepted the tender of Mr. Hercules Kenward 

of Maresfield to erect a new gate on the Forest near the Boring Wheel Mill and one at Tyes Gate near the 

Woodlands Nursery. This work has been completed and the Committee ask that the cost thereof been four pounds 

nine shillings and six pence be paid from the Improvement fund. 

119 


The Committee report that they visited St. John’s Common, Crowborough, and were much disappointed to find 

that the surface of the Forest there was still in a very unsatisfactory state and they produce a letter from Mr. Turton 

surveyor to the East Grinstead District Council in which he promises at once to arrange to complete the work 

satisfactory. 

As to the cart track on the Forest to the south of the Millbrook clump the Committee are unanimously of opinion 

that the Conservators should not repair the same. 

The Committee report that carrying out the wishes of the Conservators they have employed men on the Forest 

cutting rides and lanes which they hope will restrict the damage done by fires on the Forest near the Pound Gate 

Schools, Crowborough, and also near Kings Standing and Old Lodge. 

Also that Mr. A. Hoath kindly superintended the cutting of brakes and heather on each side of the road from the 

Five Hundred to Withyham which had been done to their satisfaction. 

The Committee have obtained an employers liability policy of insurance from the County Fire Office, 50 Regent 

St., London, to cover their liability for the labourers they are employing and they ask the Conservators to pay the 

cost thereof from the Improvement fund one pound two shillings and six pence. 

Albert Jenner 

March 26 1909 

A. Chilton trespass 

It is resolved that as the work was deliberately done by Mr. A. Chilton without the authority of the Board or the 

Lord, he be required either to take a licence for maintaining the same paying the usual charge therefore and paying 

annual acknowledgements of 5/- each to the Lord and the Conservators, or else that he restore the road to its 

former width and the surface of the Forest in front of his entrance to its former condition. 

Forest gates repair of 

It is also resolved that the remainder of the Committee is report be approved and the payment of ₤4:9:1 and ₤1:2:6 

made out of the Protection and Improvement Fund. 

Insurance safety zones licences for: 

Mr. Freshfield reports that the form of licence to cut safety zones has been agreed with Mr. Nicholson and that he 

has impressed on the latter the desirability of imposing a purely nominal acknowledgement for the licences. 

Road material licences to take: 

Applications are read from the following highway authorities for permission to take road materials as 

undermentioned from the Forest for the report of their respective highways during the year ending 25th March 

1910 viz: 

namely: 

East Sussex County Council 

Central Road District 

Pit near Pippingford Hard stone and sandstone Nutley to Wych Cross 70 

Pits near Kingstanding pit Gravel. Chuck Hatch to Kingstanding 70 

Pits near Kingstanding pit Gravel. Withyham to Friars Gate 60 

Pit at Fox, Duddleswell Sandstone for kerbing, repairing and channelling at 50 

Crowborough 

120 











Mr. Sandford points out that there is no reduction in the quantities applied for the whole being exactly the same as 

last year. 

Mr. Sandford also draws attention to the fact that large areas of the Forest surface have been practically destroyed 

by the East Grinstead Rural District Council, in searching for and digging gravel in places where only a few inches 

of gravel are obtained at a depth of two or three feet. This fact is confirmed by Mr. Turner and Mr. Freshfield. 

It is resolved that the Clerk inform the East Grinstead Rural District Council that the Board will not be able to see 

their way to grant a licence to dig gravel in the future unless the gravel digging is confined to existing pits as in the 

case of the other road authorities and that before digging this year, the approval of the Forest Ranger be obtained. 

It Is resolved that subject to this instruction licences be granted for the quantities applied for subject to the same 

terms and conditions on which licences were granted to the road authorities on the 16th December 1899. 

The Clerk reports that as directed at the last meeting, he forwarded to the Clerk to the Standing Joint Committee 

the statement with reference to protection from fire on the Forest, which had been approved by the Board 

requesting the Clerk to lay it before the next meeting of the Committee and to give it an early place in the agenda. 

Ranger Manners reports that fires occurred on the Forest as follows:- 

February 19 in Nutley Bank burning about ½ acre 

February 20 between Mudbrook and Pippingford burning about 1 acre 

February 21 near Pippingford burning about 2 acres 

February 22 near Barns Gate burning about 3 acres 

February 24 at Brown Brook burning about 2 acres 

Ranger Brown reports that: 

February 8 found quantity of faggots burnt near *** Lodge 

February 24 two small fires near Cripps Corner and one near the Goat 

R. Ashby Blackham Farm litter 

Ranger Manners having reported that on the 12th February last he saw litter being carted from the Forest near 

Friars Gate to Mr. R. Ashby's at Blackham Court, the property of Earl De La Warr, the Clerk on the 17th February 

last, wrote to Mr Ashby reminding him that on the 3rd March 1903, he was summoned and attended before the 

Board, with a witness, and failed to establish the user necessary to entitle his farm to litter and warning him that if 

after this warning, he should again be found taking litter from the Forest they will be compelled to proceed against 

him. 

121 


Estovers whether to be taken by assignment or not 

Mr. Nicholson having informed the Clerk that Harry Sherbourne was found cutting birch in a **** of underwood 

sold by the Lord to his mother, Mrs. Joseph Sherbourne and contending that Commoners are only entitled to take 

estovers when set our by the Reeve on application, Ranger Brown reported that the birch so cut was carried to the 

house occupied by Sherbourne's parents, which forms part of Moss Cottages at Newbridge, the property of William 

Adams, for which he is rated, but he is unable to say whether the property has any ancient hearth in which the birch 

may be consumed. 

The Clerk points out that in the course of the correspondence Mr, Nicholson raises the point that Commoners are 

entitled to take their estovers only by assignment of the Lord’s Reeve. He states that there is some evidence in 

ancient records to sustain this proposition and complains the effect of such a restriction and suggests that the 

members of the Board consider the matter. 

Ranger Manners having reported that on the 25th February last he saw Frank Mepham, aged 15 or 16, cutting birch 

on the Forest near Fryars Gate, which he said he was taking home to his father John Mepham who owns and 

occupies a cottage on Mardens Hill which is not rated to the Forest rate, the Clerk wrote to John Mepham pointing 

out that his property has no rights and enquiring whether the son was acting by his direction in cutting birch. The 

father replied that he had not authorised his son to cut, and was unaware he was doing wrong, that he has given 

him strict order not to repeat the act, and begging the Conservators to overlook the offence. 

It is resolved that under the circumstances, no further action to be taken in the matter. 

J. Cheal licence to deposit 

The Clerk reports that Messrs. J Cheal and Sons of Crawley, having applied for permission to deposit materials on 

the Forest adjoining Crows nest, pending the alterations they are carrying our for Mr. W.H. Cowan, M.P. he granted 

permission on condition that the deposit be made close to Mr. Cowan’s boundary and be cleared away by the 1st 

April next, and the surface properly restored. 

Mr. Samuel M.P. donation 

The Clerk reports that Mr. Samuel M.P. has contributed through Mr. Freshfield ₤6 towards the cost of work for 

the protection from fire, which he has paid into the Protection and Improvement Fund account. Mr. Freshfield 

suggests that the Forest Row Committee are entitled to one half of this amount to expend, the other half being 

claimed by the Maresfield Committee. It is resolved that the amount be divided accordingly. 

Mr Freshfield reports that the Forest Row Committee have been actively engaged on cutting lanes, and though they 

have only done about two thirds of the work that ought to be done, what they have done will afford ample 

protection except in the event of some exceptionally large fire. 

East Grinstead Gas & Water Co, extension of main 

The Clerk reports that since the last meeting he received an application from the East Grinstead Gas and Water 

Company for permission to extend the gas main, for which a licence was granted on 5th June last, up the lane to the 

Tunbridge Wells main road and that he sanctioned the laying of the same and of the necessary service pipes 

therefrom. 

Second Ranger expenses of 

The Clerk reminds the Board that the subscription towards the expenses of the second Ranger will be practically 

exhausted by the 17th June next, when his second year of office expires. 

It is resolved that application be made to the present subscribers and donors to renew their support and that an 

appeal to subscribe be also made to other Commoners and residents likely to contribute. 

R.A.F. Golf Club 

The R.A.F. Golf club having applied for permission (1) to lay a couple of planks across the Quabrook at the new 

5th hole for convenience of approach and (2) to construct a pathway 4 feet under across the swampy ground in 

122 


front of the 8th tee, also (3) to make a new tee further back to the present tee at the 10th hole. It is resolved that 

the application be referred to the Committee appointed to negotiate with the Club as to the future use of the golf 

course, with power to act 

Brakes and litter 

In reply to Mr. Freshfield, the Clerk advises that Commoners have no right to use brakes or litter from the Forest 

for charcoal burning, or for any purpose other than the manuring of the lands entitled to rights. 

Birch trees 

Also that in the case of brick, willow or alder, recently unlawfully cut on that part of the Forest which is vested in 

Mr. Freshfield the property in the trees cut remains in him, and that he is entitled to use them on his commonable 

lands. 

Cheques 


Manners W. 

7 weeks salary and house rent to 29th inst. ₤8:15:0 

Brown W. 

7 weeks salary as Ranger to 29th inst. ₤7:0:0 

It is resolved that the next meeting of the Board will be on Friday the 21st May at 2.30 p.m. or on such other date 





Friday the 21st May 1909 at 2.30 p.m. 

Present 

Mr. George Maryon-Wilson in the chair 














The Bank Pass Books are produced showing a balance in hand on account no.1 of ₤160:1:4, and on account No.2 


F.E. Williams deposits 

Ranger Manners reports that Messrs. Williams has removed the deposits on the Forest, near Prospect House, and 

restored the surface of the Forest. 

123 


Cheal & Sons deposits 

And that Messrs. Cheal & Sons have removed the deposits near Crows Nest, and restored the surface of the Forest. 


The Committee appointed at the last meeting to negotiate and settle with the R.A.F. Golf Club the terms in which 

the Conservators shall grant to the Club a licence to continue to use the present golf course on the Forest with full 

power to act report that the negotiations are proceeding, and they hope soon to bring them to a satisfactory 

conclusion. 

A. Chilton trespass 

The Clerk reports that pursuant to the resolution passed at the last meeting he wrote to Mr. Chilton on the 29th 

March last and has received no reply. Ranger Manners reports that Mr Chilton has not restored the surface. 

The Maresfield Committee report that having considered the matter they recommend that Mr Chilton be once 

more requested to take a licence as suggested, or restore the surface within twenty one days and that failing his 

compliance the Clerk be instructed to take proceedings. It is resolved that the report be approved and acted upon, 

the Clerk to take the instructions of the Chairman as to proceedings. 

Safety zones licence for 

With reference to the licences which it has been arranged that Mr. E.A. Nicholson shall grant to owners of 

occupiers of property adjoining the Forest, authorising them to cut strips of undergrowth to protect their properties 

from Forest fires, the Clerk suggests that as the Commoners are interested in the litter, the names of the 

Conservators should be inserted as parties concurring in the licences.. 

Licences cost of 

Mr. Freshfield gives notices that he proposes to bring before the next meeting the question of who shall bear the 

cost of licences, with a view to laying down a general rule on the subject. 

Road authority damage to Forest 

The Clerk reports that present to the instructions given him at the last meeting he wrote to the Clerk of the East 

Grinstead Rural District Council, pointing our that considerable areas of the surface have been practically destroyed 

by the employees of that Council in searching for and digging gravel in places where only a few inches of gravel are 

obtained at a depth of lives or three feet, and intimating that the Board will not be able to see their way to grant 

licences to dig gravel in the future unless the gravel digging is confined to existing pits, as is done by the other road 

authorities and requesting that before digging gravel this year, their surveyor will point our to Ranger Brown the 

spots from which he proposes to dig gravel, and obtain his approval thereof. He produces a reply dated the 23rd 

April last, stating that the Council deny that any part of the Forest has been destroyed by the employees of the 

Council and that the attention of the surveyor has been called as to digging in future. Ranger Brown reports that the 

Council are now digging gravel but have not consulted him on the matter. 

It is resolved that the Clerk reply that as the Council have not compiled with the requirements of the Board the 

Conservators will have to consider what conditions to impose with regard to any future licences, and that unless the 

terms of the present licence and of the Clerk’s letter, which accompanied it are compiled with the Board will have 

to consider whether the present licence be withdrawn. 

Estovers 

A short discussion as to the question of whether Commoners are entitled to take estovers without the assignment 

of the Lord or his Reeve is raised, but it is decided to postpone the consideration of the matter. 

R.A.F. Golf Club additional works 

The Committee to whom was referred at the last meeting the application of the R.A.F. Golf Club to execute 

additional works report that by their direction the Clerk wrote to the Secretary stating that the Conservators would 

not object to the wish of the club (1) to lay two planks across the Quabrook at the new 5th hole (2) to construct a 

124 


pathway 4 feet wide across the swampy ground in front of the 8th tee and (3) to make a new tee near the 10th hole, 

provided the works are carried out to the satisfaction of the Forest Row Committee. 

Fires prevention Standing Forest Committee 

The Clerk reports that pursuant to the direction given him at the meeting of the 5th February last, he forwarded to 

the Clerk of the Standing Joint Committee a copy of the report presented to that meeting by the Committee 

appointed to consider the subject of Forest fires requesting him to lay it before the next meeting, and to give it an 

early place in the agenda and a few days before the meeting of the Standing Joint Committee viz, the 12th April last, 

the Clerk by the direction of the Chairman forwarded a print of the Committee’s report to every member of the 

Committee pointing our the vital importance of the matter to all owners and occupiers in and around the Forest 

who contribute largely to the police rate and expressing the hope that they would see their way to support the 

request of the Board. The Clerk reads a reply dated the 8th inst, from the Clerk of the Committee stating that the 

Committee at their meeting on the 20th April last, passed the following resolution viz. that the Chief Constable be 

requested to do all that he can to afford the necessary protection to Ashdown Forest from fires. 

Fires by children 

The Clerk reports that on the 12th inst., he received a telegram from the Chief Constable as follows: “Three boys 

aged 12, 11 and 8 years, caught setting fire to Forest on the 8 th . Do you wish me to prosecute them for arson.” To 

which he replied “Considering ages of delinquents must consult Conservators”. 

It is resolved that having regard to the ages of the children the Board consider it a proper case to prosecute under 

the Bye Laws, and instruct the Clerk to do so accordingly, and to inform the Chief Constable of their decision. 

Crowborough sewer 

The Maresfield Committee report that the replacement of surface soil to fill up holes and inequalities caused by the 

laying of the sewer under that part of the Forest adjoining to Crowborough has been inspected by the Committee 

and is considered quite satisfactory. 

The Clerk states that from the newspaper report of the meeting of the East Grinstead Rural District Council, held 

on the 25th March last, he rather gathered the impression that the sewer, which the Council gave a statutory notice 

to the Conservators of their intention to lay across the St. John’s part of the Forest was in fact laid by the 

Goldsmiths’ Company, bur that the report is not clear on the point. 

It is resolved that the Clerk ascertain from Sir Walter Prideaux, the Clerk to the Goldsmiths’ Company, what are the 

actual facts. 

Bye law boards 

Your Committee have taken steps to appoint Messrs. A. Turner and W. Carr to re-erect one and varnish six Bye law 

boards and affix new prints of Bye Laws to all. 

Forest fires 

The Chairman states that by his authority invitations were issued to the principal owners of property adjoining the 

Forest to meet the Conservators today at 3.30 p.m. to consider which steps should be taken to protect the Forest 

and the adjacent private properties and dwellings from the danger caused by the recent ******* of incendiarism. 

In response to this invitation, the following attend: Muriel, Countess De La Warr, Mrs. Hyde, The Right Revd. 

Bishop Fisher, Sir Edward Hope K.C.B., W.H. Cowan, Esq. M.P., Herwald Ramsbotham Esq., Capt. Banbury, 

Francis Barchard Esq., Dr. Frost and Mr. J.E. Eggleton, representing the Sheffield Park Estate. 

After a long discussion it is proposed by Mr, Freshfield, seconded by Mr. Cowan and unanimously resolved that a 

Committee ****** of members of the Board of Conservators and local landowners be constituted to consider what 

steps may be taken to prevent incendiary fires in the district and to provide funds for the purpose and further to 

consider whether it is desirable to strengthen the hands of the Boards of Conservators, and remove alleged 

grievances by applying to Parliament for further powers, and that it be an instruction to the Committee to request 

125 


the Home Secretary to receive a deputation which may bring to his notice the inadequate protection afforded by the 

County Authorities to national and private property against recent outbreaks of incendiarism. 

It is further resolved that the Committee consist of the following Conservators viz., the Honble H.B. Portman, Mr. 

Freshfield and Mr. Turner and the following landowners, Mr. Herwald Ramsbotham, Mr. Cowan and Capt. 

Banbury with the Chairman of the Board ex officio. 

The Clerk reports that he issued applications to all there who subscribed last year to the expense of the 2nd Ranger 

to renew their subscriptions for the year ending 17th June 1910, and has already received several subscription in 

response. 

It is resolved that the Chairman be requested to issue an appeal on the lines of his circular of June last to all non 

subscribers interested in the protection of the Forest urging them to contribute. 

Forest cart tracks repair of 

Mr. Joseph Ridley, pursuant to notice, moves that the Conservancy take steps to restore the original benefits due to 

the Commoners. 

He states that one of the principal benefits was the right to take estovers of hard woods, but as there is practically 

no timber now growing on the Forest, it is no use making a point of this claim. That formerly everyone cut and 

removed litter all the year round, and much more was taken in former times than now, because as the time for 

cutting litter is now limited to winter months, it is impossible to cart it away from the boggy parts of the Forest, and 

he presses on the Board that steps should be taken to repair the Forest tracks, so that litter can be carted in the 

winter. 

The Chairman draws Mr. Ridley’s attention to the terms of the reference, made earlier in the meeting to the Joint 

Committee of Conservators and landowners and suggests that this subject should be referred to them for 

consideration. Mr. Ridley then moves, Mr. Freshfield seconds and it is unanimously resolved, that the question of 

repairing the cart tracks on the Forest be referred to their Joint Committee for consideration. 

Sylvanus Ridley cow drowned 

The Clerk reads a letter from Mr. Sylvanus Ridley, dated 30th April last, stating that his tenant, Joseph Martin, has 

had a cow, value £10, drowned in the diverted stream from Spring Gardens Wood to Boring Wheel Mill. That he 

was informed Mr. Sandford, some years ago lowered this stream and made it a great deal more dangerous to cattle 

than before; and desired to be informed whether the Conservators or Count Munster is liable for the damage. 

The Maresfield Committee, having visited the spot and seen the correspondence are unanimous that the Board are 

not responsible for the loss and recommend that the Clerk reply to Mr. Ridley to that effect. 

It is resolved that the report be adopted and **** on. 

A. Dean application for naturalists camp 

A letter as read from Mr. Arthur Dean, of Seven Kings, Essex, asking for permission for from 5 to 10 naturalists to 

camp out on the Forest at Gills Lap, for a week or ten days in July or August, using only a paraffin cooking stove 

and a hurricane lamp. The Clerk states he replied promising to lay the letter before the Board but pointing out that 

as the Forest is regulated by Act of Parliament and the Bye laws prohibit camping on the Forest it is difficult to see 

how they can grant the permission asked for. 

It is resolved that the Clerk reply that for the reasons stated in his letter, the Board are unable to give the 

permission asked. 

126 


Chelwood recreation ground 

On the application of Mr. Midgley, Superintendent of the Chelwood Recreation Ground, it is resolved that the 

Board consent to his cutting the undergrowth round the outside of the fence of the cricket ground for a width not 

exceeding 15 yards. 

Maresfield Fire Committee accounts: 

The Maresfield Fire Committee present the accounts of their expenditure in connection with work for protection 

from and limiting the areas of Forest fires which accounts show a balance of £3 expended by them in excess of the 

amount received from the Protection and Improvement Fund. 

Forest Row Fire Committee accounts: 

The Forest Row Fire Committee present the accounts of their expenditure for the same purpose, which accounts 

show a balance of £4 expended by them in excess of the amount received from the same fund. 

It is resolved that the accounts be received and approved and that the balance be reimbursed to them out of the 


Licences annual return of: 

Return of the licences granted by each Ranger during the year ending 31st March last are handed in. 

Fires 

The Rangers’ reports are then gone through, and report a large number of fires on the Forest, and a serious fire in 

Pippingford Woods. 

B 

Jack King van 

Ranger Manners reports that on the 4th January last, he issued a summons against Jack King for having a van on 

the Forest near Pound Gate; the Police only succeeded in serving the summons last week and on the 20th inst. the 

Uckfield Bench fined the Defendant (who did not appear) 10/- including costs. 

Cheques: 


Manners W 

8 weeks salary and house rent 

to 24th inst £10:0:0 

Brown W 

8 weeks salary as Ranger to 24th inst £8:0:0 

It is resolved that the next meeting of the Board will be on Friday the 2nd July next at 2.30 p.m., or on such other 


The meeting terminated at 6 p.m. 



Saturday the 3rd July 1909 at 2.30 p.m. 

Present 

Mr. George M. Maryon-Wilson on the chair 


127 







The Minutes of the last meeting are read and confirmed. 

The Bank Pass Books are produced showing a balance in hand on account No. 1 of £150:1:4 and on account No. 2 

of £49:6:3. 

R.A.F. Golf Club negotiation with Earl De La Warr 

The Committee appointed by the Board to negotiate and settle with the R.A.F. Golf Club the terms on which the 

Conservators shall grant a licence to continue to **** the present golf course on the Forest with full power to act. 

They report that they met representatives of the Golf Club on the 2nd June 1909, and after fully discussing the 

whole question agreed to grant a licence to the Club on the following terms: 

(1) empowering the Club to cut litter between each tee and green for a width in no case exceeding 150 yards, 

without the necessity of applying to the Board for permission. 

(2) and to make new tees within the limits of the existing course without the necessity of applying for such 

permission. 

(3) and to make an entirely new 9th hole (in the vicinity of G. Mitchell’s cottage) subject to the details being 

first approved by the Conservators. 

(4) and to carry our all ordinary repairs (including necessary drainage) to the existing course without the 

necessity of applying for such permission. 

(5) conferring the exclusive right of user of the course for the purpose of playing golf, upon the R.A.F. Golf 

Club and by permission of such Club to the Ashdown Forest Ladies Golf Club and the Cantelupe Club. 

(6) that the Conservators shall render to the R.A.F. Golf Club all the assistance and support which they lawfully 

can, consistent with the interests of the Commoners in preventing any interference with the user of the 

course on the part of any body or person not being a member of the above clubs. 

(7) the licence to be for a term of 7 years commencing from the 25th December next, subject to the power of 

revocation inserted in other Forest licences. 

(8) The R.A.F. Golf club during the continuance in force of the licence to pay to the Conservators they yearly 

sum of £62:10:0 towards the expenses of the Conservancy and in aid of the Forest rates, by two equal half 

yearly payments on every 24th June and 25th December. The first of such half yearly payments to be made 

on the 24th June 1910. 

In accordance with a previous agreement the costs and disbursements of the Clerk in relation to the negotiation for 

and the preparation and completion of the licence for and of a counterpart thereof are to be paid by the R.A.F. 

Golf Club. 

The Committee state they are taking steps to carry out the arrangement arrived at. 

It is resolved that the action of the Committee be and is hereby approved and that the Board thank the Committee 

for their services in the matter. 

R.A.F. Golf club works 

A letter is read from the Secretary of the R.A.F. Golf club applying for permission for the “landings” to be cut on 

the course as in former years, as the grass is becoming too long. 

It is resolved that permission be granted accordingly. 

Licences expenses of 

Mr. D.W. Freshfield, pursuant to notice, moves and Mr. Martin seconds and it is resolved that in the case of 

applications by small owners, for licence for increased faculties of access over the Forest to adjoining properties or 

128 


for similar purposes, the Board shall determine who shall in each instance bear the legal expenses or in what 

proportions. 

E. Grinstead R.D.C. gravel digging 

The Clerk reports that he wrote to the Clerk to the East Grinstead R.D.C. as directed at the last meeting and merely 

received an acknowledgement of his letter. 

Ranger Brown reports that no application has been made to him on or on behalf of the Council, as to digging 

gravel this year; that the Council’s men have been digging gravel on the Forest, but ceased to do so about a week 

ago, having as he is informed obtained all they require this season. He also states that the men have been digging 

gravel in places where only about 6 or 7 inches of gravel was obtained at a depth varying from 2 to 3 feet below the 

surface. 

It is resolved that the action of the Council is disregarding the request made to them to consult the Ranger as to the 

spots where gravel should be dug be considered when the application for licences to dig come before the Board 

next March. 

Fires prevention etc. 

The Joint Committee appointed at the last meeting report that they met, and are taking action in the matters 

referred to them but they are not yet in a position to report beyond stating that a deputation has waited upon the 

permanent official at the Home Office, who has to do with the Department of Police and that the Home Office 

have written to the Joint Standing Committee on the subject. 

Fires by children: 

The Clerk reports that after the last meeting he caused to be seen all the witnesses who could give any information 

with regard to the case reported by the Chief Constable, of three boys, Charles Machellow, Victor Machellow and 

Jack Taylor respectively aged 12, 11 and 8 setting fire to the Forest at Crowborough and had their statements very 

carefully taken down, with a view to prosecuting under the Bye Law. The three boys were seen running away from a 

spot where a small fire had started, and crying out for help. No one else saw the fire lit. The child of 8 said he was 

told to light it by the other boys, both of whom denied it strenuously. The only evidence against the child was his 

own admission; the only evidence against the other two would be the child whose statement they both denied. 

The Chairman states that the evidence was submitted to him by the Clerk, and having carefully considered it he 

came to the conclusion that a prosecution of the elder boys would fail, and that to prosecute the child of 8 even if 

he were convicted would not be likely to re***** to the credit of the Board, and he therefore directed the Clerk not 

to proceed; that he wrote to the Master of the Elementary School which the three boys attend asking him to point 

our to them the seriousness of their offence, and that but for their ages they would have been proceeded against for 

arson. The Chairman also states that he wrote to the correspondents of all the other Elementary Schools round the 

Forest requesting them to address the children attending their respective schools in the presence of the Managers to 

the same effect, and that he had received replies from practically all of them promising to do so. 

It is resolved that the action of the Chairman be approved and confirmed and that the Clerk inform the Chief 

Constable of the decision. 

Newspaper correspondence: 

The Chairman states that in consequence of a letter signed by Mr. H. Jesse Ridley having appeared early this month 

in the local newspaper which besides containing various inaccuracies charged the Board with unfairness and 

particularly in the discharge of their duties, he directed the Clerk to send a reply (which he himself settled) to the 

newspaper in which the letter appeared, which reply the Conservators had no doubt seen. 

It is resolved that the action of the Chairman be and is hereby approved 

Cheques 

It is resolved that the following cheques be drawn 

129 


Manners, W. 

6 weeks salary and house rent 

to the 5th inst £7:10:0 

Brown. W. 

6 Weeks salary to 5th inst £6:0:0 

Lloyd and Son 

for new bicycle and accessories 

for Ranger’s machine £6:10:0 

The Clerk 

a half years salary to 30th June last £50:10:0 

It is resolved that the next meeting of the Board be on Friday the 1st October meet at 2 p.m. or on such other date 

as the present Chairman may consider necessary. 




Friday the 1st day of October 1909, at 2.30 p.m. 

Present 


Colonel C. Needham 








The Bank Pass Books are produced showing a balance in hand on account no 1 of £85:10:4 and on account no 2 of 

£62:8:3. 

R.A.F. Golf club negotiations with Earl De La Warr 

The Committee appointed to deal with the matter of granting a licence to the Royal Ashdown Forest Golf Club for 

user of the links reports that the licence granted to the Club by Lord De La Warr has been produced to the Clerk 

and that the matter is receiving their consideration. 

Fires preventing 

The Committee dealing with the subject of preventing fires on the Forest state that they are not yet in a position to 

make a report. 

Underground telegraph line to Golf Club house 

The Clerk reports that on 28th July last he received an application of the Board to the laying down of an 

underground telegraphic line between the south corner of Chapel Lane, Forest Row, and the R.A.F. Golf Club 

house which he submitted to the Forest Row Committee. 

130 


The Forest Row Committee presents the following report which is read and it is resolved that it be received and 


The Forest Row Committee met on 4th August. There was a full attendance. The Committee authorised the Clerk 

to agree to an application from the Postmaster General for leave to lay underground wires to the Golf Club house 

the Board having previously resolved that wires laid in this manner were unobjectionable, it appeared to the 

Committee that the recognition of the objection to overhead wires on the part of the Postmaster General was 

satisfactory and that it was desirable to accede to his request. The Committee authorised certain repairs on the golf 

course. Mr. Midgley brought before the Committee the wording of the notice set up on the Forest Cricket Ground 

with a view to its modification. The Committee agreed that the wording might be simplified with advantage and 

recommended Mr. Midgley to bring the matter before the Board. 

Underground telegraph line at Forest Row 

The Clerk states that acting on the above report he wrote the Post master General on 5th August last consenting to 

the underground telegraphic line being laid subject to the consent of Earl De La Warr being obtained. 

It is resolved that the action of the Committee and the Clerk with reference to the underground telegraphic line be 

approved and confirmed. 

R.A.F. Golf club repairs 

Also that the action of the Committee with reference to the Golf Club repairs be approved and confirmed. 

Recreation ground notice 

Mr. Martin on behalf of Mr. Midgley produces the form of notice posted up at the various recreation grounds on 

the Forest which the Forest Row Committee considers somewhat contradictory in terms and points out the 

alterations they recommend should be made in it. 

It is resolved that at the commencement of the new year fresh notices be substituted omitting the first three lines of 

the present notice, inserting words referring to the Regulation Confirmation Act, after the word Bye law in the next 

line and setting out the exact text of Bye law 17 as at present, the precise form of the notice to be settled by the 

Forest Row Committee. 

Also that it be left to that Committee to fix the spot where the new notice relating to the Forest Row Recreation 

Ground shall be erected. 

Cart track from Prestridge Warren improvement of 

A letter is read from Mr. D.W. Freshfield stating that he is erecting farm buildings in his meadows above 

Stumblewood and asking permission to improve the existing cart track into Prestridge Warren from the Twyford 

road by filling in the deep ruts which make it impassable for spring carts, and putting hard stuff in one or two 

swampy places and stating that he does not want to make a regular road and proposes that the track made good 

should not exceed 8 feet in width and that turf be encouraged to grow over it. 

It is resolved that the Board being of opinion that the work proposed merely amounts to a legitimate repair of the 

right of way, see no objection to the work being carried out. 

Annual return to Local Government Board 

The Clerk reports that since the last meeting he has made to Local Government Board the annual returns of the 

receipts and expenditure of the Conservancy for the year ending 31st December last and lays a copy of the return 

on the table. 

Miss Lowe roadway 

A letter dated the 20th into from Miss Constance J. Lowe the owner of the property called Forest House at 

Tompsetts Bank late Mrs. Cook’s is read, complaining of the user of a track passing close along her front boundary 

and asking permission to reopen certain gripe that have been filled up as to divert the traffic to the regular road 

131 


which runs a few yards from her boundary. It is pointed out by a Conservator that the track complained of was 

made by the builder when building Miss Lowe’s new house. 

It is resolved that the application be referred to the Forest Row Committee with power to act and to consider the 

expediency of getting Miss Lowe to seed down the track complained of. 

Mrs. Townsend faggot stack 

Mrs. Townsend the owner of the Beacon at Fairwarp (late Markwick’s) having applied for permission to place her 

faggot stack hitherto standing outside her boundary on the west side of the property to the east side of same it is 

resolved that permission be granted as that the new position does nor interfere with her neighbours. 

Mrs. Townsend repair of road 

She also applies for permission to repair the cart track leading to her said house. It is resolved that the Board see no 

objection to her doing so provided the width is not increased. 

Mr. A. Chilton licence 

The Clerk reports that Mrs. A. Chilton has agreed to take the licence stipulated for at the meeting of the 26th 

March last and the Clerk having produced the counterpart signed by Mr. Chilton with plan annexed. It is resolved 

that the form thereof be approved and that the Clerk be authorised to sign the licence in that form on behalf of the 

Board. 

Rate 

The Clerk reports that the last rate was made on the 5th June 1908 and that there will he barely sufficient funds in 

hand at the end of the current year to discharge all claims that will then be due. 

On the proposition of Mr. Turner seconded by Mr. Kenward it is resolved that notice be given in the agenda of the 

next ordinary meeting of the Board to make a rate of 6d. per acre and that the Clerk prepare the necessary 

document for the purpose. 



Conservancy for the current year and to report thereon at the next ordinary meeting of the Board. 

Commoners meeting 

It is also resolved that the Annual Meeting of the Commoners be held at the Nutley Inn, on Friday the 17th 

December next at 11 a.m. 

Cheques 

It is resolved that the following cheques be drawn. 

Manners W. 13 weeks salary and 

house rent to 4th inst. £16:5:0 

Brown W.13 week’s salary to 

4th instant £13:0:0 

Luxford Job for repairs to Bye law boards £1:17:0 

It is resolved that the next meeting of the Board be held on Friday the 17th December next immediately after the 

Commoners meeting, as on such other date as the Chairman may consider necessary. 



132 


The Annual Meeting of the Commoners interested in Ashdown Forest duty convened by the Clerk by 

notice on the principal door of the Church of each of the Parishes and Ecclesiastical Districts into which 

the Forest extends by advertisement in two newspapers circulating in the neighbourhood to wit: The 

Sussex Express” and the “Sussex Daily News” at least 14 days before this date and by notice sent by post 

to every Commoner and held as the Nutley Inn, Nutley, on Friday the 17th day of December 1909 at 11 0 

clock in the forenoon. 

Present 

Mr. George M. Maryon-Wilson on the chair 



The Revd. H.J. Peckham 

Mr. C.H. Corbett M.P. 












Chairman 

On the proposition of Mr. A. Turner seconded by the Honble. H.B. Portman, Mr. George M. Maryon-Wilson was 

chosen Chairman and he having taken the chair the Clerk reads the notice convening the meeting and reports the 

due publication thereof as above announced. 

Also that he has been requested by Mr. Douglas W. Freshfield to explain that he is absent owing to a visit to the 

United States of America whence he will shortly return. 

The Minutes of the last Annual Meeting of Commoners are then read and confirmed. 


The Clerk reports that the Conservators who retire by rotation on 31st instant are: Messrs. Douglas William 

Freshfield, and Joseph Ridley, The Honble Henry Berkeley Portman and Mr. Edward Martin. 

It is proposed by Mr. Corbett and seconded by Mr. Midgley that Mr. Douglas William Freshfield be re-elected a 

Conservator. 

It is proposed by Mr. Mark Sandford and seconded by the Reverend H.J. Peckham that Mr. Joseph Ridley of 

Horney Common be re-elected a Conservator. 

It is proposed by Mr. Albert Turner and seconded by Mr. Mark Sandford that the Honble. Henry Berkeley Portman 

is re-elected a Conservator. 

It is proposed by Mr. John McAndrew and seconded by Mr. William Carr that Mr. Edward Martin be re-elected a 

Conservator. 

No other nominations being made the Chairman declares the above named four Commoners duly elected 


133 


Mr. Portman, Mr. Martin and Mr. Ridley having returned thanks for their re-election. 

Foresters Protection Association 

Mr. Ridley then in accordance with a letter previously sent to the Clerk makes the following statement. That in 

consequence of the unpleasant accusations made against the Protection Association it is necessary to state in 

consequence of the proposed amended Bye laws the original Protection Association was revived for the benefit of 

the Commoners and act concerned. A deputation waited upon the Conservancy with the following requests: 1. to 

withdraw the amended Bye laws; 2. to take on additional Commoners; 3. to hand over sufficient money from the 

Board reserve fund to employ two men to work on the roads within the Forest for one year; 4. to alter the voting 

system. The Association did not keep any funds on hand and the last subscription was paid on 12th December 

1907. Whenever occasion arises they could rely upon it that the Association would respond to the call for assistance 

as readily as they had done in the past. No member pledged himself to anything and they are under no obligation. 

They were not bound to pay or do anything in connection with the Protection Association. It was entirely a matter 

of their own opinion. They asked what was within reason. The first resolution was of course somewhat modified. 

Some Commoners had been taken on but not so many as there should have been. The Bye laws he understood did 

not allow for it, although he could not see where the law had anything to do with it. 

Mr. Ridley was continuing his statement when the Chairman pointed out that the whole subject had been dealt with 

some time ago and had been fully reported in the public press. 

Mr. Sylvanus Ridley thanks 

The following letter was handed to the Chairman and was read viz: 

Summerhill, Nutley, Dec. 17th 1909 

To the Board of Conservators 

Gentlemen, being a Commoner I have been asked by several other Commoners in the District to express their 

thanks to the Board for putting up the gate and fence at Boring Wheel Mill and the *** as it is a great benefit to 

them and we feel sure if the Board would do the same in other Districts do a little to the roads in dangerous places 

they would not require a second Ranger but would receive the co-operation of all concerned in the Forest. 

Yours truly 

Sylvanus Ridley 

on behalf of other Commoners 

P.S. Please hand this to the Press. 

It was resolved that the letter be referred to the Conservators for their consideration. 

On the motion of Mr. Sandford seconded by Mr. Turner it was unanimously resolved that a cordial vote of thanks 

is accorded to the Chairman for presiding at the meeting. 

In acknowledging the vote of thanks the Chairman states that it is a very pleasant duty to preside over the meeting 

of the Commoners and he promises on behalf of the Board that they will continue to do their utmost and spare no 

pains in the interests of the Forest. They have a hard task, but they try to carry out that task without fear or favour. 


A meeting of the Conservators of Ashdown Forest duty convened and held at the Nutley Inn, Nutley, on 

Friday the 17th day of December 1909 at 11.45 a.m. 

Present 

134 











The Bank Pass Book are produced showing a balance in hand on account no. 1 of f67:7:6 and on account no.2 of 

£50:8:3. 





As Chairman of the meeting of Commoners duty convened and held this day at the Nutley Inn, Nutley, for the 

purpose of electing four Conservators. I hereby intimate to you that at such meeting the following Commoners 

were elected Conservators: Mr. Douglas William Freshfield, Mr. Joseph Ridley (Horney Common), The Honble 

Henry Berkeley Portman and Mr. Edward Martin in the place of the four Conservators who retire by rotation on 

the 31st instant. 




The Audit Committee produce the following report which is read and it is resolved that it be received and entered 

on the minutes. It is as follows: 

The Audit Committee produce the accounts and vouchers for the current year, and report that they have examined 

the accounts and compared then with the vouchers and find the accounts are correct. 

When the cheques which the Committee recommend should be drawn have been passed through the bank, the 

balances shown by the several accounts will agree with the Bank Pass Books and Post Office Savings Bank deposit 

book respectively, viz. 

General Acct. debit balance £20:19:5 

Second Ranger act, credit balance £36:18:3 

Protection & Improvement fund ditto £32:14:2 

And they recommend that to close the accounts for the year, cheques be drawn as follows: 

Manners W. 

12 weeks salary and House Rent 

to the 27th inst. £15:0:0 

Brown W. 

12 weeks salary to 27th inst £12:0:0 

135 


Clerk 

½ years salary to 31st inst £50:0:0 

Disbursements during year Genl. Account £23:6:11 

Ditto Ditto 2nd Ranger account £1:10:0 

Henry B. Portman 

Albert Turner 

Mark sand ford 

It is resolved that the report and recommendations of the Committee be approved and adopted and that the 

accounts be signed by the Chairman and that cheques be drawn as recommended. 

Also that the best thanks of the Board be accounted to the Committee for their services. 

Clerk’s service thanks 

Mr. Sandford states that the accounts show that the Clerk has written and posted over 1000 letters and other 

communications during the past year and it is resolved that the Board express their appreciation of and thanks to 

the Clerk for his assiduous attention to the work of the Conservancy. 

Rate 

The Clerk having reported that the funds in hand will be exhausted by payment of the current liabilities and having 

produced an estimate of the annual expenses it is proposed by Mr. Edward Martin seconded by the Honble H.B. 

Portman and unanimously resolved that a rate be made for defraying the expenses of the Conservators in the 

execution of their duties under the award made under the provisions of the Inclosure Acts 1845-1878, the 

Commons Regulation (Ashdown Forest) Provisional Order Confirmation Act 1885 to be levied upon the respective 

owners of the rights of Common upon the Forest at the rate of 6d. per area in respect of the acreage of their 

respective lands to which such rights attach which Commoners and their respective averages aforesaid and the 

respective sums payable by them are hereafter set out namely: 

RATE TABLE 

are hereinafter set out, viz:- 


£ s d 


Adams, Mr. William Moss Cottage, Newbridge, 

2 0 1 0 



Esq. 




decd. Repres. 


Avis, Mrs 


3 0 1 6 

Sarah A. 

Withyham 



Ballard & Co. Messrs. Brewers, Lewes 2 ½ 0 1 6 

136 



Barchard, Mrs. K.L.S. Duddleswell Uckfield 12 0 6 

Barralet, Mrs. Phoebe The Laurels, Nutley ¾ 0 0 6 




Bedwell, Mr. Charles Nutley, Uckfield 0:2:29 0 0 6 



Bellingham, Mrs. Eliz. Salisbury House, Hartfield, Tunbridge Wells 5:2:37 0 3 0 


Birch, Fredk. Peregrine 8 ½ Angel Court, Throgmorton Street, 3:3:12 0 2 0 

Decd. Repres. Of London SE 

Birch, Francis Esq. Flat 9, Westminister Place Hotel, London 44 1 2 0 

SW 


Essex 

Brassey, The Rt. Hon. Normanhurst, Battle, Sussex 11-1-22 0 6 0 

Lord 


Lady 

Browning Mr. William Chelwood Common Dane Hill Uckfield 9½ 0 5 0 


John. 

Burgess, Mrs Amelia Fairways, Uckfield (late W. Walters) 5:2:0 0 3 0 



Carr, Mr. William Nutley, Uckfield 27:3:31 0 14 0 

Champneys, Dr. Frank Highlands, Nutley, Uckfield 7:3:0 0 4 0 

Chatterton, Geo. J. Bridge Wharf, Caledonian Road, London 6 0 3 0 



133:3:15 3 7 0 

Mrs. 



56:2:0 1 0 0 

Stephenson 



Colchester The Rt. c/o E.P. Whitley, Hughes, East Grinstead 213 5 6 6 

Hon. Lord 


S. 



Cooper, Ernest Esq. C/o Turner Rudge & Turner, East 140 3 10 0 

Grinstead 





De La Warr, The Rt. 


Old Lodge, Uckfield 9:0:4 0 5 0 

137 



Leonard Rob. 



Dodge Miss Mary C/o J.G. Burroughs, 72 Victoria Street, 11:1:30 0 6 0 

Hoadley 

Westminster, SW 


Eason, Edward Henry 43 Bishopsgate Street Without London E.C. 1:1:8 0 1 0 

Physick Esq. 


Evenden, Mrs. Maresfield, Uckfield 



2½ 0 1 3 

Uckfield 



Fincham, Mr. J.H. Nutley, Uckfield 1:3:0 0 1 0 

Freshfield, Douglas Wych Cross House, Forest Row 219 ¼ 5 10 0 

Fuller Miss 


Millicent 

Funnell, Mr. Frederick Gorses Farm, Birch Grove, East Grinstead 9:3:23 0 5 0 



Humphrey 

Gilbert 



Goard Mrs. Phillipa. The Green, Forest Row, East Grinstead 2 ¾ 0 1 6 

Philcox 

Goldsmiths’ Company Goldsmith’s Hall London E.C. 117:3:14 2 19 0 




Greenfield, Mrs. Emily Dodds Bottom, Nutley, Uckfield 0:1:16 0 0 6 



Hardy, Guy. C. C/o Major P.R. Crawford, The Cottage, 311 ½ 7 16 0 

Trustees of Will Haywards Heath 



Eliza 









Crowborough 


Hope, James F. C/o Messrs. Powell & Co., Lewes 520:3:0 13 0 6 


138 



G. Esq. 



George 

Keeys, Mr. Richard Hartfield, Tunbridge Wells(late Lurking) 10:1:15 

36:3:24 

0 

1 

5 

14 

6 

0 



Hercules 


Spencer 


Langridge, Mr. Enoch Dane Hill, Uckfield 1 ½ 0 1 0 


Grinstead 


Fielder 



MacMillan, Maurice Birch Grove Lodge, nr. East Grinstead 13 0 6 6 

Esq. 

McLeod, Addison Esq. Rose Cottage, Chelwood, Uckfield 8 0 4 0 


Thomas 

Marchant, Mr. Thomas Cackle Street, Maresfield, Uckfield 5 0 2 6 

Maresfield, The Rector The Rectory, Maresfield 100 2 10 0 








Maynard, Mr. George Cold Harbour Farm, Forest Row, E. 5 0 2 6 

Grinstead 

McAndrew, John Esq. Holly Hill, Hartfield, Tunbridge Wells 196 4 18 0 

J.P. 


Meyrick, The Revd. A. Ashdown, Hartfield (late A.H. Clough) 4 0 2 0 




Munster, His Highness Maresfield Park, Uckfield 2402:3:23 60 1 6 

Prince 

Meyers, Miss Birch Grove, near East Grinstead (late 4:1:0 0 2 6 

Funnell) 


Norman, Mr. Henry 


Fairwarp, Maresfield, Uckfield 6 0 3 0 

139 



G.R.C. 





Ann 

Osborne, Mr. William Foresters Arms, Fairwarp, Uckfield, late Jas 14:2:0 0 7 6 

and Elizabeth his wife Bennett 

Osborne, Mr. Thomas May Garland Hotel, Horsham Road, Sussex 17 0 8 6 

and Harriet his wife 

Osborne, Mr. Thomas May Garland Hotel, Horsham Road, Sussex 7 0 3 6 

Page, Messrs. Thomas Fairwarp, Uckfield 10 0 5 0 

& James 





Phillips, Mrs. Gertrude Broadlands, Crowborough, Sussex 2 ½ 0 1 6 


Henry 






Ridley (or Gurr), Mr. Cripps Corner, Ashdown Forest, E. 3 0 1 0 

Timothy John Grinstead 

Ridley, Mrs. Lucy Rose Whitehouse Farm, Horney Common, 19:2:26 0 10 0 

(H.J.) 

Maresfield 

Robinson, Mr. Joseph Ashdown Forest Hotel, Forest Row 0:0:31 0 0 6 

Sadlier, Mrs. 

C/o Joseph Turner Esq. 

185 4 12 6 


Samuel Stuart M. Esq. 12 Hill Street, Mayfair, London W (admitted 5:1:29 

M.P. 

3 June 1909) 







Soames, Arthur Sheffield Park, Fletching, Uckfield 946 23 13 0 



Thomas 

Shoebridge, Mr. Thos. Nutley, Uckfield 2 0 1 0 

Richardson 

Southdown & East Lewes 4:2:30 0 2 6 


Ltd. 

140 



Grinstead 

Stevens, Mrs. Mary Collinsford, Danehill 5 ½ 0 3 0 

Ann 


240 6 0 0 

Lewes 


Brewery Brighton Ltd 


Clara 








Clough) 

Wallace Mrs Reginald. Railway Inn, Town Row, Rotherfield 2 0 1 0 





Row 






Whitewood, Mr. James Nutley, Uckfield 2 ½ 0 1 6 





Snr. 




Maryon Esq. 


Wood, Mr. Ephraim Duddleswell, Uckfield (admitted 5 June 0:0:39 0 0 6 

1908) 



Wood, Mr. Thomas 

Daynes 

The Hollies, Bennett Park, Blackheath, Kent 30 ¾ 0 15 6 

141 


Wood, Mr. Charles 



C/o A, Turner Esq., The Limes, Nutley 12 0 6 0 



23 0 11 6 

It is also resolved that it be an instruction to the Clerk to collect the rate as soon as it has been confirmed by the 

Board of Agriculture and Fisheries. 




Meeting of the above Committee held at Forest Row on the 3rd November 1909. 

Present Mr. Ll. Midgley & Mr. Edward Martin. Mr. D.W. Freshfield and Col. Needham were unable to be present 

being away from home. 

Miss Lowe application 

The Committee met the Rev. H.H. Lowe at the house of his sister Miss Lowe and considered the application 

contained in her letters to Mr. Martin of the 20th of September and of the 15th and 20th of October. 

The Committee have to report that they see no objection to Miss Lowe being allowed to return so much of the 

newly used cart track as runs immediately in front of and parallel with the fence in front of her property. The 

Committee first satisfied themselves that the track in question has only been used since Miss Lowe purchased her 

property in the year 1906 and that prior to that time the track was covered with grass. 

The Committee advised Mr. Lowe that he should request Miss Lowe to leave a narrow footpath immediately in 

front of and adjoining her fence, and that she put up inside her garden a notice board at both ends of the fence 

requesting persons not to drive over the grass. This Mr. Lowe promised to do. 

Mr. F.R. Lucas application 

The Committee afterwards met Mr. Luxford to consider the application contained in a letter to Mr. Raper of the 

26th of October in a further letter of the 1st of November made by him on behalf of Mr. Lucas of Greenhall. 

The Committee went round the Greenhall property with Mr. Luxford and considered the application and the plan 

for the proposed drainage submitted by Mr. Luxford. 

Mr. Luxford reported that the length of the proposed drainage over the Forest would be about 670 feet, and that 

the diameter of the pipe would be 4 inches. 

The Committees have to report that, provided the assent of Mr. Freshfield, the Lord of this part of the Manor, is 

obtained they see no objection to the drain being made as suggested in the above letters and plan, and particularly 

so as it is not proposed to put any manhole, inspection chamber or ventilating shaft on the Forest. 

The Committee certainly think that this application should be acceded to and as soon as possible as for many years 

there has been an overflow from the present drainage scheme at Greenhall on to the Forest and the Committee 

have from time to time raised objections as to this. The proposed new drainage scheme will put an end to this cause 

of annoyance and will in no way injure the Forest, or interfere with the rights of the Commoners. 

Ll. Midgley 

Edward Martin 

6th Nov. 1909 

142 


Miss Lowe 

Mr. Martin reports that Miss Lowe has since turfed the surface which the Committee authorised, leaving a footpath 

along the front of her fence as they suggested. 

Mr. F.R. Lucas drain 

The Clerk reports that he submitted Mr. Lucas’ application to Mr. Freshfield in whom the life interest of the Lord 

in that part of the Forest is rested and that Mr. Freshfield replied that in this position as holding the Lord’s rights 

for a limited period only he desired the Clerk on his behalf to make exactly such an arrangement as has been made 

in similar cases of other houses on Tompsetts Bank or at High Gate where the rights are Lord De La Warr’s. 

R.A.F. Golf Club licence 

The Clerk reports that revocable licences were granted to the R.A.F. Golf Club to lay and maintain a drain under 

the Forest from their Club house to the public sewer and to the East Grinstead Gas and Water Company to lay and 

maintain a gas main and service pipes under the Forest at Tompsetts Bank, the licencees in each case paying a yearly 

acknowledgement of 1/- each to Lord and Conservators and that revocable licences have been granted to several 

persons to lay water pipes under the Forest they paying similar small yearly acknowledgements and that Mrs. 

Walsham was authorised to connect her drain with the public sewer outside her fence without any licence and that 

there are no other precedents. 

It is resolved that the report of the Committee be approved and that a licence be granted to Mr. Lucas to lay and 

maintain a drain as applied for in the same terms mutatis mutandis as the R.A.F. Golf Club licence above referred 

to provided he sign an agreement to observe and perform the terms of such licence and pay the cost thereof and 

that in that event the Clerk be and is hereby authorised to sign the licence on behalf of this Board. 

Poundgate school, gipsy nuisance 

The Maresfield Committee report that gipsies continue to encamp upon the Forest close to the Pound Gate school 

and that their language and conduct is great draw back to the school and that as the grip cut some time ago has not 

prevented their drawing on to the Forest at this point the Committee desire permission to fill up this grip and to cut 

a more effective ditch closer to the high road in a position which is explained by Mr. Portman. 

It is resolved that the Committee be authorised to carry out the work they propose, the expense to be paid out of 

the Protection and Improvement Fund. 

Mr. Mansell planning 

The Clerk states that Ranger Brown having reported to him that rows of laurels about 30 yards in length have been 

planted on the Forest on each side of a coach road which runs from the south lodge in the Five Hundred to the 

high road from Duddleswell to Friars Gate, he (the Clerk) wrote to Mr. Henry J. Mansell the tenant of ‘Forest 

Home’ a house recently built by Earl De La Warr inside the southern extremity of the Five Hundred inquiring 

whether they had been planted by his authority and pointing out that it is a trespass on the Forest. 

He reads a reply received from Mr. Mansell dated the 11th instant stating he put the laurels there and also asking 

permission to plant a few young trees outside his boundary on the understanding that he makes no claim whatever 

to the land in doing so. 

Ranger Brown reports that he believes the coach road referred to is an old metalled carriage drive out of the Five 

Hundred and has now been merely repaired on its old lines though the user has been enlarged by the creation of 

the house “Forest Home” to which it is now the carriage drive. 

The matter having been fully discussed it is resolved that Mr. Mansell be informed that this Board has no power to 

sanction the planting of trees or shrubs upon the Forest but that on the contrary it is their duty to prevent any such 

planting and that he be required to remove the rows of laurels and to restore the surface of the Forest to its former 

condition after their removal. 

143 


Mrs. Burton complaint of dangerous gravel pit 

A letter is read dated the 2nd instant from Mrs. Emma J. Burton, tenant under Mr. H. Lethbridge, of Somerford at 

Fairwarp urging the necessity of placing a fence on the Forest between Somerford and Fairwarp vicarage on the 

ground that persons have had dangerous falls at night into the unfenced gravel pit and others have had narrow 

escapes, and that the Forest between Somerford and the Vicarage is a disgrace and she has great difficulty in getting 

her pony across. 

It is resolved that the Clerk inform Mrs. Bruton that as regards the fencing of the gravel pit they must refer her to 

the road authority and that it be pointed out to her that there is no right to drive across the part of the Forest to 

which she refers. 

Bridge over Quabrook destroyed 

A letter is read dated the 2nd instant from the Secretary of the R.A.F. Golf Club stating that one of the bridges over 

the Quabrook at the 13th hole used by Commoners cattle has been swept away, that the Club have 2 small bridges 

in use at the same point which are ample for their needs and enquiring whether this Board would undertake 

reconstruction such as would meet the requirements of the Commoners on the understanding that the Club make a 

contribution towards the cost, and suggesting that the banks of the brook which are washed away to a serious 

extent by each recurring flood ought to be supported by piles driven deep into the bed. 

It is resolved that the letter be referred to the Forest Row Committee to view the spot and consider and report fully 

on the matter to the Board at the next meeting. 

Bonfires 

The Clerk reports that with the assent of the acting Superintendent of the Tompsetts Bank Recreation Ground he 

granted permission to the Forest Row Carnival Committee to have a bonfire on the Recreation Ground on the 5th 

November last subject to the usual conditions. 

Automobile Association warning signs at Nutley 

An application is considered from Dr. Champneys on behalf of the Automobile Association for permission to erect 

three feet circular yellow enamelled signs to drive slowly at the north and at the south end of Nutley village on the 

main eastbound road. 

It is resolved that so far as this Board are concerned they are willing that the sings should be erected. 

Revd. H.H. Lowe road 

An application having been made by the Recd. H.H. Lowe for permission to make a new road at Tompsetts Bank 

marked A on a plan delivered to the Clerk about 15 yards in length from opposite the corner of Mr. Harding’s 

property to the public road passing in front of the applicant’s property in substitution for the existing track marked 

B on the plan and measuring about 60 yards in length passing from the corner of the applicant’s properly to the 

same public road. 

It is resolved that permission be granted to Mr. Lowe to make the proposed substitution road A on condition that 

he levels and turfs on seeds down the existing track B and takes measures to stop the user of it, the whole to be 

carried out subject to the approval of the Forest Row Committee. 

Chairman vote for thanks 

It is resolved that a hearty vote of thanks be accorded to the Chairman for his able and impartial conduct of the 

business of this Board the past year. 

It is resolved that the next meeting of the Board be held on Friday the 18th February next at 2:30 p.m. or on such 

other date as the Chairman may consider necessary. 



144 


A meeting of the Conservators of Ashdown Forest duly convened and held at Nutley Inn, Nutley on 

Friday the 18th day of February 1910 at 2.40 p.m. 

Present 













On the proposition of Mr. Turner seconded by Mr. Sandford it is resolved that the Honourable H.B. Portman do 

take the chair. 

Chairman 

The first business being the election of Chairman of the Board for the current year Mr. Martin proposes the reelection 

of Mr. Geo. M. Maryon-Wilson and points out that the requirements necessary for a Chairman are that he 

should conduct the business with impartiality, firmness and courtesy and these qualities Mr. Margin Wilson has 

always exhibited in the highest degree. Mr. Turner in seconding the proposition states that he desires to endorse 

fully the remarks of the proposer, the resolution being put is carried unanimously and Mr. Maryon-Wilson having 

taken the chair thanks the proposer and seconder for the expressions they have so kindly used towards him and the 

Board for doing him the honour of again electing him and promises that he will endeavour to continue to merit 

their confidence keeping in mind the old adage that manners maketh the man he has always endeavoured to act 

with courtesy and he again asks all the members of the Board for their sympathy and co-operation without which it 

is impossible for him to conduct the business with the smoothness, thoroughness and dispatch which are so 

necessary. 

The Bank Pass Books are produced showing a balance in hand on account no 1 of £99 11:2 and on account no 2 of 

£36:18:3. 

It is resolved that Messrs Freshfield (Chairman), Martin, Midgley and Colonel Needham be the Committee for the 

Forest Row District for the current year. 

Also that the Honourable H.B. Portman (Chairman)and Messrs Carr, Kenward, Sandford and Turner be the 


On the proposition of Mr. Kenward seconded by Mr. Sandford it is resolved that the Chairman, Mr. Freshfield and 

Mr. Portman be re-elected a Committee to advise as to the steps necessary for the protection of the Forest from 

fires with power to expend not exceeding £30 out of the Protection & Improvement Fund. 

Mr. Freshfield in accepting office on the Committee points out that about £67 was expended last year out of 

Protection & Improvement Fund for the prevention of fires. He further points out prevention is better than cure 

and that the Board will, he hopes, soon be in a position to expend out of that fund larger sums for the benefit of all 

interested in the Forest. He desires to impress on the Foresters, especially the younger men, that it is to the interest 

of the whole community that these fires should cease as they deter persons with means from setting in the 

neighbourhood that would spend large sums in the locality and would benefit all classes of the community. He also 

points out that the Board are determined to stop the increase of fir trees on the Forest. 

145 


Balance sheet 

The Clerk lays on the table a print of the balance sheet of the General Account for the year 1909 and states that a 

copy has been sent by post to each Commoner. He also lays on the table a print of the balance sheet of the 2nd 

Ranger fund for 1909 and states that a copy has been sent by post to each subscriber. 

Rate 

The Clerk reports that the rate made at the last meeting was approved by the Board of Agriculture and Fisheries on 

the 13th January last and is being collected. 

Mr. F.R. Lucas drain 

The Clerk reports that the licence to Mr. F.R. Lucas to lay and maintain a drain under the Forest from Greenhall to 

the public sewer which was sanctioned at the last meeting has been completed. 

Mr. Mansell planting 

The Clerk reports pursuant to the resolution passed at the last meeting he wrote to Mr. Mansell requiring him to 

remove the laurels which he had planted on the Forest on both sides of the carriage drive out of the Five Hundred 

and to restore the surface to its former condition. Ranger Brown reports that the laurels have not been removed. 

Mr. Mansell attends the meeting and explains that he desires to be allowed to retain the laurels he has planted as an 

ornament to the locality or in the alternative he asks permission to make a new road out of his ground in 

substitution for the present road to come out about 30 yards north of the south east corner of the Five Hundred 

and to cross the strip of Forest land to the high road from Kings Standing to Friars Gate and to be permitted to 

plant laurels on each side of it and a few trees near either the existing road if the laurels are allowed to remain or 

near the substituted road. It is pointed out to him by the Chairman that laurel is poisonous and a danger to the 

Commoner’s cattle and he is informed that the Board will consider his application and communicate their decision 

through the Clerk. Mr. Mansell having withdrawn, the matter is fully discussed and on the proposition of Mr. 

Martin seconded by Mr. Portman, it is unanimously resolved that Mr. Mansell be informed that the Board cannot 

give permission to plant trees or laurels or other shrubs on the Forest and that if he desires to make the substitute 

road then subject to the assent of the Lord being given and the existing road and laurels being done away with and 

the surface of the Forest being levelled and seeded and to Mr. Mansell subscribing to the usual conditions a 

revocable licence be granted to him on the usual terms to make the substituted road not exceeding the total width 

of 12 feet, Mr. Mansell paying a yearly acknowledge to the Conservators of 1/- and paying the cost of the licences 

and counterpart. 

Road materials licence to take 

Applications are read from the following highways authorities for permission to take road materials as under 

mentioned from the Forest for repair of their roads during the year ending 25th March 1911, viz: 


Central Road District (Mr. A.G. Tucker, Surveyor) 

Gravel pit near Pippingford, Nutley Hard stone and sandstone Nutley to Wych Cross 70 

Gravel pits in neighbourhood of Kings Forest Gravel. Chuck Hatch to Kings Standing 70 

Standing 

Gravel pits in neighbourhood of Kings Forest Gravel. Withyham to Friars Gate 60 

Standing 

Fox gravel pit, near Duddleswell 

Sandstone for kerbing, repairing and channelling 

at Crowborough 

50 





146 







It is resolved that as regards the East Sussex County Council and the Uckfield Rural District Council licences be 

granted accordingly subject to the same terms and conditions as the licences granted to the road authorities on 16th 

December 1899 and that as regards the applications of the East Grinstead Rural District Council the Board is only 

prepared to grant it provided the Council will undertake to confine their digging to existing pits and not to open 

new pits without first obtaining the consent of the Board under the hand of their Clerk. 

The Forest Row Committee present the following report is read and it is resolved that it be received and entered on 

the minutes. It is as follows: 


The Forest Row Committee met at the Golf house on Friday February 11th and inspected. Mr. Portman was also 

present. 

1. The footbridge below the Golf house. This bridge was previously repaired by the Parish Council and it 

appears that they are the proper body to maintain it and are willing to do so. It is on a footpath recognised 

as public. The swamp above the bridge might to great advantage be drained. This could be done by cutting 

a few channels. The Committee recommends expenditure of not over £5 out of the Protection and 

Improvement Fund for labour with this object. 

The ground reclaimed would be good pasturage for the Commoners. 

II. 

The Quabrook below the house belonging to Mr. Shute has carried away the cattle bridge and undermined 

the banks. The Committee saw Mr. Luxford on the spot and instructed him to draw up a scheme and 

estimate for making a good passage for cattle and foot traffic. The scheme is annexed. It was not received in 

time to be considered by the Committee having only been received by the Chairman on the 17th inst. 

The Committees do not recommend any further measure with regards to the banks except cutting of any 

overhanging and dangerous portions of surface. 

III. 

IV. 

The Committee considers that the Ranger Brown should be instructed to take further steps to improve the 

public paths leading to Green Toll and the N.E. corner of Broadstone Warren which have been cut about 

by the late rains and are dangerous after dark. 

The Committee thinks that leave may be given to the Golf Club to extend the footpath at the back of Mr. 

Barron's house, and between it and Broadstone Farm for about 100 yards provided the path be not more 

than a yard wide. 

V. The drain from Mr. F.R. Lucas’ house Greenhall to the public sewer is being laid with the approval of the 

Committee. 

VI. 

An application having been made by R.A.F. Golf Club for permission to improve the carriage road to the 

Club house accompanied by a plan showing the proposed work the Committee suggest that the drive to the 

Club house may be enlarged by the Golf Club in accordance with the plan so as to allow of carriage turning 

with greater safety. 


Chairman 

147 


18th February 1910 

It is resolved that the report be approved and adopted and that the Committee be authorised to expend a sum of 

not exceeding £5 out of the Protection and Improvement Fund for carrying out the drainage and improvement of 

the footpath referred to in paragraphs I and III of the report. 

It is also resolved that the matter of renewing the cattle bridge over the Quabrook be referred to the Forest Row 

Committee with power to negotiate with the R.A.F. Golf Club to their contribution and to act provided the share 

contracted by the Conservators out of the Protection and Improvements Fund do not exceed the sum of £14. 

A letter is read dated the 21st January last from Mr. Horace G. Hutchinson asking that the Forest gate at Shepherds 

Gate which is past repair may be renewed. It is resolved that the matter be referred to the Forest Row Committee 

with power to carry out the work. 

The Maresfield Committee report that the work they were at the last meeting authorised to carry out near Pound 

Gate School has been completed and so far is eminently satisfactory. They also present bills of Wm. Warnett for 

carrying out the work, 16/6d and Taylor and Gillham for repairing Bye law boards £1.1.6 and recommend that they 

be paid. 

It is resolved that the report be received and approved. 

Bye law boards repairs 

It is resolved that the Forest Row Committee be authorised to have fresh prints of the Bye laws fixed on the Bye 

law boards within their District where necessary. 

Camping 

A letter is read dated the 8th inst. from a Colonel commanding the London Army Troops R.E. asking permission 

to form a camp from 23rd July to 6th August next on the Forest near Crowborough, the strength of the corps in 

camp to be about 20 officers, 400 men and 120 horses and the space required about 12 acres with water supply 

close by, and offering to pay a small rental if necessary. 

It is resolved that the Colonel commanding be informed that the Conservators are willing to consent to the camp 

on similar conditions to those imposed in the case of the camp held in 1908 and paying a rent of £5 the whole of 

the arrangements to be under the control and subject to the approval of the Maresfield Committee. 

Miss Hale complaints as to golfing 

A letter is read dated the 7th inst from Miss Hale of Forest House enquiring if it is the intention of the 

Conservators to allow an extension of the golf course without consideration to the opinion and wishes of the 

Commoners in the neighbourhood. 

It is resolved that Miss Hale be informed that the proposed extension is not in the direction of her property and 

that the Board feel sure that neither she nor her neighbours will suffer any inconvenience from the proposed 

extension. 

Mr. H. G. Hutchinson grazing rights 

A letter is read from Mr. H.G. Hutchinson of Shepherds Gate asking how many cattle including young stock he is 

entitled to turn out on the Forest. 

It is resolved that he be informed that each Commoner is entitled to turn out on the Forest so many cattle as his 

property entitled to rights can maintain in the winter. 

Dodds Bottom bridge removed 

Ranger Manners reports that on the 9th inst the footbridge crossing the stream between Dodds Bank and Dodds 

Bottom was pulled down by Mr. E. Hall of Chestnut Cottage, Nutley, who admitted the fact and gave as his reason 

148 


for removing it that he was afraid his horse would attempt to cross it and fall into the stream. Ranger Manners 

reports that it is the only means by which children can cross the stream and that the bridge has been in existence 

about ten years. The Chairman hands in a petition he has received signed by 25 of the neighbouring residents 

begging that the bridge may be replaced. 

It is resolved that Mr. Hall be required to reinstate the bridge and that the question of constructing a stone *** 

across the stream near the footbridge as suggested by Mr. Ridley be referred to the Maresfield Committee with 

power to act. 

Col. Lawrence roadway authorised 

On the proposal of Mr. Freshfield it is resolved that permission be granted to Colonel The Honble H.A. Lawrence 

of Ashdown Cottage to make a cart track not exceeding 10 feet in width from Ashdown Cottage to the road leading 

from Wych Cross high road to Greenhall so as to do away with the various tracks at present in use. 

Capt. Banbury cart tracks 

A letter dated the 15th inst from Captain Banbury to the Chairman is read asking permission to make two short 

roads on the Forest which are shown on the Ordnance Maps viz: (1) leading from the main road to his gate near 

Colemans Hatch (2) leading from the main road on the top and western boundary of his estate to his property near 

a cottage on it called Tile Lodge. 

It is resolved that the Board see no objection to Capt. Banbury repairing track no 1 as heretofore and the same as 

regards track no 2 subject to the Forest Row Committee being first satisfied that it is on ancient cartway out of the 

Pippingford estate the extreme width in each case not to exceed 12 feet. 

Forest fires Home Office 

The Fire Committee reports that the Home Secretary informs them that he has been in communication with the 

Chief Constable of East Sussex with reference to the prevention of fires on the Forest and he apprehends that the 

Conservators will experience no further difficulties in the matter. 

Fairwarp Recreation Ground Superintendent 

It is resolved that Mr. Francis Barchard be requested to undertake the duties of Superintendent of the Fairwarp 

Recreation and Cricket Grounds. 

East Grinstead Gas and Water Bill 1910 

The Clerk reports with reference to the East Grinstead Gas and Water Bill 1910 that he has inspected the plans 

deposited with the County Clerk at Lewes and that the bill does not affect the Forest. 

Cheques 

It is resolved that the following cheques be drawn viz 

Manners W. 8 week’s salary as Ranger and 

house rent to 21st inst. £10:0:0 

Brown W. 8 week’s salary as Ranger to 

21st inst. £8:0:0 

The Clerk for 

William Warnett, labour digging trench 

near Pound Gate school £0:16:6 

Taylor and Gillham repairing Bye law boards £1:6:8 

It is resolved that the next meeting of the Board be held on Friday the 15th April next at 2.30 p.m. or on such other 

date as the Chairman may consider necessary 

149 



Chairman 

A meeting of the Conservators of Ashdown Forest duty careened and held at the Nutley inn, Nutley on 

Friday the 15th day of April 1910 at 2.30 p.m. 

Present 




Mr. D.W Freshfield 








The Bank Pass Books are produced showing a balance in hand on account no 1 of £144.4.8 and on account no 2 of 

£33.1.9. 

The Clerk reports that all the acknowledgements due at the commencement of the year have been collected and 

paid into the Protection and Improvement Fund and he produces the Savings Bank Deposit Books showing a 

balance in hand of £44-10-1. 

Mansell Mr. Planting 

Ranger Brown reports that Mr. Mansell has removed the two rows of laurels in compliance with the resolution 

passed at the last meeting and has restored the surface. 

Road materials licences fee 

The Clerk reports that immediately after the last meeting he wrote to the Clerk to the East Grinstead Rural District 

Council stating the condition on which the Board are prepared to grant a licence to take road materials from the 

Forest during the year ending 25th March 1911 and received a reply dated the 11th inst. from the Clerk to the 

Council stating that the Statement that the Council had done damage to the Forest by promiscuous digging appears 

to be absolutely without foundation asserting that stone has been dug for the Council only in the same places as the 

stone is dug for the Lord of the Manor, the County Council and others, and all surface has been reinstated to the 

satisfaction of the Reeve, Mr. Brown, and the Forest Ranger. Mr. Hudson asking for details of the times and spots 

when and where it is alleged the Council is at fault and while asking for on early reply stating that he is prepared to 

advise his Council (failing the Conservators being willing to grant the usual licence) to take steps to obtain a 

Justice’s order. It is resolved that the Clerk reply that the spots complained of are near Kingstanding and proposing 

that the Ranger and representatives of the Board should meet the surveyor of the District Council at the place, and 

point out the spots and that Mr. A. turner and Mr. William Carr who kindly consent to do so, do accompany the 

Ranger. 

Camping R.E. at Crowborough 

The Clerk reports that he communicated to the Colonel commanding the London Army Troops R.E. the 

conditions on which they are willing to consent to a camp on the Forest near Crowborough in July - August next, 

and enclosing a draft undertaking for signature and that the Colonel has since written the Clerk withdrawing the 

application on the ground that a site has been arranged for at Bexhill and tendering to the Conservators best thanks 

for their kind offer. 

150 



The Clerk reads a letter from Mr. Francis Barchard consenting to accept the office of Superintendent of the 

Fairwarp Recreation Ground and Cricket Ground for the short time he will continue to reside at Duddleswell 

probably until next July. 

Brakes, etc. licences, annual returns 

The Rangers present their returns of brakes, litter and turf for fuel licences issues by them during the year ending 

31 st March last. 

Hutchinson complaint of state of Forest 

The Forest Row Committee report that several representations have made to them as to the state of the Forest near 

Shepherds Gate, and it is resolved that the whole matter be referred to the Forest Row Committee with power to 

act, their expenditure not to exceed £15 to come out of the Protection and Improvement Fund. 

Miss Hale enquiry 

A letter is read from Miss Hale, dated 13th inst. enquiring whether the Conservators propose to do away with the 

Forest gates as a rumour to the effect is causing great consternation among the people. It is resolved that the Clerk 

inform Miss Hale that is no truth in the rumour. 

Mr. McAndrew Golf Club 

The Clerk produces a letter from Mr. John McAndrew, enquiring as to a rumoured extension of the Golf course. 

Mr. Freshfield states that he has been in communication with Mr. McAndrew and has satisfied him in the matter. 

Mr. W.H. Cowan clump 

Mr. W.H. Cowan M.P. having pointed out that trees are being cut down in the Clump at Camp Hill, Ranger 

Manners reports that only dead trees have been cut out of the Clump and it is resolved that the Clerk inform Mr. 

Cowan such is the case. 

Gipsies 

Mr. Cowan also having written complaining that great annoyance is caused by the camping of gipsies in the 

immediate neighbourhood of Crows Nest, Ranger Manners reports that these gipsies arrive late at night and leave 

early in the morning and that before it is possible to issue and serve summonses they have left the neighbourhood. 

It is resolved that the Ranger give his special attention to this part of Forest and that the Clerk write to Mr. Cowan 

informing him thereof. 

Instructions to Rangers 

The Chairman reminds both Ranger that, according to a resolution of the Board passed some have ago, and still in 

fore, they were instructed where any person is found camping on the Forest, the Rangers do apply for a summons 

without giving him notice to remove. 

Fires 

Ranger Manners reports that the following fires on the Forest took place on the following dates, burning the areas 

indicated below: - viz; 

March 16 near Crows Nest about 30 rods 

March 16 near Spring Gardens about ¾ acre 

March 17 near Pound Gate about 20 rods 

March 23 near Duddlewell about 30 rods 

March 25 near Duddlewell about ½ acre 

March 25 near Stonehill about 20 rods 

March 25 near Stonehill small 

March 30 near Duddleswell about 20 rods 

March 30 near Crows Nest about ¾ acre 

March 31 on Paines Hill about 10 rods 

March 31 near Browns Brook about ½ acre 

151 


April 1 near Duddleswell 

April 2 near Crows Nest 

April 3 near Pippingford 

about ½ acre 

about ¼ acre 

about 1 rod 

Ranger Brown reports the following fires: 

March 24 near Captain Banbury’s property 

east Tile Lodge 

about 1 acre 

March 27 north side Kidd’s Hill about ¼ acre 

March 28 at the Rough near John Divall’s about 3 rods 

March 28 3 fires on Capt. Banbury’s property about ½ acre 

Near New Lodge and Thornhill 

April 2 2 fires west side of Goat Cottages 

1 fire north side of Lavender Plat 

April 3 near Newbridge 

about ½ acre 

April 3 near Joseph Wheatley’s 

about 20 rods 


about 12 rods 


about 20 rods 


about 1 rod 

April 11 near the Ridge about 20 rods 

April 11 1 fire near Joseph Wheatley’s about 1 rod 

April 11 1 fire near Joseph Wheatley’s about 3 rods 

April 14 near Hollies Down about 5 rods 

giving a total of thirty three piece between the date mentioned. 

Ranger Brown’s reports set out in detail the reasons for suspecting that certain fires were lighted by certain 

individuals, but in the opinion of the Board the evidence is insufficient to justify any prosecution. 

A Conservator having remarked that there are fewer fires this year during the same period than last year, Mr. 

Freshfield points out that the reduction in number is probably due to the wet season and number of showers, and 

that he believes they are principally due to ne’er-do-wells but an important feature is the assistance that has been 

given by inhabitants in extinguishing the fires, and that the Chief Constable has instructed the police to give every 

assistance, which represents a great improvement in the situation. 




April 15 th 1910 

Report of the Maresfield Committee 

The Committee met this day at Nutley, Mr. Robert Kenward in the chair. The Committee inspected the site of the 

footbridge at Dodds Bottom as to which complaint has been lodged with Mr. Raper the 

Clerk by Mr. Edward Hall and they recommend that on the site of the old bridge a few oak planks be laid across 

the stream with hand rails for the footpath which leads to Fairwarp and that on the old road 

at that spot 24 inch glazed socket pipes be placed with brick headings two abreast to convey the water now running 

across the surface of the land. For this purpose twenty 24 inch socket pipes will be required and about 500 bricks. 

At the bottom of the rough ground on the road leading thence to Nutley, the Committee recommend that a similar 

double row of socket pipes with brick headings be placed across the road to carry the water, the same quantity of 

pipes and bricks being required. 

152 


This latter road leads to Nutley and is an important road for children residing on the Forest to attend school at 

Nutley. 

It is also the lead road for conveying litter from the Forest to Nutley and is at present impassible in wet weather. 

The Committee estimate the cost at the sum of fifty pounds this to repair and restore two old forest roads and they 

ask the Conservators to give a grant of fifty pounds from the Improvement and Protection Fund and suggest that 

the work be done to the satisfaction of the Maresfield Committee under the supervision of the Forest Rangers. 

Signed on behalf of the Maresfield Committee 

M. Sandford 

April 15 th 1910 

Correspondent 

It is resolved that the Committee be authorised to erect the footbridge at once, the cost to be paid out of the 


It is also resolved, as regards the remainder of the work recommended, that the Board are prepared to make a 

substantial exhibition out of the Production and Improvement Fund towards the proposed outlay, provided the 

inhabitants and neighbours will contribute and that the consideration of the matter be adjourned till the next 

meeting for the Committee to ascertain what local help will be given. 

Mr. Martin reports that, on enquiry, it was ascertained that the footbridge over the Quabrook near the Golf House, 

was originally erected by the Parish Council, and that the Council has now put up a new one. 

The Forest Row Committee report that they have satisfied themselves that the cart track coming out of Captain 

Banbury’s property, and referred to in the minutes of the last meeting as track No. 2 is an ancient cartway. 

It is resolved that the Clerk inform Captain Banbury that the Board see no objection to his repairing both cart 

tracks as heretofore, the extreme width in each case not to exceed twelve feet. 

The Forest Row Committees report that the drain connecting Mr. F.R. Lucas’s house to the public sewer is now 

completed and that the work has been done to their satisfaction. 

The Forest Row Committee report that they have completed the repair of the footpath and desired the swamp 

referred to in their report presented to the last meeting, and have expended thereon £4-8-0 towards which Mr. 

Freshfield proposes to contribute £2 in consideration of the convenience of the footpaths to his tenants, and that 

the remaining work will be completed in due course. 

It is resolved that the Board thank Mr. Freshfield for his kind contribution. 

An application is read from Mr. A. Strudwick of Reservoir Cottage, near Oldlands, asking permission to make a 

footpath of about seventy yards in length from his property to the high road. 

It is resolved that a licence be granted to him to make and maintain the same provided the width does not exceed 

four feet, he paying an acknowledgment of 1/3d each per annum to the Lord and the Conservators, the licence to 

contain the usual provisions including the usual clause for revocation and that the cost of the licence be defrayed 

out of the Protection and Improvement Fund. 

Ranger Manners having reported that on the 27th February last he saw Harry Inman of Cackle Street cutting young 

oak trees on the Forest between Boring Wheel Mill and Spring Gardens Farm the Clerk states he wrote to Mr 

Nicholson, drawing his attention to the matter and offering the assistance of the Ranger in case the Lord should 

take proceedings to protect his property and that he received a reply from Mr. Nicholson stating that he was 

instructed not to take proceedings but to give a further sanction should Inman repeat that offence. 

153 


Cheques 

It is resolved that the following cheque be drawn:- 

Wm. Manners 


house rent to 18th inst. ₤10-0-0 

Ranger Brown 

5 weeks salary as Ranger to 18th inst. £8-0-0 

Repair to bicycle £1—5-0 

It is resolved that the next meeting of the Board be held on Friday the 17th June next at 2.30 p.m. or on such other 

day and time as the Chairman may consider necessary. 



A meeting of the Conservators of Ashdown Forest duly convened and held at the Nutley iron, Nutley on 

Friday the 1st day of July 1910 at 2.30 p.m. 

Present 

Mr George M. Maryon-Wilson in the chair. 

The Honble H B Portman 

Mr D W Freshfield 

Col. Needham 

Mr Llewellyn Midgley 

Mark Sandford 

Albert Turner 


The Bank Pass Books are produced, showing a balance in hand on account no: 1 of ₤136:5:6 and on account no: 2 


Mr Midgley enquires why this meeting was postponed from the 17th June last. The Chairman explains that he 

found it was impossible for him to attend on the date and that another Conservator also wrote that he would he 

unable to attend. 

Mr Portman stated that he was that member, and that as Chairman of the Maresfield Committee and having been 

unable to attend the previous meeting he felt it was desirable that he should be present. 

The Chairman stated that he only exercised the power given to him to alter the date of a meeting when he pit that it 

was really necessary, and the Board night be assured he would in future continue to act on the same principle. 

A. Strudwick licence for footpath 

The Clerk reports that the licence to Mr. A. Strudwick to make and maintain a footpath to his property has been 

completed and reads a letter or thinks from Mr. Strudwick. 

Annual return 

The Clerk lays on the table a copy of the Annual Return made by him to the Local Government Board for the year 

ending 31st December last. 

154 


Trench on Forest at Chelwood 

Mr. Midgley as Superintendent of the Chelwood Recreation Ground and with the approval of neighbours applies 

for permission to dig a trench on the Forest about 15 yards in length and about 18 inches in depth on the east side 

of the high road from Danehill to Wych Cross near where the Forest commences on that side of the road in order 

to prevent gypsies driving their vans upon the Forest. 

It is resolved that the Board have no objection to his digging the trench as proposed, free of cost to the Board. 

R.A.F. Golf Club new green 

Mr. Midgley applies on behalf of the R A F Golf Club for permission to make a new green on the Forest on the 

south east side of the Rev. L. Pyle’s field at Shalesbrook where the land is at prevent practically a swamp without 

herbage and to take soil for the purpose from the adjacent bank. 

It is resolved that the application be referred to the Forest Row Committee with power to act. 

R.A.F. Golf Club Licence for links 

The Clerk informs the Board that he has not been able to proceed with the preparation of the licence to use the 

golf links as he has not yet received from the Honorary Secretary an answer to the letter he wrote in February last 

for information as to the exact area proposed to be used. Mr. Midgley undertakes that this information shall he 

furnished to the Clerk in a few days. 

Lieut. Col. Haig claim to rights 

The Clerk reports that he received from Lieut. Col. Haig owner of the Highfields estate at a [blank] letter dated 7th 

May last stating that his tenants of Pound Farm, Withyham, and Willetts Farm, Withyham, who have by ancient 

right taken litter from the Forest have been warned not to do so and desiring to be informed what constitutes a 

valid claim. The Clerk replied that no properties in the parish of Withyham are included among the properties 

whose rights were recognised in the Suit of 1689 but that he would bring his letter before the Board. 

The Clerk refers the Board to Col. Haig’s application to the Board on the 31st March 1894 (M.B. 1 p.296) and 

subsequent correspondence. 

It is resolved that the Clerk reply to Col. Haig referring him thereto. 

Fires 

Ranger Manners reports that since the last meeting the following fires have occurred on the Forest between 19th 

April and 30th May last, destroying the following areas viz: 

May 16 near Duddleswell 



Ranger Brown reports the following viz: 

about ¼ acre 

about ¼ acre 

about 1½ acres 

Total about 2 acres. 

April 19 East of Broadstone farm about 10 roads 

April 21 West side Josh. Wheatley’s cottages about 30 rods 

April 21 West side Josh. Wheatley’s cottages about 8 rods 

April 21 West side of the ridge about 5 rods 

May 24 West side road from Colemans Hatch 

to Hollies Down 

about 1 rod 

May 24 East side same road about ½ rods 

May 24 North side ditto about ¼ acre 

May 24 3 fires east side of the Ridge about ¾ acre 

May 28 East side road from Wych Cross 

155 


to Chelwood 

about 3 rods 

May 30 Ditto about 30 rods 

Both above caused by sparks from traction engine 

May 30 Near Cripps Corner about 15 rods 

May 30 Near Goat Cottage about 50 rods 

Total about 2 acres. 


Mr Francis Barchard, the Superintendent of the Fairwarp Recreation Ground, has now ceased to reside in the 

vicinity of the Forest. 

It is resolved that the Rev. George Whelpton Johnson, Vicar of Fairwarp, be appointed Superintendent of that 

ground, subject to his consenting to act, but that should he decline to do so, it be referred to the Maresfield 

Committee to appoint a Superintendent and report to this Board. 

Forest boundary 

Some discrepancies having been discovered in the map of the Forest attached to the Regulation Award which may 

lead the Committee to think that the Conservators do not properly protect their rights. 

It is resolved that the Clerk be authorised to confer with the Board of Agriculture and Fisheries and ascertain. 

(1) whether the map attached to the Award can was be amended. 

(2) If so what steps should be taken for the purpose. 

(3) If not, what is the position of the Conservators as regards parts of the Forest not included within the 

boundary shown on the said map. 

Nutley National School 

Mr. A. Turner on behalf of the Trustees of the Nutley National School produces a plan of the additions proposed 

to be made to the school which involve a slight extension of the school building against the high road. 

It is resolved that this Board make no objection thereto. 

Road authority licence to take materials 

The Committee appointed at the last meeting to meet the surveyor of the East Grinstead Rural District Council 

near Kingstanding and view the spots where the Board allege damage has been done present the following report. 

It is resolved that it be received approved and entered on the minutes. It is as follows:- 

On 27th April 1910, Mr. A. Turner, Mr. W. Carr and the Ranger met Mr. Waters the Chairman and Mr. Turton the 

surveyor of the East Grinstead Rural District Council and walked over the ground which had been dug over, Divall 

the man who dug the gravel being present. On questioning Divall he admitted some was dug for the Council, some 

for Lady De La Warr, some for Mr, McAndrew and others. 

After this admission we gave Mr Waters and Mr Turton to understand that we did not attach all the blame to them. 

Their contention was that they had a right to dig where gravel could be obtained irrespective of position. We said 

“no”; they only had a right to dig gravel from existing pits. 

There being several trial holes, and also holes where gravel had been dug 20 or 30 years ago; they referred to these 

saying “We consider then as existing pits”. Our reply was “No. An existing pit is where gravel had continually been 

dug year after year”. 

Divall stated he had gone to an existing pit on the left hand side of the road going up Kidds Hill and found gravel 

running 2 feet 6 inches in thickness. Mr. Waters and Mr. Turton agreed that they would continue to dig in this pit 

so long as they could find gravel; and upon this being exhausted that would apply to the Conservators. 

156 


They both spoke rather indignantly about Ranger Brown, and stated they would take no notice of what he might 

say or do but would always willingly meet any of the Conservators, as they wished to work on friendly terms 

together. 

Albert Turner 

William Carr 

Dated 27th April 1910 

The Clerk roads a letter from the Clerk to the Council dated the 23rd May last, stating that after hearing the report 

of their Chairman and surveyor the Council are clearly of opinion that the conditions of the licence have been 

exactly compiled with at all time and taking that the licence applied for be now granted. 

It is resolved that the Clerk impress the East Grinstead Rural District Council that on the undertaking arrived at 

between the Committee and the representative of the Council as referred to in the report, the Board grant their 

licence for the current year subject to the usual conditions and that when they desire to dig near Kingstanding 

elsewhere than in the pit or the left hand side going up Kidds Hill then their surveyor apply to the Clerk instead of 

to Ranger Brown. 

Divall general licence to dig 

Mr Turner mentions that Divall produced a licence from the Lord’s representative dated many years back, giving 

him general liberty to dig on the Forest 

It is resolved that the Clerk write to Mr. Nicholson, requesting that this general licence may be revoked. 

The Forest Row Committee present the following report which is read and it is resolved that if be received and 


The Forest Row Committee met on June 1st at the Village Hall, Forest Row. Present Mr. D.W. Freshfield in the 

chair, Mr. Martin and Colonel Needham. The Clerk, Mr. Raper, was also in attendance. 

The best means of restoring the surface of the portions of the Forest laying near Shepherds Gate and between the 

properties of Miss Hale and Mr. Hutchinson, and rendering practicable the public footpath connecting Shepherds 

Gate and the new post office with the High Hollies road was discussed. It were reported that owing to the 

trampling of cattle and insufficient drainage the ground was more or less of a morass and the path barely passable, 

and that complaints had been recovered from residents in the vicinity. 

The Committee consulted Mr. James Card, who attends by invitation, or the local interests, and after hearing his 

views, agreed that the most advantageous solution approved to be to put gates across the narrow spaces marked A 

and B on the annexed plan, and to invite Miss Hale’s tenant of Divall’s Farm to drive his cattle in by the narrow 

lane between her land and Mr. Hutchinson’s. This would put a stop to the poaching of the land in the upper lane by 

the constant standing of the cattle round the pool and above it. It is not suggested that these gates should ever be 

padlocked, or that any obstacle should be put in the way of occasional driving of cattle through them. They would 

be latch gates like all other gates on the Forest. The present Shepherds Gate might remain useless as in many other 

cases on the Forest (e.g. High Beeches and Plaw Hatch, etc.) it fill into disuse and was removed by general assent. 

It was resolved that the Chairman be requested to ascertain any views and report any suggestions the adjoining 

proprietors might desire to express with regard to the suggested plan. 

Mrs. Walsham clothes posts: 

A complaint was put before the Committee with regard to certain clothes posts on the Forest near Highgate, which 

are a danger to passengers at might, outside ground belonging to Mrs. Walsham. The Chairman was requested to 

write to Mrs. Walsham. 

157 


Mr. Waters post: 

Mr. Henry Waters asked permission to plant a post on the Forest on the S.E. side of his ground at Highgate in 

order to prevent the creation of a new track for carts outside his hedge. 

It was resolved that the Committee have no objection to Mr. Waters erecting a post provided it be painted white. 

The Clerk reported he had granted Mr. Henry Waters a temporary licence to deposit building material on the 

Green, being part of the Forest, at Highgate. 

The Committee asked the Chairman to inform the Captain of the Golf Club that they were prepared to pay half the 

cost of a footbridge over the brook near Water Farm made on accordance with Mr. J, Luxford’s plan and estimate 

the total cost to be ₤11.12.0. 


Mr. Freshfield reports that he had seen Mr. Horace G. Hutchinson, Mr. McAndrew, Miss Darling and Miss Hale, 

but that he had not been altogether successful in dealing with Miss Hale. 

It is resolved that the Committee be authorised (1) to lay drains to carry off the frequent overflow on to the Forest 

from Miss Hale’s ditch and the pond within her hedge which now saturates the soil, and (2) to repair the footpath 

from Shepherds Gate to the High Birches road, and to make good the lane itself and to repair the footpath in the 

narrower lane 

It is resolved that the erection of gates at the points marked A and B on the plan which accompanies the report be 

postponed for the present in the hope that Miss Hale will urge her tenant of Divalls Farm to do his best to drive his 

cattle to and from the open Forest and prevent their remaining in the lane to the inconvenience of the Commoners 

and others. 

Also that the Committee be authorised to expend the ₤10 already voted to them (p 288) on such of the above 

improvements as they think necessary. 

Mr. Freshfield reports that he saw Mrs. Walsham, and she consents to remove the posts referred to in the report 

except one which she desires to retain. 

Henry Waters post 

It is resolved that the Board is no objection to Henry Waters erecting one post outside his boundary as mentioned 

as the report subject to the approval of the Committee, provided he keeps it painted with white paint. 

Bridge over the Quabrook 

Mr. Freshfield states that the proposed bridge over the Quabrook is estimated to cost £11:12:0 and that the R.A.F. 

Golf Club are willing to contribute half the cost provided the Conservators will maintain it. 

It is resolved that the offer be accepted on these conditions and that the Committee be authorised to proceed with 

its erection, the Conservators’ share of the cost to be paid out of the Protection and Improvement Fund. 

Footpaths etc. repairs 

Mr. Freshfield reports that the total amount expanded in repairing footpaths and draining the swamp amounts to 

£4:3:6 instead of £4:8:0 as reported at the last meeting and deducting the £2 contributed by him leaves a balance 

due of £2:3:6. 

It is resolved that the £2:3:6 to be paid out of the Protection and Improvement fund 

H. & E. Waters licence to deposit material 

The Clerk reports that Messrs. H. & E. Waters of Highgate, having as stated in the above report placed building 

materials on the detached green worth of Highgate and adjoining the Wych Cross road in ignorance that it was part 

158 


of the Forest, and having on learning the fact written apologising, and applied for a licence, which the Clerk granted 

on the usual terms, the surface to be cleared and restored by 1st August next. 

Fires 

The Clerk reports the on the 28th and 30th May last two fires on the Forest having been started by reports from a 

traction engine working for the County Council belonging to the Edison Steam Rolling Co., on the main road from 

Forest Row to Chelwood Gate, he wrote to the County Surveyor and the Proprietors of the engine, calling on them 

to take steps to prevent further fires, and they replied prompting to take every precaution. 

The Maresfield Committee present plans and estimates as follows:- namely, (1) for carrying the cart road over the 

stream at “Rough Ground” between Nutley and Misbourne at an estimated cost of £25 and (2) for carrying the cart 

track over the stream at Dodds Bottom at an estimated cost of £52, and recommended that they be authorised to 

carry out the first and that the consideration of the second stand over. 

A letter is read from Mr. Sylvanus Ridley objecting to the construction of the latter, and urging instead the repair of 

the road by the Boring Wheel Mill, also stating that the footbridge lately put over the stream at Dodds Bottom is 

dangerous and requires a second handrail. 

It is resolved that the Committee be authorised to proceed with the first item in their report at the estimated cost of 

£25, and to put a second handrail to the footbridge as asked by Mr. Ridley, the expense of both to be paid out of 

the protection and Improvement Fund. 

Ranger Manners reports that on several occasions in May last Mr. Herbert J. Appleby of Fords Green deliberately 

turned stock on to the Recreation Ground at Fords Green to the injury thereof and notwithstanding that it is 

fenced round. 

It is resolved that the matter be referred to the Maresfield Committee with power to take such action as they may 

seem necessary. 

The Maresfield Committee report that during the last 6 months they have received complaints of Ranger Manners 

absenting himself from his duties by attending sales in the neighbourhood, and that last winter be purchased a piece 

of underwood which he worked on, and that on mentioning the matter to Manners he stated that he did not cut the 

underwood himself, but tied it up by lamp light after hours. 

It is resolved that the Chairman draw Ranger Manners’ attention to these matters, and point out to him that the 

whole of his time belongs to the Board and must be devoted to his duties on the Forest. 

Ranger Manners being called in, the Chairman informs him of the complaints and of the resolution, and expresses 

the hope that the Board will receive no further complaints. 


The Clerk, half a years salary to 30 th June last £50:0:0 

Wm. Manners – 9 weeks salary as Ranger 

& house rent to 20 th June last £11:5:0 

Wm. Brown – 9 weeks salary as Ranger 

to 20 th June last £9:0:0 

It is resolved that the next meeting of the Board be held on Friday the 7 th October next at 2.30 p.m., or on such 

other day and time as the Chairman may deem necessary. 

The meeting terminated at 5 o’clock p.m. 

G.M. Maryon-Wilson Chairman 7.1.0.1910 

159 



Friday the 7 th day of October 1910 at 2.30 p.m. 

Present 





Col. Needham 





The Bank Pass Books are produced, showing a balance in hand on account no. 1 of £80:9:10 and account no. 2 of 

£49:4:9. 

The Clerk reports that the Rev. G.W. Johnson has written accepting the office of Superintendent of the Fairwarp 

Recreation Ground. 

The Clerk reports that he wrote to the Clerk of the East Grinstead Rural District Council as directed at the last 

meeting and granting the council a licence to dig road materials for the current year subject to the usual conditions, 

and received a reply from the Clerk thanking the Conservators for the same. 

The Clerk reports that he wrote to Mr. Nicholson, after the last meeting, requesting that the general licence to dig 

which Mr. Divall produced to the Committee that met representatives of the East Grinstead Rural District Council, 

might be revoked, and that Mr. Nicholson replied he had written to the Lord’s Reeve requesting him to withdraw 

the general authority to Divall, at all events to have an understanding how far it extends. 

The Clerk reads a letter from the Secretary of the Ladies Golf Club complaining with reference to the road passing 

the Club House, that since hardstone has been put on the road raising its centre, storm water pours down their 

drive into the bicycle shed and over the croquet lawn, and that the drain they put in some years ago is now useless 

for carrying it off, and stating that, as the Club have now to provide part of the monies paid under the licenses to 

play golf, they cannot afford to spend much money towards drains or alterations to the road, and asking who is 

responsible for the repair of the road. 

The Clerk replied that the Conservators are not responsible for the repair or for putting on the stone, and he 

presumed that some of the *********** had done the work, and suggesting that those interested should persuade 

the Rural District Council to undertake the repair. 

Mr. Martin reads a letter from the Honorary Secretary of the Club, asking for the assistance of the Board towards 

remedying the mischief. 

On the proposal of Mr. Portman, seconded by Mr. Sandford it is resolved that the Board having considered the 

matter, are unable to recognise any obligation with regard to it, but have no objection to the Club executing such 

work as may be necessary for remedying the flooding subject to the approval of their Forest Row Committee. 

The Clerk reports that in response to his application to the subscribers of the [Second Ranger] Fund, and others, he 

has received up to this date £34.8.0, and that after paying the 2 nd Ranger’s salary to Monday next, there will remain 

in hand £35. Several of the subscribers have not yet replied; Lord Robert Cecil has replied that owing to the many 

calls upon him it so impossible for him to continue his subscription; Mr. Misa has declined to renew his 

subscription on the grounds that he never sees either Ranger, and that whenever he sees gypsies, dead donkeys or 

other things on the Forest he cannot get hold of a Ranger, and that they do him no good. One new subscriber, Mr. 

Horace G. Hutchinson has contributed £1. 

160 


On the proposition of Mr. Martin seconded by Mr. Portman it is resolved that in future the balance sheet of the 2 nd 

Ranger Fund be sent out in June with the appeal for subscriptions, instead of in January as heretofore, and that 

such appeal be sent not only to subscriber, but also to other residents likely to subscriber to the fund. 

A letter is read from Mr. A.H. Wood of the Duddleswell house estate, accompanied by a plan asking the sanction of 

the Board to his making an entrance to the north side of the property from the Nutley road which involves crossing 

the Forest for a distance of about 20 yards over which he desires to make a hard road. Also asking permission to 

cut a strip of forest outside his boundary to protect his fences from fire. 

On the proposition of Mr. Portman seconded by Mr. Martin it is resolved that the Board are writing to concur in 

granting a license to Mr. Wood to make, metal and maintain a road as desired not exceeding 9 feet in width and so 

that the work does not impede the crossing of it by the Commoners’ wagons and also, the licencee to pay yearly 

acknowledgement of 2/6 each to the Lord and the Conservators, the license to contain the usual clauses inserted in 

such licenses, including the claim for revoking the same and the licencee to pay the cost of the licence and 

counterpart. 

The Clerk reports than Mr. Nicholson has already been asked to issue a licence to Mr. Wood to cut and keep clear a 

safety zone round his boundary. 

Safety zone licences record of 

It is proposed by Mr. Portman seconded by Mr. Card and resolved that, with a view to a record of such licences 

being kept by the Conservators, all applications for licences to cut and keep clear safety zone round private 

boundaries be made to the Clerk and that he be and is hereby authorised is request the Lord’s Steward to issue 

them. 

The Forest Row Committee present the following report which is read and it resolved that it be received and 


The Forest Row Committee met at Wych Cross Place on the 18th July 1910. All the members were present. They 

considered the reference from the Board with regard to the improvement of the footpaths leading to the new post 

office at Shepherd’s Gate and afterwards visited the spot and determined the details of the work which appeared to 

them expedient. This included the formation of two stoned tracks, the improvement of an ancient cart track and 

some drainage. The Committee requested the Chairman in conjunction with Ranger Brown to see to the progress 

of the work and to enter into any contract for road material and to communicate with the neighbouring residents 

inviting contributions towards the cost. This has been done, the work is now complete and the accounts will be 

presented to the Board. 

The Chairman has pointed out to Miss Hale and her tenant at Shepherds Gate the desirability of cleaning out the 

pond near Mr. Hutchinson’s gate which is partially filled up by soil brought down from her land above and this has 

been done. In the circumstances the tenant raised no objection to the soil removed being carried on to Miss Hale’s 

land. The Committee agreed to the Chairman’s suggestions that he should instruct his estate carpenter to make a 

new oak gate and posts for Shepherd’s Gate to be charged at cost price. A definite understanding with the Golf 

Club having been arrived at an order was given to Mr. Luxford to erect a bridge over the stream below Water Farm 

according to his tender. This has been done. Mr. Martin undertook to superintend the formation of a passage for 

cattle close by. The drainage of the marsh near the rifle butts has been completed and the stream bridged near 

Broadstone Warren with railway sleepers. It is expected that this will prevent its being dammed as hitherto by 

faggots put in to facilitate cart traffic, a practice which has helped to cause the adjoining ground being flooded. The 

cost of this has amounted to ₤ [blank]. 

These improvements appear to be generally appreciated by the neighbouring Commoners .Ranger Brown has 

shown himself zealous in supervising and himself working in their execution. 

161 


Quarry near Shalesbrook protect 

Representations having been matter as to the damage caused by overflow of water in the recent rains from the 

quarry worked by Mr. Luxford above Mr. Ogle’s house he was communicated with and he has informed the 

Committee that he hoped soon to close the quarry. He was reminded that an disused quarry must be property 

fenced or filled in so as to be in no sense dangerous. 

Mrs. Walsham clothes posts 

Mrs. Walsham of Warrenside has written under taking to remove certain posts on the Forest neat her gardener’s 

cottage, which had been objected to 

Major Darwin sign post near Goat 

Leave, subject to confirmation by the Board, was granted by the Chairman to Major Darwin to erect a small sign 

post to Cripps Corner near the Goat. 

Arbuthnot W.R. **** unfinished 

The Chairman also wrote to Mr. Arbuthnot pointing out that the second entrance to his bailiff’s house was in an 

unfinished condition and that the work should be completed. 

Golf green 17 th Shalesbrook 

The Committee inspected the site of the proposed 17th green near Mr. Ogle’s field and consented to the green 

being made and also gave their consent to draining of the same and the getting [of] material from adjoining 

hummocks and bank for making the same and to the cutting of heather necessary for approaching the green. 

Major Darwin sign post 

It is resolved that the report be approved including the action of the Chairman of the Committee in granting Major 

Darwin permission to erect the small sign post. 

Shepherd’s Gate surface etc. 

Also that the thanks of the Board be accorded to the Chairman and members of the Committee for the very great 

trouble they have taken in arranging and carrying out the works of improvement near Shepherd’s Gate. On the 

proposition of Mr. Sandford seconded by Mr. Midgley it is resolved that any excess of expenditure made by the 

Committee in connection with the footpaths and drainage referred to in paragraphs I and III of their report of 11th 

February last (p. 280) over and above the ₤5 granted them by the Board for the purpose (p. 281) be paid out of the 


Quabrook improvement of banks 

On the suggestion of Colonel Needham it is resolved that the Forest Row Committee be authorised to expend not 

exceeding £3 out of the Protection and Improvement Fund in improving the banks of the Quabrook below the 

new bridge and in placing or lifting bar at each end of the bridge. 


entered on the minutes. It is follows 

As to the complaint which at the last meeting of the Board was referred to the Committee that Herbert J. Appleby 

turned cows and young cattle on the Fords Green Cricket Ground at Nutley the Committee reports that their 

Chairman, Mr. Portman, communicated with Mr. Findlay, Prince Munster’s Steward and that the result was very 

satisfactory in as much as Appleby promised not again to turn cattle on the cricket ground and he had not since 

done so. 

The Committee report that the bridge on the Forest near the Rough Ground Wood had been completed to their 

entire satisfaction and they present the bill for the work done and ask the Board to order payment for the same as 

per contract ₤25. 

162 


They also present the bill for work done to the footbridge of Dodds Bottom ordered by the Board at their last 

meeting and ask for the payment thereof ₤2-15-0. This work has been completed to their satisfaction, both bills to 

be paid from the improvement fund. 

As to Miss Vincent’s application to cut high gorse on Mardens Hill: 

The Committee report that they visited the spot on 1st September and gave Miss Vincent permission to cut and 

remove the gorse from the Forest which has since been done to their satisfaction 

H.B. Portman 

It is resolved that the report be approved and that the sum of ₤27.15.0 be paid out of the Protection and 


R.A.F. Golf Club licence to **** Counsel 

The Clerk applied for the authority of the Board to obtain the advice of Council as to framing the licence to the 

R.A.F. Gold Club to play golf on the Forest on the ground that the fact that the Conservators are not a 

Corporation presents difficulties which he does not feel competent to solve. It is resolved that the Board see no 

occasion to incur the expenses of Counsel and that the licence be granted by the Clerk in his official capacity and 

that all covenants and conditions to be performed or observed by the licencees be entered into with him. 

Fairwarp School creation of motor caution signs 

A letter is read from the Local Education Authority for East Sussex asking permission for the managers of the 

Fairwarp school to erect two “Caution School signs” on their side of the road from Tunbridge Wells to Uckfield, 

one about 100 yards north and the other about 50 yards south of the school to protect the school children and 

motors from accidents. It is resolved that the authority be informed that the Conservators have no objection to the 

signs being erected. 

A. Strudwick licence for footpath 

Ranger Manners reports that Mr. Albert Strudwick has made a footpath from the property near Mount Pleasant in 

accordance with the licence granted to him by the Board viz. not exceeding 4 feet in outer width, and that the work 

has been completed to his satisfaction. 

Pit near Shalesbrook protection 

Mr. Martin reads a letter from Mr. Job Luxford dated 23rd July 1910 with regard to the condition of the sand pit 

near Shalesbrook. 

It is resolved that the Forest Row Committee be requested to inspect and report to the next meeting of the Board 

whether Mr. Luxford has properly protected it. 

Barnsgate gipsies 

It being reported to the Board that Mr. Tester of Barnsgate Farm has been in the habit of permitting gipsies to stay 

night in an enclosed shed close to Barnsgate in a field adjoining the Forest. 

It is resolved that the Clerk write to Mr. T.J. Hope M.P. the owner, drawing his attention to the matter and trusting 

that he will be able to see his way to take such steps as will prevent the shed being used for the purpose in future. 


It is resolved that Messrs. Portman, Sanford and Turner be appointed a Committee to audit the accounts of the 

Conservancy for the current year and to report thereon at the December meeting of the Board. 

Retiring Conservators:- 

The Clerk reports that the Chairman and Messrs. Card, Kenward and Turner are the Conservators whose terms of 

office expire on 3rd December next. 

163 


Cheques 


Wm. Manners 

16 week salary as Ranger and 

house rent to 10 th inst. ₤20.0.0 

Mr. Brown 

16 week’s salary as Ranger to 10th inst. ₤16.0.0 

Commoners meeting 

It is also resolved that the Annual Meeting of the Commoners be held at the Nutley Inn on Friday the 16th 


It is resolved that the next meeting of the Board be held on Friday the 16th December next immediately after the 

Commoners meeting or on such other date as the Chairman may consider necessary. 




notice on the principle door of the church of each of the parishes and ecclesiastical Districts into which 

the Forest extends by advertisement in two newspaper circulating in the neighbourhood to wit the Sussex 

Express and the Sussex Daily News at least fourteen days before this date and by notice sent by post to 

every Commoner and held at the Nutley Inn, Nutley, on Friday the 23rd day of December 1910 at eleven o 

clock in the forenoon. 

Present 

The Honble H.B. Portman in the chair 

Mr. George M. Maryon-Wilson 












Chairman 

On the proposition of the Mr. Sandford seconded by Mr. Martin the Honble H.B. Portman was chosen Chairman 

and he having taken the chair the Clerk reads the notice conversing the meeting and reports the due publication 

thereof as above mentioned 

The minutes of the last Annual Meeting of Commoners are then read and confirmed. 

164 



The Clerk reports that the Conservators who retire by rotation on the 31st instant are Messrs George Maryon 

Maryon-Wilson, Albert Turner, Robert Kenward and James Card. 

Mr. Martin in proposing that Mr. George Maryon-Wilson be re-elected a Conservators states it is unnecessary to say 

such in support of his proposal as everyone knows what admirable work Mr. Maryon-Wilson has done for the 

Forest and how thoroughly he has the work at heart, the nomination is seconded by Mr. Sandford. 

Mr. Kenward in proposing the re-election of Mr. Albert Turner as a Conservator expresses the great regret of all 

present that Mr. Turner was prevented from attending this meeting by illness from which he is now recovering and 

that no one has worked harder in the interests of Forest. The nomination is seconded by Mr. Carr. 

It is proposed by Mr. Sandford and seconded by Mr. Ridley that Mr. Robert Kenward is re-elected a Conservator. 

It is proposed by Mr. Ridley and seconded by Mr. Carr that Mr. James Card be re-elected a Conservator. 

No other nominations being made, the Chairman declares the above named four Commoners duly elected as 

Conservator for the ensuring three years. 

Mr. Maryon-Wilson in thanking the Commoners for the renewal of their confidence promises that he will 

endeavour to continue the discharge of the responsible duties which are thrown upon the Conservators to the best 

of his powers as he has done *********. 

Mr. Kenward thanks the Commoners for re-electing him and states that he will continue to do his best for their 

interests. 

Mr. Card thanks the Commoners and promises to do his best especially for the small Commoners. 

On the proposition of Mr. Sandford a hearty vote of thanks is passed to Mr. Portman for his conduct of the 

Meeting. 

Mr. Portman in acknowledging the vote assures the Commoners that it has always been and will continue to be a 

great pleasure to him to do what he can for the benefit of the Commoners and all who live in and around the 




Friday 23rd day of December 1910 at 11.45 a.m. 

Present 











165 


The Chairman states that he feels a word of explanation is due from him as to the reason for his postponing this 

meeting and the Annual Meeting of the Commoners, since the date was fixed for the 16th inst. Parliament was 

dissolved and the date for County election were fixed between the 7th and 17th December and the date when the 

election for this Division of Sussex had not been fixed at the time it was necessary to advertise the Commoners’ 

Meeting and as it might have been fixed for the 16th inst. he felt it was necessary in these circumstances to fix the 

Commoners’ Meeting and consequently this meeting for a later date which would be clear of the elections. 

Mr. Midgley expressed his entire approval of the Chairman’s action. 


The Bank Pass Books are produced showing a Balance in hand on Account No. 1 of ₤85-17-7 and on Account No. 

2 of ₤43-3-3. The Savings Bank Deposit Book of the Protection and Improvement Fund is also produced showing 

a balance of ₤2-17-4 to the credit of that Fund in addition to the ₤159-15-4 Consols in which part of the fund is 

invested. 


To the William Augustus Raper, 

Clerk to the Conservators of Ashdown Forest. 

As Chairman of the meeting of Commoners, duly convened and held this day at the Nutley Inn, Nutley, for the 

purpose of electing four Conservators, I thereby intimate to you that at such meeting the following Commoners 

were elected Conservators, viz: Mr. George Maryon Maryon–Wilson, Mr. Albert Turner, Mr. Robert Kenward and 

James Card in the place of the four Conservators who retire by rotation on the 31 st 

Dated this 23 rd day of December 1910. 

H.B. Portman 

Mr. A.H. Wood application to make road 

The Clerk reports that Mr. A.H. Wood assented to the terms fixed at the last meeting for a license authorising him 

to make a road out from the north side of his Duddleswell house property and approved the draft license which the 

Clerk submitted to him, but that on the 25 th October last Mr. Job Luxford wrote on behalf of Mr. Wood submitting 

a plan of the proposed road, which is of a more extensive character then was represented to the Board at the last 

meeting and after consulting the Chairman, the Clerk informed Mr. Luxford that the plan would have to be 

submitted for the consideration of the Board before the license could proceed, and that in the meantime he must 

defer making the road. 

The Maresfield Committee report that they have considered the plan and recommend that the Board sanction it. 

On the motion of Mr. Portman seconded by Mr. Sandford it is resolved that the plan be approved and that the 

Clerk be authorised to complete the licence authorising the construction of the road in accordance with it. 

A letter to the Chairman from Mr. Wood dated the 22 nd last is read applying for permission to burn on the forest 

the gorse to which he has been authorised to cut round his boundaries for protection from fire. 

It is resolved that permission be granted subject to his taking the precautions stated in his letter against setting fire 

to the undergrowth on the forest. 

The Clerk reports that he wrote to Mr. J.F. Hope M.P. as directed at the last meeting, with reference to preventing 

his shed near Barnsgate being used by gipsies and he reads a reply from Mr. Hope dated the 13 th October, in which 

he states “I have now a new tenant at “Barnsgate”, and I will speak to him with regard to the gipsies”. 

Mr. Midgley complains that the action taken by the Rangers with regard to gipsies camping on the Forest has not 

had the effect of deterring them from resorting to it. The instructions given by the Board to the Rangers at the 

166 


meeting held on the 15 th April last (p. 288) are read, and discussed and it is proposed by Mr. Ridley seconded by Mr. 

Kenward and resolved that when either Ranger finds any person camping on the forest forthwith and if the person 

refuses or fails to comply the Ranger shall immediately issue a summons against him. 

The Forest Row Committee report as follows: that Mr. Job Luxford has undertaken to put a substantial fence 

round the sides of the pit at Shalesbrook which are adjacent to the road. 

That they have considered an application dated the 9 th November last from Mr. Job Luxford on behalf of Mr. 

Stuart M. Samuel M.P. for permission to erect a seat by the side of the high road from Millbrook to Wych Cross 

but that it is necessary they should know the exact spot on which he desires to erect it before they can make any 

recommendation. 

It is resolved that the Clerk request Mr. Luxford to supply the required information. 

The Forest Row committee also report that they have considered an application dated the 18 th November last from 

Mr. J.J. Peregrine Birch for permission to make a slight enlargement of the curve on one side of the drive out from 

his properly called Coldharbour at Plaw Hatch gate where it joins the high road from Wych Cross to Admiral Iridge 

and as it affects only about 4 or 5 square feet of the forest surface they recommend that the Board’s consent be 

granted without a formal license or the payment of any acknowledgment. 

It is resolved that the consent of the Board be granted accordingly. 

The Forest Row Committee further report that it is necessary for the preservation of the new bridge over 

Quabrook that some work should be carried out with sleepers etc. for keeping up the banks of the Quabrook 

adjacent to the bridge and that the cost will not exceed £5. 

Also it is necessary to repair the foot track from Forest Row to Butler’s Gate for which 10 loads of stone will be 

required and that the stone and labour will cost about £2-10-0. 

It is resolved that the Committee be authorised to carry out these works, the expense to be defrayed out of the 


They also report that Mr. George Mitchell desires to make a foot track out of his property known as the Birches 

between 15 and 20 yards in length and about 3 feet wide and to metal it and they recommend that the consent be 

granted him. 

It is resolved that the Board make no objection to the proposed work. 

Mr. Freshfield reports that the following amount is due to the Forest Row Committee from the Protection and 

improvement Fund viz: 

For improvements carried out 

near Shepherds Gate £18-1-0 

Less subscriptions he has been able 

to secure from neighbours £10-18-6 

thus keeping the demand on the Fund well below the sum of ₤15. 

Balance due for construction of 

bridge over the Quabrook £0-7-3 

Expenditure on Hindleap and 

Broadstone footpaths etc. ₤7-0-6 

of which he desires to contribute ₤1-5-0 

167 


less received from Protection and 

Improvement Fund on 19th July last £2-3-6 

£3-8-6 

£3-12-0 

Repair of notice boards £1-1-6 

₤12-3-3 

It is resolved that the above amounts be paid out of Protection and Improvement Fund and that the Board thank 

Mr. Freshfield for his success in obtaining so large a subscription towards the Shepherds Gate improvements and 

his donation towards the expenditure on the footpaths. 

William Swift Senr. William Swift Jnr. Taking litter 

Ranger Brown having reported that on the 10th November last he saw Sylvester Edwards and Edward Tasker 

cutting litter on the Forest and that Edwards informed him they were employed to cut by Mr. William Swift Senior 

of Perry Hill Farm, Hartfield and for Mr. William Swift Junior of Little Stone Farm, Withyham, both the property 

of Earl De La Warr and had informed Edwards and Tasker that these farms have no right to litter. 

The Clerk reports that he at once wrote to Mr. W. Swift Snr. and to Mr. W. Swift Junr. enquiring whether the men 

were employed by them and pointing out that their farms have us right to Forest litter and he at the same time 

wrote to Mr. Nicholson informing him there of and asking him to write to them to the same effect and caution 

them to desist Mr. Nicholson replied on the 14th November that he had written to them telling them to desist and 

that they were liable to proceedings and on the 19th November he enclosed a copy of a letter he had received from 

Mr. Swift Junior stating that his father and he had litter from the Forest for 46 years and that the previous tenant of 

Perry Hill Mr. John Day had it for nearly 20 years and Mr. Nicholson suggested that the tone of the letter was such 

that it would be well for the Conservators to do what they can to meet these cases as it appeared that 60 years proof 

might be forthcoming. 

John Bridge taking coarse litter: 

Ranger Brown reported that on the 5th December the found John Lee cutting litter at Hollies Down who stated he 

was cutting for Mr. John Bridge of Summerford Farm, Withyham. Ranger Brown informed him that neither 

Summerford Farm nor Castle Farm also occupied by Mr. Bridge and both belonging to Earl De La Warr have any 

right to take Forest litter and warned him to desist. Ranger Brown gave a similar warning to Lee on 21st December 

1909 and Lee now stated that he informed his master thereof who directed him to take no notice of the warning. 

On the 9th December Ranger Brown saw Mr. Bridge and repeated to him that the farms in question have no right 

to Forest litter and Mr. Bridge directed Lee not to cut any more until he hears from the Conservators. 

The Clerk reminds the Board that under the judgement in Hale v De La Warr, it was provided that the Commoners 

should not interfere with the taking of brakes, ferns, heather and litter from the Forest by occupiers of land 

belonging to Lord De La Warr, the successive occupiers of which have actually as of right for the full period of 60 

years before the 21st December 1878 taken the same for use on their same lands such taking to be subject to the 

Bye-Laws, and the Clerk points out that none of the above mentioned farms belonging to Lord de la Warr have 

established their right to take brakes, ferns, heather or litter under the terms of the judgement, that as regards 

Summerford Farm in October 1895 (p.384) Mr. Henry Taylor the then tenant wrote claiming a right to litter and 

was requested to attend the Conservators’ meeting held on the 23rd November 1895 with evidence of user but that 

Mr. Taylor did not attend the next meeting held on the 21st December 1895 but Mr. Taylor wrote to say he was too 

unwell to attend (p.396) and took no subsequent step to prove his claim. 

Ranger Brown reports that what Mr. Bridge has cut is growth too large for ordinary litter and that he requires it for 

filling up a roadway. 

168 


It is resolved that the Board have no objection to his taking the same (subject to the Lords approval) provided he 

cuts with the approval and under the supervision of the Forest Row Committee which will be communicated 

through Ranger Brown and pays the Board 6d. per load in respect thereof. 

Wm. Swift Senr. W. Swift Junr. taking litter 

It is resolved that the Clerk wrote to Messrs. Swift informing them that only occupiers of farms belonging to Lord 

de la Warr who can prove the user stipulated in the Decree can be permitted to take brakes, fern, heather or litter 

from the Forest. 

That no such user has been proved in respect of their farms and that if they wish to claim the benefit of the Decree 

they must attend the next meeting of the Board with their witnesses and documents to prove the user. 

Military manoeuvres 

A letter is read from Colonel Cafe commanding the 5th Battalion of the Royal Sussex Regiment asking the 

permission of the Conservators for his Battalion and the 4th Battalion under the command of His Grace the Duke 

of Norfolk to carry out two days manoeuvres on Ashdown Forest between the 8th and 23rd of July next. 

On the proposition of Mr. Kenward seconded by Mr. Freshfield it is resolved that permission be granted 

accordingly subject to reasonable notice being given to the Clerk beforehand and all necessary precautions being 

taken against pollution of streams and against fire. 


The Audit Committee appointed at the last meeting present the following report, which is read and it is resolved 

that it be entered on the minutes. It is as follows: 


We the undersigned greatly regret that, owing to the prolonged illness of our colleague, Mr. Albert Turner, he has 

been unable to take part in the audit of your accounts. 

We have examined (1) the General Account (2) the 2nd Ranger Account and (3) the accounts of the Protection and 

Improvement Fund, each for the year 1910. We have checked the balances brought forward for last year, and the 

various receipts, and have compared the payments charged to each accounts with the vouchers for same, and the 

casting of each account, and find then all correct and we recommended that the following cheques be drawn to 

close the accounts for the year viz:- 

The Clerk ½ years salary to 31st December inst. £50-0-0 

Ditto Disbursements on general account during year £19-18-5 £69-18-5 

Manners W. 

11 weeks salary and house rent to 26th Dec inst £13-15-0 

The Clerk, disbursements on 2nd Ranger account £1-11-8 

Brown Wm. 

11 weeks salary as 2nd Ranger to 26th December instant £11-0-0 

The Clerk disbursements £0-11-5 

The balances standing to day to the credit of the following accounts before the above mentioned cheques are paid 

are, to the General Account *******, to the 2 nd Ranger Account. After the above mentioned cheques have been 

drawn and ******* the several accounts will stand as follows: 

General Account £142-16-2 

2nd Ranger Account 

Protection and Improvement Account less due to Clerk. 

169 


In addition, the sum of £159-15-4 Consols represents the investment of part of the Protection and Improvement 

Fund. 

Dated this to day of December 1911 


Mark Sandford 

On the proposition of the Mr. Portman seconded by Mr. Carr it is resolved that the report be and is hereby 

approved and adopted, that the accounts be signed by the Chairman and that cheques be drawn as recommended 

by the Committee. 

Also that the best thanks of the Board be afforded to the Committee for their services. 

Mr. A Turner illness 

Also that the Board desire to express their great regret that Mr Albert Turner has been prevented by illness from 

taking part in the audit and from attending this meeting and sincerely trust that he will be speedily restored to 

health. 

R.A.F. Golf Club consent to use links 

The Clerk reports that the submitted to the R.A.F. Golf Club the draft of the proposed course of the Conservators 

to the use of the links, which included the conditions and stipulations approved by the Board on the 3rd July 1909 

and he produces the draft consent. It is resolved that the Draft be referred to the Committee which was authorised 

to negotiate the matter with the Club with the addition of Mr. Edward Martin to consider and settle the draft and 

that the Clerk be and is hereby authorised to sign for and on behalf of the Conservators the consent in such form 

as the Committee and Mr. Martin shall approve. 

R.A.F. Golf Club application of yearly payment 

On the proposition of Mr. Freshfield seconded by Mr. Midgley is also resolved that the Clerk do collect the half 

yearly payments of the consideration money payable under the consent as they become due and that half of each 

amount be carried to the credit of the General Account in aid of the Forest Rates and that the other half be carried 

to the credit of the Protection and Improvement Fund. 

East Grinstead Gas and Water Company extension of gas mains 

A letter is read dated the 25th inst. from the East Grinstead Gas and Water Company asking the consent of the 

Board to the Company extending their gas mains at Tompsetts Bank as indicated on a plan which accompanied the 

letter. 

It is resolved that subject to the Lord’s consent being obtained a licence be granted to the Company to lay the 

proposed extension mains with all necessary service pipes to consumers premises on the same terms and conditions 

as the existing licence, the Company to pay in respect thereof an additional acknowledgement of one shilling each 

to the Lord and the Conservators and all fees and expenses of granting the extension. 

Cheques 

The following cheques are the signed pursuant to the recommendation of the Audit Committee viz: 

The Clerk ½ years salary to 31st inst £50-0-0 

Ditto disbursements on General Account 

during the year £19-18-5 

Manners Wm. 11 weeks salary as Ranger to 26th inst. £13-15-0 

The Clerk disbursements during the year on 

2nd Ranger Account £1-11-8 

170 


Brown Wm. 11 weeks salary as 2nd Ranger to 26th inst. £11-0-0 

Chairman vote of thanks 

It is resolved that a hearty vote of thanks be recorded to the Chairman for the able and impartial manner in which 

he has conducted the business of the Board during the past year. 

In thanking the Board for the compliment paid him, the Chairman states that it has always been his endeavour to 

merit their approval, that the position of Chairman involves a considerable amount of hard work and responsibility 

and much anxiety and that it is largely due to the loyal support he has always received from every member of the 

Board if he has been able to discharge his duties to their satisfaction. 

It is resolved that the next meeting of the Board be held on Friday the 24th February next at 2.30 p.m. or on such 




A meeting of the Conservators duly convened and held at the Nutley Inn, Nutley on 24th day of February 

1911 at 2.30 p.m. 

Present 

Mr. G.M. Maryon-Wilson in the chair 






Mr. Col Needham 




On the proposition of Mr. Sandford seconded by Mr. Turner, it is resolved that the Honble H.B. Portman do take 

the chair. 

Chairman 

The first business being the election of the Chairman of the Board for the current year Mr. Martin in proposing in 

re-election of Mr. George M. Maryon-Wilson stated that every member of the Board knew that he had proved 

himself to be such an excellent Chairman that no commendation was necessary on his part. 

The proposition having been seconded by Mr. Turner, it is unanimously resolved that Mr. George M. Maryon- 

Wilson be re elected Chairman of the Board for the assent year. 

Mr. G. Maryon-Wilson having taken the Chair thanked the members for having elected him for the twelfth time to 

the Chair which it afforded him great pleasure to re occupy relying on their according to him the same confidence 

and support they had done in the past and without which it was impossible to conduct the business of the Board as 

successfully as it should be reviewing briefly the north of the past year he wished to refer to two maters only, the 

negotiations which had lasted for some months with the R.A.F. Golf Club for the licence to use the links was now 

practically and satisfactorily completed. The second matter of much greater importance related to Forest fires and it 

was a matter for general congratulation that whereas 1820 acres of the Forest were burnt in 1909, only about 45 

acres were burnt last year. 

171 


This very substantial reduction justified him in drawing the conclusion that a certain number of people who had 

hitherto apparently regarded these fires with indifference now at length realised the harm they were doing to the 

Forest especially in connection with the question of work and employment. He appealed to them to support the 

Board in dealing with these fires with a strong and resolute hand. 

Mr. Freshfield mentions, in illustration of the effect of incendiary fires, that an old litter cutter only this morning 

asked him where he could cut litter as in the locality in which he had been accustomed to cut all the heather had 

been burnt. 


Mr. Sandford states he has been requested by Mr. Robert Kenward to explain that his absence is due to illness. 

The Bank Pass Books are produced showing a balance in hand on account No. 1 of ₤102.4.2 and on account No. 2 

of ₤31.18.7. 


It is resolved that Messrs. Freshfield, Martin, Midgley and Colonel Needham be the Committee for the Forest Row 

District for the current year. 


Also that the Honble H.B. Portman and Messrs. Carr, Kenward, Sandford and Turner be the Committee for the 

Maresfield District for the current year and at the instance of the Chairman a cordial vote of thanks is tendered to 

both Committees for their service for the past year. 

Fire Committee 

It is resolved that the Chairman Mr. Freshfield and Mr. Portman be re elected a Committee to advise as to the steps 

to be taken for protecting the Forest from fire. 

Mr. Martin expresses the hope that they will consider whether the Board cannot with advantage him the courses 

growth in proper places and at proper times of the year. 

Balance sheet 

The Clerk lays on the table a permit of the balance sheet of the general account for the year 1910 and reports that a 

copy has been sent by post to each Commoner. 

A. Turner - thanks 

The Clerk reads a letter from Mr. A. Turner thanking the Board for the resolution passed at their last meeting 

wishing him a speedy resolution to health and Mr. Turner being present again thanks the Board for their very kind 

wishes. 

Mr. A.H. Wood licence for road 

The Clerk reports that the licence to Mr. A.H. Wood to make and maintain a roadway out of the north side of the 

Duddleswell house property has been completed. 

East Grinstead Gas Company licence to lay main pipes 

The Clerk submits an application from the East Grinstead Gas & Water Company for permission to extend their 

gas mains and sewer pipes on the Forest in accordance with a plan which is produced. 

It is resolved that the application be referred to the Forest Row Committee with power to settle the details and the 

conditions of any licence and the amount of the acknowledgments to be passed. 

172 


R.A.F. Golf Club licence 

The Clerk reports that the form of the consent of the Board to the use by the R.A.F. Golf Club of the existing links 

having been settled by the Committee to whom it was referred at the last meeting was approved by the 

representatives of the Club and has been completed today and that the Club have handed him a cheque for the first 

year’s contribution of ₤42.10.0, half of which will be applied in aid of the Forest rates and the other half will be 

carried to the account of the Protection and Improvement Fund. 

Contributions application of 

Mr. Turner gives notice that at the next meeting he will move that the Resolution passed at the meeting of the 

Board on the 23rd December last appropriating the contribution paid by the Clerk under the provisions of the 

above consent be received and that the whole of such contribution be appropriated to the Protection and 

Improvement fund. 


Mr. Midgley applies on behalf of the R.A.F. Golf Club for permission for the Club to improve the footpath from 

the Club House to the First tee. It is Resolved that the matter be referred to the Forest Row Committee with power 

to act. 

Harry Inman cutting oak 

Ranger Manners, having reported that on the 2nd January he saw Harry Inman of Cackle Street cut two trees of oak 

on the Forest about 9 ft in length and 9 inches round the same, the Clerk wrote to Mr. Nicholson informing him 

thereof, so that he might prosecute on behalf of the Lord, and that Mr. Nicholson replied that he has no authority 

to take proceedings. It is Resolved that if Mr. Nicholson approve, the Clerk be authorised to communicate with 

Messrs Bennett and Ferris, the Lord’s solicitors, with a view to inducing the Lord to take action for stopping the 

cutting of trees, saplings and tellers by unauthorised persons. 


Applications are read from the following Highway authorities for permission to take road materials as 

undermentioned from the Forest for repair of their roads during the year ending 25th March 1912. 



Gravel pit near Pippingford, Nutley Hard stone and sandstone (from Nutley to Wych 40 cubic 

Cross) 

yards 

Gravel pits near Kingstanding Forest Gravel from Chuck Hatch to Kingstanding 50 

Gravel pits near Kingstanding Forest Gravel. Withyham to Friars Gate 50 

Fox gravel pit, near Duddleswell Sandstone for kerbing, repairing and channelling at 50 

Crowborough and Hartfield 



St John’s Quarries Sandstone 40 

Near Legs Heath Ditto 40 


Stone Hill Gravel 45 

Barnsgate Ditto 35 

Braziers Bank Ditto 35 

Fairwarp Ditto 35 

173 


It is resolved that licences be granted accordingly, subject to the same terms and conditions as the Licences granted 

to the Road authorities on 16th December 1899, all digging to be confirmed to existing pits and no new pits to be 

opened without the consent of the Board first obtained under the hand of their Clerk, and as regards the licence to 

the East Grinstead R.D.C. subject to the same conditions as were imposed last year. 

W. Claude Johnson Lord’s lease 

The Clerk reports that the Lord has granted a lease dated 30th November 1910 to Mr. Walter Claude Johnson for 

21 years from 29th September 1910 at a rent of £15 per annum of a portion of the Forest bounded on the east by 

the road known as Shepherds Hill from Whitehouse Farm to Colemans Hatch on the south by a line parallel but 

from 100 to 200 yards south of the Ridge Road, on the west by Mr. Freshfield’s Warren and the main road from 

Forest Row to Wych Cross, and on the north including the Golf Course and Tompsetts Bank, Highgate, subject to 

the rights of the Commoners and of third parties and to all rights of way and excluding all materials. 

Mr. M. Samuel M.P. Lord’s Lease 

And that the Lord has also granted to Mr. Stuart M. Samuel M.P. on a yearly tenancy from 1st June 1908, the 

exclusive right of sporting and fishing over that part of the Forest which lay bounded by the high road from 

Chelwood Gate to Wych Cross on the west, by the Mill Brook and enclosed lands on the east, including both banks 

of the Mill Brook for fishing purposes, by land attached to Ashdown Park and Pippingford Park on the north and 

by the Mill Brook or enclosed lands of the Manor of Maresfield on the south. 

Winkley Smith application for wood 

A letter is read from Mr. S. Winkley Smith of Tompsetts Bank, asking permission to keep a cord of wood on the 

Forest outside his garden and close to the hedge and offering to pay a peppercorn rent for same. The Board being 

informed that Mr. Winkley Smith’s property formerly John Wheatley’s and late Abraham Wheatley’s has a right to 

stack fuel wood on the Forest but on a different spot. It is Resolved that it be referred to the Forest Row 

Committee to ascertain the exact position and measurement of the old site and to arrange that Mr. Winkley Smith 

remove his stack to such old site and confine his user in future to that area. 

Mr. Swift Senr., Mr. Swift Junr. Claim to litter 

The Clerk reports that after the last meeting he wrote to Mr. Swift Junr. explaining the provisions of the decree in 

Hale v De La Warr with reference to tenants of the Lord taking brakes and litter from the Forest and requested 

them if they claim the benefit of those provisions to attend before the Board today at 3.30 with their witnesses and 

documentary evidence but received no reply, and no one appears today their behalf. 

Road near Brown’s Brook repair 

The Maresfield Committee report that they have considered a letter from Mr. G. St John Smith dated the 22nd ulto 

drawing attention to the condition of the road from Oldlands Gate to Brown’s Brooks and suggesting that 

something be done to level it. They have viewed the tracks from Oldlands Gate to Brown’s Brook which they 

found in a very useless condition. There are at least five tracks at present in use. It is suggested that one good track 

could be formed along the boundary of Oldlands property at a cost of £35. If this is done the remaining four tracks 

can be levelled in and considerable additional area thus afforded for litter cutting and grazing. 

The Committee ask the Board to give a grant from the Protection and Improvement Fund of £25 in order to carry 

out this work provided the balance of cost is given by adjoining owners and occupies. 

It is proposed by Mr. Freshfield seconded by Mr. Midgley and resolved that the report be received and entered in 

the minutes: and that if the Committee can obtain private contributions towards the proposed work to the value of 

£15 the Board do contribute £20 from the Protection and Improvement Fund and the Committee be authorised to 

carry out the proposed work to the extent of there amounts. 

Stumblewood Common 

Mr. Freshfield draws the attention of the Board to the difficulty the Rangers experience in dealing with gypsies 

camping on the Forest in that when they are removed from the Forest they camp on Stumblewood Common and 

the adjacent waste of the manor of Maresfield and afterwards move back on the Forest and on his proposition 

174 


seconded by Mr. Carr, it is resolved that the Clerk represent the matter to the solicitors of Lord Gage, the Lord of 

the Manor of Maresfield, and request the authority be given each of the Forest Rangers to require any person 

camping on Stumblewood Common and the adjacent wastes of the Manor of Maresfield, to leave the same 

forthwith and on his failing to comply then to take proceedings against such person in his Lordship’s name for 

damage by trespass. 

Mr. Freshfield states that he will himself pay the expenses of any such proceedings. 

Mr. S.M. Samuel M.P. 

Mr. Samuel’s application to erect a seat on the Forest by the side of the road from Mill Brook to Wych Cross is 

considered and it is Resolved that the Board after fully considering the whole matter have come to the conclusion 

that it is undesirable for several reasons to sanction the erection of seats on the Forest. 

Miss Hoare posts 

Miss Hoare of Chelwood Farm having applied for permission to erect 4 posts on the Forest on which to raise a 

tarpaulin to shelter in case of rain, detachments of East London girls who come to the country for a fortnight in the 

summer and spend most of their time on the Forest. It is resolved that Miss Hoare be informed that the Board 

cannot see their way to grant the request. 

National Trust 

The Chairman reads a letter he has received from the National Trust for places of historic interested or natural 

beauty enquiring whether, if they can be obtained on satisfactory terms the Conservators would care to consider 

any scheme for co–operation with the society for the acquisition of the manorial rights in the Forest. 

It is resolved that the Chairman, Mr. Freshfield and Mr. Portman be appointed a Committee to go into the matter 

and report to this Board thereon. 

Broadhurst Farm Horsted Keynes litter 

Ranger Brown reports that he recently ascertained George Williams tenant of Hurstwood Farm on the Twyford 

Estate, which he understands has Forest rights cut some litter on the Forest last autumn and employed Peter Pratt 

of Broadhurst Farm, Horsted Keynes to cart it for him to Hurstwood Farm, and informed Pratt he could have 

some litter from the Forest if he would pay him for cutting it and that Pratt in consequence had four wagon loads 

which he (Brown) found stacked on Pratts Farm. 

It is resolved that Ranger Brown warn George Williams that he has acted illegally and must not in future cut litter 

for any person not entitled to take litter from the Forest. 

Identification of Commoners lands 

The Clerk informs the Board that certain estates, parts of which are entitled to rights on the Forest, have recently 

been divided, parts being sold off and that he has altogether failed to identify from the documents in his possession 

the particular portion of these estates to which the rights attach and is in consequence unable to claim payment of 

the proper proportions of the rates and that the only person likely to be able to clear up question is Mr. Nicholson 

who has access to the Court Rolls etc. of the various Manors and he asks the permission of the Board to apply to 

Mr. Nicholson for his assistance. It is resolved that the Clerk ascertain from Mr. Nicholson what will be the 

probable cost of his investigation and that it be left to the direction of the Chairman to settle whether Mr. 

Nicholson’s assistance shall be obtained and what remuneration shall be paid to him. 

Page’s Gill cart bridge Quabrook 

On the application of Mr. Martin it is resolved that the Forest Row Committee be authorised to purchase sufficient 

old railway sleepers for making a cart bridge over the brook in Page’s Gill, near the rifle butts, the cost to paid out 

of the Protection and Improvement Fund. 

175 


Pound Gate postman’s shelter 

A letter is read from W. Ashdown, postman on the Pound Gate round, asking for permission to erect a shelter on 

the Forest at Pound Gate in which to shelter during the 6 hours he has to wait there daily. 

It is resolved he be informed that the Board have no power to grant the request and refer him to some adjacent 

owner. 

Footpath Butlers Gate 

The Forest Row Committee reports that the work on the footpath above the R.A.F. Golf Club house to Butlers 

Gate has been completed at a cost of £1-17-3. It is resolved that the amount be paid out of the Protection and 


Motor cars on Forest 

The same Committee report that it has become the practice of persons playing golf on the R.A.F. Golf Club to 

leave motor cars for a considerable time on the road to the Club house or on the adjacent Forest and that such 

practice is undesirable. It is resolved that Ranger Brown keep observation and warns the owner or driver of every 

such car that it must not be left on the road or the adjacent Forest. 

Ranger Manners tricycle repairs 

The Maresfield Committee reports that Ranger Manners’ bicycle requires repairing. It is resolved that the 

Committee be empowered to have the work done at a cost of about £1-10-0. 

It is resolved that the following cheques be signed viz: 

Manners W. 

9 weeks salary as Ranger and house rent to 27th inst. £11.5.0 

Brown. W. 

9 weeks salary as second Ranger to 27th inst. £9.0.0 

It is resolved that the next meeting of the Board be held on Friday the 5th day of May next at 2.30 p.m. or on such 





Friday the 19th May 1911 at 2.30 p.m. 

Present 

The Honble H.B. Portman, in the chair 











A letter is read from the Chairman who is in Ireland regretting his inability to be present and it is resolved that the 

Honble. H.B. Portman does take the chair. 

176 



The Clerk produces the Bank Books showing a balance to the credit of account no. 1 of £90.19.2 and account no. 2 

of £22.13.7. 

Ranger Manners bicycle 

The Maresfield Committee report as follows: 

The repair of Ranger Manners bicycle has been completed at the cost of £2.6.8 and they recommend that the 

amount be paid 

Board near Brown Clerk repair 

The Committee have received promises of contributions of £11 in cash and £9 in cartage and labour towards the 

improvement of the road from Oldlands Gate to Brown’s Brook, and they ask the Board to increase the grant from 

the Protection and Improvement to £25 to enable them to carry out the work. 

Territorials camp 

The Committee have carefully considered the application of the military authorities for permission to encamp and 

manoeuvre troops upon the Forest, one camp at St John's Common and the other on Camp Hill, between above 

the 29th July and 12th August next and strongly recommend that permission be granted subject to the usual 

conditions. 

Dated 19th May 1911 

H.B. Portman 

Chairman 

It is resolved that the grant for the Oldlands road be increased accordingly. 

Captain Mona*** of the General Staff Home Counties Division of the Territorial Forces attends to support the 

application for leave to encamp about 3,500 troops on St. John’s Common and above 7,000 instead of 3,000 troops 

on Camp Hill and to train on the Forest at Buckhurst Park from 29th July to 12th August next. The Clerk 

submitted the draft of the agreement entered into by the military authorities on the last occasion, a copy of which 

by direction of the Chairman of the Board, he sent to Captain Mona*** some time ago; the draft agreement is read 

and it is resolved that the Clerk make certain alternations in and additions to it which Captain Mona*** agrees to. 

It is resolved that subject to the agreement being signed by some competent official and to the consent of the Lord 

bring obtained the Conservators consent to the camp and manoeuvres and the Clerk undertakes to apply to the 

Lord’s representative for his consent. 

The Forest Row Committee report: 

East Grinstead Gas Co. licence 

That they have approved an amended plan and arranged terms for the licence to the East Grinstead Gas and Water 

Company to lay and maintain additional gas mains and service pipes under the Forest and that the matter is now in 

the hands of the Clerk to complete the licence and that the costs of the licence and counterpart are to be paid by 

the Company. 

The Committee with Major Spence, Captain of the Golf Club viewed the ground immediately under the Club house 

and authorised the new path to be made down to the brook as indicated. 

Winkley Smith wood stack 

They also inspected the wood stack erected outside Mr. Winkley Smith’s new residence by Highgate, and directed 

the Ranger to inform him that they would acquiesce in the continuance of the existing stack, which occupies the 

place or thereabouts of a former stack, but that it must not be enlarged. 

177 


Footpath improvement 

They approved the path improvement and bridges between the path that passes the Ladies’ second green and goes 

to Butlers Gate, as carried out by Ranger Brown, and instructed him as soon as the weather permitted to complete 

the correction of the Quabrook stream near Mrs. Shute’s property. 

The Committee present herewith the account for works carried out as authorised by the Board. 


Chairman 

Bridge at Pages Gill 

The cost of the bridge over Pages Gill amounts for sleepers and labour to 

£2.8.6 

The following amount has also been expended: 

T. Brown for watching from 18th to 23rd April £0.12.0 

Less, received from Mr. J. Uridge for 

6 loads of coarse litter £0.3.0 

A sum of £1.18.0 has also been expended in putting out a fire caused by materials as Rushey Bottom. 

It is resolved that the report of the Committee be approved and entered on the minutes and that the sum of 

£2.17.6 be paid out of the Protection and Improvement Fund. 

It is also resolved that the Chairman of each of the two District Committees be authorised when he deems it 

necessary to employ extra labour for the safety and good of the Forest, the cost thereof to be provided out of the 


R.A.F. Golf Club contributions 

The Clerk reports that he has received a letter from Mr. A. Turner withdrawing the notice of motion which he gave 

at the last meeting with reference to the application of the Golf Club contributions. 

Lord De La Warr trees unlawful cutting 

Also that in pursuance of the instructions given to him at the last meeting he communicated with Mr. Nicholson 

and with his approval, with Messrs. Bennett & Ferris solicitors to Lord De La Warr, with a view to inducing his 

Lordship to take action for stopping the cutting of trees saplings and tellers by unauthorised persons, and that 

Messrs. Bennett & Ferris discussed the matter with Lord De La Warr, who has given instructions that he will take 

proceedings in cases where his timber is wrongfully cut and Mr. Nicholson is prepared to instruct the Reeve on 

hearing further from the Conservators. 

The Clerk suggests that the Rangers be instructed to report any case of illegal cutting of these direct to Mr. Hudson 

the Lord’s Reeve at Green Cottage, Hartfield, and to attend and give evidence and as suggested to Mr. Nicholson 

that the Reeve upon any case being reported should see the Ranger, lay the information and get the summonses 

issued and served and attend the Court to prove Lord De La Warr’s ownership and that the defendant has not been 

authorised to cut. 

It is resolved that the Ranger be instructed accordingly and that the Clerk request Mr. Nicholson to instruct the 

Reeve to take the steps suggested. 

Stumblewood Common gipsies 

The Clerk reports that in accordance with the last meeting he wrote to Mr. Nicholson, the steward of Lord Gage 

Manor of Maresfield requesting that authority be given to the Forest Ranger to require any person camping on 

Stumblewood Common or other adjacent wastes of the Manor of Maresfield to leave the same forthwith and on his 

failing to comply with this to take proceedings in his Lordship’s name for damage by trespass and that Mr. 

Nicholson had replied that there can be no objection to giving the Ranger the authority asked for on the terms 

offered by Mr. Freshfield, viz. that he will bear the expenses of any such proceedings. 

178 


It is resolved that the Clerk get Mr. Nicholson to mark on a plan the boundaries of Stumblewood Common and the 

adjacent wastes of the manor of Maresfield, and that therefore the Ranger be instructed to take action in relation to 

gipsies who refuse to remove off the wastes. 

National Trust 

The Committee appointed at the last meeting to deal with the suggestion put forward by the National Trust report 

that the Clerk, by their instructions, furnished full information to the National Trust with regard to the Forest and 

the respective rights of Lords and Commoners. The Committee, with the Clerk, subsequently had an interview in 

London with Mr. Nigel Bond, the Secretary of the Trust, at which the matter was more fully discussed and Mr. 

Bond has since written that his Committee are prepared to approach the Lord’s representatives directly in order to 

ascertain whether the Lord is prepared to sell his rights and if so on what terms and he added that in the event of 

the purchase being carried out the National Trust would be prepared to acquiesce in the Board of Conservators 

remaining the controlling authority with its present powers, the National Trust nominating a representative on the 

Board in the place of the present representative of the Lord. 

He further added there was no ground for supposing there would be any difficulty in the management of the 

property if the Lord’s rights are acquired by the National Trust, as both the Trust and the Conservators would be 

acting primarily in the public interest. 


19th May 1911. 

It is resolved that the report be approved and entered on the minutes and that the Clerk place the Secretary of the 

National Trust in communication with Lord De La Warr’s solicitors. 

London Field Ambulance 

A letter is read from the Officer commanding the 6th London Field Ambulance of the Second London Division 

Territorial Forces stating that the unit under his command would assemble for a short training at East Grinstead at 

Whitsuntide and asking permission to use a small portion of the Forest for drill purposes, they would require a 

small portion for a field hospital roughly about 140 yards by 200 yards, and would take care to clear up all litter. It is 

resolved that the Board have no objection to the use for the above purpose of part of the Forest between Hindleap 

Warren and Hospital Farm, the position to be pointed out by Ranger Brown 

Thomas Marchant stakes 

Ranger Manners reported to the Clerk on 4th April last that Mr. Thomas Marchant of The Prince of Wales, Cackle 

Street, had driven some stakes round a piece of the open Forest land opposite The Prince of Wales with the 

intention of enclosing it. The Clerk made enquiries and ascertained that this piece of land has been open ground for 

a long period of years and wrote to Mr. Marchant on 18th April calling on him to remove the states at once as the 

ground is part of the Forest. Mr. Marchant not having replied or removed the states, the Clerk directed Ranger 

Manners to remove them which he did on the 6th inst., and they were replaced again, the same evening by Mr. 

Marchant. 

It is resolved that the Ranger again remove the states and that if Mr. Marchant replaces them the Maresfield 

Committee be empowered to take such steps or proceedings as they may deem advisable. 

Dintnall & Co. fire 

The Clerk reports that a fire having broken out on the Forest on Tuesday 18th April last adjoining the road from 

Wych Cross to Coleman’s Hatch, just after a traction engine belonging to Messrs. Dintnall & Co. of Brighton had 

passed the spot which engine was travelling at a considerable speed and emitting sparks which it is believed were 

the cause of the fire he, the Clerk, wrote to Messrs. Dintnall & Co. informing them there of and requesting them in 

future when travelling across the Forest, to take such precautions as will prevent the emission of sparks and that 

Messrs. Dintnall replied on the 25th April regretting that their engine was the probable cause and stating that they 

will take precautions to obviate the possibility of a recurrence of the matter. 

179 


2nd Ranger fund 

The Clerk reports that the year for which the subscriptions were collected for the Second Forest Ranger fund will 

expire on the 17th June next when he estimates there will be a balance of £4.11.7 in hand. 

It is resolved that the Clerk forward a balance sheet to the subscribers showing the receipts and expenditure to the 

17th June next, and applying to them for a renewal of their subscriptions for the ensuring year. 

Wm. Moorcock cutting 

The Clerk reports that having noticed on the 31st March last that the undergrowth on the Forest in front of Mr. 

Moorcock’s house at Fords Green had seen cut away and a quantity of earth spreads over the area he wrote to Mr. 

Moorcock pointing out he had no authority to meddle with the Forest and that if he desired to do anything on it in 

future he must first apply to the Conservators for permission. That Mr. Moorcock replied he had cut the 

undergrowth for fear of injury to his property from Forest fires, and had merely spread the mound which had stood 

at the end of the path for several years and that he had no idea it was necessary to obtain the Conservators’ 

permission or he would most readily have done. 

Fires 

The Clerk reports that since the last meeting the Rangers have reported the following fires on the Forest:- 

Ranger Manners reports: 

March 25 7.30 p.m. near Fords Green burnt 4 rods 

March 31 7 p.m. near Spring Garden Farm burnt 7 rods 

March 31 7 p.m. near Duddleswell burnt 7 rods 

April 4 afternoon near Camp Hill burnt 3 rods 

April 8 evening near Oldlands burnt 3 rods 

April 11 evening two places near 

Duddleswell 

burnt 7 rods 

April 13 morning at Dodds Grove burnt 5 rods 

April 13 evening sundry fires at 

Spring Gardens and 

Duddleswell 

burnt 28 rods 

April 14 2.30 p.m. On Camp Hill burnt 5 acres 

April 14 evening near Duddleswell burnt 1 rod 

April 15 1.30 p.m. near Brown’s Brook burnt 2 rods 

April 17 10 a.m. near Duddleswell burnt ¼ acre 

April 17 4 p.m. near Duddleswell burnt ½ acre 

April 17 4 p.m. near Mardens Hill burnt 10 rods 

April 17 11 p.m. at Brown’s Brook burnt 10 rods 

April 18 8 p.m. near Fairwarp burnt 10 rods 

April 18 10 p.m. near Duddleswell burnt 4 rods 

April 21 9 a.m. near Fairwarp burnt 10 rods 

April 24 evening near Pippingford burnt 80 rods 

May 8 1 to 4 p.m. near Duddleswell burnt ½ acre 

May 9 5 to 10 p.m. near Lisburn burnt 7 acres 

May 18 6.30 p.m. near Spring Gardens burnt 4 rods 

Ranger Brown reports: 

March 3 1 p.m. below Cherry Orchard burnt 2 rods 

April 16 9.50 a.m. near Jumpers Town burnt ½ acre 

April 16 2 p.m. near Hy. Harding’s burnt ½ acre 

April 17 10 p.m. back of Goat burnt 15 rods 

April 17 midnight at Cripps corner burnt 15 rods 

180 


April 18 10.45 a.m. near Colemans Hatch burnt 1 ½ rods 

April 18 4.30 p.m. at Rushy Bottom burnt 1 ½ acres 

April 18 7.30 p.m. near Miss Hale’s burnt 1½ rods 

April 27 midnight above Edge Mount burnt ¼ acre 

May 6 1.15 p.m. Near Greenhall burnt 1 acre 

May 10 1.45 p.m. Broadstone Gill to 

Hollies Down Road burnt 30 acres 

Mary Ann Jones; Eliza Goring camping 

Ranger Manners reports that he summoned Mary Ann Jones and Eliza Goring each for having a van on the Forest 

near Pound Gate. As they did not appear at the Uckfield Bench on the 2nd March, warrants were issued for their 

arrest. 

William Laurence camping 

Also that he summoned William Laurence of Buxted for having a tent on the Forest at Pound Gate. As Defendant 

did not appear at the Uckfield Bench on the 19th April, a warrant was issued for his arrest. 

Bye Law board 

Also that on 18th April he found the Bye Law board at Duddleswell damaged by claws of a hammer and he 

repaired it. Mr. Martin states that the gorse round the Forest Row Cricket Ground and in the vicinity thereof is in a 

very ragged condition, and that he has communicated with Mr. W. Clauds Johnson the lessee of that part of the 

Forest who is quite willing that the gorse should be dealt with by the Board. 

It is resolved that the Forest Row Committee be authorised to cut and otherwise deal with the same and also to 

remove tins, bottles which disfigure the Forest. 

Also that Mr. Midgley be authorised to remove some large gorse near the Birch Grove Recreation Ground to avoid 

danger of fire. 

It is resolved that the following cheques be signed viz: 

Manners 12 weeks salary as Ranger:- 

and house rent to 22nd inst. £15.0.0 

Brown W. 12 Weeks salary as Second 

Ranger to 22nd inst. £12.0.0 

Lloyd & Son repairs to Ranger 

Manners bicycle £2.6.8 

It is resolved that the next meeting of the Board be held on Friday the 4th day of August next at 2.30 p.m. or on 

such other date as the Chairman may consider necessary. 




Friday the 4th day of August 1911, at 2.30 p.m. 

Present 

G.M. Maryon-Wilson Esq. in the chair 


Colonel Chas. Needham 


181 


Mr. Wm. Carr 







The minutes of the last meeting the read and confirmed. 

The Deputy Clerk, Mr. R.G. Raper, in the absence of the Clerk through indisposition, produces the Bank Books 

showing a balance to the credit of account No. 1 of £120.16.0 and account No 2 of £48.18.7 and the Protection 

and Improvement Fund of £30-4-11. 

Territorials and Camp 

The Clerk reports that the Lord having consented to the camps and manoeuvres on Ashdown Forest the agreement 

with the military authorities was duly signed and permission given on behalf of the Conservators to carry them out 

and he produces the agreement. 

The Chairman produces a summary received from the headquarters of the Home Counties Division showing the 

approximate number of territorial troops encamped on the Forest it as follows: 

Officers 


1 Brigade Artillery 4 258 

2 Companies R.E. 8 207 

Surrey Brigade 4 Battalion 104 3346 

Kent Brigade 4 Battalion 96 2851 

Middlesex Brigade 4 Battalion 92 2856 

4 Coys A.S.C. 17 358 

3 Field Ambulances 24 701 

Total 345 10,572 

Young Men’s Christian Association tent 

The attention of the Board having been drawn to the fact that the Young Men’s Christian Association have created 

large tents on the Forest in the vicinity of the camps without permission, although on the last occasion they applied 

for and obtained the Board’s consent. 

It is resolved that the Clerk write the Y.M.C. Association pointing out that they must in future obtain the sanction 

of the Board before creating any tent or structure on the Forest, and that they must be found by the same 

conditions as apply to the Camps, a copy of which conditions are to be supplied. 

E. Grinstead Gas Co. licence 

The Clerk reports that the licence to the East Grinstead Gas & Water Company to lay and maintain additional 

mains and surface pipes has been completed and he produces it. 

Stumblewood Common gipsies 

The Clerk also reports that Mr. Nicholson having coloured on a plan, which he produces, the area of Stumblewood 

Common and the adjacent wastes of the manor of Maresfield, the Clerk supplied a copy to each of the Rangers 

with full instructions hour to all. 

182 


Thos. Marchant stakes 

Ranger Manners reports that on the 16th June last he again removed the stakes which Mr. Thomas Marchant had 

driven into the Forest land near the old “Prince of Wales” beer shop and that they have not been replaced. 

2nd Ranger Fund 

The Clerk reports that he has collected subscriptions to the Second Ranger fund for the year ending 17th June next 

amounting to £40-6-0, and produces the last of same, and states that several residents whom he has invited to 

contribute have not responded. 

It is resolved that the Clerk send a copy of the list of subscribers and those who have been invited to substitute but 

have not responded to the Chairman of the Forest Row Committee. 

Fires 

The Clerk reports that since the last meeting the Rangers have reported the recurrence of 22 fires on the Forest, 

consuming about 17a. 0r. 27p namely: 

Ranger Manners reports 

May 28 11 a.m. nr. Kingstanding burnt 10 acres 

June 1 4.30 p.m. 

Fords Green north side 

road and destroyed about 

20 young fir trees burnt 5 rods 

June 11 5.30 p.m. nr. Stone Hill burnt 2 acres 

June 18 10.30 p.m. Lisburn burnt 10 rods 

July 17 noon Lisburn burnt 1 acre 

July 22 p.m. Crows Nest burnt 1 ½ acres 

Ranger Brown reports 

May 19 9.30 p.m. 

May 19 9.30 p.m. 

Opposite Hindleap Cottage 

south side of & about 100 

yards from high road burnt 5 rods 

Ditto about 300 yds from 

High road. These 2 fires appear 

to have been started with paraffin 

logs and candles 

burnt 20 rods 

May 23 3.30 p.m. East side of Ridley’s property 

at Cripps Corner 

May 28 8 a.m. 

5 small fires nr. Beech clump 

north side highway to Goat 

Small fire south side same 

highway 

Ditto opposite Hindleap Old 

Cottage south of & 80 yards 

from highway 

burnt 8 rods 

burnt 6 rods 

burnt 1 ½ rods 

burnt 5 rods 

2 ditto about 300 yds further 

south. 

All above burning about same 

time. 

burnt 30 rods 

June 139.30 p.m. to 

2 a.m. Top of Millbrook Hill at W of 

Stone Quarry 

burnt 2 acres 

July 24 3 p.m. 

Close to the cutting on the 

high road from Wych Cross to 

Chelwood Gate 

burnt 1 ½ rods 

May 1 5 p.m. West side high way from 

183 


Greenwood Gate to Friars 

Gate 

burnt 15 rods 

Mrs. Emma Reed complaint 

The Clerk reads a correspondence he has had with Mrs. Emma Reed of Bank Cottage, Forest Row, complaining as 

a Commoner that the golfers have damaged the soil to make a new green and have made a gravel path with ditches 

on each side from the new green to their tee. By the instructions of Mr. Edward Martin, the Clerk replied to Mrs. 

Reed informing her that the work was done with the sanction of the Board, that the drains are on a swampy patch, 

and their construction involves no sensible diminution of the ground available for the exercise of Commoners’ 

rights and pointing out the large contribution made by the Golf Club but for which the Forest Rate would fall far 

more heavily on the Commoners and offering to submit to the Board any specific complaints she could 

authenticate as to interference with the Commoners’ cattle on the Forest by golfing or others. To this, Mrs. Reed 

replied suggesting the Clerk was not aware of the area the golfers occupy from one green to another, and that she is 

put to great inconvenience to obtain litter as the golfers occupy all the litter plains round her, and suggesting that 

the golfers break the Bye Laws as they like and stating they were cutting the brakes at the times of her writing. 

It is resolved that the Clerk make no reply to Mrs. Reed’s last letter. 

Crittenden fire 

The Clerk reports that on Tuesday, the 18th April last a motor car No. LN 7986 drew up by the side of the high 

road from Wych Cross to Pippingford, and a gentleman, lady and child settled on the Forest apparently to makes 

tea; shortly afterwards a fire was seen to rise from the spot, and the party rushed to their motor and drove away. 

Fortunately help was soon available, and after a strenuous fight the fire was got under at the cost of £1.18.0. After a 

great deal of trouble and correspondence, Mr. Crittenden, the owner of the car, was brought to book and paid 

£2.18.0 to recoup the outlay incurred to extinguish the fire and other expense incurred. 

Scouts’ camps 

The Clerk reports that with the approval of the Forest Row Committee permission was given to two small bodies 

of Scouts to camp on the Forest at the beginning of August near Goat Farm, Mr. Kekewich Jnr. kindly undertaking 

to look after them. 

Cowan Esq. underground telephone 

The Clerk reports that application was make by the Postmaster General for permission to lay an underground 

telephone line from the Duddleswell Road to Crows Nest, and that he granted permission, on the Postmaster 

General undertaking to make good any damage done to the surface in laying and maintaining the line. 

Oak Tree Cottage Forest Row 

An application having been made on behalf of the owner of Oak Tree Cottage, Forest Row, for permission to drain 

the premises from the corner of the property to the sewer under the road near the Ashdown Forest Hotel, the 

Clerk reports that with the approval of the Forest Row Committee, he granted a consent to the work being carried 

out in accordance with a plan submitted on condition that the surface of the road is restored to a condition 

satisfactory to the Conservators, and that all necessary precautions were taken for protecting and lighting 

excavations at night. 

Card claim to rights 

A letter is read dated the 11th July last from Mr. James Card applying to be put on the Schedule of Commoners in 

respect of the Birches, Colemans Hatch, who applied some time ago. 

The Clerk reports that on the sixteenth February 1906, Mr. Card applied to be admitted as a Commoner in respect 

of this property described as a cottage and 2 acres 1 rod 30 perches called the Birches to the east of Foxbury Wood, 

No. 1538 1543 and 1544 on the Ordnance Map, but that the claim was disallowed as the property was formerly part 

of the waste, and was granted as Copyhold on 3rd July 1851. 

184 


It is resolved that the consideration of the application be postponed till the next meeting of Board when the Clerk 

who has full knowledge of the whole matter will be present. 

John Sargeaunt application to improve road 

A letter is read dated 29th June last from Mr. John Sargeaunt the owner of “Arnolds” part of Summerford Farm 

asking permission to improve the road from Fairwarp vicarage to his residence, which application he referred to the 

Maresfield Committee. The Maresfield Committee present the following report which is read and it is resolved that 

it be entered on the minutes. It is as follows:- 

August 4th 1911 

The Marshfield Committee report that Brown’s Brook road has been made up from the Old Lands Gate to Mr. St. 

John Smith’s residence at Brown’s Brook. That stone for the same is being dug in a quarry adjoining the road which 

will be put on in October next. Also that several pipes will be immediately placed at various points to convey the 

surface water from the road. 

Mr. A. Turner has received £9-0-0 from subscribers and the Committee ask the Board to hand to Mr. Turner their 

promised contribution of £25 to enable him to complete the work. 

With reference to the application of Mr. Sargeaunt to fill in ruts improve road from the Fairwarp vicarage to his 

residence near Fair warp which was referred to them by the Clerk. The Committee having viewed the road in 

question recommended that permission be granted. 


Friday the 6th day of October 1911. at 2.30 p.m. 

Present 

Geo. M. Maryon-Wilson Esq. in the chair 

Colonel Charles Needham 

Mr. James Carr 








The Clerk produces the Bank Books showing a balance to the credit of account no. 1 of ₤57.1.0. and account no. 2 

of ₤59.8.7, and the Protection and Improvement Fund ₤24.4.11. 


The Clerk reports that as regards the 2nd Ranger Fund he has received subscriptions for the current year 

amounting to ₤63.18.6. 

Military camps 

The Maresfield Committee reports that the terms of the agreement under which the Military Authorities were 

recently permitted to encamp and carry out manoeuvres on the Forest have been complied with by the Military 

Authority except as to seeding down [of the] surface that has been disturbed and that they are claiming the expense 

of doing so from the Authorities. 

185 


Young Men’s Christian Association 

They also report that the Officer in command of the troops informed them that he had given permission to the 

Young Men’s Christian Association to erect their rents and that as they were under his control, he considers they 

were included in the licence to hold the camps. 

Fires 

The Clerk reports that since the last meeting the Ranger has reported the occurrence of 11 fires on the Forest, 

consuming about 9 acres 1 rod 6 perches, viz: 

Ranger Manners reports: 

Aug 11 

Assisted putting out a fire in Old Lodge 

Aug 15 noon Fire near Crows Nest, supposed to 

have been caused through Mr. W. Killick's 

traction engine 

burnt 1½ acres 

Aug 31 p.m. nr. Stone Hill burnt 1½ rods 

Sept 8 p.m. On Dodds Grove burnt ¾ acres 

Sept 104.30 p.m. near Old Toll Farm and ½ acre 

of Spring Garden Wood 

burnt 3½ acres 

Sept 16 

Near entrance to Old Lodge 

supposed to have seen caused by 

Mr. Friend’s traction engine 

burnt ½ acres 


Aug 10 Assisted in putting out a fire in Old Lodge 

Aug 12 12.15 p.m. West side Recreation ground at 

Tompsetts Bank 

burnt ¼ acres 

Aug 15 8.15 a.m. South side high road opposite 

Hindleap Old Cottage 

burnt ¼ acres 

Aug 15 9 a.m. about 100 yds further south small 

Aug 15 3.30 p.m. Close to last mentioned small 

Sep 12 9.30 a.m. West side highway near Lord 

Robert Cecil caused by traction 

engine of Southdown Breweries burnt 2½ acres 

The Clerk states that on receipt of Ranger Manners’ report of the fire on the 15th August believed to have been 

caused by the traction engine of Mr. Killick he wrote to Mr. Killick on 22nd calling upon him to take such 

precautions as will effectually prevent the emission of sparks from his motor engines when crossing the Forest, but 

had received no reply. 

Mr. A Turner states that he and Mr. Sandford were close by when this fire arose and Mr. Turner spoke to the driver 

who merely said he did not think it was caused by his engine. 

It is resolved that the Clerk again write to Mr. Killick calling upon him to give undertaking to adopt such measures 

as will effectually prevent the emission of sparks and that in the event of a satisfactory reply not being received the 

Chairman be authorised to take such action in the matter as he may deem proper. 

Southdown Breweries Ltd. engine 

As regards the fire that occurred near Chelwood Gate on the 12th September the Clerk reads a letter which by 

direction of the Chairman, he wrote to the Southdown and East Grinstead Breweries Ltd. It is resolved that the 

action of the Chairman be approved and confirmed. 

The Clerk reads a reply from the Manager of the company dated 30th ulto, in which he states he cannot admit that 

the fire was caused by their engine, that their engines are constructed with the best possible appliances for 

preventing emission of sparks and their men have instructions to excise the greatest care in their use and that he 

186 


will repeat these instructions and will use every precaution to see that the appliances on the engines are kept in 

efficient working order. 

It is resolved that the Clerk reply that while some of their engines are provided with spark catchers, the large 

engines are not so provided, and call on the company for an assurance that they will take immediate steps to have 

all their traction engines provided with efficient open catchers, otherwise the Board will be compelled to take 

action in the matter. 

Friend traction engine 

The Clerk states that on receipt of Ranger Manners’ report of the fire caused by the traction engine of Messrs. J. 

and H. Friend, of Forest Row, on the 16th September, he wrote to them and requested they would take such steps 

as will prevent their engine emitting sparks when passing over the Forest. He reads their reply dated the 30th ulto. 

stating they are very sorry if the fire was caused by their engine, but that there are others about and that they will 

caution their driven to be careful in future especially when crossing the Forest 

It is resolved that the Clerk write them a similar letter to that directed to be written to Mr. Killick. 

Proposed County Council Bye Law to prevent traction engines emitting sparks 

It is also resolved that the Chairman be requested to take such action as he deems advisable with a view to getting 

the County Council of East Sussex to procure a Bye Law to be drawn up and legalised, requiring that all traction 

engines used on public highways in East Sussex shall be as constructed or equipped with such appliances as will 

effectually prevent the emission of sparks and in default imposing a substantial penalty. 

Young Men’s Christian Association 

The Clerk reports that he wrote to the Young Men’s Christian Association as directed at the last meeting and reads 

their reply stating they were under the impression that when they obtained permission from the Military Authorities 

to erect their tent in the camp no further permission was required but that they will in future ask permission from 

the Conservators as well as the Military Authorities. 

Oak Tree Cottage Forest Row drainage 

Colonel Needham and Mr. Martin report that the drainage of Oak Tree Cottage has been finished and that the road 

has been left in a better condition than it was in before the work was commenced. 

Mr. Edward Hall application to erect shed 

Mr. Sandford reads a letter he received from Mr. Edward Hall of Chestnut Cottage, Nutley, stating he had bought 

from Mr. Junks a wooden lodge or carpenter’s shop which stands on the Forest outside her holding at Dodds 

Bottom, and wishes to remove it and re-erect it on the Forest outside his holding. 

Mr. Hall attends to support his application. The Maresfield Committee report that they have gone into the matter, 

that the Clerk advises them the Board have no power to grant the application and they recommend that it be 

refused. 

It is resolved that the report and recommendation of the Committee be approved and adopted, and thereupon the 

Chairman informs Mr. Hall the Board have no power to grant his requested. 

C.H. Pelham deposit 

The Clerk reports that he received a letter dated 22nd September last from Mr. C.H. Pethan, Builder, of Uckfield 

stating that he is making alterations to Jenner’s Cottage, Duddleswell, for Miss Barchard, and had deposited 

building materials on the Forest outside the boundary without being aware that he ought first to have obtained 

permission from the Conservators. He apologised for his action, and asked permission and the Clerk acting under 

the authority given to him consented to building materials remaining on the Forest for 6 weeks from the 25th 

September last on condition that they are so placed as not to interface with the convenience of any adjacent 

occupier, or any cart tracks or footpath, and that on completion of the work, the surface be properly restored. 

187 


Mr. Job Luxford deposit 

It having been reported to the Board that Mr. Job Luxford of Forest Row has deposited building materials on the 

Forest outside Greenhall the property of Mr. J.R. Lucas on which he is carrying out work. 

It is resolved that the Clerk write to him reminding him that it is necessary to obtain the permission of the Board 

before making any such deposit, and that such applications are always promptly responded to. 

The Clerk reports that the last Rate was made on the 17th December 1909, and will be exhausted before the end of 

the current year. 

On the proposition of Mr. Turner seconded by Mr. Midgley it is resolved that notice be given on the agenda of the 

next ordinary meeting of the Board to make a rate of 6d. per acre and that the Clerk prepare the necessary 

document for the purpose. 

James Card claim to rights 

The Board having taken into consideration the application made by Mr. James Card at the last meeting for 

recognition of rights of common in respect of his copyhold property called “The Birches” comprising inclosures 

nos. 1538, 1543 and 1544 on Ordnance Map (2nd edition 1898) containing altogether 29 acres 13 rods 30 perches 

and lying on the Forest immediately east of Foxbury Wood. 

It is resolved that the Board are satisfied that Mr. James Card has established the right of the property to common 

of pasture, brakes and litter, and that he be entered on the Schedule of Commoners in respect thereof. 

And thereupon Mr. Card is informed to this effect ands pays to the Clerk the sum of 1/6d. being the current rate 

for the property. 

At the instance of Mr. Midgley the attention of the Ranger is again drawn by the Board to the resolution passed on 

the 23rd December last, requiring them to at once [to] summon any gipsy who refuses or fails to remove from the 

Forest immediately on being required to do so. 

Furze and heath further cutting or burning by Board 

On the motion of the Mr. Martin seconded by Mr. Midgley it is resolved that the two District Committees be 

requested to take into consideration the questions of cutting or burning further areas of furze and heather on the 

Forest for protection from fire and report there on to the next meeting. 



Conservators for the current year and to report thereon at the December meeting of the Board. 

Retiring Conservators:- 

The Clerk reports that Colonel Needham and Messrs. William Carr, Ll. Midgley and Mark Sanford are the 

Conservators whose terms of office expire on the 31st December next. 

Cheques 

It is resolved that cheques be drawn as follows: 

W. Manners 


house rent 10 9th instant ₤11.5.0 

W. Brown 

9 weeks salary as Ranger to 9th instant ₤9.0.0 

It is resolved that the annual meeting of the Commoners be held at the Nutley Inn on Friday the 15th day of 


188 


It is resolved that the next meeting of the Board be held on the same day immediately after the Commoners’ 

meeting or on such other date as the Chairman may consider necessary. 




notice on the principal door of the church of each of the Parishes and Ecclesiastical Districts into which 

the Forest extends by advertisement in two newspapers circulating in the neighbourhood to wit the 

Sussex Express and the Sussex Daily News at least 14 days before this date and by notice sent by post to 

every Commoner and held at the Nutley Inn, Nutley, on Friday, the 15th day of December, 1911 at 11 

o’clock in the forenoon 

Present 

Mr. G.M. Maryon-Wilson in the chair 



Mr. Wm. Carr 






Mr. A. Turner 

Mr. Martin stated that Mr. Freshfield has requested him to explain that he is compelled to attend an important 

meeting in London to day and regrets his inability to be present at this meeting. 

Chairman 

On the proposition of the Honble. H.B. Portman seconded by Mr. A. Turner, Mr. George Maryon-Wilson was 

chosen Chairman and he having taken the chair the Clerk reads the notice convening the meeting and reports the 

due publication thereof as above mentioned. 

The minutes of the last Annual Meeting of Commoners are there reads and confirmed. 


The Clerk reports that the Conservators who retire by rotation on the 31st instant are Colonel Charles Needham 

and Messrs. William Carr, Llewellyn Midgley and Mark Sandford. 

It is proposed by Mr. Edward Martin and seconded by the Honble. H.B. Portman that Colonel Charles Needham is 


It is proposed by Mr. Joseph Ridley and seconded by Mr. Mark Sandford that Mr. William Carr be re-elected a 

Conservator. 

It is purposed by the Revd. H.J. Peckham and seconded by Mr. Albert Turner that Mr. Llewellyn Midgley be reelected 


The Honble H.B. Portman, in proposing the re-election of Mr. Sandford reminded the Board that he was an old 

co*******, that no more at heart the interest of the Commoners and of these who live on the Forest and that he 

has always given of his best to the work of the Conservancy. Mr. Llewellyn Midgley seconded the nomination 

189 


stating that Mr. Sandford had been a Conservator from the first foundation of the Board, and had, he believed 

never missed a meeting. 

No other nomination being made the Chairman declares the above named four Commoners duly elected as 

Conservators for the ensuring three years. 

The Revd. H.J. Peckham states that it would be very desirable if the track across the Forest from Dodds Bottom 

towards the Nutley School which crosses boggy places could be improved for the benefit of the school children 

who use the track during the winter time. 

The Chairman promising that the matter shall be brought before the Conservators. 

Mr. Llewellyn Midgley in thanking the Meeting for re-electing him promises that, as in the past he shall continue to 

do his best for the good of Commoners and for keeping intact the beautiful Forest. 

Mr. Sanford thanks the meeting for his re-election and congratulates them that matters connected with the Forest 

having now calmed down the Conservators are now able to devote themselves more entirely to the work of the 

Conservancy. 

Mr. Turner also thanks the Commoners for the renewal of their confidence. 

On the proposition of Mr. Sandford seconded by Mr. Turner a hearty vote of thanks is accorded to the Chairman 

for his services. The Chairman in responding assures the meeting that it has been a great pleasure to him to preside 

and that this meeting will always be impressed on his memory on account of the presence of only two 

representatives of the Commoners outside the Conservators which he feels is a strong proof that the Commoners 

are satisfied with the work of the Board. 



Friday the 15th day of December 1911 at 11.45 a.m. 

Present 






Mr. Robert Martin 





Mr. Martin states that Mr. Freshfield is unavoidably prevented attending this meeting by an important engagement 

in London. 


The Clerk produces the Bank Book showing a balance to the credit of account no.1 of ₤45.17.6 and account no. 2 

of ₤52.9.7, and the Protection and Improvement Fund ₤25.9.11. 


190 


To Mr. William Augustus Raper: 

Clerk to the Conservators of Ashdown Forest. 

As Chairman of the Meeting of Commoners duty convened and held this day at the Nutley Inn, Nutley, for the 

purpose of electing four Conservators hearty intimate to you that at such meeting the following Commoners were 

elected Conservators viz: Colonel Charles Needham, Mr. William Carr, Mr. Llewellyn Midgley and Mr. Mark 

Sandford in the place of the four Conservators who retire by rotators on the 31st instant. 



Mr. Sargeaunt road improvement 

The Clerk reports that the licence to Mr. Sargeaunt to improve and maintain the cart track crossing the Forest from 

Fairwarp vicarage to Summerford Farm, which was sanctioned by resolution passed on 4th august last has been 

completed. 

W. Killick engine fire 

The Clerk reports that after the last meeting he wrote to Mr. W. Killick as directed and received a reply that he has 

only one traction engine and that it is fitted with all the latest appliances. 

Southdown Breweries Engine fire 

And that he received a reply dated 13th October last from the Southdown Breweries stating they have given their 

drivers explicit instructions not to take the engines out without the spark catchers with which they are produced; 

and Ranger Brown reports that he ascertained from the driver of the engine which is alleged to have caused the fire 

near Lord Robert Cecil’s property, that the Company immediately after ****** a spark catcher to be fixed to that 

engine. 

Proposed County Council Bye Law to prevent traction engine emitting sparks 

The Chairman reports that pursuant to the resolution passed at the last meeting he communicated with the Clerk to 

the East Sussex County Council with a view to ascertaining whether it would be possible to get a Bye Law made 

requiring traction engine used on public highways to be equipped with appliances to effectually prevent the 

emission of sparks and that the County Clerk communicated on the subject with the Local Government Board 

from whom a reply has been received dated 28th November last stating that it does not appear to the Board that a 

Bye Law dealing with the matter can be made under section 6 of the Locomotive Act 1898. 

It is resolved that the thanks of this Board be accorded to the Chairman for his effort in the matter. 

Pelham deposit 

The Clerk reports that he extended the time for the deposit by Mr. Pelham of building materials on the Forest 

outside the Duddleswell estate to the 9th inst., and Ranger Manners reports all materials have been removed and 

the Forest surface has been made good. 

Job Luxford deposit 

The Clerk reports that after the last meeting he wrote, as directed, to Mr. Job Luxford with reference to his deposit 

of building materials on the Forest outside Greenhall and reads a reply from Mr. Luxford apologising for his 

omission to apply for permission and explaining that the work of covering Mr. Lucas’ well had taken much longer 

than he had anticipated and that he had removed the material practically daily until the end of the job. 

The Forest Row Committee present the following report which is read and it is resolved that it be entered on the 

minutes namely: 

Meeting of the Forest Row Committee held on the 29th of Nov. 1911. Present Mr. Freshfield (in the chair) and 

Messrs. Martin and Midgley and Colonel Needham. 

191 


The damage done by the storm on 18th November to the bridge lately erected by order of the Board over the 

Quabrook and situate between the properties of Mr. Luxford attended the meeting and the Committee produce his 

estimate for repairing and strengthening the bridge which he puts at between ₤4 and ₤5 and they recommend that 

they be authorised to have the work carried out. 

Ladies Golf Club improvement 

A letter dated 4th November from Miss Andrews the Hon. Sec. of the Ladies Golf Club and submitted by the Sec. 

of the R.A.F. Golf Club was read asking permission first to make a new green for the 1st hole as per accompanying 

plan in substitution for the present one and a new tee for the same hole instead of the present one. Secondly to 

make a new tee for the 2nd hole instead of the present one. 

The Committee saw no objection to the proposed alterations made subject to work being carried out under the 

supervision of Mr. Rowe the professional of the Ashdown Forest Golf Club. 

Furze and heath, further cutting or burning 

The question of cutting gorse was discussed. Mr. Freshfield and Mr. Midgley were requested to report what cutting 

should be done in their locality and Col. Needham and Mr. Martin in the parts near Ashdown Place and on the 

north side of the Board leading from Wych Cross to Colemans Hatch and their Committee ask the Board to grant 

them a sum not exceeding ₤25 for the purpose. 

Winkley Smith complaint as to track 

Mr. Martin reported that Mr. Winkley Smith had complained about tradesmen’s carts making a new track over the 

Forest near his house and that this arose in consequence of the Board having allowed Messrs. H. and E. Waters to 

put up two new posts between the houses of Mr. Beadnell and Mrs. Brill. It was suggested that another post placed 

near Mr. W. Smiths would prevent the new track from being further used. The Committee thought that Messrs. 

Waters should be asked to put up a third post at their expense at a spot to be fixed upon by Ranger Brown. 

Repair of road by Ashdown Hotel 

A question was raised as to whether the Board should be asked to contribute towards the repair of the road leading 

from the Ashdown Forest Hotel by the properties of Mr. Harris, Mr. Lucas, and Colonel Lawrence to the Wych 

Cross Road. 

It was decided to postpone the matter until the repairs agreed to be made to the road by the builder who had lately 

cut it up with his trucks had been executed. 

D.W. Freshfield 

It is resolved that the recommendation of the Committee be approved and adopted and that the cost of repairing 

and strengthening the bridge over the Quabrook and of cutting and burning gorse and heather not exceeding the 

amounts mentioned in the reports be paid out of the Protection and Improvement Fund and that the Clerk convey 

to the Secretary of the R.A.F. Golf Club the approval of the Board to the application made on behalf of the Ladies 

Golf Club subject to the work being carried out to the satisfaction of Mr. Rowe. 

Ranger Manners’ resignation 

The Clerk reads a letter he has received from Ranger Manners dated the 15th instant giving notice to terminate his 

engagement as Ranger on the 14th January next. 

The Maresfield Committee present the following reports which is read and it is resolved that it be entered on the 


The Maresfield Committee reports that they have discussed applications received from a large number of 

candidates for the office of Forest Ranger in the place of Wm. Manners and resolved unanimously to ask the Board 

of Conservators to appoint in his place Herbert Kirby of Maresfield. 

192 


Duties of Ranger to include particular attention to the removal of gypsies from the Forest, to superintend and assist 

in making and draining roads and tracks on the Forest and clearing out ditches, to keep a sharp outlook for the 

outbreak of fires and be prepared with assistance to extinguish and to do any other work connected with the Forest 

which the Conservators may require him to do. His salary to be 20/- per week with house rent 5/- per week, his 

engagement to be weekly commencing on the 8th January next and to be terminable by either party four weeks 

previous notice as at present. 

Furze and heath further cutting etc. 

They do not consider it necessary to cut or burn any furze or heath on the Maresfield Committee’s area on the 

Forest during the coming winter. 

Brown’s Brook Road repair progressing 

As to the road from Brown’s Brook to Old Lands Gate, Fairwarp, they report that the work is still in progress, that 

the condition and drainage of the road so far is most satisfactory, that the money provided for the same is not all 

expended and that a full statement of the expenditure will be submitted in due course. 

It is resolved that the recommendations of the Committee be adopted and approved and that Herbert Kirby be 

appointed Ranger in place of Mr. Manners on and from the 3rd January next subject to his signing the agreement 

which the Clerk is to prepare. 

It is also resolved that the thanks of the Board be accorded to the Committee for the great trouble they have taken 

in the matter. 

Mr. R.G. Inns complaint of flooding 

Mr. Sandford states that he has received a complaint from Mr. A.G. Inns that the drainage from the Duddleswell 

main road floods his house and lands at Mount Pleasant, and Mr. Portman who visited the spot this morning 

explains the details. 

Track Dodds Bottom to Nutley school repair 

The Chairman bring forward a request made by the Revd. H.J. Peckham at the meeting of Commoners held this 

morning that the track across the Forest from Dodds Bottom towards the Nutley school which crosses 3 baggy 

places and is used by the children going to and from school may be improved for their benefit. 

It is resolved that the matter be referred to the Maresfield Committee with power to expend not exceeding ₤5 in its 

improvement in the east thereof to be paid out of the Protection and Improvement Fund. 

Captain Banbury complaint as to gypsies 

The Clerk reads a letter dated the 30th October last from Captain Banbury complaining that gypsies were 

encamped on the Forest between his lodge and Wych Cross from the 24th to the 28th October last, and did 

considerable damage to his fence. In reply, Ranger Brown stated that he was unaware of any encampment until 

28th October when he at once visited the spot and found a tent occupied by Mr. Jones whom he cleared off at 

once and learnt from Mr. Mitchell living near that other gypsies camped on the spot on the 24 th . The Clerk 

submitted Ranger Brown’s explanation to Captain Banbury who adhered to his statement. The Ranger explained to 

the Board that certain gypsies camped at Rushy Bottom on the 24th and were ordered off on the 26th by Ranger 

Manners who saw them leave. Ranger Brown found Mrs. Jones there on the 28th but could not tell when she 

arrived. 

It is resolved that the Clerk write to Captain Banbury with these particulars and point out the impossibility of the 

Ranger keeping observation daily on every part of as large an area of the Forest and invite him on any occasion 

when gypsies are found near his property to give immediate intimation to one of the Rangers. 

Gypsies notice beards 

It is resolved that the District Committees be authorised to have notices put up in any spots frequented by gypsies 

that all persons are prohibited from camping on the Forest. 

193 



A letter is read from the Clerk to the County Council applying for permission to take road materials as 

undermentioned from the Forest for repair of their roads during the year ending 31st March 1913, viz: 


Gravel pit near Pippingford, Nutley 

Hardstone and sandstone (from Nutley to Wych 

Cross) 

Gravel pits in the neighbourhood of Forest Gravel from Chuck Hatch to 

Kingstanding 

Kingstanding 

Gravel pits in the neighbourhood of Forest Gravel. Withyham to Friars Gate 50 

Kingstanding 

Fox gravel pit, near Duddleswell Sandstone for kerbing, repairing and 70 

channelling at Crowborough and Hartfield 

The above qualities are 20 yards less than were applied for last year. 

20 

cubic 

yards 

50 

Road materials licence to County Council 

It is resolved that a licence be granted to take the above materials subject to the same terms and conditions as the 

licences granted to the road authorities on 16th December 1899 all digging to be confined to existing pits and no 

new pits to be opened without the consent in writing of this Board first obtained under the hand of this Clerk. 

Foresters’ Association thanks 

The following letter dated the 4th instant from Mr. Jesse Ridley, Hon. Sec. of the Ashdown Forest Commoners’ 

and Foresters’ Protection Association is read and it is resolved that it be entered on the minutes namely: 

White House Farm 

Horney Common 

Uckfield 

Gentlemen 

It is wish much pleasure that I take up my pen to write of the camping of the Territorials on the Forest in August 

last and to tender an appreciation of the great amount of benefit the inhabitants of the Forest and neighbourhood 

derived in ********* ways from the pressure of the camps. 

We had the satisfactory surprise of securing very ******** returns for all dairy and poultry produce as well as of the 

fruit and vegetables and general farm produce. In addition there was plenty of laundry work for those who were 

able and willing to do it. On the other hand I have not heard of any harm whatever being to the Forest or the 

Commoners’ interest. The only thing at fault was the shortness of the time and many of the inhabitants’ lack of 

knowledge of the advantage that accompany the presence of military camp on our Forest. In conclusion I think I 

may safely say that all inhabitants unite in expressing the hope that there will be a return of the camps next year and 

it possible for a treble term. 

I remain 


H. Jesse Ridley 

Fairwarp Recreation Ground damage to 

A letter is read dated the 8th inst from Mr. Jesse Ridley on behalf of residents at Fairwarp, complaining that the 

owners of the Beacon drive across the Fairwarp Recreation Ground over a track which has been gravelled and a 

direction post indicates that this track is the way to the Beacon and that part of the boundary ditch of the Ground 

has been filled in to give access to a motor shed at the Beacon. It is resolved that the complaint be referred to the 

Maresfield Committee for inquiry with power to take such action as they may think advisable. 

194 



The Audit Committee appointed at the last meeting present the following report which is read and it is resolved 

that it he entered on the minutes, viz: 


We have examined (1) the General Account (2) the Second Ranger Account and (3) the Account of the Protection 

and Improvement Fund each for the year 1911. We have checked the balances brought forward from last year and 

the various receipts and have compared the payments charged to each account with the vouchers for same and the 

casting of each account and paid them all correct and we recommend that the following cheques be drawn to close 

the account for the year. 

Account no.1 The Clerk 

½ years salary to 31st December inst. ₤50.0.0 

Disbursements on General Accounts 

during year ₤25.13.8 

Manners W. 12 week salary and 

house rent to 1st January 1912 £15.0.0 

Account no.2 The Clerk 

Disbursements on 2nd Ranger Account £1.12.5 

Brown Wm. 12 weeks salary as Second 

Ranger to 1st January 1912. £12.0.0 

Protection & The Clerk 

Improvement Fund Disbursements £0.11.5 

The balances standing today to the credit of the following accounts before the above mentioned cheques are paid 

are, to the General Account ₤45.17.0, to the 2nd Ranger Account ₤52.9.7, and to the Production and Improvement 

Fund ₤25.9.11; after the above mentioned cheque have been drawn and passed through the banks the several 

accounts will stand as follows: General Account overdrawn by ₤44.16.2, 2nd Ranger Account in credit ₤38.17.2, 

Protection and Improvement Account in credit ₤24.18.6. 

In addition, the sum of ₤59.15.4 Consols represent the investment of part of the Protection and Improvement 

Fund on the 25th inst., a half year’s acknowledgement will be due from the R.A.F. Golf Club amounting to ₤31.5.0. 

Dated this 14th day of December 1911. 

H.B. Portman 

A. Turner 

Mark Sandford 

It is resolved that the report and recommendations of the Committee be approved and adopted and that the 

accounts be signed by the Chairman and that cheques be drawn as recommended. 

Also that a hearty vote of thanks of the roared be accorded to the Committee for their services. 

Rate 

The Clerk having reported that the funds in hand will be executed by payment of the current liabilities and having 

produced on estimate of the annual expenses. It is proposed by Mr. Albert Turner, seconded by Mr. Llewellyn 

Midgley and unanimously resolved that a rate be made for repaying the expense of the Conservators in the 

execution of their duties under the Award made under the provisions of the Enclosure Acts 1845-1878 and the 

Commons Regulation (Ashdown Forest) Provisional Order Confirmation Act 1885 to be levied upon the respective 

owners of the rights of common upon the Forest at the rate of 6d. per acre in respect of the acreage of their 

respective lands to which such rights attach which Commoners and their respective acreages aforesaid and the 

respective sums payable by them are hereafter set out viz: 

195 



£ s d 



Esq. 




decd. Repres. 


Ashdown, Mr. Ivy Cottage, Friars Gate, Withyham (late 1 ½ 0 1 0 

Thomas 

Avis) 

Avis, Mrs 


1 ½ 0 1 0 

Sarah A. 

Withyham 




Messrs. 

Barralet, Mrs. The Laurels, Nutley ¾ 0 0 6 

Phoebe 




Bedwell, Mr. Charles Nutley, Uckfield 

0:2:29 0 5 0 

Ditto (late Jas Turner) 

8:2:0 




Eliz. 




Repres. Of 

Birch, Francis Esq. Old End, Forest Row, Sussex (late 41 1 3 0 

Maynard’s) 

5 


Essex 


Hon. Lord 


Lady 


William 


John. 




Champneys, Dr. Littlemead, Nutley, Uckfield 7:3:0 0 4 0 

Frank 


196 



133:3:15 3 7 0 

Mrs. 



56:2:0 1 0 0 

Stephenson 33 Poultry London 


Colchester The Rt. c/o E.P. Whitley, Hughes, East Grinstead 213 5 6 6 

Hon. Lord 


S. 



Cooper, Ernest Esq. C/o Turner Rudge & Turner, East 140 3 10 0 

Grinstead 






Hon. Muriel, 

Countess 

Darwin, Major Cripps Corner, Forest Row 

80 ½ 0 17 6 

Leonard Rob. Ditto (late Timothy J. Ridley) 

3 


Hon. Muriel, 

Countess 

Dodge Miss Mary C/o J.G. Burroughs, 72 Victoria Street, 11:1:30 0 6 0 

Hoadley 

Westminster, SW 



Henry Physick Esq. 


Ellis, The Honble Portland Place, London W (late Birch) 3 0 1 6 

Evelyn 



2½ 0 1 3 

Uckfield 


Freeland, Mr. P.H. Nutley, Uckfield (late Joseph Stevenson) 1:3:0 0 1 0 

Freshfield, Douglas Wych Cross House, Forest Row 196:2:37 4 18 6 

Fuller Miss 


Millicent 

Funnell, Mr. Gorses Farm, Birch Grove, East Grinstead 9:3:23 0 5 0 

Frederick 



Humphrey 

Gasson, Mr. Thomas Chelwood Gate, Dane Hill, Uckfield 0:2:32 0 0 6 

Gilbert 

William Esq. 

C/o Messrs. Norton Trist & Gilbert, 79 

Queen St., 

40 1 0 0 

Goard Mrs. Phillipa. 

Philcox 

Cheapside E.C. 

The Green, Forest Row, East Grinstead 2 ¾ 0 1 6 

197 


Goldsmiths’ Goldsmith’s Hall London E.C. 117:3:14 2 19 0 

Company 





Emily 



Hardy, Guy. C. C/o Major P.H. Crawford, The Cottage, 311 ½ 7 16 0 




Eliza 









Crowborough 


Hollamby, Mr. W. (late Keys) 0:0:16 0 0 6 

Hollamby, Mr. J. (late Keys) 0:0:11 0 0 6 



Esq. 


G. Esq. 



George 

Johnston, W. Claude Broadstone, Colemans Hatch, Sussex (late 21 0 10 6 

Keeys, Mr. Richard Hartfield, Tunbridge Wells(late Lurking) 4:1:0 0 2 6 



Hercules 


Spencer 


Lambert, G.N. 44 Ellerby St., Fulham (late Wickens) 7 0 3 6 


Enoch 


Grinstead 


Fielder 



198 


Macmillan, Maurice Birch Grove Lodge, nr. East Grinstead 13 0 6 6 

Esq. 


Esq. 


Thomas 


5 0 2 6 

Thomas 

Maresfield, Uckfield 








May, Mr. Frank Dane Hill, Uckfield 

12 0 8 0 

Ditto (Yew Tree Farm, late Jas. Waters) 3:3:26 

McAndrew, John Holly Hill, Hartfield, Tunbridge Wells 196 4 19 0 

Esq. J.P. 

(late Wm. Adams) 

3 


Meyrick, The Revd. Ashdown, Hartfield (late A.H. Clough) 4 0 2 0 

A. 




Munster, His Maresfield Park, Uckfield 2402:3:23 60 1 6 

Highness Prince 


Funnell) 


Norman, Mr. Henry Fairwarp, Maresfield, Uckfield 6 0 3 0 



G.R.C. 


Osborne, Mr. Albert The Plough, Splains Green, Fletching, 0:3:15 0 0 6 

Uckfield 

Osborne, Mr. Annwood Farm, Fletching 2 ½ 0 1 6 

George 



Ann 

Osborne, Mr. Foresters Arms, Fairwarp, Uckfield, late Jas 14:2:0 0 7 6 


15:2:18 0 8 0 


Osborne, Mr. May Garland Hotel, Horsham Road, Sussex 17 0 8 6 

Thomas and Harriet 

his wife 


Thomas 



199 







Gertrude 

Plevins, G.S. Esq. Broadstone, Forest Row, Sussex (late Grice) 3:3:20 0 2 0 


Henry 







Rose (H.J.) 

Maresfield 

Robinson, Mr. Ashdown Forest Hotel, Forest Row 0:0:31 0 0 6 

Joseph 

Sadlier, Mrs. 

C/o Messrs. Turner, Rudge & Turner, East 

Grinstead 


12 Hill Street, Mayfair, London W (admitted 

73:1:27 4 12 6 

Samuel Stuart M. 

5:1:29 

Esq. M.P. 

3 June 1909) 







Soames, Arthur 


Shoebridge, Mr. 

Thomas 

Shoebridge, Mr. 


Southdown & East 


Ltd. 

Sheffield Park, Fletching, Uckfield 946 23 13 0 

Nutley, Uckfield 11:0:37 0 6 0 

Nutley, Uckfield 2 0 1 0 

Lewes 4:2:30 0 2 6 


Grinstead 

Stevenson, Mrs. Collinsford, Danehill 5 ½ 0 3 0 

Mary Ann 


240 6 0 0 

Lewes 



Ltd 


Clara 


200 




Thomas, G.H. Oakcroft, Hartfield, Tunbridge Wells (late 1:1:20 0 1 0 

Keeys) 





Clough) 


Reginald. 





Row 







James 


Wickens Mr. J.W. Dane Hill, Uckfield 12 0 6 0 



Snr. 




Maryon Esq. 


Wood, Mr. Ephraim Duddleswell, Uckfield 

0:0:39 0 5 6 

Ditto (part late Keeys) 

9:3:17 



Wood, Mr. Thomas The Hollies, Bennett Park, Blackheath, Kent 30 ¾ 0 15 6 

Daynes 

Wood, Mr. Charles 


C/o A, Turner Esq., The Limes, Nutley 12 0 6 0 




23 0 11 6 

201 


Wm. Markwick 

Ranger Manners reports that on 2nd December he found William Markwick of Duddleswell had grubbed a portion 

of the hedge round has plot near the Fox and was building sheds projecting 3 feet outside the stem of the hedge. It 

is resolved that it be referred to the Maresfield Committee to investigate. 

Shovelstrode Manor taking litter 

Ranger Brown reports that on the 25th November last two wagon loads of Forest litter, cut by one Simmons were 

taken to Shovelstrode Manor, the property of Lord Howard de Walden whose name does not appear on the list of 

Commoners. It is resolved that the matter be referred to the Clerk to investigate and report thereon. 

Long heath applications for 

The following letter is read, namely: 

The Rough 


Dear Sir, 

Just a line to say that Mr. Swift at Perry Hill Farm, Mr. Smith of Tye Farm, Mr. Crowhurst at Pounds Farm, Mr. 

Ashby Lodgefield Farm have had Forest litter for years but as they cannot have it as they have done before they 

wanted me to ask you if they could have coarse letter by paying the same as Mr. Uridge and if you would kindly find 

out let me know I should be much satisfied to you. 

Yours truly 

John Divall 

It is resolved that the Clerk inform the parties named that the Board have no objection to them taking long heath 

on the same terms as arranged with Mr. Uridge 

Heath for thatching 

The Clerk states that since the last meeting he has been referred to on behalf of Mr. A.H. Clough one of the 

Commoners on the following point. Some months age Mr. Clough had a quality of heath from the Forest for 

thatching an ancient barn on one of the properties entitled to rights on the Forest, the Lord has subsequently sent 

him a claim for payment of 4d. per bundle for some 400 bundles of heath taken. Mr. Clough’s bailiff replied that 

the heath was used for repairing a tenement and that right was expressly admitted in the litigation between the 

Commoners and the last Lord De La Warr, the Reeve replied that the Commoners have only the right to pasture 

and litter, and that the heather belongs to the Lord. 

The Clerk informed Mr. Clough that the judgement in Hale v De La Warr, declared that the Commoners are 

entitled (inter alia) to cut and carry away heather for repairing, maintaining and amending their respective 

tenements. 

Cheques 

The following cheques were then agreed pursuant to the recommendation of the Audit Committee, viz: 

The Clerk salary £50-0-0 

The Clerk disbursements Acct no. 1 £25-18-8 

The Clerk disbursements Acct no. 2 £1-12-5 

W. Manners salary etc. £15-0-0 

W. Brown salary etc. £12-0-0 

The Clerk disbursements Protection & 

Improvement Fund £0-11-5 

It is resolved that the next meeting of the meeting of the Board be held on Friday 23rd February next at 2.30 p.m. 

or on such other day as the Chairman may consider necessary. 

202 


A cordial vote of thanks was passed to the Chairman for his increase during the past year. 




Friday the 23rd February 1912 at 2.30 p.m. 

Present 










Chairman election of 

The first business being the election of the Chairman of the Board for the current year, Mr. Midgley states that on a 

previous occasion he proposed another member of the Board for the post of Chairman, but that Mr. Geo M. 

Maryon-Wilson has shown such a keen interest in the Forest and has undertaken such an amount of work for the 

good of all concerned that he desires to propose his re-election as Chairman of the Board for the current year. The 

proposition having been seconded by Mr. Portman, it is unanimously resolved that Mr. Geo. M. Maryon-Wilson be 

re-elected Chairman of the Board for the current year. 

Mr. Maryon Wilson having taken the chair expresses his thanks to Mr. Midgley for the cordial terms in which he 

proposes his name and to the Board for re-electing him as their Chairman for the 13th year in succession and 

assures the Board that it will be his endeavour to continue to discharge the details of the office with impartiality and 

diligence he reviewing the work of the past year he refers to the fact that only two Commoners other than member 

of the Board attended the annual meeting of the Commoners held in December last, a record event, and matter for 

congratulation from which they are justified in informing that their administration of the Forest during the past year 

has been satisfactory to the general body of Commoners and induces the hope that the time may come when they 

will be able to dispense with a Second ranger and apply the cost of his salary towards improving the Forest. 

Mr. Freshfield points out that the expenses of the 2 nd Ranger are met out of a special subscription raised for the 

purpose. 

The Chairman replies that he had not overlooked this fact, but believes that if a 2 nd can be dispensed with the 

subscribers to that fund can be successfully appealed to subscribe for other purposes beneficial to the Forest. 

The Minutes of the last meeting are then read and confirmed. 

The Clerk lays on the table a print of the Balance Sheet of the General Account for the year 1911 and reports that a 

copy has been sent out by post to each Commoner. 

It is Resolved that Messrs. Freshfield, Martin and Midgley and Colonel Needham be and are hereby appointed a 

Committee for the Forest Row district for the current year. 

Also that Mr. Portman and Messrs. Carr, Kenward, Sandford and Turner be and are hereby appointed a Committee 

for the Maresfield district for the current year. 

203 


Also that the Chairman, Mr. Freshfield and Mr. Portman be and are hereby re-elected a Committee to deal with all 

matters connected with Forest Fires. 

The Clerk reports that the Rate made at the last meeting was approved by the Board of Agriculture and Fisheries on 

the 22 nd December last, and is being collected. 

Also that he has collected the Acknowledgements for Licences due on the 1 st 


inst. and paid them into the 

He also produces the Bank Books showing balances to the order of the various Accounts as follows: 

General Account £106.5.5 

Second Ranger Account £40.19.2 

Protection & Improvement Fund £51.14.11 

He also reports that Ranger Herbert Kirby has signed the agreement setting out the terms of his appointment and 

produces this agreement which is read and it is Resolved that the Chairman do sign the same in token of 

confirmation by the Board. 

The Maresfield Committee present the following report which is read and it is resolved that it be entered on the 

minutes, namely: 

This Committee met on Tuesday Jany. 23 rd 1912 on the Forest near the Fairwarp Vicarage. Present Mr. Portman, 

Chairman, Messrs. Turner and Sandford. 

The Committee inspected the road from Old Lands Gate to Browns Brook which has recently been repaired under 

their supervision. They were quite satisfied with the condition of the road bearing in mind the long continues wet 

weather. The ranger was instructed to have hard stone dug to put upon the road as soon as the water in the stone 

pits has dried up sufficiently. 

Attention of the Committee was drawn to a small shed recently erected by Widow Hobbs adjoining her holding at 

Pains Hill. 

Also to one erected by Mrs. Gorringe near Old Lands Gate. The Committee suggest that if these sheds are allowed 

to remain, a written undertaking must be given by the respective owners of the adjoining plots to remove them 

when called upon to do so by the Board of Conservators. 

The Committee inspected the foot road which the Board at their last meeting ordered to be repaired leading from 

Dodds Bottom to Nutley and is much used by children going to school and they expressed their approval of what 

had been done, cost being £6.5.0. 

A considerable area of tall furze bushes were pointed out to the Committee which is a source of danger to several 

cottages near Nutley. The Committee gave instruction that as much as possible should be cut immediately and that 

the Board be asked to sanction the outlay, Mr. Portman kindly promising to guarantee the cost until voted by the 

Conservators about £10. 

The Committee found that an expenditure of about £10 is urgently needed to make good the road on each side of 

the new bridge recently erected by them near the rough ground at Nutley. 

A footbridge and hand rail (oak) is required at Dodds Bottom for children attending the Nutley Schools. 

204 


As to the old Fairwarp Recreation Ground the Committee do not recommend the erection of a new fence they 

consider that if the four corner posts are restored showing the boundary it will be sufficient and possibly a small 

trench to prevent carts crossing the cricket pitch might be useful. 

Mr. Portman and Mr. Turner on the 26 th Jany 1912 visited Mr. Inn’s holding at Fairwarp. 

It was found that small pools in old water courses had been dug and dammed at Markwick’s an Chapman’s 

holdings for cooking an washing purposes and also for drinking by cattle and tramps horses which in very wet 

weather overflowed into Mr. Inn’s house and garden no doubt purposely. 

These should be looked to in wet weather and kept running in the proper channel by the Ranger. The Committee 

also present the following memorandum received from Ranger Kirby. 

The stone pit at the end of new road Pound Gate is very dangerous, no fence round it, and it is about 12 to 14 ft 

deep. I have made enquiries as to who dug there last, but cannot find out. 

Mrs. Henry Chapman of Fairwarp said the gipsies are a nuisance to her, as they play pitch half penny on the Forest 

just outside of her house on Sunday and use obscene language which is the right way to Mr. Inn’s place, where the 

gipsies are, as they go over the Forest out Fairwarp way and people tell me the right way in to these places is above 

the School from the main road. 

The Ranger also reported the follows as regards gipsies pulling up at Mr. A.G. Inn’s property. 

Date 1912 Horses turned carts standing 

on Forest 

on Forest 

January 27th 3 horses 1 cart 

January 29 th 3 horses 2 carts 

February 3rd 4 horses 3 carts 

February 12th 3 horses 2 carts 



February 20th 6 Horses 3 carts 

Stone Pit 

The Committee recommend that they be authorised to purchase a few poles to fence above Stone Pit at a cost of 

about 10/- 

New watercourse 

The Committee recommends that the Ranger be instructed to clean out the watercourse to Fairwarp from 

Markwick’s house passing Chapman’s cottage plot to carry water beyond Mr. Inn’s frontage. 

Mr. Inns was requested to attend at Nutley at 3.30 p.m. on the 23rd February. 

Gravel hole near Fairwarp Vicarage 

Mr. Nicholson was asked to have the fence repaired and he had drawn Mr. Hudson’s attention to the same. 

Ranger’s bicycle 

The Ranger’s bicycle being apparently quite worn out it is suggested that a new one be purchased. Mr. Lloyd of 

Lewes can supply a Rover bicycle with Dunlop tyres for £6-18-0 and will give as much as he can for the old 

machine possibly about one pound. 

205 


Ranger’s tools 

As the new Ranger will do certain work on the Forest the Committee suggests that proper tools be purchased for 

his use which will be the property of the Conservators. 

H.B. Portman 

July 28 

Sheds on Forest 

It is resolved that the report be approved. That as regards the sheds erected by Mrs. Hobbs and Mrs. Gorringe, 

the Board will not require them to remove them at present provided they give written undertaking to remove them 

and restore the Forest surface whenever required by the Board, and until as required do each pay to the Board 1d. 

per annum, by way of acknowledgement of such undertaking. 

Also that the grant to the Committee for repair of the footpath from Dodds Bottom to Nutley school be increased 

to £6.5.0, and that they be authorised to expend a sum not exceeding £5 in erecting an oak foot bridge and rail to 

carry the footpath over the stream at Dodds Bottom. 

Also not exceeding £10 in cutting furze bushes as proposed. 

Also not exceeding £10 in making good the road on each side of the new bridge near Rough Ground, Nutley. 

Also not exceeding £1 in providing tools for the use for of Ranger Kirby. 

Also that the Maresfield Committee be authorised to restore the posts at the corners of the Fairwarp Recreation 

Ground, and to cut a track where they deem necessary, to prevent carts accessing the cricket pitch the cost to come 

out of the general account No. 1. 

Also that the Chairman be requested to procure from Messrs. Floyd of Lewes, a new bicycle for the use of Ranger 

Kirby, the estimate for which is £6:18:0, and to obtain an allowance for the old bicycle, the net cost to be paid out 

of the General Account No 1. 

A.G. Inns flooding 

Also it is resolved that Ranger Kirby do remove all obstruction in the watercourse which floods Mr. A.G. Inns 

property and see that the watercourse is afterwards kept clear, and that the Clerk write to Alfred Chapman and Mr. 

A Chapman of Fairwarp, stating that in consequence of the flooding of Mr. Inn’s property the above directions 

have been given, and that the Board will feel it their duty to prosecute any person who may hereafter obstruct the 

water course, for a breach of Bye Laws. 

Mr. A.G. Inns attends before the Board and is informed of the instructions given with regard to the watercourse. 

A.G. Inns gypsies vans & horses 

The Board then draws the attention of Mr. Inns to the number of gypsies carts standing on the Forest outside his 

holding, and the number of horses turned out on the Forest by gypsies who make his places their rendezvous, but 

he disclaims any responsibility. 

It is resolved that the Clerk consider what remedy the Conservators have, and against who, and report to the next 

meeting with authority, subject to the Chairman’s approval, to obtain the opinion of Counsel on the subject at a fee 

not exceeding three guineas. 

The Forest Row Committee present the following report, which is read, and it is resolved that it be entered on the 


The application made by Mr. Adency to make good and metal the old timber track that leads past his new house 

into the Warrens as far as his gate, has been considered by the Committee two of whom have visited the spot. They 

are of opinion that having regard to the traffic inevitable to a gentleman’s residence, it is advisable in the interest of 

206 


the Commoners as well as of the applicant, that leave should be granted (on conditions) to make good a road as 

asked, such road, if made along the hedge, and of a proper width, would preserve the surface of the Forest from 

being cut up [into] varying tracks. It should follow a line to be marked out by the Ranger, and not exceed 8 feet in 

width, the total length of road would be above 250 yards. It appears to the Committee that having regard to the 

licences granted to Mr Samuel of the Vetchery and others, it would not be consistent with the Board’s recent action 

in parallel cases to refuse to grant such a road. 

The Committee have through its members gone over the parts of the Forest between Colemans Hatch and the high 

road from Forest Row to Wych Cross, and the roads to Nutley and Chelwood Gate as far as their boundary with a 

view for determining where high gorse should be cut by lanes for fire protection. They have arranged with Mr. 

Luxford in previous years to take a good deal of the gorse cut. 

It may be advantageous in places to burn patches of overgrown heather, where a purchase is not forthcoming, but 

it is useless to burn high gorse as the unsightly black stems remain and are more trouble to get rid of than the green 

stuff. 

The repairs to the bridge on the golf links have been postponed until the water goes down. The bridge has suffered 

no further damage and is serviceable. 

Mr. W.H. Adency licences for road 

It is resolved that a lines be granted to Mr. W. H. Adency to make and maintain a road as recommended by the 

Committee, subject to the usual conditions and to the payments of yearly acknowledgements of 10/- each to the 

Lord and the Conservators, the cost of the licence to be paid by Mr Adency. 

Hurd Bros damage to road 

The Forest Row Committee have reported that Messrs. Hurd Bros. of Lingfield, who have been carrying our 

building operations [blank] have not carried out their undertaking to reinstate the road past property which has 

been badly out up by the cartage. 

It is resolved that the Clerk writes to them and requires them to fulfil their undertaking. 

R.A.F. Golf Club gas and water pipes 

The R.A.F. Golf Club having made application for permission to lay gas and water pipes under the Forest from the 

end of Chapel Lane to their Club House, and submitted a plan of the proposed route. 

It is resolved that the application be referred to the Forest Row Committee with power (if they think fit) to 

authorise the Clerk 

Bye law board Pound Gate 

The Clerk reports that the Bye Law board and post at the Pound Gate end of the new road were pulled up during 

the Xmas holidays and thrown into a pond fifty yards away. Ranger Manners was unable to trace the perpetrator, 

but re-erected the board in a manner which will prevent it being easily pulled up again 

Wm. Simmons cut holly tree 

Ranger Brown reports that on the 20th December last he saw William Simmons of Frogs Hole Cottage, Legs Heath 

Farm, cut down a small holly tree on the Forest, and reported the fact to the Lord’s solicitor, Mr. Nicholson, of 

Lewes. 

S. Winkley Smith Seat erected 

Also that on 1st January last he found a seat had been erected by Mr Winkley Smith on the Forest on the NE side 

of Mr. Waltham’s property. The Clerk wrote to Mr Smith, calling on him to remove it, which he had. 

207 


Mr Winkley Smith road 

Mr Winkley Smith, having asked for permission to lay sleepers on the Forest outside his property to enable him to 

get his motor in and out of his motor house, it is resolved that the application be referred to the Forest Row 

Committee, with power to act. 

Cheques 

It is resolved that cheques to drawn as follows 

W. Manners 2 weeks’ salary as Ranger 

and house rent to 15th January £2.10.0 

Herbert Kirby. 7 weeks’ salary as Ranger and 

house rent to 26th inst. £8.15.0 

W. Brown 8 weeks’ salary as Ranger to 26th 

inst. £8.0.0 

It is resolved that the next meeting to held on Friday the 17th May at 2.30 p.m. or on such other day as the 




Chairman 



Present 

Geo Mr Maryon-Wilson in the chair 


Mr James Card 

Mr William Carr 

Mr D.W. Freshfield 

Mr Robert Kenward 

Mr Edward Martin 

Mr Ll. Midgley 

Mr Joseph Ridley 

Mr Mark Sandford 

Mr Sandford stakes that Mr Albert Turner is prevented by indisposition from being present. 

The minutes of the last meeting are read and confirmed the Clerk produces the Bank Book showing balance to the 

credit of the various accounts as follows:- 


2nd Ranger Account £82.19.2 


Forest fires 

The Clerk states that rises the last meeting he has received reports from the two Rangers of numerous fires, viz:- 

Ranger Kirby reports: 

March 31 3 p.m. Nr. Gipsy Camp, Fairwarp ½ acre 

April 31 evening Nr Pippingford 10 rods 

208 


April 3 2 p.m. Nutley Bank (children) ¼ acre 

April 12 4-4.45 p.m. Nr. Vetchery 

April 12 5.15 p.m. Nr. Pippingford 30 rods 

April 13 6 p.m. at Pound Gate Hill 1 acre 

April 14 3 p.m.. at Nr. Vetchery 3 rods 

April 14 3 p.m. Nr. Spring Gardens 25 rods 

April 14 6 p.m. Nr. The Toll 5 rods 

April 14 6.30 p.m. Nr. Lisburn ¼ acres 

April 15 8.30 p.m. on Paines Hill 8 rods 

April 16 7.45 p.m. Iron Nutley Bank 20 rods 

April 16 8 p.m. Nr. Lisburn ¼ acre 

April 17 8 p.m. At Paines Hill 20 rods 

April 18 6.30 p.m. At Mill Brook 15 rods 

April 19 8.30 p.m. Nr. Stone Hill 10 rods 

April 19 8 p.m. At the Toll 10 rods 

April 20 5 p.m. Nr. Old Lodge ¼ acres 

April 22 4.30 p.m. Nr. Gipsy Camp, Fairwarp 6 rods 

April 26 8 p.m. Nr. Lisburn 12 rods 

April 27 7 a.m. At Stones Hill 25 rods 

April 27 10 p.m. At Marlpit 20 rods 

April 28 Noon Nr. Rushy Bottom Big 

April 28 7 a.m. Nr. Stone Hill 9 rods 

May 1 7 a.m. Nr. Pippingford 30 rods 

May 1 noon Nr. Old Lodge 5 rods 

May 2 1.30 p.m. Nr. Hole Farm 2 rods 

May 2 1.30 p.m. Nr. The Old Fox 2 rods 

May 5 7.30 p.m. Gipsy camp at Fairwarp 7 rods 

May 16 6.30 p.m. Two fires at Mill Brook 25 rods 


March 2 7.15 p.m. Nr. Little Claypits 

(Harding’s) 

2 rods 

March 24 7.15 p.m. Ditto 1 acre 

March 31 5.30 p.m. West side Vetchery Road 20 rods 

April 6 8.30 p.m. On Countess De La Warr’s 

property 

1 acre 

April 7 East Side Vetchery Road 1 rod 

April 11 3 p.m. Close to Highway nr. Isle 

of Thorns Farm 

1½ rods 

April 12 4 p.m. West side Vetchery Road 30 rods 

April 16 

Above Great Furnace Farm 

(Philcox) 

½ acre 

April 18 12-10 p.m. Back of Ridge Mission Room ½ acre 

April 21 9.15 p.m. Nr. Great Furnace Farm 20 rods 

April 21 9.15 p.m. West side Cricket Ground 20 rods 

April 22 5.30 p.m. West side Great Furnace Farm 10 rods 

April 22 8.50 p.m. Nr. Ashdown Park wood 30 rods 

April 22 8.50 p.m. Above Furnace Farm house 1 rod 

April 22 8.50 p.m. East side ridge laundry 10 rods 

April 22 8.50 p.m. 2 fires between ditto 

and highway 

60 rods 

April 23 7.00 p.m. 2 fires near Ashdown Park 

wood 

15 rods 

209 


April 24 12.30 p.m. Between Chelwood Gate and 

Birch Grove Lodge close 

to highway 

15 rods 

April 28 11.50 a.m. 2 Fires at Rushy Bottom 50 acres 

April 28 8 p.m. Between Chelwood Gate and 

Birch Grove Lodge 18 rods 

April 28 8 p.m. Close to Ashdown Park wood ¾ acres 

April 28 4 p.m. 2 fires in Prest Ridge 

Warren 

1¼ acres 

April 28 6 p.m. Nr. road Chuck Hatch to 

Wrens Warren 

¼ acres 

April 28 11 p.m. Nr. Moon Cottage Jumpers Town 2 rods 

April 28 10.30 p.m. Opposite Birch Grove Lodge 1 rod 

April 28 11 p.m. North of road Wych Cross to 

Goat 

10 rods 

May 1 2.45 p.m. Nr. Wych Cross ½ acre 

May 1 7.15 p.m. Nr. Furnace Farm 2 rods 

May 8 8.40 p.m. Wych Cross clump (tin found) 4 rods 

May 6 10.40 p.m. Jumpers Town 2 rods 

Mr. Freshfield states that about the middle of April there were a number of fires in the vicinity of the Colemans 

Hatch Cricket Ground and that it had been suggested that these fires were lighted in order to find lost cricket balls, 

but that Mr. Spean, the Captain of the Cricket Club had written to him repudiating the suggestion and stating that 

the Club were anxious to do all they could to prevent fires. Mr. Spear is Bailiff to Mr John Mr Andrew, and 

mentioned that when putting out a fire he was threatened with a stick by a certain Commoner, who said if the fires 

were extinguished again Mr. McAndrew’s ricks would be fired. He (Mr. Freshfield) had expressed his view very fully 

in a letter he had written to the East Grinstead gazette. It was perfectly clear many of the fires were deliberately 

kindled, one had been started in Lady De La Warr’s private property the evening she returned home, and fires had 

also occurred in his (Mr. Freshfield’s) Prest Ridge Warren. 

After careful consideration of the matter it is resolved that the consequence of the numerous and dangerous fires 

which has occurred this spring the Board for the protection of the Forest and in the interest of the Commoners and 

inhabitants generally do adopt a scheme of cutting large lanes so as to divide the undergrowth into blocks, and to 

meet the considerable expenses which this will entail the money which the Board had decided to apply to the repair 

of bridges and tracks and to other useful improvements will have to be diverted to this object. 

It is also resolved that the Clerk obtain from the Lord a confirmation of the authority given by him some years ago 

to the Conservators to cut wide strips of litter and undergrowth, and if necessary to burn big gorse and heather 

where they deem if necessary for preventing future fires from sweeping the Forest. 

Also that on such confirmation being obtained, the District Committees be empowered to give effect to the above 

resolution, and for that purpose to expend from time to time such sums as they may in their discretion consider 

necessary out of the Protection and Improvement Fund. 

It is also resolved that Mr. Portman settle with the Clerk a letter to be addressed to the motor newspapers, drawing 

attention to the Bye laws against fire, and cautioning materials against throwing lighted matches, cigarettes or any 

dangerous substance on the Forest, or doing any other act likely to cause a fire. 

S.H. Hart Forest fires 

The Clerk reports that on 9th April last Ranger Brown informed him that a party on Easter Sunday with a motor 

car no. LA 6687 drew up at the side of Mr Samuel’s road, and the party alighted and made tea on the Forest. As 

soon as he heard of it he proceeded to the spot shortly after they had left and found the peat was burning. The 

Clerk ascertained that the motor car belonged to Mr. G.R. Westrip of Dulwich and wrote to him on the subject. He 

afterwards ascertained that the wrong number had been reported to him, and that the car was no 8687 belonging to 

210 


Mr. S.H. Hart also of Dulwich. He accordingly wrote to Mr. Hart and gave him the choice of being prosecuted or 

of paying the fine of 40/-. Mr. Hart paid the fine, which has been paid into the General Account. 

The Clerk states he received every assistance from the Automobile Association, and has supplied them with a 

mounted broadside of the Bye Laws for exhibition on their premises, drawing particular attention to the Bye Law 

relating to lighting fires on the Forest. 

Mrs. Gorringe shed 

The Ranger reports that Mrs Gorringe signed the undertaking to remove her shed from the Forest when required, 

and to pay one penny for annual acknowledgement. 

Mrs. Hobbs shed 

But that Mrs Hobbs refused to do so. Ranger Kirby having given an account of his interview with Mrs. Hobbs. It is 

resolved that the Clerk give her notice that she must either sign the undertaking, pay the acknowledgement, or else 

remove her shed within seven days from the receipt of his letter, and that on her failing to comply, the Ranger do 

cause the shed to be removed from the Forest. 

Sandpit Fairwarp fenced 

The sand pit near Fairwarp vicarage not having been fenced, it is resolved that the Clerk write again to the Clerk to 

the County Council requesting compliance with his previous letter. 

Ranger Kirby new bicycle 

The Chairman reports that he purchased as requested a satisfactory second hand bicycle for Ranger Kirby from 

Lloyd and Son at a cost of £8.10.0, and that they allowed £1.5.0, for the old bicycle. 

It is resolved that the Chairman be thanked for his services. 

Mr Adeney licence for road 

The Clerk reports that the licence authorised at the last meeting to be granted to Mr W.F. Adeney for a road has 

been completed in the name of Mrs. Mary Jane Adeney, his wife, as he ascertained that she is the owner of the 

property, and he produces the counterpart licence signed by her. 

Hurd Bros. damage to road 

The Clerk reports that he wrote to Messrs. Hurd Bros. after the last meeting, requiring them to fulfil their 

undertaking, but had no reply. Mr. Martin reports that Mr. Henry Percy Harris M.P. has done some work to the 

road in question but that Messrs. Hurd have done nothing. 

It is resolved that the Clerk write them for a reply and inquires what steps they have taken in pursuance of his 

previous letter. 

R.A.F. Golf Club Licence for gas and water pipes 

The Clerk reports that the Forest Row Committee instructed him to grant a licence to the R.A.F. Golf Club to lay 

and maintain gas and water pipes to their Club house, and that he prepared the same accordingly, and forwarded 

the counterpart to the Secretary of the Club on 10th April last for the signature of the three Trustees, but has heard 

nothing further. 

F. Pilbeam trespass 

The Clerk states that on 6th March he received from Ranger Kirby a report that Mr F. Pilbeam of Greenhill 

nursery, Nutley, had dug a drain on the Forest and cut down the bank in order to drive carts into his premises, he 

on the 6th March forwarded the report to Mr. Albert Turner, that immediately after he received from Mr. Pilbeam a 

letter asking permission to cart materials to his entrance, and that on Mr. Turner’s instruction he wrote to Mr. 

Pilbeam giving him permission to cart building materials for the cottage on condition and warning him that he must 

not again interfere with the surface without first obtaining permission from the Conservators, who are always ready 

to grant a reasonable request otherwise it would be necessary to prosecute him for a branch of the Bye laws. 

211 


Ranger Brown having reported early on March to Mr. Freshfield that some man had collected sphagnum moss 

from the Forest and loaded a truck with it at West Hoathly station, Mr. Freshfield communicated with the Clerk, 

and after referring to Bye Law 10 they came to the conclusion that sphagnum moss is not covered by it. 

Mr. Warden, Mr. Budgen safety zone 

The Clerk reports that Mr. Warden of Netherfield, Crowborough, and Mr. Budgen of Marlpit, Nutley, having 

applied to him for permission to cut a strip of undergrowth round their boundaries to protect them from Forest 

fires. He wrote to them on 3rd and 7th April respectively giving permission to cut not exceeding 18 feet in width on 

condition that the cuttings were removed and not burnt on the Forest. 

It is resolved that in future the Clerk authorise cutting zones 20 feet in width. 

Road materials licence 

The Clerk to the East Grinstead Rural District Council, having applied for a permission to take road materials from 

the Forest during the year ending 25th March next, viz. nr. Kingstanding, 130 yards, being 80 yards less than was 

applied for last year. 

It is resolved that a licence be granted to take the same subject to the same terms and conditions as licence granted 

to the Council last year. 

Fred Walker camping 

Ranger Kirby reports that he summoned Fred Walker of Buxted before the Uckfield Bench on the 28th March last 

for camping on the Forest, the defendant not appearing a warrant was issued for his apprehension, but he has not 

yet been found. 

R.E. Camp 

The Clerk reports that an application having been received from the Officer commanding 1 Signal Company R.E. 

at Aldershot for permission to hold a camp and exercises on the Forest between Chelwood Gate and the Mission 

Chapel from 17th inst. to 2nd July next, including approximately 650 men and 300 horses, the Chairman, to avoid 

having to call a special meeting of the Board, authorised the Clerk, subject to the Lord’s consent, to grant a licence 

for the purpose on the usual terms. The Clerk having obtained the Lord’s consent granted the requisite licence 

subject to the supervision of Mr. Freshfield and Mr. Midgley, a copy of which licence he produces. 

It is resolved that the Chairman’s action be and is hereby confirmed. 

Mr. Midgley reports that in the absence of Mr. Freshfield he met the authorities, and made all necessary 

arrangements with them, which arrangements Mr. Freshfield has since approved, also that the camp will consist of 

450 men and 250 horses, a portion of the force having camped at Chailey. 

London Territorial Camp 

Mr. Portman states that he observed a statement in the newspaper that some of the London Territorials are 

proposing to camp this summer at St. John’s Common and carry out manoeuvres on the Forest. The Clerk states 

that he has as yet received no application. 

It is resolved that in the event of an application being received the Chairman, in conjunction with the Maresfield 

Committee should and are hereby authorised to make such terms and arrangements as they may think fit. 

R.A.F. Golf Club application to make footpath at 2nd tee 

An application having been received from the R.A.F. Golf Club for permission to make a footpath from the 2nd 

tee, up the hill as far as the cart track used by Mrs. Reed. 

It is resolved, on the recommendation of the Forest Row Committee, that permission be guaranteed to make the 

proposed footpath provided if does not exceed three feet in width. 

212 


Mr. Groombridge application to repair spring 

A letter is read from Mr. David Groombridge of Chandler’s Farm, Dorking, owner of cottages of Chuck Hatch, 

stating that the spring on the Forest, which supplies these cottages, as well as two other ancient cottages belonging 

to him, and cottages of other owners, has been condemned by the Sanitary Authority, who required that it should 

be ****** and covered in, and asking for permission to carry and this work. 

It is resolved, on the recommendation of the Forest Row Committee that permission be granted to Mr. 

Groombridge to carry out the work. 

W.A. Frost encroachment 

The Forest Row Committee having reported that Mr. W A Forest occupier of Shepherds Well, Forest Row, which 

belongs to Mr. Jas Walker, has made an encroachment on the Forest by digging a ditch extending more than three 

feet from his hedge, and thrown the earth on to his bank, which has been thereby extended. The Clerk states that 

he wrote to Mr. Forest calling on him to abate the trespass, to which Mr. Frost replied that he should like Mr. 

Walters to represent him in the matter, that he had no intention of encroaching on the Forest, and that if a 

technical encroachment had been made (which he does not admit) the Forest had gained rather than lost by the 

change and suggesting that a definite boundary should be agreed. 

It is resolved that the correspondence be referred to the Forest to the Forest Row Committee, with a view to 

adjusting the matter, and with power to take such action as they deem expedient. 

S. Winkley Smith trespass 

Mr. S. Winkley Smith having laid down sleepers on the Forest outside his boundary for the purpose of getting his 

motor car in and out of his motor house, it is resolved that, subject to the approval of the Forest Row Committee, 

permission be granted to Mr. Smith to retain the sleepers on his giving a written undertaking to remove the sleepers 

and restore the surface of the Forest to its former condition whenever required by the Conservators, and in the 

meantime to pay them an acknowledgement of 1/- per annum in respect thereof. 

Miniature rifle range on St. John 

The Clerk reports that having received application (1) for making a miniature rifle range on St John's Common, (2) 

for reconstructing and enlarging the rifle range at Kingstanding, and (3) for making a footpath from the Reading 

Room at St John’s Common, he forwarded the paper and plan to the Maresfield Committee for consideration. 

A. Walters water hole 

The Clerk also received a complaint from Mr Alfred Walter of Dogwood Yard, Fairwarp, that Mr Luther Tyler, of 

Fairwarp last year broke down the fence round his water hole, which he had constructed and fenced in 10 years 

ago, and had always since maintained and used in connection with his house, and had carried away all the water that 

was there, and has lately visited it again with his water cart, and that Mr. Walters appeals to the Conservators for 

protection. The Clerk forwarded these papers also to the Maresfield Committee for consideration. 

The Maresfield Committee present the following report and it is resolved that it be received and entered on the 

minutes. It is as follows: 

Your Committee have visited the suggested miniature rifle range at St. John’s Common, Crowborough, and 

recommend the Board to give permission to construct the same provided it is passed by the N.R.A. Inspector, but 

they suggest that the shooting be from west to east (see plan) and that an annual payment be made not exceeding 

one pound, half to be paid to the Lord of the Manor and half to the Conservators’ Improvement Fund. 

Kingstanding Rifle Range 

As to the application to reconstruct the rifle range at Kingstanding which has also been inspected, the Committee 

recommend that permission be granted and they suggest that a payment should be made not exceeding two pounds 

per annum, half to the Lord of the Manor and half to the Conservators’ Improvement Fund. They are of opinion 

that a lease might be granted if the Board have the power to do so. Of course, it must be understood the 

permission of the Lord of the Manor for both schemes be first obtained. 

213 


Footpath from Reading Room, St John's 

The Committee suggests that the application to make a footpath from the St. John’s Common Reading Room to 

the main road, 22 yards in length, be granted, payment of 1/- per annum to be made by the managers of the room. 

Alfred Walters’ water hole 

As to the complaint of Alfred Walter that Luther Tyler had taken water from his water supply, damaged the fence 

around it and broken the gate steps and post. This pool has been inspected. The Committee learn that 10 years 

since the pool was cleared out and fenced in to supply water to three cottages near and that it has been 

uninterruptedly used until quite recently for that purpose, the Committee suggests that Mr. Waters has thereby 

acquired a right to the same and that Luther Tyler requested not again to interfere with this water or take any from 

the pool in question. 

Furze cutting 

The Committee ask that ten pounds should be paid to Mr. Turner from the Improvement Fund, cash advanced by 

him for cutting furze near Nutley. 

H.B. Portman 

Chairman 

It is resolved that the recommendations of the Committee with regard to the miniature rifle range be adopted 

subject to the alteration of the line of fire recommended by them and the granting of a licence in the usual form. 

Also that the recommendation of the Committee with regard to the reconstruction and enlargement of the 

Kingstanding Rifle Range be adopted subject to a licence being granted in the usual form. 

Also that the recommendation of the Committee with regard to 

The footpath from the Reading Room at St. John’s Common be adopted and acted upon by the Clerk. 

Walters water hole 

It is also resolved that the dispute between Mr. Walters and Mr. Tyler with regard to the water hole is a matter of 

private right which does not concern the Conservators, but that the Clerk may write a letter to Mr. Portman stating 

what appears to be the legal position and which may be shown to Mr. Walters. 

Furze cutting 

It is also resolved that £10 be paid from the Protection & Improvement Fund to Mr. Albert Turner for monies 

advanced by him to the Maresfield Committee for cutting furze near Nutley. 

It is also resolved that the Clerk inform Mr. Turner than no further expenditure is to be made on the repair of 

bridges and roads and that any monies now remaining in his hands unexpended for these purposes must be 

returned to from the Protection & Improvement Fund. 

E. Wilson burning trimmings 

Ranger Manners having reported that Mr. E. Wilson of Mount Pleasant, Oldlands, on 13 th April burnt a wagon load 

of hedge trimmings on the Forest outside his boundary, the Clerk on the instruction of the Chairman wrote Mr. 

Wilson that the Conservators are compelled to prosecute persons breaking the Bye law against fires, but believing 

that he acted in ignorance were willing to refrain from prosecuting him if he would give an undertaking not to set 

fire to anything on the Forest in future without the express permission of the Board and that he received in reply an 

undertaking from Wilson to that effect, who stated that he had burnt his hedge trimmings on the Forest for 23 

years without any objection. It is Resolved the Board confirm the Chairman’s action. 

2 nd Ranger Fund 

It is resolved that on the expiration of the current year of the 2 nd Rangers service the Clerk issue the usual balance 

sheet to each subscriber and invite a renewal of their subscription and also invite subscriptions from any other 

residents who may be likely to contribute. 

214 


Furze etc. burning 

Mr. Freshfield presents the Account of expenditure made by the Conservators in cutting and burning undergrowth 

within their area and of monies received by them for sale of materials cut, from which it appears that there is a 

balance of £14.11.6 due to the Committee. It is resolved that the amount be paid to them out of the Protection & 


Pages Gill range firing without danger flags 

Mr. Martin reports that one day in April last when walking in the vicinity of Pages Gill Rifle Ranger he suddenly 

heard rifle shots being fired. There was no red flag displayed at the footpath from Rowe’s Cottage to Butler’s gate. 

He found a Sergeant belonging to C Company (East Grinstead) 4 th Batt. R. Sussex Regiment lying down on one of 

the firing points shooting. He asked him how it was no red flag was displayed and the Sergeant said that as he was 

the only one firing he did not put up the flag, but should have done so when the other man, for whom he was 

waiting, arrived. 

It is resolved that the Clerk write to the Officer commanding C Company 4 th Batt. Royal Sussex Regiment reporting 

the incident and cautioning him that no firing must be permitted without the usual danger flags and warnings being 

exhibited. 

Ranger Brown bicycle repairs 

Ranger Brown applies for reimbursement of £1.4.0. expended by him on the repairs of his bicycle and it is resolved 

that he be reimbursed the amount out of the 2 nd Ranger Fund. 

National Equine Defence League notice board 

Ranger Brown reports that a notice board of the National Equine Defence League has been erected without 

authority on the Forest adjoining the high road from Forest Row to Wych Cross. It is resolved that the Clerk write 

to the Hon. Sec. Pointing out that to erect such a Board without permission is in breach of the Bye Laws but that if 

permission is asked the Board would be willing to consent to it remaining during their pleasure. 

Martin hedge clipping 

Ranger Kirby reports that Mr. Martin of Courtlands Farm, Nutley, left his hedge trimmings lying on the Forest. He 

saw him on 18 th March and requested him to remove them, but up to the present he has not done so. It is resolved 

that the Ranger see him again and insist on their being removed. 

Cheques 


Messrs. Lloyd & Son for Ranger’s bicycle £4.5.0 

Herbert Kirby 12 weeks salary as Ranger 

And house rent to 20 th inst. £16.0.0. 

W. Brown 12 weeks as Ranger to 20 th inst. £12.0.0. 

Ditto repair of bicycle £1.4.0 

It is resolved that the next meeting is held on Friday 2 nd August next at 2.30 p.m. or on such other day as the 




Chairman 

215 



Friday the 2nd August 1912 at 2.30 p.m. 

Present 









The Clerk read a letter from Mr. Portman from Norway regretting his inability to attend the meeting and also states 

that Mr. Albert Turner by the Doctor’s orders has gone to Buxton and is, therefore, unable to be present. 


The Clerk produced the Bank Books showing balances to the credit of the several accounts as follows: 

General Account £112.6.5. 

2 nd Rangers Account £21.16.2 


The Clerk states that since the last meeting the two Rangers have reported the following fires on the Forest, viz. 

Ranger Kirby reports: 

May 17 Between Barnsgate & Pound Gate Abt. 1 acre 

May 18 1.30 p.m. At Millbrook Hill Abt. 8 rods 

June 22 10.30 p.m. 3 fires between Crows Nest & 

Millbrook Hill 

Abt. ¾ acre 


May 10 10 a.m. 

June 22 9.50 p.m. 

June 23 

At Church Hill, Friars gate caused 

by John Mitchell’s traction engine 

Near Chelwood gate & some furze 

Fagots 

Furze fagots near Chelwood Gate 

Abt. 5 rods 

Abt. 1 rod 

John Mitchell’s traction engine fire 

The Clerk reported that he wrote Mr. John Mitchell of Jarvis Brook with reference to the fire at Church Hill, Friars 

Gate and called upon him to have his traction engine fitted with a proper spark catcher and received a reply “I 

regret to hear that the Forest was set alight, presumably by my engine, which I had not before heard of. I will attend 

to the necessary precautions”. 

Cutting of furze, etc. 

The Clerk reports that, as directed by the last meeting, he applied to Mr. Nicholson for the confirmation of Lord 

De La Warr’s authority to the Conservators to cut strips of litter and undergrowth and if necessary big gorse and 

heather for preventing future fires from sweeping the Forest, and Mr. Nicholson replied that the approval of the 

Lord to do any such work would not be dispensed with. 

216 


Mr. Freshfield states that he subsequently saw Mr. Nicholson who stated that he is in full sympathy with the Board 

and the objects they desire to effect, but that it may lead to friction unless they continue to act on the lines 

heretofore arranged in all substantial cases of cutting or burning. 

Fires by motorists 

The Clerk reports that, as arranged by the last meeting he **** with Mr. Portman a letter which the latter sent to the 

motor newspapers. 

Also that since the last meeting Mr. Hobbs has signed an undertaking to remove his shed when required and has 

paid the 1 st acknowledgement of 1d. 

Also that Mr. Nicholson has informed him that the sandpit near Fairwarp vicarage is now fenced to the satisfaction 

of the Lord’s Reeve. 

Also that he wrote to Messrs. Head immediately after the last meeting enquiring what steps they had taken in regard 

to the repair of the road near Mr. Harris, but again received no reply. 

It is resolved that he (Mr. Martin) be requested to see Messrs. head on the matter and to report to the Forest Row 

Committee and that the Committee is authorised to take such action in the matter as they deem expedient. 

R.A.F. Golf Club Licence for Gas and Water pipes 

The Clerk reports that he has just received back the counterpart of the proposed licence to the R.A.F. Golf Club to 

lay and maintain gas and water pipes from Chapel Lane to the Club House, duly signed by the Trustees of the Club, 

and has forwarded the licence to the Lord’s representative for signature. 

R.E. Camp 

The Clerk reports that the camp of the R.E. Signal company near Chelwood, authorised from 17th May to 22nd 

July was duly held and the arrangements were supervised by Mr. Freshfield and Mr. Midgley, that everything had 

been cleared up and the authorities have paid the Conservators’ disbursements and the acknowledgement of 

£2.10.0., which latter has been paid into the Protection and Improvement Fund. 

It is resolved that the thanks of the Board be recorded to Mr. Freshfield and Mr. Midgley for their services in the 

matter. 

London Territorial Camp 

The Maresfield Committee report that an application was received after the last meeting for encampment of the 1st 

and 2nd County of London Yeomanry comprising about 900 men and 800 horses on St John's Common from 28th 

July to 11th inst, and for carrying out training exercises by the force on the Forest between these dates; that an 

arrangement approved by the Committee was entered into by the Military Authority undertaking to pay the rent or 

acknowledgement of £4 and compensation for any damage, and the expenses incurred by the Conservators, and 

that the troops are now encamped on the Forest. 

Mr. Sandford mentions to the Board that no provision has hitherto been made on the agreements for camps 

requiring the Authorities to leave the manure on the Forest, and the Maresfield Committee recommend that a 

clause to the effect be in future entered in all agreements authorising camps on the Forest. 

It is resolved that the recommendation is approved and that the Clerk inserts a clause to this effect in future 

agreements. 

B Groombridge repair of spring 

The Clerk wrote to Mr David Groombridge as directed at the last meeting and reads his reply sincerely thanking the 

Conservators. 

217 


Miniature rifle range 

The Clerk reports that after the last meeting he wrote Mr. Nicholson asking for Lord De La Warr’s consent to the 

construction of the miniature Rifle Range on St John’s Common, and the reconstruction of the Kingstanding Rifle 

Range and that Lord De La Warr’s solicitors, Messrs. Bennett and Ferris, replied that his Lordship’s consent would 

be granted on condition that they were supplied with a copy of the licence, that the Conservators undertake to 

produce to them the deposited plans whenever required free of expense, and that their **** estimated at 21 guineas 

in each case be paid. 

The Clerk wrote to both Authorities stating that the Lord and the Conservators are prepared to consent but there 

exists no power to grant a lease, and that a revocable licence only can be granted and stating the amount of the 

yearly acknowledgements and the probable costs of the licence. 

That the Territorial Association has not yet replied as regards the reconstruction of the Kingstanding rifle range. 

And that the promoters of the miniature Rifle Range at St John’s have replied, as only a revocable licence can be 

granted, and having regard to the cost of constructing the Range and obtaining the licence, the Committee beg to 

decline the offer, and tender their best thanks for the Clerk’s courtesy and the trouble he has taken in the matter. 

It is resolved that the Clerk be instructed to write to Mr. Nicholson pointing out that the fee named by Messrs. 

Bennett and Ferris in connected with the prepared licence is excessive and altogether out of proportion to the work 

intended. 


With reference to the notice board created by the National Equine Defence League without permission by the side 

of the High road, Forest Row to Wych Cross, the Clerk, by the Chairman’s instructions wrote to the Secretary 

pointing out the breach of the Bye Laws, and calling upon him to remove the notice board and post and suggesting 

that he might obtain permission from some owner to erect it by the roadside lower down and he further stated that 

the League has been in correspondence with the County Council on the subject of the notice board, and that the 

County Surveyor assures him that the notice board will be removed. 

Road materials 

The Clerk to the Maresfield Rural District Council having applied for permission to take 130 yards of hard gravel 

during the year ending 25 th March next from the same spot near Kingstanding as was agreed with the Ranger last 

year and this being 20 yards less than the amount sanctioned last year. It is resolved that a licence be granted to take 

the same subject to the same terms and conditions as the licence granted to the Council last year. 

E. Grinstead Gas and Water Co. 

The Forest Row Committee report that they have considered an application received from the E. Grinstead Gas 

and Water Co. to lay and maintain water pipes and service pipes under the Forest in the position indicated by red 

lines on a plan which accompanied and they recommended that a revocable licence be granted to the Company for 

the purpose, subject to similar conditions to those contained in the licence for gas pipes already granted to the 

Company and to the approval of the two Lords being first obtained, the Company to pay 5/- per annum, and to 

pay the costs of the licence. 

Clement B. Weir claim to rights 

The Clerk reads letters from Mr. Clement B. Weir as owner of Duckings Farm containing 181 acres, in Withyham, 

claiming the right to take brakes from the Forest. The Clerk replied that so far as his records go, no lands in the 

parish of Withyham have any rights on the Forest, or pay Forest Rate, and that the fact that his property though it 

formerly belonged to the Bakers of Mayfield, subsequently formed part of the De La Warr estate, from which it was 

recently sold to Mr Weir, is a bar to any such claim, as the unity of possession in the farm and the soil of the Forest 

would have extinguished such right if it existed. 

The Clerk states that the only ground on which Mr Weir could base a claim to take litter would be under the clause 

in the judgement in Hale v De La Ware by which the Plantiffs undertook not to interfere with the cutting and 

218 


taking away of brakes and litter from the Forest by tenants of lands belonging to the Defendant, the successive 

occupiers of which had actually as of right for the full period of 60 years before the 21st December 1878 cut and 

carried away from the Forest brakes and litter for use on those lands; that the clause was agreed to on the late Lord 

De La Warr’s representation that only about four of his farms came within this description, and that the Board have 

investigated and admitted the user in respect of a number of Lord De La Warr’s farms but that no claim has 

hitherto been made in respect of ******* Farm. 

It is resolved that the Clerk inform Mr. Weir that the Board has considered the correspondence, and are of opinion 

that the information that he has supplied is not sufficient to establish his claim to take litter from the Forest. 

Mr. J.N. Ba** application to stack wood 

A letter to read from Mr. J.N. Ba** of Tompsetts Bank writing that his property has a right to certain clothes posts 

on the Forest and asking whether the Board will permit him to stack wood outside his property in exchange for this 

right. 

It is resolved that the application be referred to the Forest Row Committee with power to act. 

Mrs. Emma Reed building 

The Clerk reports that Mr. Job Luxford of Forest Row has applied for permission to deposit building materials on 

the Forest outside the boundary of Mrs. Emma Read’s property known as Bank Cottage, Forest Row, and that 

having been informed that it is in contemplation to build houses on the property, he wrote to Mrs. Reed on the 

25th inst, pointing out that, while she has a right of way over the Forest to her property for all purposes connected 

with the user of it as a farm, the right of way does not extend to the purpose of building houses on the property, or 

the purpose which occupiers of those houses would necessarily require; and inviting her or someone representing 

her to attend before the Board this day and explain what it is proposed to be done. 

Wm. Mitchell and Wm. Card access to building land 

Mrs. Reed attends before the Board and stated that she has sold and conveyed one plot to Mr. Wm. Mitchell and 

one plot to Mr. Card and will probably sell a third plot to Mr. Samuel White, and that she does not desire to make 

any application to the Board. 

Mr. Wm. Mitchell and Mr Wm. Card, bring present, raise the question as to access to the plots they have purchased. 

It is resolved that Mr. Luxford’s application to deposit materials and the question of granting access to the plots 

sold by Mrs. Emma Reed be referred to the Forest Row Committee with power to act. 

Local Government Board returns 

The Clerk lays on the table a copy of the annual return of receipts and expenditure which he has made to the Local 

Government Board for the year ending 31st December last. 

Ordnance Maps 

Mr. Freshfield states that many alterations have taken place in the District since the old Ordnance Map was 

published, and that it is desirable the Board should obtain the 1910 edition of the 25 inch map. It is resolved that 

Mr. Freshfield be requested to obtain the 25 inch map of the new edition mounted on canvas, the cost to be 

charged to the Conservators’ General Account. 

A. Turner & Son. licence to deposit 

The Clerk reports that on the application of Messrs. A. Turner & Son of Nutley he granted them permission to 

deposit larch rails which they are cleaning out of the Pippingford estate, on the Forest land near the **** at Kidds 

Hill, for the purpose of removal by traction engine provided the engine is so equipped as to prevent emission of 

sparks. 

Also that he granted permission to the Officers Training Corps Dulwich College, for about 200 cadets to carry out 

manoeuvres on the Forest on Tuesday 9th July last. 

219 


Aaron Ridley cutting brakes 

Ranger Kirby reports that on or about 20 th July last Mr. Aaron Ridley of Marlpits was cutting brakes for Mr Walker 

of the Nutley Inn who required them for his hay stack. 

Arthur H. Wood Duddlewell 

Ranger Kirby reports that he met Mr. Arthur Wood of Duddleswell House by appointment on 19th inst, who 

stated he had land for a width of 40 feet on the Forest adjoining the boundary, and that on the 20th he sent a man 

to cut brakes on this land, which he claims as his property. 

It is resolved that the Clerk write to Mr. Wood pointing our that he is acting under a misapprehension and that the 

close time for cutting brakes must be observed. 

Gypsies issue summons 

It is resolved that it be an instruction to the Ranger in future to inform every person found camping on the Forest 

that unless he leaves the Forest immediately or is found on the Forest again, a summons will be issued against him 

without further notice. 

Sandpit at Shalesbrook refuse 

Mr. E. Martin informs the Board that the sandpit on the Forest near Shalesbrook formerly worked by Mr. Job 

Luxford is being used as a receptacle for old tins and all kinds of refuse to the disfigurement of the Forest. 

It is resolved that the Forest Row Committee be empowered to remove the refuse or to have it covered up and that 

a notice board should be erected on the spot giving notice that any person found depositing any refuse in the pit 

will be prosecuted. 

The following report of the Forest Row Committee is read and it is resolved that it be received and entered on the 

minutes viz. 

The Committee met on the 22 nd day of May 1912 at Woodcote, Forest Row, and afterwards went to view the 

alterations made by Mr. Adams Frost outside the boundary fence on the east side of his property, Shepherds Wells. 

The alterations consisted of a ditch cut by his orders, beyond the east side of the fence and parallel with the fence 

and a bank which sloped from the fence to or near the western edge of the ditch. This bank covered some part of 

the Forest adjoining the boundary fence. 

The Committee decided to raise no objection if the bank only extended to the western edge of the ditch. 

Since the Committee viewed the spot the bank has been made to include the whole of the ditch. The Committee do 

not think the Forest is affected materially and do not suggest any further action. 

Re. The Quabrook stream adjoining Water Farm 

Mr. Luxford has now strengthened the bridge which was damaged by floods in the spring time and on the north 

side the bridge now rests on a stonework pillar. The sleepers above the bridge which were washed away by the 

floods have not yet been replaced. The Bank may therefore be further washed away when the stream is again in 

flood. The Committee recommend they should be replaced. 

It is resolved that the proceedings and recommendations of the Committee be approved and that they be 

authorised to have the sleepers fixed at the bridge over the Quabrook in place of those washed away. 

The Chairman of the Forest Row Committee reports that after giving credit for the fagots, etc., which they have 

sold or will sell, there is a balance of £4.5.6 due to him for expenditure on the Forest in precautions against the 

spread of fire. It is resolved that the amount be paid to him of the Protection & Improvement Fund. 

The Forest Row Committee having approved the arrangement with Mr. Winckley Smith proposed at the last 

meeting it is resolved that the Clerk make him the offer accordingly. 

220 


The Clerk reports that Ranger Brown and Archie Stevens were watching Chelwood Gate on the evening of Sunday 

28 th June, and Joseph Weeding was also watching the same spot, about 10 p.m. some men were seen coming along 

the road from the junction of the Red Lion Inn and two of them stopped nearly opposite Weeding who heard one 

of them say “Are you going to do anything tonight” The other replied “We ought to terrify them again but I 

haven’t any matches, have you” The first man said “Yes, a few”. The second man replied “I only want a few, two 

or three will be a plenty. The first man then said ”That’ll do”. One of the men was then seen to cross the roadside 

ditch and stoop over a heap of 12 fagots cut by order of the Conservators and lying on the Forest and immediately 

afterwards a fire sprang up from them. The man who set fire to them was stopped by Weeding (who was joined by 

Stevens and Brown) and was found to be Henry Williams aged about 25 who lives with his father at Hurstwood 

Farm, West Hoathly. 

On the 1 st July last the Clerk interviewed the Chief Constable and put the facts before him and subsequently 

forwarded to the Chief Constable a full written statement with the evidence of the three witnesses. Subsequently 

the Chief Constable wrote to the Clerk that he has gone thoroughly into the matter with his legal adviser who 

advised that the case does not come within Sections 16, 17 or 18 of the Malicious Damage Act 1861 so as to justify 

him in prosecuting for arson. The Clerk replied pointing out that there was a clear case under Sec. 52 of that Act 

committing wilful and malicious damage to property not exceeding two months or fine not exceeding £5 and value 

of damage done; or that, having regard to the conversation which would be proved, Williams might be indicted for 

conspiracy to commit an unlawful act. To this the Chief Constable replied that as the damage (very slight) was on 

private property the proceedings should be taken by the owner of the fagots and not the police as the Section 

obviously distinguishes between damage to private and public property and further that it is impossible to contend 

that the conversation heard amounted to conspiracy. 

The Clerk states that by the discretion of the Chairman he submitted a full statement of the case with a copy of the 

evidence of the witnesses to Mr. W.P.G. Barchall K.C. to advise the Board. 

1. What proceedings they can take 

2. What is the prospect of obtaining a conviction 

3. What is the prospect of impressing on the Court the gravity of the offence in view of the constant fires so that 

adequate punishment may be imposed. 

And the Chairman reads opinion of Counsel which is to the effect that the proper course is to prosecute Williams 

for malicious damage to property under Section 52 of the Malicious Damage Act 1861 and that if all the 

circumstances are fully laid before the Court the probability is that they will commit Williams to prison instead of 

imposing a fine. 

It is resolved that the action of the Chairman in seeking the opinion of Counsel be and is hereby approved and 

confirmed. 

Also that the Clerk be instructed to proceed against Williams under the above mentioned Section and instruct Mr. 

S. Rowand Harker to conduct the prosecution on behalf of the Board. 

Cheques 


The Clerk ½ year’s salary £50.0.0 

Ranger Kirby 11 weeks salary as Ranger 

and house rent to 5 th inst. £18.15.0 

Ranger Brown 11 weeks salary as Ranger 

to 5 th inst. £11.0.0 

W.P. Barchall Esq. K.C. to advise re. 

Harry Williams £3.5.6 

221 


It is resolved that the next meeting by held on Friday 4 th day of October at 2.30 p.m. or on such other day as the 

Chairman may deem necessary. 


Chairman 


Friday the 4th October 1912 at 2.30 p.m. 

Present 



Col. Chas Needham 







Mr Albert Turner 


The Clerk produces the Bank Books showing balances to the credit of the several accounts as follows: 





The Clerk reports that on the 28 th August he received notice from the East Grinstead Gas & Water Co. that they 

were about to commence laying the gas pipe to the R.A.F. Golf Club House. The Forest Row Committee report 

that the laying of the gas has been completed. 

Kingstanding Rifle Range reconstruction 

The Clerk reports that the Sussex Territorial Force Association has applied to the War Office for authority to 

conclude the arrangement for reconstruction and use of the rifle range at Kingstanding. 

Also that Lord De La Warr’s solicitors have written to say that instead of charging 2 ½ guineas for licence that will 

accept 2 guineas for licence. 

East Grinstead Gas & Water Co 

The Clerk reports that the East Grinstead Gas & Water Co. accepted the terms arranged by the Board at the last 

meeting for laying water mains and service pipes under the Forest and that Lord De La Warr’s approval having 

been obtained the licence was prepared and partly signed but that in forwarding the counterpart o the company for 

signature the Secretary wrote to say that the Company desired a licence to lay several additional water mains roughly 

double the length originally asked for and he produces the plan supplied by the company showing the additional 

mains proposed. It is resolved that the whole matter be referred to the Forest Row Committee with power to act 

and to fix the amount of the acknowledgements to be paid. 

A report of the Forest Row Committee dated the 9 th August last is read and it is resolved that it be received and 


222 


Friday August 9 th 1912 

Meeting of the Forest Row Committee. Present – the Chairman, Mr. D.W. Freshfield, Messrs. Martin and Midgley 

Hurd Bros 

Mr. Martin reported that he had seen the architect employed in the erection of Mr. Beach’s house at Highgate who 

had undertaken that Messrs. Head should put the road injured by the building cartage into as good a condition as 

before and to repair all damage. 

W.A. Frost boundary bank 

The Committee inspected and approved the bank on the N E Side of Mr. Frost’s property as altered. 

J.N. Beach wood stack 

They selected a site for a wood stack on the S side of Mr. Beach’s property in consideration of his abandonment of 

any right he might have acquired to have clothes posts on the Forest. 

Bridge Quabrook repair 

The Committee considered a proposal from Mr. Luxford for work for the correction of the stream above the 

Quabrook bridge near Water Farm; they came to the conclusion a less costly plan might be adopted and they gave 

instructions to the Ranger to use the sleepers in hand to carry it out. 

Sandpit Shalesbrook 

The ordered the mass of tins and pots and other rubbish in the old pit above Shalesbrook to be buried and a notice 

board forbidding further deposits to be prepared and set up. 

Jas Card, Wm. Mitchell road 

They visited the plots on Mrs. Reed’s property Bank Farm recently sold for building to Messrs. Card and Mitchell 

and agreed to grant Mr. Job Luxford’s application to temporarily deposit building material on the Forest beside the 

N W Side of the plots in question, all such material to be brought over the Forest by the direct track from Posthorn 

Lane. 

They explained to Mr. Card who met them by invitation that no driving access from the plots on to the Forest 

could be made except with the licence of the Board and the Lord of the Manor. 

Douglas W Freshfield 

Mr, J.N. Beach clothes posts, wood stack 

The Clerk reports that acting on the report of the Forest Row Committee he obtained from Mr. J.N. Beach an 

agreement surrendering the claim to clothes posts on the Forest, and in consideration thereof gave him written 

consent to keep a stack of wood near his boundary on the site fixed by the Forest Row Committee. 

Jas Card, Wm. Mitchell road 

Mr. James Card and Mr. Wm. Mitchell who attends in person apply for a cartway to the plots of land they have 

purchased from Mrs. Emma Reed at Bank Farm, Forest Row. It is resolved that revocable licences be granted to 

each of them on the usual form to make and use jointly one cart road not exceeding ten feet in outside width, 

branching from the cart road from Posthorn Lane which passes near the west side of the plot to the boundary 

dividing their respective plots, each party to pay yearly acknowledgements of 1/- each to Lord and Conservators, 

each Licencee to pay the cost of his licence which the Clerk undertakes shall be made as moderate as possible. 

New Ordnance maps 

The Clerk reports that he has received the new 25 inch Ordnance sheets, mounted on linen, comprising 26 sheets, 

and presents the bill for same amounting to £5.12.4 and it is resolved that the amount be paid and that the thanks 

of the Board be accorded to Mr. Freshfield for the trouble he has taken and the saving in cost which he has 

effected in procuring them. 

223 


A.H. Wood cutting brakes 

The Clerk reports that he wrote to Mr. A.H. Wood with reference to his cutting brakes outside his boundary before 

last August, and that he replied that he had done so under the authority granted him by Mr. Nicholson to cut a 

safety zone, but that he (the Clerk) pointed out that the licence only authorised him to cut the larger growth of 

gorse and heather and did not and could not authorise the cutting of brakes and litter which are subject to the Bye 

Law, and that Mr. Wood recognised this and undertook not to cut brakes again during the close time. 

S. Winkley Smith motor house 

The Clerk reports that Mr. Winkley Smith has sighed an undertaking when required to remove the sleepers forming 

the approach to his motor house at Warrenside, and to restore the surface of the Forest, and to pay an 

acknowledgement of 1/- per annum during the continuance of the licence and has paid the first year’s 

acknowledgement. 

Harry Williams firing fagots 

The Clerk reports that Mr. J. Rowand Harker, being on his vacation, he with the Chairman’s assent briefed Mr. 

L.G.H. Horton-Smith to prosecute Harry Williams at the Uckfield Bench on the 15th August last with the result 

that Williams was convicted and sentenced to twenty one days hard labour 

Miss C.J. Lowe roadway 

A letter is read form Miss C.J. Lowe dated 4th September last, reminding the Board that permission was given to 

her some time ago to returf the grass in front of her house at Tompsetts Bank but that in spite of warnings, people 

are driving over it and asking whether the Board would allow her to put flags at intervals as stepping stones from 

her gate to the real road with a view to stopping the traffic. 

It is resolved that the Clerk inform Miss Lowe that the Board cannot see their way to authorise her to lay down flag 

stones as asked but they have no objection to her laying down gravel to form a footway not exceeding three feet in 

width from her gate to the road 

J.W. Barron hedge burnt 

A letter is road from Mr J.W. Barron, dated 12th September last, stating that two successful attempts had recently 

been made to fire his hedge, but whether due to wilfulness or to carelessness he was unable to say. 

Ranger Brown states that he made inquiries, but though he could obtain no definite information he believes that 

both fires were accidental It is resolved that the Clerk inform Mr. Barron thereof and that the Board exceedingly 

regret that the fires occurred. 


The Clerk reports that he has received subscriptions to the Second Ranger Fund for the current year amounting to 

£51.14.6 and that there are other subscriptions yet to come in. 

Johns Stevens trespass 

The Clerk reports that Ranger Kirby having reported on 20th September that Mr John Stevens of Broadway, 

Crowborough, had deposited several thousand bricks on the Forest at the top of Marden Hill, he (the Clerk) wrote 

to Mr. Stevens pointing our that he had committed a breach of the Bye Laws and calling on him to remove the 

bricks at once or to apply to the Board for their consent to allow them to remain and Mr. Stevens replied on 25th 

September that he would remove them in a day or two. Ranger Kirby reports that the bricks were still on the Forest 

yesterday afternoon. 

It is resolved that the Clerk give Mr. Stevens notice that unless the bricks are removed within seven days a 

summons will be issued against him, and that the Clerk act accordingly. 

224 


The Forest Row Committee presents an account of expenditure in repairing the bridge near Water Farm and notice 

boards amounting to £7:0:6 and it is resolved that the amount be paid out of the Protection and Improvement 

Fund. 

National Equine League notice board 

The Clerk reports that notwithstanding the promise of the Secretary of the National Equine League, the notice 

board has not yet been removed from the Forest by the side of Wych Cross road. It is resolved that the Clerk call 

on the Secretary to comply at once with his promise. 

Lady Norbury road 

The Ranger reports that stumps have been driven on the Forest apparently for the purpose of making a roadway 

across the Forest land from the west side of the Blackhill property to the high road from Fryars Gate to 

Duddleswell. It is resolved that the Clerk write to Mr. Herwald Ramsbotham enquiring whether these stumps have 

been driven by his direction, and pointing out that road cannot be made over the Forest without the permission of 

the Lord and the Conservators and that if it is desired to make such a road application must be made to the Board. 

B Tompsett hop poles deposited 

Ranger Kirby reports that he yesterday found several thousand hop poles and standard posts deposited on the 

Forest near Friars Gate, and on inquiring ascertained they had be carted out of Crowborough Warren and 

deposited there by Mr. Tompsett of Paddock Wood. It is resolved that the Clerk inform Mr. Tompsett such deposit 

is a breach of the Bye Laws and that they must be immediately removed or he must apply for the Conservators’ 

permission for the deposit. 


It is resolved that Messrs. Portman, Sandford and Turner be appointed a Committee to audit the accounts for the 

year under 31st December next. 

Cheques 

It is resolved that cheques be drawn as follows 

Ranger Kirby 9 weeks salary as Ranger and 

House rent to 7 th inst 11.5.0 

Ranger Brown 9 weeks salary as Ranger to 7 th inst 9.0.0. 

L.G.H. Horton Smith Esq. 

Fees for brief & conference re. 

Prosecution of Harry Williams 8.2.0 

Shaw & Sons for forms of information viz. summons 1.2.0 

E.H. Ashby for 26 Ordnance Sheets mounted on linen 5.12.4 

It is resolved that the Annual meeting of the Commoners be held on Friday the twentieth day of December next at 

11 a.m. and that the next meeting of the Board be held on the same day immediately after the Commoners meeting 

or on such other day as the Chairman may consider necessary. 




notice on the principal door of the church of each of the parishes and ecclesiastical districts into which the 

Forest extends by advertisement in two newspapers circulating in the neighbourhood, to wit The Sussex 

Express and the Sussex Daily News at least 14 days before this date, and by notice sent by post to every 

Commoner, and held at the Nutley Inn, Nutley, on Friday the 20th day of December 1912 at 11 o’clock of 

the forenoon. 

225 


Present 

Mr George M. Maryon-Wilson in the chair 


The Honble H.B Portman 



Mr. Wm. Carr 



Mr. Llewellyn. Midgley 





Chairman 

On the proposition of the Honble H.B. Portman seconded by Mr. Albert Turner, Mr. George Maryon Maryon- 

Wilson was chosen Chairman and he having taking the chair, the Clerk reads the notice convening the meeting and 

reports the due publication thereof as above mentioned. 

The minutes of the last Annual Meeting of Commoners are then read and confirmed 


The Clerk reports that the Conservators who retire by rotation on 31st December instant are Mr. Douglas William 

Freshfield, Mr. Edward Martin, the Honble Henry Berkeley Portman and Mr. Joseph Ridley. 

It is proposed by Mr. Portman and seconded by Mr. Sandford that Mr. Douglas William Freshfield be re elected a 

Conservator. 

It is proposed by Mr. Albert Turner and seconded by Mr. Llewellyn Midgley that Mr. Edward Martin be re-elected a 

Conservator. 

It is proposed by Mr. Mark Sandford and seconded by Mr. Freshfield that the Honble Henry Berkeley Portman be 


It is proposed by Mr. Portman and seconded by Mr. William Carr that Mr. Joseph Ridley be re-elected a 

Conservator. 


Conservators for the ensuring three years 

Mr. Freshfield thanks the Commoners for re-electing him, feeling that their doing so indicates their appreciation of 

his efforts to promote the interests of the Commoners and of all who live in the district as well as the public 

generally, in the preservation of the Forest in its natural condition all of which interests he believes to be consistent 

with one another and he promises that he will continue to devote his best efforts ion the promotion of these 

objects. 

Mr. Edward Martin, in thanking the Commoners, states that he will continue, as in the past, to work to the best of 

his ability for the interests of the Commoners and of their neighbours generally. 

Mr. Portman also thanks the Commoners for re-electing him and assures them that so long as he lives in the 

neighbourhood he will do his best to promote the interests of the Forest and to preserve its natural beauty. 

226 


Mr. Ridley, in thanking the Commoners, expresses the hope that the Board will see its way to improve the tracks 

which give access to the litter grounds. 

The Chairman then reads the following letters which he has received from Mr. H. Jesse Ridley 

White House Farm 

Horney Common 

Uckfield 

16.12.12 

Gentlemen 

On the 14 th inst. I was requested to pay 10/- for the year’s Forest Rate. When I refused I was asked my reason for 

refusing. I have several. In the first place I may say that I consider with many others that the Forest is not managed 

with a view of serving the best interests of the Commoners. In the first place, take the right of pasturage according 

to the acreage which was admitted under the judgement of 1693 which may be termed ******** Commoners, with 

the Addition of about 3000 acres which have been admitted by your Board under the ********** Act the number 

of cattle which should be pastured on the Forest would amount to about 5000. Now it is well known that since 

your Board has been established there has been an enormous decrease in the number of cattle pastured on the 

Forest so that instead of their being 5000 there is not more that 4 hundred at the most, many of them ***** by 

those whose right you refuse to admit. In the next place, the amount of litter which the Commoners are entitled to 

and which they certainly require is about 6000 loads. Now for the last ten years of your Board’s management I am 

certain that there have not been more than 800 loads used per year. In the next place I consider you have admitted 

the claimants to rights (under the Act) in regard to much of the 3000 acres which have been accepted by you as 

commonable without having reliable evidence of user and with the minimum of expense and trouble. On the other 

hand when afterwards we were invited by you to put in claims for all smallholders who considered they had rights 

we were rewarded by minimum acceptance and a maximum of trouble and an expense of upwards of £50 although 

the total acreage of the claimants did not exceed 50 acres. 

Now as regards litter cutting anyone who understands the Forest knows that it can only be profitably cut by skilled 

labour and the way to learn is by experience and when young, nothing is being done (by County Council lecturers 

or otherwise) to encourage the young men to take up litter cutting much depends upon the ease or otherwise of 

carting. I have no doubt that some of you are subscribers to the R.S.P.C.A. and I think a little sympathy for the 

horses carting litter on Ashdown Forest would not be misplaced. Now according to the amount of rate which you 

levy, it appears to me that for every herd of stock turned out on the Forest by the Commoners it works out at 

about £1 each per annum which the greater majority of the Commoners have the pleasure of paying with absolutely 

nothing in return. ****** encourage the exercise of the Commoners’ rights but the fact remains that the great bulk 

of the Commoners ******* has been established ****erased *** of their rights, a Board whose management has had 

this effect ought not ****** rate but rather **** Commoners for our ****. I remain **** H. Jesse Ridley 

P.S. I propose sending this letter to the press. 

The Chairman states that from the time the Board came into existence down to the present, they have never 

interfered with commoners’ rights of grazing and taking litter or imposed any restrictions on the exercise of these 

rights, but on the contrary have spent money on removing (with the Lord’s consent) tracks of coarse growth which 

have had the effect of improving litter and pasturage and that more money would have been spared for this 

purpose but that it had to be employed in work to prevent the spread of incendiary fires. 

Mr. Joseph Ridley makes a long statement in support of the statements contained in Mr. H. Jesse Ridley’s letters. 

In reply to the Clerk, Mr. Ridley states that this complaints are mainly (1) that the approached to the Forest require 

improving and (2) that the Commoners are not now allowed to card away their litter during the summer months 

227 


when the ground is dry and (3) that they are harassed in the exercise of their grazing rights by proceedings before 

Magistrates in respect of their cattle straying on the high roads off the Forest. 

Ultimately, on the proposition of Mr. Sandford, seconded by Mr. Turner, it is resolved that the letters be referred to 

the Board of Conservators to deal with. 

On the proposition of Mr. Portman, seconded by Mr. Turner it is resolved that a hearty vote of thanks be accorded 

to the Chairman for his conduct of the business. 

The Chairman on returning thanks stated that the Board of Conservators have always honestly endeavoured to do 

their best to remedy abuses and are quite prepared to meet fair criticisms but that a great deal takes place on the 

Forest for which they cannot be held in any way responsible. 



Friday the 20th December 1912 at 12 o’clock noon. 

Present 



Col. Chas Needham 








Mr Albert Turner 


The Clerk produces the Bank Books showing balances to the credit of the several accounts as follows: 





The Clerk produces and reads the following certificate and it is resolved that it be entered on the Minutes. 



As Chairman of the meeting of Commoners duly convened and held this day at the Nutley Inn, Nutley, for the 

purpose of electing four Conservators I hereby intimate to you that at such meeting the following Commoners 

were elected Conservators, viz. Mr. Douglas William Freshfield, Mr. Edward Martin. The Honble Henry Berkeley 

Portman and Mr. Joseph Ridley, in the place of the four Conservators who retire by rotation on the 31 st inst. 

Dated the 20 th day of December 1912 


228 


H. Jesse Ridley’s letter 

The Board consider the letters addressed by Mr. H. Jesse Ridley to the Chairman and read by him to the Annual 

meeting of Commoners held this morning, which letters are set out in the foregoing minutes of that meeting and 

were referred by that meeting to the Board to deal with. 

After due consideration it is resolved that the Clerk make such reply thereto as the Chairman deems suitable and 

that the same be sent to the press, 

Kingstanding Rifle Range reconstruction 

The Clerk reports that the plans for the reconstruction of the Kingstanding Rifle Range have been approved by the 

War Office and the Sussex Territorial Association have applied for permission to proceed with the work. 

It is resolved that upon the Association entering into an Agreement with the Lord and Conservators, containing 

such provisions as the Chairman shall approve, and reserving and providing for the payment of annual 

acknowledgements of £1 each to the Lord and Conservators, the Clerk be and is hereby authorised to sign the 

Agreement on behalf of the Conservators and to authorise the Association to proceed with the work. 

Miss C.J. Lowe roadway 

The Clerk reports that after the last meeting he wrote to Miss C.J. Lowe authorising her to lay down gravel to form 

a footpath not exceeding 3 feet in width from her gate on her property at Tompsetts Bank to the high road, and 

received a reply from her stating she does not know whether she shall avail herself of it at once as the grass looks 

better without a path, but will retain the permission. 

John Stevens trespass 

The Clerk reports that after the last meeting he wrote as directed to Mr. John Stevens who then removed the bricks 

deposited on the Forest. 


Also that the notice board of the National Equine Defence League, placed on the Forest by the Wych Cross road, 

has now been removed. 

B. Tompsett hop poles deposit 

Also that he wrote to Mr. B. Tompsett after the last meeting to remove the hop poles deposited on the Forest near 

Friars gate who replied that he had been in the habit of depositing on the spot poles drawn out of Crowborough 

Warren for the last 20 years but promised to removed them. 

F. Lowell repair of road 

Ranger Kirby having reported to the Clerk in October last that Mr. Lowell of Heatherdean, Fairwarp, was repairing 

the cart track on the Forest adjoining his property on which he was building a house and had deposited a quantity 

of building materials on the adjacent forest, which by Ranger Kirby’s direction be removed. 

The matter of repairing the cart track was referred to the Maresfield Committee, who report that they inspected the 

cart track and saw no objection to the work he had done and directed Ranger Kirby to keep observation on Mr. 

Lovell’s actions. 

William Hall shed 

Ranger Kirby reports that William Hall of Dodds Bank claims a piece of ground on the Forest at Dodds Bottom 

measuring about 11 feet square on which a shed formerly stood, but which fell down at the beginning of the year, 

and he was informed that various gipsies had been looking at the land with a view to purchasing it for the purpose 

of placing vans upon it. Mr. Turner stated that the shed has stood on the ground for more than 20 years. 

229 


J.M. Vine notice board 

The Clerk states that Ranger Kirby having reported that on ****** last he found a contractor’s board erected on the 

Forest at the bottom of Mardens Hill bearing the name of James M. Vine Contractor Eastbourne, he (the Clerk_ 

wrote to Mr. Vine requiring he remove the board, which he accordingly did. 

The Forest Row Committee present the following report which is read and it is resolved that it be approved and 



Minutes of a meeting of the above Committee held at Mr. Martin’s on the 22 nd October 1912. Present – Mr. 

Freshfield, Mr. Midgley and Mr. Martin. Mr. W.H. Hill a Director of the East Grinstead Water Co. and the Manager 

of the company were also present. 

It was decided to give leave to the company to lay water mains under the Forest on the lines shown on the plan 

received by Mr. Raper on the 22 nd September last. Where alternative lines were shown mains to be laid under one 

line only. 

The company also undertook not to lay mains to outlying properties until the owners applied to be supplied with 

water . See the company’s letter of the 22 nd October. 

The acknowledgement to be paid by the company to be £1 per annum in lieu of 15/- as previously agreed, 10/- to 

the Conservators and 10/- each to the Lord. 

East Grinstead Gas, licence for water mains, etc. 

The Clerk reports that the Licence to the East Grinstead Gas & Water Co. to lay and maintain water mains and 

service pipes under the Forest had been completed in accordance with the Committee’s directions and he produces 

the Counterpart. 

Ranger Kirby bicycle repair of 

The Maresfield Committee report that the tyres of Ranger Kirby’s bicycle having given out, they had has the 

necessary repairs done to it and produce Messrs. Lloyd & Sons bill for the work amounting to £1.7.6 which they 

recommend be paid. 

It is resolved that the action of the Committee be approved and the bill be paid. 

Earl Norbury application for road 

The Maresfield Committee report that they have considered an application made by Earl Norbury who is erecting a 

house on the Greenwood Gate Estate for permission to make a carriage drive out of it to the high road from 

Duddleswell to Friars Gate at a point at which an old clearing road comes out of the property, and a plan furnished 

by Earl Norbury for the road he desires to make, of a length of about 34 yards and a width of 15 feet curving 

outwards where it joins the high road to 30 feet. 

The Clerk by direction of the Committee gave Earl Norbury provisional permission to cart building materials over 

the site of the proposed road till the Board had an opportunity of considering the application and the Committee 

now recommend the Board (subject to the consent of the Lord being obtained) to join with the Lord in granting 

Earl Norbury a revocable licence to form, metal and maintain a carriage drive in accordance with the plan subject to 

the conditions and stipulations usually inserted in similar licences and to the payment of yearly acknowledgements 

of £1 each to the Lord and the Conservators, the cost of the licence and thereof to be paid by the Earl. 

It is resolved that the report and recommendation of the Committee be approved, that the Clerk apply for the 

Lord’s consent, and in the event of the obtaining the same he do prepare the licence, and that he be is to thereby 

empowered to sign the same on behalf of the Board. 

230 


St. John’s camps 

The Maresfield Committee further report that the War Department has paid the acknowledgement due in respect 

of the recent camp on St. John’s Common and the disbursements incurred by the Committee in connection 

therewith. 

A.G. Inns boundary 

The Maresfield Committee report that Mr. A.G. Inns of Fairwarp has removed a portion of the fence on the 

[blank] side of his property and has erected a shed there extending to his extreme boundary *** 3 feet outside the 

centre of his bank and fence, that there does not appear to be any encroachment on the Forest, but that he must 

not be allowed to construct ***** that will extend beyond the wall of the shed. 

It is resolved that in this and similar cases it is desirable that, where a boundary ditch is taken in it should be 

indicated on the Board’s Ordnance map by a red line. 

Public sewer on St John’s Common 

Ranger Kirby reports that preparations are being made by the East Grinstead Rural Council to carry a new sewerage 

drain across St. John’s Common having laid down pipes and erected a tool shed on the spot. It is resolved the Clerk 

look into the matter. 


An application is read from the East Sussex County Council for permission to take undermentioned road materials 

from the Forest for repair of their roads during the year ending 31st March 1914 viz: 

East Sussex main roads 

October 1912 


Material which may be required for the repair of the main roads to be obtained from the Forest by the East Sussex 

County Council during the year ending last March 1914. 


Gravel pit near Pippingford, Nutley 

Gravel pits in the neighbourhood of 

Kingstanding 

Gravel pits in the neighbourhood of 

Kingstanding 

Fox gravel pit, near Duddleswell 

Hardstone and sandstone (from Nutley to 20 cubic 

Wych Cross) 

yards 

Forest Gravel from Chuck Hatch to 40 

Kingstanding 

Forest Gravel. Withyham to Friars Gate 40 

Sandstone for kerbing, repairing and 

channelling at Crowborough and Hartfield 

50 

being 40 yards less than the quantity granted last year. 

It is resolved that a licence be granted to the County Council to take the above materials subject to the same terms 

and conditions as the licence granted to the Road Authorities on 16th December 1899 all digging to be confined to 

existing pits, and no new pits to be opened without the consent in writing of the Board first obtained under the 

hand of their Clerk. 

Safety zone licences 

It is resolved that the existing method of issuing licences to cut safety zones be considered at the next meeting. 

231 



The Audit Committee appointed at the last meeting present the following report, which is read, and it is resolved 

that it be received and entered on the minutes, viz: 

To the Conservators of Ashdown Forest. 

We have examined (1) The General Account, (2) the Second Ranger Account, and (3) The Accounts of the 

Protection and Improvement Fund, each for the year 1912. We have checked the balances brought forward from 

last year, and the various receipts, and have compared the payment charged to each account with the vouchers for 

same, and the casting of accounts, and find them all correct. We recommend that the following cheques be drawn 

to close the accounts for the year, viz: 

Account no. 1 

The Clerk ½ years salary to let December inst £50.0.0 

Ditto disbursements costs on General Accounts during year £30.8.0 

Kirby H salary, house rent to 30th inst £15.0.0 

Account no.2 

The Clerk disbursements on 2 nd Ranger Account £2.2.5 

Ranger Brown 12 weeks’ salary as 2nd Ranger 

to 30th inst. £12.0.0 

The balances standing today to the credit of the following accounts before the above mentioned cheques are paid 

are to the General Account £144.14.7, to the 2nd Ranger Account £56.8.8, and to the Protection and Improvement 

Fund £36.7.2. After the above mentioned cheques have been drawn and passed through the banks the several 

accounts will stand as follows: General Account £49.6.7, Second Ranger account £42.6.3, Protection & 

Improvement Account £36.7.2. In addition, the sum of £159.15.4 Consols represents the investment of part of the 


On the 25th inst, a half year’s acknowledgement will be due from the Golf Club, accounting to £31.5.0. 

Dated this the day of December 1912 

H.B. Portman 

M. Sandford 

A. Turner 

It is resolved that the report and recommendations of the Committee be approved and adopted, that the account 

be signed by the Chairman, and that cheques be drawn as recommended also that the best thanks of the Board be 

accorded to the Committee for the very through manner in which they have carried out their duties and their very 

clear report. 

St. John's Common objection to camp 

A letter is read from Miss. H.A. Powell of Moreclose, Crowborough, stating that most of the inhabitants living near 

St. John's Common are very anxious that military camps should not be located on St. John's Common and asking 

whether they would be right in appealing to the Conservators, and stating their reasons. 

It is resolved that the Clerk inform Miss Powell that the Board will carefully consider any objections that may be 

put before them but that he must point out that the object of these camps is almost of a national character. 

Cheques 

The following cheques were then signed pursuant to the recommendation of the Audit Committee viz: 

The Clerk 

Salary account no. 1 £50.0.0 

Disbursements account no. 1 £33.8.0 

232 


The Clerk 

Disbursements account no. 2 £2.2.5 

H. Kirby 


W. Brown 


On next year account 

Lloyd & Sons 

repair of Ranger Kirby’s bicycle £1.7.6 

W. Brown repair of his bicycle £1.8.8 

It is resolved that the next meeting of the Board be held on Friday the 7th February next at 2:30 p.m., or on such 


A cordial vote of thanks was passed to the Chairman for his able services during the past year. 



A meeting of the Conservators of Ashdown Forest convened and held at the Nutley Inn, Nutley on Friday 

7 February 1913 at 2:30 p.m. 

Present 











On the proposition of Mr. Turner seconded by Mr. Sandford it is resolved that the Honble H.B. Portman do take 

the chair. 

Chairman 

On the motion of Mr. Turner, seconded by Mr. Martin, Mr. Maryon-Wilson is unanimously elected Chairman for 

the year. 

Mr. Maryon-Wilson having taken the chair, states that he most appreciates the Board’s mark of confidence in 

electing him to be its Chairman for the 14th consecutive year ***** his duties it will always be his aim to deal and 

practice with an even hand and with whom the Board is concerned, whether they happen to be the owners of 5 or 

500 acres. He desires to allude to one subject only concerning the Board’s work during the last year, namely the 

conviction which was obtained against Harry Williams for incendiarism, but he sincerely ***** that there may be no 

successor to Harry Williams during the coming session. 

233 


He can at any rate promise that the Board will spare no effort and, if need be, no expense, to put an end to 

incendiary fires on the Forest and in conclusion, asks the Conservators to continue to extend to him their 

confidence and loyal co-operation in carrying out the work which is before them in the coming [year]. 

The minutes of the last meeting are the read and confirmed. 

The Clerk produces the Bank Book, showing balances standing to the credit of the several accounts as follows:- 


Second Ranger Account £42.6.3 

Protection Improvement Fund £62.17.11 

It is resolved that Messrs. Freshfield, Martin and Midgley and Colonel Needham be the Committee for the Forest 

Row District for the current year. 

Also that the Honble H.B. Portman and Messrs. Carr, Kenward, Sandford and Turner be the Committee for the 

Maresfield Distinct for the current year. 

Also that the Chairman, Mr. Freshfield and Mr. Portman be re-elected the Committee to deal with matters relating 

to the protection of the Forest from fires. 

Balance sheet 

The Clerk lays on the table a print of the balance sheet of the General Account and the Protection of Improvement 

Fund for the year ending 31st December last, and reports that a copy of such balance has been send to every 

Commoner. 

Site of Hall’s shed 

Mr. Albert Turner reports that he has purchased from Mr. Edward Hall the site of the old shed on the Forest at 

Dodds Bottom for and has had the surface seeded down and will be pleased to hold the ground as a trustee for 

Board. It is resolved that Mr. Turner’s offer be accepted with many thanks for the trouble he has taken, and that the 

price and stamp duty be repaid to him out of the Protection and Improvement Fund. 

Countess Norbury licence for road 

Referring to the resolution passed at the last meeting sanctioning a licence to Earl Norbury for a carriage drive out 

of Greenwood Gate Estate, the Clerk reports that, having ascertained that the Estate is vested in Countess 

Norbury, he completed the licence in her name, and he produces the counterpart signed by the Countess. 

The Forest Row Committee present the following report, which is read and it is resolved that to be received and 

entered on the minutes, namely: 

At a meeting of the Forest Committee **** 1913. Present Mr. Freshfield, the Chairman, Mr. Midgley and Mr. 

Martin. 

Ladies golf club additional works 

A letter of 5th Dec 1912, from the Golf Club was considered. The reply to it as follows: 

1. The tee for the 6th hole behind the road may be made at the spot marked, provided it is only 4 inches 

above the level of the adjoining pound. It is however, to be distinctly understood that, if any complaint is 

received by the Board with regard to the tee, the use of it must be discontinued. 

2. As to the new green mentioned beyond the present 9th green, the Conservators cannot allow any additional 

green to be made, as in their opinion quite enough of the Forest is given up for golfing purposes, and 

particular about the spot proposed for the new green further they cannot allow a new green to be made on 

there or substitution for the present 9th green, as a green in such place should add to the danger of 

Commoners walking on adjacent parts of the Forest. 

234 


It was mentioned to the Committee that a Mr. White had purchased a plot of ground on the above property below 

where Mr. James Card is having 2 cottages erected and that Mr. White had put a gate on his fence adjoining Forest, 

and where there is no road or footpath 

The Committee instructed Ranger Brown to let ***** know should any attempt be made be gain access through the 

gate to the plot by carts or other vehicles. 

Major L. Darwin wrote calling the attention of the Board to the state of the track which was so bad that the 

children of the four cottages near Hospital Farm had been unable to get to the Birch Grove school and asking if the 

Board could make improvements. The Committee authorised the Chairman to enquire of Major Darwin what 

assistance he would give to the Clerk and on receipt of a satisfactory reply to instruct the Ranger to proceed with it. 

Note. Major Darwin having offered to supply free the stone required from his adjacent quarry and to contribute £2 

towards the carting the Chairman has instructed the Ranger to take in hand the necessary repair. 

Douglas A. Freshfield. 

Chairman. 

Mr. Freshfield states that since above report was drawn up the work to the footpath has been completed at a total 

cost of £5.5.0, leaving a balance, after deducting Major Darwin’s contribution, of £3.5.0. 

Ladies Golf Club additional work 

It is resolved that the action of the Committee with reference to the application of the Ladies Golf club be 

approved and confirmed also their action with reference to the footpath from Hospital Farm, and at the balance of 

£2.0.0. be reimbursed to the Committee out of the Protection and Improvement Fund. 

Samuel White application 

Mr. Samuel White of Stonehouse Farm, Forest Row, attends before the Board and states be has purchased about a 

quarter of an acre of land, being on the NE side and part of Mrs. Emma Reed’s property called Bank Farm, Forest 

Row, on which he is proposing to build a house, and he applies to the Board to grant him a licence to make, metal 

and maintain a cart way of 10 feet width from the property to the grass track which passes along the NE side of his 

frontage, at a distance of 25 yards. Mr. White, having retired, the Board carefully considered the matter, and bearing 

in mind that a cart way has already been granted to purchasers of an adjacent part of the property, it is resolved that 

the Board cannot see its way to grant an additional road to the Bank Farm property, of which this plot formed part. 

Mr. White, having been recalled, is informed of the decision. 

Motor cars on road to Club House 

The Clerk states that Ranger Brown, having reported to him that several motor cars have been left standing on the 

road to the Golf Club House while the occupants played on the golf course, he wrote to the owner of two of the 

cars, pointing out that this is a breach of Bye Law 19, and requesting him to warm his chauffeur not to leave the 

cars there in future. Ranger Brown reports that the practice has been discontinued. 

A letter dated the 1st inst from the Secretary is read, in which he wrote that the question of motor car 

accommodation is to discussed at the general meeting of the Club to be held on the 22nd inst, and asking whether 

in the meantime, the Conservators will grant leave for cars to stand on the Forest outside the Club House. On the 

**** of Mr. Portman, it is resolved that the Clerk reply that the Board have no power to grant the permission asked 

for. 

Forest Row Rifle Range application for improvement 

The Clerk read a letter, dated 23rd January last, from the Sussex Territorial Force Association stating their desire to 

bring the Forest Row Rifle Range up to date, and enquiring whether a licence for this purpose can be granted, to 

include the extension of the Range, to substitute up-date target ***************, generally to repair the Range and 

to widen, and possibly extend, the existing trench, and some additional brickwork in the gallery and suggesting that, 

in view of the position of some of the greens on the golf links, it may be desirable to slightly after the direction of 

235 


the line of firing, and to erect new firing platforms, and starting that if the Conservators agree in principal to the 

proposal, a definite proposal will be submitted and their Surveyor could meet Representatives of the Board on the 

spot. 

Mr. Martin, Mr. Freshfield, Mr. Midgley, Colonel Needham, and Mr. Ridley having spoken strongly against the 

continuance of the Range at all, it is resolved that, owing to the rapid growth of Forest Row, and increase in its 

population , the Forest Row Rifle Range is most dangerous, and the Board are, therefore, unable to accede to the 

application and are strongly of opinion that the Range should be abolished altogether, and that the Clerk 

communicate the above Resolution to the Association and inform them that the Board has appointed a Committee, 

which will be happy to meet a representative, or representatives of the Association in order to discuss the whole 

matter of Rifle Range in the neighbourhood. 

It is also resolved that the Chairman, Mr. Portman, Colonel Needham and Mr. Midgley be appointed a Committee 

to meet a representation or representatives, of the Association, and discuss the whole subject and to report. 

The Maresfield Committee present the following Report, which is read and it is Resolved that it be entered on the 


St. John’s Common Drainage Scheme 

As affecting the Forest comprises 5 manholes- 4 ft x 3’9”, 2 ventilation shafts 20 ft high, ***** steel pipes painted 

red or green depth average 5’9”- deepest 9 ft- main system along N boundary of Forest above Brook and owing to 

various allotments and private property - out of 70 manholes, the above 7 only are on the Forest. 

Completion on 5 weeks. 

The above was visited by Mr. Turner, Mr. Portman, Mr. Carr and Mr. Maryon-Wilson on 6th February 1913. 

Your Committee recommend a permission be granted to contractor, Mr. Vine for temporary shelter hut and to 

place bricks and pipes on Forest for 2 months from date of application. That the northern ventilation shaft should 

be run up by a tree indicated to Ranger Kirby and the Foreman and provided that the 2 shafts be put in such 

position as named to Committee, the Board will not refuse application for leave. 

Dodds Bottom school footpath 

Owing to an excessively wet winter, this path has worked into 5 or 6 ****** which require the clay removing and 

filling with coarse stones and repair with fine ground for which purpose your Committee ask Board to grant £3 

from Protection Fund. 

Mr. Cowan’s encroachment Camp Hill, Duddleswell cross road 

Your Committee with Ranger Kirby and the Chairman visited the above on February last 1913. [this section is 

illegible] 

Licence to small Commoners 

[this section is illegible] 

H.B. Portman 

Chairman 

Public sewer on St. Johns Common 

It is resolved the Clerk inform the East Grinstead R.D.C. that, provided the 16 shafts are ***** in the position 

which the Committee indicated to Mr. Vine’s Foreman, the Board will make no further objection to the work. 

St. John’s Common objections to camp 

The Clerk reports that he wrote to Miss N.A. Powell, as directed at the last meeting, and read a reply which he 

received on 6th January last. It is Resolved that the Clerk inform Miss Powell that they have carefully considered 

her letter and will bear it in mind if any application comes before them in the future. 

236 


Licences for safety zones 

The Chairman points cut that under the present ***** the Lord’s Reeve, Mr. Hudson, granted licences to occupiers 

adjoining the Forest to cut safety zones, the Board have no means of knowing who has permission to cut and who 

has not. It is resolved that the Ranger endeavour to arrange with Mr. Hudson to give notice of all licences granted. 

Mr. Cowan’s fence 

It is Resolved that the Clerk draw Mr. Cowan’s attention to the work which has been carried on during his absence, 

and requesting that he take steps to set back his fence to the correct boundary of his property. 

It is Resolved that, for the improvement of the school footpath, a grant of £3, be made out of the Protection and 


Licences, cost of 

It is resolved that the Clerk consider that part of the Committee’s report which relates to the expense of small 

licences, and submit any suggestion to the next meeting. 

Crowborough District Gas Co, Bill 1913 

The Clerk reports that the Crowborough District Gas Co. is promoting a bill in the present session of Parliament 

for powers to extend their supply of gas, and to supply electricity within the parishes of (inter alia) Crowborough, 

Buxted and Hartfield, which includes portions of the Forest, and to lay, repair and alter mains, pipes and culverts 

for the purpose within the area of supply, and that, if passed, the Bill would appear to empower to lay under the 

Forest without obtaining the consent of the Board. 

It is Resolved that the Chairman with the assistance of the Clerk be authorised to negotiate with the promoters for 

the insertion in the Bill of words providing that the previous consent in writing of the Board shall be necessary to 

any interference with the Forest. 

H. Jesse Ridley 

The Clerk reports that, pursuant to the resolution passed at the last meeting, he on the 30th December last, 

forwarded a reply to H. Jesse Ridley which was by the Chairman, and also forwarded copies thereof to the press, 

and he reads a long reply he has received from Mr. H. Jesse Ridley on 7th January last. 

After full discussion, upon the proposition of Mr. Freshfield, seconded by Mr. Sandford, and supported by Mr. 

Joseph Ridley, is unanimously resolved that the letter lie on the table. 

Thomas Taylor deposit 

Ranger Kirby having reported on 7th January that a large quantity of cord wood which he believed belonged to 

Messrs. Stenning, was deposited on the Forest at the bottom of Marden Hill, and that a quantity of slabs, posts and 

trees, belonging to Mr. Thomas Taylor, of Paddock Wood, were deposited on the Forest between Crowborough 

Warren and the Five Hundred, the Clerk wrote to these parties, pointing out that such deposits are a breach of the 

Bye laws, and calling upon them to remove the deposit at once. Ranger Kirby reports that the whole of these 

materials have now been recovered. 

Williams Harry cutting litter 

The Board then consider report of Ranger Brown as to litter cut on the Forest by Harry Williams and supplied to 

John **** of Sharpthorne. It appears that Williams was acting on some general instruction previously given to him 

by Mr. Cook, and under the circumstances the Clerk states that in his opinion prosecution would not be sustained. 

It is resolved that the Board agree on the view. 

Cheques 


Ranger Kirby 

237 


6 weeks salary and house 

Rent to 10 th inst £7.10.0 

National Insurance Employees 

Premium 30 weeks to ** inst @ 3d £0.7.6 

Ranger Brown 

6 weeks salary to 10th inst. £6.0.0 

National Insurance Employees 

Premium 30 weeks to ** inst @ 3d £0.7.6 

It is resolved that the next meeting of the Board be held on Friday the 18th April next at 2.30 p.m. or on such other 



G.M. Maryon-Wilson Chairman. 

A meeting of the Conservators of Ashdown Forest duly convened and held as the Nutley Inn, Nutley, on 


Present 












Mr. Nicholson death of 

Before commencing the business of the meeting, the Chairman said he felt he must make reference to the loss the 

Board had indirectly sustained by the death of Mr. E.A. Nicholson which occurred suddenly on Wednesday 7th 

inst. He had represented the Lord of the Manor on the Board ever since its formation in 1886, and had given the 

Board every facility in his power in connection with the numerous transactions with which he had been concerned; 

he constructed a very old link between the Lord of the Manor and the Board and he, (the Chairman) would ask the 

Board to pass a vote of condolence with the widow and family, and request the Clerk to convey the Board’s 

sympathy to them. This resolution was passed unanimously, all the members rising. 

Mr. Sandford member of Board 

The Chairman then expressed his regret that Mr. Sandford is prevented by indisposition from being present to day 

and he points out that this is the first occasion on which Mr. Sandford, who has been a member of the Board from 

its formation, has been unable to attend, he thought this constituted a record and he was sure they all hoped he 

might be speedily restored to health. 


The Clerk produces the Bark Books showing the balances standing to the credit of the several accounts as follows:- 



238 


Protection and Improvement Fund £94.4.10 

Fires 

The Ranger imports the following fires on the Forest since the East meeting: 

Southern area 

Mar 1 11.30 p.m. Nr. Fairwarp Recreation ground about 1 acre 

Mar 1 11.30 p.m. Brown’s Brook about 20 rods 

Mar 1 12.30 p.m. At Millbrook about 6 rods 

April 5 6.30 p.m. Nr. Fords Green about 8 rods 

April 7 Friars Gate about 10 rods 

April 7 earlier Ditto 

about 1 acre 

April 15 4.00 p.m. Nr. Pound Gate about ¾ acre 

April 20 3 p.m. At Millbrook about ½ acre 

April 22 7.00 p.m. Ditto about 3 rods 

Ranger Kirby believes some of these were accidentally occasioned by engine sparks. 

Northern area 

May 12 11 a.m. On Kidds Hill 

about 3 rods 

which Ranger Brown believed to be accidentally occasioned by a person throwing away a lighted match after 

lunching on the Forest. 

Postponement of meeting 

The Chairman explains that acting on the authority vested in him, he postponed the meeting of the Board to this 

day in the hope that the Committee appointed to go into the subject of the Rifle Range on the Forest would have 

received and been able to consider the report of the War Office expert on the Forest Row Rifle Range before they 

made their report, he had to report that the Committee appointed to inquire into the matter viz: - The Honble H.B. 

Portman, Mr. Midgley and himself (Colonel Needham could not attend), met Captain Lloyd, the Secretary of the 

Sussex Territorial Force Association on the 28th March last, and with him inspector of Forest Row Rifle Range. 

Caption Lloyd admitted that the present site was dangerous and suggested that the firing point be brought to within 

25 yards of the fence enclosing the Forest Row Cricket Ground which would involve firing over one of the Ladies 

putting greens. He contended that the present danger would there be negatived, as the recruits would then be 

practically firing down instead of slightly uphill as at present while the Range would be reduced from 500 to 400 

yards. He admitted that there was still the danger with regard to the wood and at the conclusion of the inspection 

proposed to invite a War Office expert to inspect the Range, promising to fully explain to him the local conditions 

and circumstances when the expert would report. The Committee consented to this only stipulating that they could 

not be bound by the terms of the Report but Captain Lloyd had written saying he had received no official report at 

present, but that he had little doubt it would be to the effect that the Range might be considered reasonably safe, 

providing that: (1) the line is altered as Captain Lloyd suggested;(2) that the stop butt be brought up to 25 feet in 

height and (3) that notice be placed at the entrances to the wood to the effect it was dangerous to enter while 

shooting was going on. The Committee still maintained the opinion that the Range in its present form is dangerous 

and ought to be adapted but were not prepared to recommend the Board to come to a final decision in the matter 

until the report of the War Office official had been received and considered. 

It is resolved that the report be approved and entered on the minutes and that the Chairman be requested to 

convened an earlier meeting of the Board if he deem it necessary as soon as the Committee are in a position to 

make a further report. 

Camps on St. John’s Common 

A letter from Miss H.A. Powell dated 31st March last is read, thanking the Board for their last communication in 

expressing the keen appreciation thereof by the residents. 

239 


Crowborough Gas etc. Bill 

The Clerk reports that he consulted his Parliamentary agents with reference to the Crowborough District Gas & 

Electricity Bill which is being promoted in Parliament this session and they expressed the opinion that it is not 

likely to affect the Forest. 

Mr. Freshfield telephone line 

Mr. Freshfield states that he is desirous of connecting his house, Wych Cross Place, with the telephone, that 3 

routes for overhead wire are under consideration, all starting from the post near Mr. Winckley Smith’s property and 

he points out each of these routes on a plan, and he applies for the consent of the Board to such one of the 3 

routes as may be decided on. 

It is resolved that the Board grant their consent to whichever route may be approved by the Forest Row 

Committee, and that the Clerk be and is hereby authorised to sign such consent on behalf of the Board. 

Mr. Emma Reed complaint to new track 

A letter dated 2nd April last from Mr. Emma Reed is read complaining that the golfers are taking the turf off the 

Forest and making ***** paths where they think fit, and throw the turf anywhere on the Forest disregarding the 

fact that the **** belongs to the Commoners. 

R.A.F. Golf Club complaints as to new tracks 

A letter dated 4th inst. from the Secretary, R.A.F. Golf Club, is read stating he is instructed of his Committee to ask 

of the Conservators in taking any steps to prevent Reed and others making new tracks across the Forest and to 

request that a notice board may be put up at the 15th hole to clearly define which road is to be used as it is 

evidently not known to various tradesmen at present; and stating that the Committee are strongly of opinion if the 

Conservators would allow it that the road in front of the bunker at the 15th green, would be most convenient for all 

parties. 

The Forest Row Committee presents the following report, which is read, and it is Resolved that it be received and 

entered on the minutes namely: 

11th April 1913 

Present Mr. Freshfield, Colonel Needham, and Mr. Martin. 

A letter from Mr. Frost as to the exercising of horses on the Forest was received and considered. There did not 

appear to be any continuing cause of complaint and the matter was adjourned. 

The Ranger was instructed to collect and remove any rubbish scattered on the edge of the Forest near the Golf 

Hotel and to report the caution to householders not be throw out things on the Forest. 

A letter from Mrs. Reed complaining of a new stoned path made by the Golf Club was considered. The Committee 

viewed the spot and requested the Secretary of the Golf Club to reduce to length and width and restore the green 

on the sides of the portion reduced. This has been done. 

They then viewed the tracks adjacent and leading to Mrs. Reed’s property. Much damage has been done to the 

surface of the Forest by the driving of carts in many directions. No endeavour having been made to keep the track 

leading to the new cottages on Mrs. Reed’s property which she was authorised to make good in repair, it had 

become owing to the wet weather practically impassable and traffic had been driven elsewhere. 

The Committee is of opinion that the state of things cannot be allowed to continue. It has already reported of it 

twice in August and January last and it now puts the whole matter before the Board for their careful consideration. 

The most desirable resolution would seem to be that an agreement should be come to between the Board, the Golf 

Club and Mrs. Reed whereby a single track should be converted into a stoned road similar to that to Water Farm 

240 


and the traffic thus kept off the surface of the Forest. If the parties directly interested could join the Board might be 

advised to contribute to the cost of such a track. 

The accounts of moneys spent on protection and improvements since the last settlement are ******: 

Expended 

On Furze cutting and litter cutting £41.1.9 

On Watching £1.12.6 

On Footpath repair £1.1.0 

On Stream correction £1.4.6 

On Extra Labour £1.4.0 

On Cleaning up & burning rubbish £0.3.0 

On Cripps Corner path £5.5.0 

On Cutting furze £4.5.0 

On Binding and Walter £1.14.0 

£57.18.9 

Receipt 

By Major Darwin’s contribution £1.15.0 

Also labour £0.5.0 

By Litter sold £2.16.0 

By Litter sold £1.5.0 

£5.16 0 

£52.2.9 

They also report that against this amount the Clerk has received from Mr. Luxford for faggots purchased by him 

£30.6.0 

D.W .Freshfield Chairman 

It is Resolved that the report be approved and that the above mentioned sum of £52.2 9 be paid to the Committee 


R.A.F. Golf Club complaint as to new tracks 

Also that the Clerk inform the R.A.F. Golf Club that to prevent the matter of which they complain would involve 

expensive proceedings in the High Court, which the Board are not at present prepared to embark on, but are willing 

to try and come to an arrangement with the persons in question to use only one cart track, to be made and installed 

from Reed’s property to the Hartfield road, passing in front of the bunker adjoining the 15th green, provided the 

Club are prepared to contribute to the metalling and repairing of same and in the event of such an arrangement 

being arrived at they would be prepared to erect a notice board to point out the track to be taken, such reply to be 

first approved by Mr. Martin. 

Samuel White renewed application for roadway 

A letter is read from Mr. Samuel White of Stonehouse Farm, Forest Row, renewing his application for a road to the 

property he has purchased from Mrs. Emma Reed. 

It is resolved that, pending the proposed negotiation with the various parties, the Clerk inform Mr. White that the 

matter is under consideration ,and that he will be communicated with later. 

The Maresfield Committee presents the following report which is read, and it is Resolved that it be received and 


17th May 1913 

241 


The Maresfield Committee report that they have considered an application from Mr. F.H. Fawkes to make a 

footpath over the Forest from the house in his occupation on Old Toll or Lower Spring Gardens Farm to the road 

from Boring Wheel Mill to the Duddleswell high road, a distance of about 50 feet and to fence it in both sides. The 

Committee visited the spot and informed Mr. Fawkis that the Board has no power to allow him to fence such a 

path. They recommend that a licence be granted to him to make and maintain a footpath not exceeding 4 feet in 

width; he paying an acknowledgement of if 1/- per annum to the Conservators. the cost of the licence to be paid 


Footpath at Dodds Bottom repaired 

The Committee have repaired drained and restored the footpath at Dodds Bottom on which they were authorised 

at the last meeting to expend not exceeding £3 and it will now be a serviceable path for some time. The total sum 

expended is £1.4.0, which they ask to be refunded. 

Pound Gate School crossing on the Forest 

The boards used by Commoners for driving over the ditch adjacent to the Pound Gate School which were to 

prevent gypsies driving on to the Forest ****** out the Committee have arranged to fill in a length of about 8 feet 

of the ditch and to protect the cross by a post on each side and an iron bar across it to be secured by a padlock, the 

key of which will be held at the school for the use of Commoners. They have given orders for the work to be done 

under the supervision of the Ranger; the expense will be paid by the School Managers and they ask the Board to 

confirm their action. 

H.B. Portman. 

Chairman, 16th May 1913. 

Fawkes F.H. licence 

It is resolved that the report and proceedings of the Committee be approved and a licence granted to Mr. Fawkes 

accordingly, and that, the above mentioned sum of £1.4.0, be reimbursed to the Committee out of the Protection 

and Improvement Fund. 

Mr. Cowan encroachment 

The Maresfield Committee further report that, with reference to the encroachment made by Mr. W.N. Cowan, the 

Committee visited the place and are satisfied that he has erected his new fence beyond the boundary of his 

property, that Mr. Portman interviewed Mr. Cowan and in the end Mr. Cowan offered to put back his fence 2 feet 

on the north side for 60 feet in length, and the Committee recommend that the Board agree to this offer, and 

authorise Mr. Portman to acquaint Mr. Cowan of their decision and to see the work carried out. 

It is Resolved that this Report and recommendation be approved and acted on. 

Alfred Hoath complaint 

The Clerk reports that he received a complaint from Mr. Alfred Hoath on the non-repair by the Conservators of 

the cart tracks on the Forest, and he replied to Mr. Hoath on the 10th March last, pointing out that the Board have 

been compelled to spend funds which would otherwise have been circulation for repairing and improving cart 

tracks, in taking measures to prevent the spread of incendiary fires, and urging him to do all he can to put a stop to 

such fires. It is Resolved that the action of the Clerk be approved. 

The Clerk reports as follows: 

I have considered the question referred to me at the last meeting of the Board with regard to the expense of 

granting licence for ingress and egress to small holdings and for small conveniences and I beg to point out that I am 

unable to confirm the statement in the Report of the Maresfield Committee that it was originally the custom to 

grant such licence free of cost, or at a very nominal sum; no such custom, or practice has ever existed. In one or 

two trifling matters letters have been exchanged without any cost beyond that of a 6d. stamp, and on one occasion 

only a licence was granted to Mr. A. Strudwick to make a footpath to his cottage, the total expense of which was 

10/-. In the case referred to by Mr. Sylvanus Ridley, his application was to make a new road over the Forest from 

Lower Spring Gardens Farm to the public road; this Farm could scarcely be considered in the light of a small Forest 

holding; the roadway was one which would have added considerable value to the farm, and the licence would have 

242 


involved practically the same provision as in the case of Mr. Samuel’s road. Mr. Ridley was asked to pay a fee of 3 

guineas, which included the ascertaining of the various details, the preparation of the licence, the engraving of it and 

of a counterpart, the making of plans to attach to each, the stamp duties on each part, a fee of 1 guinea to the 

Lord’s Representative for approving and signing the Licence and correspondence with all the parties, and I submit 

that the sum which would have gone into my pocket namely £1.17.0 would have been a very modest remuneration 

for all the labour involved. The cost of the licences must depend more or less on the subject matter: in some few 

cases an exchange of letters duly stamped would be sufficient, and the Lord’s consent is not requisite, but in many 

cases to render a licence any protection to the Conservators a somewhat lengthy document is necessary. In the case 

of a cottage, or small man, I have hitherto charged something very trifling, or nothing at all, and do not propose to 

******** the convenience is of great value to the Licencee and submit that the moderate remuneration I have 

received in respect of them amounting as above stated to £1.17.0 is not considerable. I may remand the Board that 

where the same question was raised on the 3rd July 1909, it was expressly stated that there was no desire to 

complain of the Clerk’s charges but that in some cases the Board might defray them or some part of them and a 

Resolution was passed that the Board should determine in each instance who should bear the legal expenses, and in 

what proportion. 

It is resolved that the Report be entered on the minutes. 

Litter licences 

The returns made by the Rangers of licences granted by them during the past year are laid on the table. 

Local Govt. Board Annual Return 

The Clerk also lays on the table a copy of the annual return he has forwarded to the Local Government Board of 

the receipts and expenditure of the Board for the year under the 31st December last. 

Cheques 

It is Resolved that cheques be drawn as follows- 

Ranger Kirby 

14 weeks’ salary of House rent to 19th inst £17.10.0 

Insurance 14 weeks £0.3.6 

17.13.6 

Ranger Brown 

14 weeks’ salary £14.0.0 


£14.3.6 

It is resolved that the next meeting of the Board be held on Friday the 8th August next at 2.30 p.m., or on such 





Friday the 6th August 1913 at 2.30 p.m. 

Present 






243 






A letter is read from Mr. A. Turner regretting that absence from home prevents his attending this meeting. 

The Clerk reads a letter from Mr. W.C. Nicholson thanking the Board on behalf of his mother and family for their 

sympathy on the death of his father. 

Mr. Mark Sandford thanks the Board for the expression of their regret that indisposition prevented his attending 

the last meeting. 


The Clerk produces the Bank books, showing the balances standing to the credit of the several accounts as follows:- 



Protection and Improvement Fund £57.12.6 

Rifle Range 

The Chairman states that the Committee appointed by the Board at their meeting on 7th February to meet 

Representatives of the Sussex Territorial Force Association and discuss the whole matter of Rifle Ranges on the 

Forest, have communicated with the Military Authorities and have gone fully into the matter, and he reads the 

correspondence that has passed, and the report of the Committee on the matter and it is resolved that the report be 

received and that the correspondence and report be entire on the minutes; namely: 

19th May 1913 

Ashdown Forest Rifle Range 

Sir, 

In reply to your letter of the 29th March 1913 no. 10/4977, I am directed to inform you that the Ashdown Forest 

Range was recently inspected by the Officer for Technical Duties from Hythe, a copy of whose report is annexed. 

I am to ask that you will now ascertain whether there are any local objections to closing the danger area (shown in 

pencil on the accompanying map) to the public, when firing is proceeding on the proposed range and whether 

some arrangement can be made with the Golf Club for the firing point at 500 yards. 

I am, Sir 


H. Cowan, Colonel 

for Director of Fortifications and Works 

The Secretary 

Sussex Territorial Force Association 

Brighton 

Report on Ashdown Forest Rifle Range (W.O.9/Sussex/278) 

I visited the above on 13th May 1913, with the Secretary, Sussex Territorial Force Association. 

244 


The Range has not been used this season on account of complaints of stray bullets. 

As at present sited it is dangerous and should not be used (shown in blue on map). 

It could be made reasonably safe by ******* as shown in red. 

The firing points are on land owned by the Ashdown Forest Conservators and the danger area (wood) is private 

property. 

The wood is honeycombed with footpaths which, I was informed, were extensively used by the public at weekends. 

It would be necessary to erect notice boards warning the public of danger at all points where these paths cross the 

boundaries of the danger area. It could not be watched by look outs. 

The line of sight is down hill and the ground behind the targets rises gradually to more than 300 above them. 

This fact allows the reduction in the danger area. 

The butts will need complete reconstruction. 

If the public object to the closing of the paths in the wood bye laws will be necessary, and of course the consent of 

the owner, as the wood itself, in addition to the paths, must be closed. 

The new site for firing point at 500 yards will be an encroachment on the Golf Links and some mutual arrangement 

will be necessary. 

9th June 1913 

To 

Geo. M. Maryon-Wilson 

Searles 

Fletching, Sussex 

Dear Sir, 

Forest Row Rifle Range 

I beg to forward copy of letter from the Director of Fortifications and Works, War Office, submitting the report of 

Captain F.V. Thompson, Royal Engineers, the Officer for Technical Duties at the School of Musketry on the 

Forest Row Rifle Range. 

The fate of the Range would appear to depend on whether or not the paths behind the targets can be closed to the 

public, either (1) while firing is going on, or (2) on certain days of the week, and, if so, whether the ******* is 

agreeable to such a course. 

If this can be arranged, there would appear to be no objection from a point of **** of safety, to the range being reopened 

after alterations was proposed. 

The Association would, of course, be prepared to put up notice boards at all necessary points to warn the public 

not to enter the wood, and to do everything required to insure the safety of the public. 

I understand that the owner of the wood was **** of your Sub-Committee, but if you so desire, I will communicate 

such *** direct in regard to the closing of the paths. If you wish me to do this, would you very kindly *** me have 

his *****. 

245 


Will you please let me have the plan back. 


A.A. Lloyd. (Secretary) 


Searles 

Fletching 

10.6.13 

Dear Sir, 


I have to acknowledge with thanks receipt of your letter of yesterdays date, inclosing copy letter from the Director 

of Fortifications, War Office, submitting the report of Captain F.V. Thompson, R.E. together with **** herein. I 

will submit the same to the Committee appointed by the Board of Conservators to deal with this matter of which 

the owner of the wood is not a member, and the Committee after communication with him will present their report 

to the Board at its next meeting on August 8th for its final discussion on this matter. I will retain the plan if you will 

allow me to do so until then. 

I must thank you for kindly offering to write to the owner direct, but this will now rest with the Committee. 

Believe me 



Chairman 

The Secretary 



The Committee appointed by the Board of Conservators to deal with this question have now received through their 

Chairman the report of Captain Thompson R.E. the Officer for Technical instruction at the Hythe School of 

Musketry dated May 14th 1913, together with a letter dated 19th May from the Director of Fortifications and 

Works addressed to the Secretary of the Sussex Territorial Association enclosing the report and asking whether (1) 

there are any local objections to closing the danger area (as shown on a plan sent) while firing is taking place and (2) 

whether some arrangement can be made with the Golf Club for the firing point at 500 yards. The report is as 

follows: (copied above) 

Taking the report by itself the Committee would point out that after an admission that the present Range is 

dangerous and should not be used it resolves itself into a proposal that the footpaths in Broadstone Warren - the 

wood in question - should be closed for which Bye Laws in the event of the public objecting would be necessary 

together with the consent of the owner, as the wood itself, in addition to the paths would also have to be closed. 

The Committee after a very careful consideration of this proposal are unable to take the view which it suggests, 

namely that the objection to the present Range and the danger which it now involves would be met by closing these 

footpaths to the public and that practically when once the wood was diminuated by treating it in the way proposed 

these objections would be remedied and the danger from the Range would then disappear. 

They are strongly of opinion from their knowledge of the position that the result would not follow, but that this 

question must be considered from a much wider standpoint than that of the wood only and must be treated from 

the point of view of the locality generally and with full regard to local conditions and circumstances, to make this 

246 


clear the Committee must point out this portion of Ashdown Forest to be used for the purpose of a Rifle Ranger 

has houses on all sides of it and is intersected by footpaths connecting them, as well as by the tracks issuing from 

the wood and therefore the proposed change in the direction of the Range while possibly reducing the danger so far 

as the wood itself is concerned in the event of its being closed altogether could not meet but only rather tend to 

increase the danger arising from this source. 

Dealing now with the two questions contained in the letter of the Director of Fortifications and Works referred to 

at the commencement of this report the Committee do not consider it necessary for the reasons given above, to 

discuss what the local objection to closing the danger area might be though they entertain no doubt that there 

would be strong opposition while any arrangement with the Golf Club would rest at any rate in the first instance 

with the War Office authorities and not with the Board of Conservators. The Committee, therefore, are unable to 

recommend the Board to consent to the continuance of the Range other in its present form or altered as proposed 

and they are strongly of opinion that it ought to be closed altogether at the end of the present year. 

They would venture to suggest for the consideration of the authorities that a better train or motor service if it could 

be secured to convey the East Grinstead and Forest Row companies to the present range at Kingstanding would 

considerably reduce the difficulty caused by the abolition of the Forest Row Range. 

Signed 

Geo. M. Maryon-Wilson (Chairman) 

W.B. Portman 

Charles Needham 

Ll. Midgley. 

After full discussion, on the motion of the Chairman, seconded by Mr. Sandford, it is unanimously Resolved that 

the Report of the Committee be approved and adopted that the Clerk forward to the Secretary of the Sussex 

Territorial Force Association a copy of the Committee’s report and of the Resolution arrived at by the Board, and 

return him the plan that was submitted, and forward a copy of the Report and Resolution to the press is soon as the 

Association has been communicated with. 

Fires 

The Rangers report that the following fires occurred on the Forest since the last meeting: 

Northern area 

May 25 9:40 to 11 p.m. Near Chelwood Gate about 10 rods 

May 25 10:30 to 11 p.m. East side road from Wych Cross 

to Chelwood Gate about 10 rods 

June 11 1:40 p.m. East side road from Forest Row 

to Wych Cross- 

about 2 rods 

supposed to be caused by spark from 

Pickford Motor Engine 

Southern area 

May 16 9 p.m. At Duddleswell about 10 rods 

May 17 9.30 p.m. At Pound Gate about 1 acre 

May 25 5 p.m. Nr. Toll Farm Fairwarp about 12 rods 

May 25 6.30 p.m. Nr.Vetchery about 20 rods 

June 9 6 p.m. At Chelwood Corner about ¼ acre 

June 19 9.30 p.m. 2 fires nr. Boring Wheel 

Mill 

about 2 rods 

July 12t p.m. Nr.Pippingford about 2 rods 

247 


Pickford Ltd. fire from Engine 

The Clerk reports that as the fire reported on the 11th June was undoubtedly occasioned by sparks given off by a 

motor engine of Pickfords Ltd. which passed the spot immediately beforehand, he on the 16th June last wrote to 

Pickfords Ltd. drawing their attention to the matter, and requesting an assurance that in future they would ensure 

that any traction engine of theirs sent across the Forest should be provided with an efficient spark catcher; and he 

received a reply by return of post igniting the occurrence and stated they had given instructions to have a special 

catcher fixed to the engine. 

Mr. Freshfield telephone line 

Also that the Forest Row Committee, having approved the route by which the telephone line was to be connected 

with Wych Cross Place, he (the Clerk) completed the licence to Mr. Freshfield to erect and maintain the same. 

R.A.F. Golf Club complaint 

Also that in accordance with the Resolution passed at the last meeting, he (the Clerk) on the 24th May last wrote to 

the R.A.F. Golf Club, the letter approved by Mr. Martin making the suggestions referred to in the Resolution and 

subsequently received a reply from the Secretary dated 12th June last, thanking the Board for their suggestions but 

stating that his Committee cannot undertake the expense of keeping in repair the track which is a very long one, 

and, therefore hope the Conservators will still allow the old track behind the bunker to remain as it now is, and that 

with regard to the matter of preventing Commoners driving their carts across the Forest, his Committee at present 

do not wish to proceed in the matter. 

Fawkes F.H. licence 

The Clerk reports that the licence to Mr. F.H. Fawkes to make and maintain a footpath from the house in his 

occupation on Lower Spring Gardens Farm has been completed. 

W.H. Cowan M.P. encroachment 

Mr. Portman reports that he communicated with W.H. Cowan M.P., as requested at the last meeting, and that Mr. 

Cowan has since put the fence of his property near Duddleswell 2 feet back for a length of 25 yards, the full 

distance agreed upon, and fully carried out his undertaking. 

It is Resolved that the thanks of the Board be tendered to Mr. Portman for his valuable services in the matter. 

S. White application for road 

The Board then consider Mr. S. White’s application (adjourned from the last meeting) for a road over the Forest 

from the plot he has purchased from Mrs. Emma Reed, and after full discussion it is Resolved that the Board do 

not see their way to grant a separate road over the Forest to Mr. White’s property, and suggest that he arrange with 

the Vendor, Mrs. Reed, for access to his plot. 

Road materials 

The following road authorities, having applied for permission to take road materials from the Forest for repair of 

their roads during the year ending 31st March 1914, namely: 

The East Grinstead Rural District Council 

nr. Kingstanding 

being the same quantity as last year. 

The Uckfield Rural District Council 

nr. Kingstanding 

being the same quantity as last year. 

130 yds gravel 

130 yds gravel 

It is Resolved that licences be granted to take the same subject to the same terms and conditions as the licence 

granted to those Councils last year. 

248 


The Forest Row Committee present the following report which is read, and it is Resolved that it be received and 


8th August 1913. 

The Ranger has collected 25 shillings from three farmers for leave to cut coarse heather at 6d. a load. This sum is 

paid in today and details are in Ranger Brown’s book - Uridge 18 loads, Swift 24 loads, Ashby 8 loads. 

The recent storms have in two places checked the channel of the brook below Water Farm. The Ranger has been 

authorised to obtain help in cleaning away the obstructions. 

Sir Henry Cunningham, now occupying Mr. Bryce’s house having applied for leave for 30 Scouts in charge of four 

officers to camp for 10 days on the Forest, and having explained that his daughter has been long interested in the 

boys, and will look after the camp, the Committee ask the Board to confirm the leave they have provisionally given 

for the boys to camp on the site of the Engineer’s camp between Prest Ridge and Cripps Corner for not longer 

than a fortnight. 

The Ranger reported to the Committee that a man named Wood while cutting rushes on “No Man’s Land” ****** 

the Forest pale had taken a few within the Forest. He appears to have no Forest rights and the Ranger was 

instructed to warn him. 

Sir Ed. Hope of New Lodge applied for leave to cut some furze at cross roads on the Forest near Giles Leap which 

was a danger to traffic. The leave was granted, the quantity being insignificant. 

Mr. Job Luxford applied on behalf of Mr. Walsham for leave to connect her house with the drainage system. The 

distance was some 20 yards. These have been granted. 

The Post Office Authorities applied for leave to run an underground wire from Mr. Winkley Smith’s to Mr. Lucas’s 

following the line already taken by the water pipe. They asked that if possible the licence might be given at once as 

they had their men and materials on the spot and expressed their willingness to accept such terms as the Board 

might require for the licence. 

In the circumstances the Committee felt justified in acquiescing to the request the P.O. Authorities have of late 

shown themselves most ready to meet the wishes of the Board for avoiding interference with the Forest as far as 

possible. 

Complaints are constantly received from residents at Forest Row as to the deposit of rubbish on the Forest. The 

Committee suggests that representation on the subject should be made to the District Council pointing out that 

there is urgent need of a system and proper collecting the rubbish of the locality. 

D.W. Freshfield 

It is Resolved that the report be approved and the acts of the Committee be confirmed. 

Bridge at Water Farm repair 

Also that the Committee be authorised to repair the bridge adjoining Water Farm, at a sum not exceeding ₤1, to be 

paid out of the Protection and Improvement Fund. 

Mr. Walsham’s drainage completed 

Ranger Brown reports that the drainage work at Mr. Walsham’s has been completed and the surface restored to his 

satisfaction. 

Deposit on Forest 

With regard to the complaints (1) that the Forest is disfigured by paper scattered about, and (2) that house refuse is 

deposited on the Forest at night by residents who have no other means of deposing of it. 

249 


E. Grinstead R.D.C. house refuse 

It is Resolved that instructions be given to the Rangers to do their utmost to put a stop to the matters complained 

of, that the Clerk inform Mr. W. Adams Forest and Mr. A.F. Thorpe that these instructions have been given and 

that the Clerk write to the East 

Grinstead Rural District Council as the Local Sanitary Authority, drawing their attention to the deposits of house 

refuse, and strongly urge upon them desirability of arranging for the regular collection of house refuse in the 

locality; also that notices be put up where required stating “Persons depositing rubbish or paper on the Forest are 

liable to be prosecuted under the Bye-Laws”, the Clerk to get such notices printed. 

Also that the Clerk write to the Secretary of the R.A.F. Golf Club begging him to give such instructions to the 

employees of the Club as will prevent the deposit of rubbish or refuse on the Forest in the vicinity of the Clerk 

premises. 

R.A.F. Golf Club motors standing 

Also that the Clerk, at the same time, draws the attention of the Club to the fact that motors are still being left 

standing on the Forest and on the road to the Club House. 

The Maresfield Committee present the following report which is read, and it is Resolved that it be received and 

entered on the minutes and approved; namely: 

8th August 1913 

Your Committee have considered an application from Mr. Dingwall, St. John’s Vicarage, for private golf holes for 

her family on St. John’s Common during the holidays, and recommend the Board not to grant the application, and 

to instruct the Clerk to write a letter to that effect. 

Your Committee report that they received the grass seed paid for by government, that it was sown by Ranger Kirby 

on St. John’s Common on 31st March 1913, where the Troops encamped last autumn and that Ranger Kirby 

reports that the seed has grown well and is ******. 

H.B. Portman. 

Chairman 

Pound Gate barway 

The Committee also report that instead of the movable bridge provided for the use of Commoners over the ditch 

cut near Pound Gate school to prevent gipsies driving their carts on the Forest, the Committee have now filled in 

sufficient of the ditch to form a crossing, and have erected posts and a bar, which is kept locked and that the keys 

of the lock are deposited (1) at the School House, (2) at the Crow and Gate Inn, and (3) with Ranger Kirby, for use 

of the Commoners when required. 

Mr. Markwick cutting litter 

Ranger Kirby having reported that Mr. Markwick had cut tracks on the Fairwarp Recreation ground without 

authority, the Clerk wrote to Mr. Markwick on 13th July, pointing out that not being a Commoner, he was not 

entitled to cut brakes on the Forest without a licence, and that only the Superintendent of the Recreation Ground 

could grant such a licence, and that he had committed a breach of the Bye Laws, for which he was able to a fine on 

conviction, and that if he wrote to the Clerk stating he had acted under a misapprehension, and promising not do 

so again without permission of the Superintendent, the Board would take no further action. To this Clerk had 

received no reply. 

Boringwheel Road 

Mr. Joseph Ridley, having raised the question of the condition of the road at Boringwheel Mill, Mr. Portman reads a 

correspondence he had had with Mr. Sylvanus Ridley who suggested that the Rangers should be sent poured with 

lists to collect subscriptions, a suggestion he (Mr. Portman) felt the Board would not be prepared to adopt. 

250 


It is Resolved that the Board cannot see their way to employing the time of the Ranger in collecting subscriptions, 

and it be left to the Maresfield Committee to further the question of repairing the road and to report thereon. 

Thistles on Forest 

Mr. Midgley points out the desirability of steps being taken to destroy the thistles growing on the Forest. It is 

Resolved that the two District Committees be required to take the matter into consideration and be authorised to 

take such action as they may deem expedient. 

Wm. Izzard, Paines Hill, claim to rights 

Mr. William Izzard of Paines Hill, Fairwarp, attends before the Board to claim nights of common respect of his 

cottage, and about one acre of land, situate on the east side of Putlands Farm. The Clerk states that Mr. Izzard was 

one of the large numbers of Foresters whose claims were investigated in 19[blank] (see minute Book II p. 26) and 

his claim was then disallowed. 

The Chairman informs Mr. Izzard the matter will be looked into and he will be communicated with. 

Rate 

The Clerk reports that the last rate was made on 15th December 1911, and will be exhausted before the next 

meeting. 

It is Resolved that notice be given on the agenda for the next ordinary meeting of the Board to make a rate of 6d. 

per acre, and that the Clerk prepare the necessary documents for the purpose. 


Also that the Clerk issue to subscribers and others the balance sheet of the 2nd Ranger Fund for the year ending 

17th June last and with applications for subscription for the current year. 

Cheques 

It is Resolved that cheques be drawn as follows: 

Ranger Kirby:- 

12 weeks salary as Ranger and House rent to inst. £15.0.0 


£15.3.0 

Ranger Brown:- 

12 weeks salary to 11th inst. £12.0.0 


£12.3.0 

Banister Ernest:- 

Printing £3.14.6 

Raper W.A. 

½ years salary as Clerk to 30th June last £50.0.0 

It is Resolved that the next meeting of the Board for held on the 17th October next at 2:30 p.m. or on such other 




Chairman 

251 



Friday the 17th October 1913 at 2.30 p.m. 

Present 

Mr.Geo. M. Maryon-Wilson in the chair 

Mr. James Hubert Husey Hunt nominated by Earl De La Warr 







Conservator nominated by Lord of Manor 

The Clerk produces a nomination in writing under the hand of the Right Honble Gilbert George Reginald Earl De 

La Warr, Lord of the Manor of Duddleswell, nominating James Hubert Husey-Hunt of Lewes, Sussex, Solicitor a 

Conservator in the place of Edward Andrews Nicholson deceased. 

It is Resolved that the nomination be entered on the minutes. It is as follows: 


I the undersigned Right Honble Gilbert George Reginald Earl De La Warr, Lord of the Manor of Duddleswell in 

the County of Sussex, do hereby nominate James Hubert Husey-Hunt of Lewes in the County of Sussex Solicitor to 

be a Conservator of Ashdown Forest in the place of my late nominee Edward Andrews Nicholson diseased. 

Given under my hand this eighth day of October 1913. 

De La Warr 


The Clerk produces the Bank Books showing the balances standing to the credit of the several accounts as follows:- 




Fires 

Ranger Brown reports that on the 29th August last, at about 7 p.m. a small fire occurred on the Forest 10 yards 

from the east side of the Twyford Road and about 30 yards from the Smuggler Track, the fire consumed only about 

a yard at the foot of a small birch tree where only a small quantity of heath was growing and it is thought that it may 

have been caused by lightning. 

Deposits on Forest 

The Clerk reports that on the 9th August last he wrote to the Clerk to the East Grinstead Rural District Council, as 

directed at the last meeting, urging the desirability of the Council arranging for the regular collecting of house refuse 

at Forest Row and that he received a reply dated 6th September last stating that the Council do not see their way to 

undertake the work, and suggesting that the Conservators have a remedy under the Bye Laws in respect of the 

refuse deposited on the Forest. 

It is Resolved that the Clerk write again to the East Grinstead Rural District Council informing them that the Board 

have further considered this matter and are clearly of opinion that the obligation to remove house refuse rests with 

them as the Sanitary Authority and that they trust that the Council will see their way to comply with the Board’s 

request and believe them of the necessity of referring the matter to the Local Government Board. 

252 


Mr. Izzard claim to rights 

With regard to the claim of William Izzard of Paines Hill, Fairwarp, to rights of common in respect of his cottage 

and one acre on the east side of Putlands Farm, the Clerk reports that this claim was investigated by a Committee 

with a large number of others in November 1906, and that the Committee reported that it was a case of the 

Tenancy at will which existed till 7th October 1902 when the freehold was conveyed by Lord De La Warr to Mr. 

Izzard so that no claim of right can be established in respect of the property and that Izzard can only take litter if 

licences are granted to him for the purpose. 

It is Resolved that the Clerk inform Mr. Izzard thereof. 

Ashdown Place underground telephone cable 

The Clerk reports that he received an application from the Postmaster General a few days since to lay and maintain 

an underground cable from Greenhill to Ashdown Place at High gate and that he informed the Postmaster General 

that so far as the Conservators are concerned there was no objection to his carrying out the work. 

It is resolved that the action of the Clerk be approved and confirmed. 


The Clerk reports that in response to his application for subscriptions to the 2nd Ranger Fund for the year ending 

17th June next he has received and paid in subscriptions amounting to £52-0-6 and that others will no doubt be 

received. 

Mr. A.H. Wood of Duddleswell wrote to the Clerk complaining that some persons cutting litter on the Forest 

carried concealed guns which they used when opportunity offered, and asking for the assistance of the 

Conservators. The Clerk replied pointing out that we could himself prosecute if the person using the gun does not 

hold the gun licences, but that having regard to Bye Law 3, the Ranger would be instructed to keep a special lookout 

for any persons using guns, and would be glad to receive any information that would assist him. Mr. Wood 

forwarded a subscription of £2.2.0 to the 2nd Ranger Fund stating “I am contributing this so long as the 

Conservators will prosecute persons caught infringing Bye Law 3”. 

Mr. Francis J. Peregrine Birch wrote: “I have great pleasure in enclosing my £5 towards the 2nd Ranger [Fund] not 

because I enjoy parting with £.s.d., but because I feel that the pleasure and advantages derived from the Forest are 

incalculable and the services of the Conservators should be amply supported by those who derive unfold benefit 

and enjoyment by their exertions”. 

Sylvanus Ridley deposit 

The Clerk reports that Mr. Sylvanus Ridley, having applied for permission to deposit building materials on the 

Forest at Dodds Bottom, he (the Clerk) on the 1st inst. under the authority given him by the Board granted him a 

licence for the purpose on condition that the materials are deposited so as not to inconvenience any adjoining 

occupier and that they are removed and the surface restored on or before 1st November next. 

Tompsett deposit of poles 

Also that Mr. Benjamin Tompsett of Horsmonden having applied for permission to deposit poles on the Forest at 

Church Hill temporarily for the purpose of removing them by traction engine be granted permission for the 

purpose. 

Bridge at Water Farm repaired 

The Forest Row Committee report that the bridge adjoining Water Farm has been repaired without cost to the 

Conservators. 

Mr. F.R. Lucas pigstye 

Ranger Brown reports that the wooden fence round the pigstye adjoining the Forest on Mr. F.R. Lucas property at 

Forest Row has been replaced by a stone wall without encroaching. 

253 


Mr. Henley fence 

The Clerk reports that after the last meeting he wrote to Messrs. Waters stating that the Conservators could not see 

their way to consenting to Mr. Henley’s proposal of letting in sleepers to form a curb for a path in front of the 

fence of Querndon at Tompsetts Bank and that he subsequently received a letter from Mr. Henley stating they 

simply required to put a rail along the outside of the fence. 

It is Resolved that Mr. Henley be informed that the Board are to accede to the request. 

Telephone Lines Forest Row complaints 

A letter is read from the Reverend H.H. Lowe M.A. of Sycamore Cottage, Forest Row, objecting on behalf of 

himself and other residents to the erection of telephone posts across the Forest as an unwarrantable blemish of a 

beautiful neighbourhood. 

It is Resolved that Mr. Lowe be informed that the posts he refers to have been erected on private property by 

consent of the owners and that the Conservators have no control over their location. 

A letter is read from Mrs. Rose M. Beach of the *****, Forest Row, protesting against 2 more wires being added to 

those already existing over the Forest, which would make up a total of eight and asking whether they were being 

put up with the consent of Conservators. 

It is Resolved that Mrs. Beach be informed that the Board having considered her letter, suggest that her objection 

can be met by carrying the wires underground from the post below her garage to the post on the property of Mr. S. 

Winkley Smith and that her application should be made to the Postmaster General who will have to obtain the 

consent of the Lord of the Manor as owner of the soil. 

Telephone poles 

The Clerk reports that he has received an application from the Postmaster General for the erection and 

maintenance of 7 telephone poles and stays on Ashdown Forest at Tompsetts Bank which appear to be the poles 

erected for carrying the telephone wires to Wych Cross place. Mr. Martin points out that only one pole namely the 

third from the south is on Forest land, the remainder being on private property. 

It is Resolved that the Clerk inform the Postmaster General thereof and be authorised to sign a licence on behalf of 

the Board in respect of the one pole. 

The Maresfield Committee present the following report which is read, and it is Resolved that it be entered on the 

minutes, viz: 

The Maresfield Committee met at the Fairwarp Recreation Ground on Wednesday the 24th September 1913 at 2.30 

p.m. 

In reference to a complaint made by the Reverend G.W. Johnson the Superintendent of the Recreation Ground as 

to the user of a roadway over the Recreation Ground by Mrs. Townsend the proprietor of the Beacon House 

adjoining the said ground. 

Present Messrs. A. Turner and M. Sandford, Conservators, also Messrs. S. Ridley, J. Martin, F. Lovell, E. Tyler, F. 

Jenner, W. Markwick, Geo. Innes and Jesse Ridley and the Reverend G.W. Johnson, Superintendent. 

The Committee viewed the old track on the edge of the Recreation Ground which was used by Mrs. Townsend the 

owner of the Beacon House and which had been formerly used occasionally by the previous owner Mr. W. 

Markwick and after investigating the objections made by the people present the Committee decided to ask the 

Board of Conservators to suggest to Mrs. Townsend that she might make the existing track on the south side of the 

Recreation Ground possible for her motor and that if she did so the Conservators would then withdraw the 

permission which had been given to Mrs. Townsend to use present track on the Eastern edge of the Recreation 

Ground which had been occasionally used by the previous owner of the property. 

254 


Chas Catt alleged encroachment 

The Committee also inspected an alleged encroachment at Mill Brook adjoining the lower corner of a pasture field, 

the property of Count A. Munster used by Mr. Charles Catt where a hedge had been made from the edge of the 

adjoining stream and also from the west side of the stream in connection with a gap in the meadow hedge thereby 

making a watering place for cattle. This being clearly an encroachment on Ashdown Forest, the Committee ask the 

Board to order the removal of both hedges. 

H.B. Portman 

Chairman 

Fairwarp Recreation ground complaint as to road 

It is Resolved that (the Lord’s Representative assenting) the report with regard to Mrs. Townsend road be approved 

and the recommendations adopted and that Mrs. Townsend be informed that the Board are willing that she should 

repair the cart track round the west and south sides of the Recreation Ground by filling in the ruts but that she 

must not make it into a hard road. 

Catt Charles encroachment 

Also that (the Lord’s Representative assenting) Ranger Kirby do remove the two fences put up by Catt. 

Rough heath cutting 

Applications have been made to Ranger Kirby by persons for permission to cut and remove coarse growth too 

large for litter. 

It is Resolved that (the Lord’s Representative assenting) that he be at liberty to authorise the cutting on such spots 

as he may consider suitable, the persons taking the coarse growth to pay 1/- per load for same, half to be paid to 

the Lord and half to the Protection and Improvement Fund 

Kingstanding Rifle Range 

The Clerk reports that the Secretary of the East Sussex Territorial Force Association has applied for the completion 

of the licence to reconstruct the Kingstanding Rifle Range and the Clerk returns to know whether he has the 

authority of the Board to complete it. 

It is Resolved that the Clerk be authorised to complete the licence. 

Scouts camp 

The Clerk reports that having received an application for permission for about 24 scouts to camp on the Forest 

near Newbridge for 10 days he, on the 28th August, granted permission on behalf of the Conservators subject to 

the usual restrictions and precautions and Ranger Brown reported that these conditions had been properly 

complied with. 

Rate 

The Clerk having reported that the Funds in hand would be exhausted by payment of the current liabilities and 

having produced an estimate of the annual expenses it is proposed by the Honble Henry Berkeley Portman 

seconded by Mr. Albert Turner and unanimously resolved that a rate be made for defraying the expenses of the 

Conservators in the execution of their duties under the Award made under the provisions of the Inclosure Acts 

1845 to 1878 and the Commons Regulation (Ashdown Forest) Provisional Order Confirmation Act 1885 to be 

levied upon the respective owners of the rights of common upon the Forest at the rate of sixpence per acre in 

respect of the acreage of their respective acreage aforesaid and the respective sums payable by them, are hereafter 

act out namely: 


£ s d 


Andrews Mr. Burgess Hill, Sussex (late Fleck) 2 ½ 0 1 6 

Albert Alfred 

255 


Amps, James Ashdown House, Danehill, Uckfield 65:2:24 1 18 0 

William Esq. 



Appleby Mr. Fords Green Nutley Uckfield 1/2 0 0 6 

Isaac, decd. 

Repres. 

Arbuthnot W.R. Plaw Hatch East Grinstead 200 5 0 0 

Esq. 

Ashdown, Mr. Ivy Cottage, Friars Gate, Withyham (late 1 ½ 0 1 0 

Thomas Avis) 

Avis, Mrs The Hollies, Fryars Gate 

1 ½ 0 1 0 

Sarah A. Withyham 

Baker Mr. Chelwood Common Dane Hill Uckfield 2 0 1 0 

Matthias 



Messrs. 

Barralet, Mrs. The Laurels, Nutley ¾ 0 0 6 

Phoebe 


Bashford, Mr. Forest Row East Grinstead 15 0 7 6 

John 


Bedwell, Mr. Nutley, Uckfield 

9:0:29 0 5 0 

Charles 

Ditto (late Jas Turner) 



Eliz. 

Bennett, Mr. J. Turners Green, Danehill 2 0 1 0 

Bennett, Mr. Dane Hill, Uckfield 0:2:4 0 0 6 

George 



Repres. Of 

Birch, Francis Old End, Forest Row, Sussex 46 1 3 0 

Esq. 


Essex 


Hon. Lord 

Brassey, The Normanhurst, Battle, Sussex 95:2:14 2 8 0 

Hon. Lady 


William 

Budd Budd Fred. Restlands West Hoathly East Grinstead 145 3 12 6 

& John. 


Card, Mr. James Broadstone Farm, Colemans Hatch 4:0:30 0 2 6 


Champneys, Dr. Littlemead, Nutley, Uckfield 7:3:0 0 4 0 

Frank 

Clarke C/o Daniel Watney & sons 133:3:15 3 7 0 

256 


Stephenson, Mrs. 33 Poultry London 


56:2:0 1 0 0 

Stephenson 33 Poultry London 

Clarke Chas. C/o Daniel Watney & sons 

1 11 6 

Bridges Orme 33 Poultry London 

Esq. 

(late Sadlier) 

(late W. Gilbert) 

18:0:0 

44:2:7 


Colchester The c/o E.P. Whitley, Hughes, East Grinstead 213 5 6 6 

Rt. Hon. Lord 

Constable, Mrs. Forge Bank, Nutley 2:2:28 0 1 6 

Lucy S. 



Cooper, Ernest C/o Turner Rudge & Turner, East 140 3 10 0 

Esq. 

Grinstead 

Corbett, Charles Woodgate, Dane Hill Park Uckfield 248:1:24 6 4 6 

Esq. 

Cowan, W.H. Crows Nest, Buxted 

3:1:14 0 3 6 

(late Parker) 

3:1:6 



Darwin, Major Cripps Corner, Forest Row 33 ½ 0 17 0 

Leonard Rob. 

De La Warr, The C/o W.W.S. Follett, Esq., New University 9:0:4 0 5 0 

Rt. Hon. Muriel, 

Countess 

Club, St James Street, SW 

Dodge Miss Mary C/o Messrs. Blount, Lynch & Petre, 48 11:1:30 0 6 0 

Hoadley Albermarle Street, London W. 



Henry Physick 

Esq. 

Ellis, The Honble Portland Place, London W (late Birch) 3 0 1 6 

Evelyn 


Fife, Miss Homesdale, Grove Park, Lee SE 5 0 2 6 

Follett, W.W.S. 44 New Square, Lincolns Inn, London WC 5 0 2 6 

Esq. 

Freeland, Mr. Nutley, Uckfield (late Joseph Stevenson) 1:3:0 0 1 0 

P.H. 

Freshfield, Wych Cross House, Forest Row 

264:2:15 8 3 6 

Douglas (late Sadlier) 

62:1:12 

Fuller Miss Vaughans Fletching Uckfield 10 0 5 0 

Millicent 



Humphrey 

Gasson, Mr. Chelwood Gate, Dane Hill, Uckfield 0:2:32 0 0 6 

Thomas 

Goard Mrs. The Green, Forest Row, East Grinstead 2 ¾ 0 1 6 

Phillipa. Philcox 

257 


Godley, The Hon. 9 Palace Chambers, 9 Bridge Road, 61:2:26 1 11 0 

Hugh 

Westminster (late Walpole) 

Goldsmiths’ Goldsmith’s Hall London E.C. 117:3:14 2 19 0 

Company 

Gordon, Shalesbrook, Forest Row 5 ½ 0 3 0 

Granville 




Emily 


Hardy, Guy. C. C/o Major P.R. Crawford, The Cottage, 311 ½ 7 16 0 



Heath, Mr. Joseph Hamilton Terrace, Forest Row 1 0 0 6 

Benjamin 


Eliza 

Heasman Wm., C/o Mr. Wm. Heasman, Holly Cottage, 2 ½ 0 1 6 

Heasman Sarah, Friars Gate 

Heasman Mrs. 

Isabella, *** 

Charles 


Hickmott, Mrs. The Lindens, Maresfield, Uckfield 1 0 0 6 






Crowborough 

Hobbs, Mr. Fairwarp, Uckfield 0:1:8 0 0 6 

Henry 

Hollamby, Mr. W. (late Keys) 0:0:16 0 0 6 

Hollamby, Mr. J. (late Keys) 0:0:11 0 0 6 


Hounsom Wm. Cleveland, New Church Road, Brighton 28 0 13 0 

Allin Esq. 

Hutchinson, Shepherds Gate, Hartfield 5 ¼ 0 3 0 

Horace G. Esq. 


Inns, Mr. Alfred 

George 

Johnston, W. 

Claude 

Keeys, Mr. 

Richard 

Kekewick, Lewis 

P. 

Kenward, Mr. 

Robert 

Mount Pleasant, Fairwarp, Uckfield 4 0 2 0 

Broadstone, Colemans Hatch, Sussex (late 21 0 10 6 

Hartfield, Tunbridge Wells 0:3:15 0 0 6 

Kidbrooke Park, Forest Row 81:0:37 2 1 0 

Fletching, Uckfield 74 1 17 0 

258 



Hercules 

Killick, Mr. Old Town, Groombridge, Tunbridge Wells 0:1:0 0 0 6 

Richard Spencer 


Lambert, G.N. 44 Ellerby St., Fulham (late Wickens) 7:0:22 0 4 0 


Enoch 

Larnach, Jas. C/o Messrs. Turner, Rudge & Turner, East 500 12 10 0 

Walker 

Grinstead 

Laver Miss Greystones, Crowborough 5 ½ 0 3 0 

Elizabeth Fielder 

Lethbridge, H. Mount Ephraim, near Uckfield 4 0 2 0 

Esq. 


MacMeakin, Mrs. Bunces, Chelwood, Uckfield (late F. 2 ¼ 0 1 6 

J.K. 

Funnell) 

MacMillan, Birch Grove Lodge, nr. East Grinstead 13 0 6 6 

Maurice Esq. 

MacMillan, Mrs. Birch Grove Lodge, nr. East Grinstead (late 44:1:11 1 2 6 

Helen 

Sadlier) 


Esq. 

Manners, Mr. Bankside, Danehill, Uckfield 5 0 2 6 

James Thomas 


5 0 2 6 

Thomas Maresfield, Uckfield 



Marriott, Mr & c/o Messrs. Hastie, 65 Lincolns Inn Field, 57 ½ 1 9 0 

Miss Cordelia W.C 

Isabella. 


Martin, Mr. Coach & Horses, Dane Hill, Uckfield 7 ½ 0 4 0 

William 


May, Mr. Frank Dane Hill, Uckfield 15:3:36 0 8 0 

McAndrew, John Holly Hill, Hartfield, 198 4 19 0 

Esq. J.P. 

Methuen, David Holly Croft, Forest Row 3 ¾ 0 4 4 

Esq. 

Meyrick, The Ashdown, Hartfield (late A.H. Clough) 4 0 2 0 

Revd. A. 

Midgley, Chelwood Corner, Nutley, Uckfield 9 ¼ 0 5 0 

Llewellyn 

Mira, W. Pablo Old Lands, Buxted, Uckfield 285 7 2 6 

Esq. 

Moore, Edward “The Cot”, Fairwarp (late Chilton) 7:2:16 0 4 0 

Esq. 

Mitchell, Mr. Nutley Road, Nutley (late W. Ridley) 3 ¼ 0 2 0 

William 

Morris, Miss T.V. Bruckley, Fairwarp (late Chilton) 5 0 2 6 

259 


Munster, His Maresfield Park, Uckfield 2402:3:23 60 1 6 

Highness Prince 


Wickens) 

3 

Needham, Tylehurst, Forest Row 58 1 9 0 

Colonel 

Neill, The Revd. The Vicarage, Nutley 4 0 2 0 

Charles M.A. 

Norman, Mr. Fairwarp, Maresfield, Uckfield 6 0 3 0 

Henry The 

Repres. of 

Norris, The Revd. The Vicarage, Urdmore, Somerset 100 2 10 

G.R.C. 


Osborne, Mr. The Plough, Splains Green, Fletching, 0:3:15 0 0 6 

Albert 

Uckfield 

Osborne, Mr. Annwood Farm, Fletching 2 ½ 0 1 6 

George 


Osborne, Mrs. The Lower Brickyard, Nutley, Uckfield 4:0:11 0 2 6 

Mary Ann 

Osborne, Mr. Foresters Arms, Fairwarp, Uckfield, late Jas 14:2:0 0 7 6 


15:2:18 0 8 0 



Thomas and 

Harriet his wife 


Thomas 




Penfold, Bernck Courtlands Farm, Fletching 21:0:28 0 11 0 

Esq. 

Philcox, Mr. Newbridge, Maresfield, Tunbridge Wells 2 ½ 0 1 6 

George 


Gertrude 

Plevins, G.S. Esq. Broadstone, Forest Row, Sussex (late Grice) 3:3:20 0 2 0 

Portman, the C/o Messrs. Powell & Co., Lewes 173:1:31 4 7 0 

Hon. Henry 





Ridley, Mr. Forest Farm, Danehill, Uckfield 31:2:7 0 16 0 

Sylvanus 


Rose (H.J.) Maresfield 

Salzmann, Louis Hope Park, Bromley, Kent 3:3:20 0 2 0 

Francis 

Samuel Stuart M. 12 Hill Street, Mayfair, London W (admitted 5:1:29 

260 


Esq. M.P. 3 June 1909) 



Sayers, Mr. Post Office, Forest Row, East Grinstead ¼ 0 0 1 ½ 

Frederick 


Scott, Mrs. Duddleswell, Uckfield 0:2:0 0 0 6 

Hannah 

Seymour, Mr. Post Horn Lane, Forest Row, Sussex ¼ 0 0 6 

Mark 

Soames, Arthur Sheffield Park, Fletching, Uckfield 

946 23 15 6 

Gillstrap Esq. (late Eggleton) 

4:0:10 


Thomas 

Shoebridge, Mr. Nutley, Uckfield 2 0 1 0 


Southdown & Lewes 4:2:30 0 2 6 


Breweries Ltd. 

Spencer, The C/o Messrs. Hastie, Lincolns Inn Field W8 925 23 2 6 

Honble Mrs. (late Tapps Gervis) 

Stenning, J.C. C/o Messrs. Turner, Rudge & Turner, East 5:1:4 0 3 0 

Esq. 

Grinstead 

Stevenson, Mrs. Collinsford, Danehill 5 ½ 0 3 0 

Mary Ann 

Streatfeild, R.J. C/o Messrs. Powell & Co. 

240 6 0 0 

Esq. 

Tamplin & Sons 


Ltd 

Taylor Mr. 

William 

Thomas, 

Augustus A. Esq. 

Tomsett, Mr. 

Jesse 

Turner Albert 

Esq. 

Thomas, G.H. 

Lewes 

Phoenix Brewery, Brighton ½ 0 0 6 

Darvell Beech Farm, Battle 2 0 1 0 

Fairwarp, Uckfield 11:3:20 0 6 0 

Chelwood Common, Dane Hill, Uckfield 3 0 1 6 

The Limes, Nutley, Uckfield 80 2 0 0 

Oakcroft, Hartfield, Tunbridge Wells (late 1:1:20 0 1 0 

Keeys) 



Tyler, Mr. Allen Horney Common, Uckfield 4 ½ 0 2 6 



Clough) 


Reginald. 



Walters, Mr. Shepherds Well, Tompsetts Bank, Forest 1 ¾ 0 1 0 

Henry 

Row 

261 



Welfare Mr. Post Office, Withyham 3 0 1 6 

William 

Wheatley Mr. Colemans Hatch, Hartfield. Tunbridge 4 0 2 0 

Joseph 

Wheatley Mr. Prospect Cottages, Ashurst Wood, East 0:0:31 0 0 6 

Abraham Snr. Grinstead 

Wheeler Mr. Chelwood Common, Dane Hill, Uckfield 5 0 2 6 

Charles 

White, W. Whitecroft, Forest Row 0:1:15 0 0 6 

Leeland 


James 

Whitfeld, T.S. Dormans Cross, East Grinstead 3 0 1 6 

Esq. 

Wickens Mr. J.W. Dane Hill, Uckfield 11 0 5 6 

Wickens Mr. Chelwood Common, Dane Hill, Uckfield 64½ 1 12 6 

Simeon 

Wickens Mr. Chelwood Common, Dane Hill, Uckfield 15 0 7 6 

Spencer Snr. 

Wickham, Mrs. Forest Bank, Nutley, Uckfield 4:1:25 0 2 6 

Philly 

Willett, Arnold T. 6 Oxford Square, London 5 ½ 0 3 0 

Esq. 

Wilson Mr. Mount Pleasant, Oldlands, Maresfield 1 0 0 6 

Edward 


Maryon Esq. 

Wood, Mr. Jesse Blacklands Farm, Forest Row 11½ 0 6 0 

Wood, Mr. Duddleswell, Uckfield 

0:0:39 0 5 6 

Ephraim Ditto (part late Keeys) 

9:3:17 



Wood, Mr. The Hollies, Bennett Park, Blackheath, Kent 30 ¾ 0 15 6 

Thomas Daynes 

Wood, Mr. C/o A, Turner Esq., The Limes, Nutley 12 0 6 0 

William & Son 

Ltd. 

Wood, Arthur H. Duddleswell House, Fairwarp, Uckfield 12 0 6 0 

Esq. 

Young Mr. Fincham, Hartfield, 

23 0 11 6 

William 


Deposits on Forest 

Ranger Kirby reports that on 13th October be found the Forest between Duddleswell and Pound Gate covered 

with paper, cardboard boxes, empty glass bottles, fruit and meat tins, banana skins, etc. which took him several 

hours to collect. On enquiry he found that about 300 motor cyclists with sidecars had picnicked there the day 

before (Sunday) on their way to the Beacon Hotel, Crowborough and amongst the rubbish he found a printed card 

from which it would be appear that “Motor Cycling” had organised a gipsy picnic party for that date at the Beacon 

Hotel, Crowborough, and that prizes were offered by “Motor Cycling” for the smartest side car outfit and other 

cars. 

262 


It is resolved that the Clerk wrote to “Motor Cycling” on the subject. 

The Board then went into Committee. 

Boring near Kidds Hill 

Ranger Brown having reported that preparations were being made for boring on Ashdown Forest at the top of 

Kidds Hill by the Parker Macintosh Petroleum Tool and Boring Co. Ltd., the Clerk on 20th August wrote to the 

company pointing out that the Commons Regulation (Ashdown Forest) Provisional Order Confirmation Act 1885 

placed the Forest under the protection and control of the Conservators and made provision for (inter alia) the 

preservation of the Forest in its natural condition and the prevention of all cutting of turf and other acts tending to 

damage the surface of the Forest and further that the Order for Regulation having been confirmed by Parliament 

Sec 36 of the Commons Act 1875 now applies to it and prohibits the enclosure of any part of the Forest without 

the express sanction of Parliament; that on 27th August last the company replied that the drilling rig had been 

erected on the Forest under the authority of Earl De La Warr to which the Clerk replied on 28th August pointing 

out that the Lordship could not authorise any contravention of the act of Parliament referred to and calling on the 

company to remove the plant and restore the surface of the Forest; that on 3rd September Lord De La Warr’s 

solicitor Mr. C.H. Bennett telephoned to the Clerk for further information who same day forwarded him a copy of 

the letter to the company on 29th August last and a print of the Regulation Act, and also referred him to Sec 36 of 

the Commons Act 1875; on 2nd October the Clerk received a letter from Mr. W.E. Nicholson stating the core hole 

will be of very modest diameter and is being sunk in an old store quarry working quite devoid of vegetation and as 

such cannot have been any infringement of the Commoners’ rights; he was at a loss to know under what authority 

the Ranger had endeavoured to interfere with the work, which could not by any stretch of imagination be construed 

as “inclosure”, it would occupy much less space than an ordinary quarry. The Clerk who stated that having 

throughout acted under the instructions of the Chairman replied to Mr. Nicholson that the matter is in the hands of 

the Board and that his letter would be laid before them at this meeting. 

The Clerk also reads a letter from Messrs. Bennett and Ferris pointing out that Earl De La Warr owns the minerals 

and must have a right of opening up the surface to get at them, that Sir George Riddell (who is apparently the 

concessionaire) is now advised to bore at Gills Lap, and he is prepared to fence that portion in and protect the 

excavations that may be made against cattle falling in, and he has undertaken to restore the surface. 

The Chairman states that on hearing of the matter he visited the site and having explained the position took on 

himself to warn the Foreman in charge of the work that he would continue to bore at his own risk. 

Mr. Husey Hurt states that Lord De La Warr have wanted a general concession to the company and has no further 

interest in it, that the concession includes the right to search for and prove seams of coal, oil, etc. on and under 

Ashdown Forest, and to get and win the same as so far as Lord De La Warr lawfully can grant the same and subject 

to the rights of any persons or persons to whom he has sold property and to the rights of the Commoners. 

Mr. Husey Hunt having left the meeting, the matter is very carefully considered, and it is Resolved that the whole 

matter has been very carefully considered by the Board and that they adhere to the views expressed in the Clerk’s 

letters to the company of the 20th and 28th August last and that the Clerk also inform Mr. Husey Hunt of the 

Board’s resolution. 

It is Resolved that the action of the Chairman in the matter be approved and confirmed. 

De La Warr Muriel Countess road out of New Lodge 

The Board considers an application from Muriel Countess De La Warr (accompanied by a plan) for permission to 

alter the exit from her property at New Lodge on to the high road from Duddleswell to Hartfield. 

The Clerk reminds the Board that on 16th December 1904 they consented to an alteration being made which 

however, the Countess had not carried out, and that the present application is the same with a slight variation. 

263 


The Lord’s Representative having approved the proposed it is Resolved that the Counters be informed that the 

Board assents to her request. 


It is Resolved that the Honble H.B. Portman, Messrs. Sandford and Turner be appointed a Committee to audit the 

accounts for the year ending 31st December 1913. 

Cheques 

It is Resolved that cheques be drawn as follows: 

Ranger Kirby: 

10 weeks salary as Ranger and house 

rent to 20th inst. ₤12-10-0 

Insurance 10 weeks £0-2-6 

£12-12-6 

Ranger Brown 

10 weeks salary to 20th inst. £10-0-0 

Insurance 10 weeks £0-2-6 

£10-2-6 

It is Resolved that the annual meeting of the Commoners be held on Friday the 19th day of December next at 11 

a.m. and that the next meeting of the Board be held on the same day immediately after the Commoners meeting or 

on such other day as the Chairman may deem necessary. 



A special meting of the Conservators of Ashdown Forest duly convened and held at the Nutley Inn, 

Nutley on Saturday the 22nd November 1913, at 2.30 p.m. 

Present 

Mr. Geo M. Maryon-Wilson in the chair 

Mr. James H. Husey Hunt, nominated by Earl De La Warr 









The Clerk reads the notice coming this meeting to accord an interview to the gentlemen who are desirous of 

prosecuting boring operations near Gills Lap, also to receive a representative of the Postmaster General with 

reference to telephone lines at Tompsetts Bank and to take such action in relation to both matters as the Board may 

decide. 

The Clerk reports that Mr. Portman has written to him expressing regret at his inability to be present in consequent 

of a previous engagement. 

264 


Boring for oil 

Sir George A. Riddle and Mr. H.F. Le Bas, two of the gentleman to whom a conditional lease has been granted by 

Earl De La Warr to bore and ***** on the Forest, accompanied by Mr. G. Percy Ashmore, their expert adviser are 

then introduced. 

The Chairman in welcoming the deputation, states that this meeting has been convened in consequence of a letter 

received from Mr. Ashmore, dated the 11th November inst, asking for a meeting with the Conservators “as the 

Lessees have something fresh to tell them which may alter their decision”. The Chairman therefore, states that it is 

unnecessary to go into the legal bearings of the matter and that the Board are ready to hear the new matter which 

the deputation desire to lay before them. 

Sir George Riddell states that he thinks the Board is under the misconception that the Lessees contemplate spoiling 

the Forest but they do not propose to do anything of the kind; that Mr. Ashmore is believed to possess certain 

means by which he can discover the presence of oil and believes that there is oil under Ashdown Forest; and that 

the Lessees, feeling the national importance of an oil supply are prepared to spend a few thousands in testing the 

matter. They therefore, entered into negotiations with Lord De La Warr with the result that a conditional lease was 

granted them over the Forest, and they entered into a contract with the Perkins Mackintosh Petroleum Tool and 

Boring Co. Ltd. to bore. Then the Conservators’ Clerk intervened that the proposed operations will involve ****** 

with only a small area of the Forest not much larger than the Conservators’ Board Room, and that no more damage 

will be done to the Forest than has already been done. 

That if oil is found the Government will probably secure the supply for the service of the Navy. 

That if it is then found necessary to define the legal rights of the parties they can go to the Law Courts, but that the 

***** application is merely to test and the Lessees desire a friendly solution. 

Mr. Ashmore states that a narrow anticline runs across the country under which will be found if it exist ***** that 

the spot where they have erected their derrick is situate **** this anticline and that the Lessees propose merely to 

sink a single test boring of 18 inches in diameter, and if no oil is found the surface will be reinstated. 

Sir George Riddell states that they reckon on sinking 100 feet per week and not to go below 3000 feet and that if oil 

is not found at the present spot they will not bore elsewhere on Ashdown Forest but will restore the surface. 

In reply to questions Mr. Ashmore states that water required for the boring will be taken from the stream on the 

north side of the present site, and will be **** by a pump at the spot, that the bore will be reduced in diameter as 

they have to line the bore from time to time till they get to a minimum diameter of 4 inches and he estimated the 

debris which will come out of the core hole at about 10 tons. 

The Chairman asks whether in the event of oil found, the Lessees will be prepared, as had been suggested by Mr. 

Ashmore to the Clerk, to give an undertaking to close up the bore hole and to obtain their supply by boring in 

some other part of the country more accessible for transport and Sir George Riddell replies that the Lessees are not 

prepared to bind themselves not to pump the oil if found from this bore. 

The Clerk states that at the last meeting Mr. Husey Hunt made a brief statement with regards to the terms and 

provision of the conditional Lease, but that no copy of it has been supplied and Sir George Riddell promises that a 

copy shall be furnished to the Clerk. 

In reply to the Chairman the Deputation state that there is nothing else they wish to put before the Board and the 

Chairman then states that the Board will carefully consider the matter and will communicate their decision through 

the Clerk to Mr. Le Bas. 

The Deputation and Mr. Husey Hunt then retire. 

The Clerk then reads so much of the opinion given by Mr. now Justice Lush on 1st April 1908, namely: 

265 


“That the Commoners are entitled to have the surface of the land on Ashdown Forest undisturbed by any act on 

the part of the Lord of the Manor provided such disturbances would prejudice the free exercise by the Commoners 

of their ordinary common rights” and that “the rights of the Lord of the Manor are controlled by and are in all 

respects subject to those of the Commoners” and further that “the undertaking of the Earl (meaning the 

undertaking embodied in the judgement in Hale V De La Warr) explains the Provisional Order (which has statutory 

force) and is carried into effect by that Order and the Bye Laws made under it”. 

The Clerk points out that the matter resolves itself into a pure question of fact. Will the proposed boring prejudice 

the exercise by the Commoners of their ordinary common rights 

The matter having been discussed, Mr. Martin moves and Mr. Midgley seconds “that the Board having carefully 

considered the application are of opinion that they have no power to grant it as being contrary to the provisions of 

the Commons Regulation (Ashdown Forest) Provisional Order Confirmation Act 1885”. 

After further discussion, and having regard to the absence from the meeting of one member of the Board, and the 

importance of the question the Proposor and Seconder agree to the ***** consideration of the ****** being 

adjourned till the meeting of the Board on 19th December next, and the Clerk is directed to set out the ***** of the 

motion in the notice and agenda of that meeting. 

The only other matter on the agenda for consideration, namely to receive a representative of the Post Office with 

reference to the telegraph and telephones lines at Tompsetts Bank was also postponed owing to the non attendance 

of such representatives. 

Chairman 

The Annual Meeting of the Commoners invested in Ashdown Forest duly convened by the Clerk by notice 

on the principal door of the church of each of the parishes and ecclesiastical districts into which the 

Forest extends by advertisement in two of the newspapers under taking in the neighbourhoods to wit,” 

The Sussex Express“ and “The Sussex Daily News” at least 14 days before this date and by notice sent by 

post to every Commoner, and held at the Nutley Inn, Nutley, on Friday, the 19th day of December 1913 ,at 

11 o clock in the forenoon. 

Present 

The Honble H.B Portman in the chair 







Mr. George M. Maryon-Wilson 





Chairman 

On the proposition of Mr. Sandford, seconded by Mr. Midgley, the Honble H.B. Portman is chosen Chairman, and 

he having taken the chair, the Clerk reads the notice convening the meeting, and reports the due publication thereof 

as above mentioned. 

The minutes of the last meeting of Commoners are then read and confirmed. 

266 



The Clerk reports that the Conservators who retire by rotation on the 31st December instead are Messrs. James 

Card, Robert Kenward, George M. Maryon–Wilson and Albert Turner. 

It is proposed by Mr. Joseph Ridley and seconded by Mr. William Carr that Mr. Card be re elected a Conservator. 

It was proposed by Mr. Sandford and awarded by Mr. Turner that Robert Kenward be re-elected a Conservator. 

It is proposed by Mr. Sandford and seconded by Mr. Midgley that Mr. George M. Maryon-Wilson is re-elected a 

Conservator. 

It is proposed by Mr. Martin and seconded by Mr. Carr that Mr. Albert Turner be re-elected a Conservator. 

No other nomination being made the Chairman declares the above named 4 Commoners duly elected as 

Conservators for the ensuing 3 years. 

Mr. James Card on thanking the Commoners for re-electing him states that he is glad to see the Forest is so quiet as 

it and hopes that it will remain so. 

Mr. Kenward returns thanks, and states that he will continue to do his best for all concerned. 

Mr. Maryon –Wilson thanks the Conservators for again expressing there confidence in him, and states that he will 

continue to do his almost to promote the interests of the Commoners and the Forest. 

Mr. Turner thanks the Conservators for re-electing him. 

Boring Wheel Mill Road repair 

Mr. Sylvanus Ridley having enquired whether the Board will do something toward the repair of the Forest road at 

Boring Wheel Mill, the Chairman states that if those interested in the road will approach the Board and state what 

they are prepared to do the Board will certainly consider how far they can help in the matter. 

Manor Pound Nutley 

Mr. Sylvanus Ridley then asks why the Conservators allowed Mr. Turner to do away with the manor pound at 

Nutley and he is informed that the Conservators were not consulted with regard to the pound which was done 

away with many years age and he is referred to the solicitor for information. 

Well near Courtlands 

Mr. Sylvanus Ridley then asks who is responsible for keeping and repairing a well on the Forest near Courtlands, 

Nutley, as his horse, when turned out rubs up against it and may share the fate of the donkey that fell into well. 

The Clerk states that he will make inquiry into the matter. 

Rough heath and cutting 

Mr. Joseph Ridley raises the question of cutting rough heath and furze and is informed that an arrangement exists 

with the Lord by which permission can be granted by the Ranger on payment of 1/- per load. 

The proceedings concluded with a vote of thanks to the Chairman for his able conduct of the meeting 


Chairman 

267

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