Ashdown Book 2 FINAL - · PDF fileThe Clerk produced the Bank Pass Book showing a balance in...

Ashdown Forest Historical Minute Books 1

1898 – 1906

A Meeting of The Conservators of Ashdown Forest duly convened and held at the Nutley Inn, Nutley on Saturday the 5th day of February 1898 at 11 a.m. Present Mr. Albert Turner in the Chair Mr. Mark Sandford Chairman pro tem as below Mr. William Carr Mr. Thomas Colgate Mr. Charles Henry Corbett Mr. Guy C. Hardy Mr. Ll. Midgley Mr. Joseph Ridley Temporary Chairman Elected This being the Forest meeting of the year the Forest business was the election of a Chairman of the Board for the current year. Mr. Mark Sandford was voted to the Chain for the purpose of conducting the election. Chairman elected for year It was proposed by Mr. Sandford seconded by Mr. Hardy and unanimously resolved that Mr. Albert Turner be the Chairman of the Board for the current year. Mr. Sandford then vacated the Chair and Mr. Turner having taken it thanked the Board for re-electing him for the seventh time. Death of Sir S.M. Maryon-Wilson Bart. Before proceeding to the business of the day Mr. Sandford referred to the death of Sir Spencer M. Maryon-Wilson Bart. which had occurred since the last meeting and proposed that the Board of the Conservators of Ashdown Forest desire to record their appreciation of the great loss sustained by this Board by the Commoners and by the community at large on the death of Sir Spencer M. Maryon-Wilson Bart. whose energy and liberality in assisting to defend the cause of the Commoners against the late Lord of the Manor had largely contributed to the preservation of the Commons rights from extinction and who for several years was a most valuable member of this Board. The Conservators desire to lender to Sir Spencer’s family their sincere sympathy in the great loss they have sustained and direct that a copy of this resolution to forwarded to Mr. George M. Maryon- Wilson by the Clerk. This resolution was seconded by the Chairman and Carried unanimously. The Minutes of the last meeting were then read and confirmed. The Clerk produced the Bank Pass Book showing a balance in hand of £110.6.0. T.J. Ridley or Gurr encroachments The Committee appointed at the last Meeting reported that accompanied by the Clerk and Ranger they visited Mr. T.J. Ridley or Gurr’s property on the 26th January last the encroachment January last and there met Mr. Hudson the Assistant Reeve of the Lord of the Manor and two of the Lord’s workmen and arranged with them for the cutting of the underwood and scrub immediately round the boundary of Ridley’s property leaving three feet from the stem of the hedge and the work had since been completed. On that visit it appeared to the Committee that Mr. Ridley had made another encroachment since the injunction was obtained against him and feeling the importance of being firm with so persistent an offender and of having the question tested before the traces were obliterated they had after consulting with the Chairman taken upon themselves to instruct Mr. Hubert Powell who surveyed the last encroachment to visit the same as soon as possible and report to the Board thereon that he had visited the place on Thursday last but that they had not yet received his survey. It was proposed by Mr. Corbett and resolved that the Board confirm the action of the Committee


Stack The Committee also reported that Mr. T.J. Ridley or Gurr had a large wood stack on the Forest outside his property and it was resolved that the Clerk request him to remove the same. Henry Harding encroachments The Ranger having reported that Mr. H. Harding had not removed from the Forest his stacks he in accordance with the directions given to him by the Board on the 11th September last it was proposed by Mr. Sandford seconded by Mr. Corbett and resolved that the Clerk give Mr. Harding notice to comply with the directions given him on the 11th September last within 14 days failing which the Clerk is instructed to take proceedings against him in the County Court under sec. 30 of the Commons Act 1876 for an injunction to abate the encroachment. Sylvanus Ridley encroachments The Ranger having reported that Mr. Sylvanus Ridley of Crows Nest had not complied with the resolution passed on the 24th July last it was proposed by Mr. Colgate and resolved that the Clerk give Mr. Ridley notice to comply with the directions given him on 24th July last, within 14 days failing which the Clerk be instructed to take proceedings against him in the County Court under sec. 30 of the Commons Act 1876 for an injunction to abate the encroachment. Forest Row Golf Club application The Clerk then read a correspondence which had passed between himself and the Hon. Sec. of the Gentlemen’s Forest Row Golf Club with reference to an extension to one of the greens having been made without the consent of the Conservators and on the Hon. Sec. having applied for the approval thereof, also for permission to make a new green in place of the one now needed and to drain a boggy spot near by, it was on the proposition of Mr. Turner seconded by Mr. Sandford resolved that Messrs Colgate and Corbett be appointed to meet the Hon. Sec on the spot and decide upon the application. Quarry near Shepherds Gate Mr. Horace G. Hutchinson the tenant of Canon Maberley Smith‘s property at Shepherds Gate Hartfield having complained that the surface of the Forest near his house was being destroyed by the refuse from a stone quarry being deposited on the surface and not returned to the quarry it was resolved that the same Committee be requested to look into the matter and report. Mr. Freshfield metalling road The Ranger reported that at a point where a green cart track issues from Hindleap Warren and runs to the road leading from Plaw Hatch to Wych Cross the top spit of the Forest soil had been removed and a metalled road was being made to the high road aforesaid. It having been stated it was believed this part of the Warren had been sold by Mr. Freshfield to Mr. Bryce it was revealed that the Clerk ascertain who is responsible who is making this road and notify them that a breach of the Bye Law was being committed. Mr. A.G. Inns *** ditches An application having been made by Mr. C.J. Parris for payment in respect of a journey he made to Fairwarp to distrain on Mr A.G. Inns but for same reason neglected to levy the distress it was resolved the Clerk inform him that under the circumstances they cannot see their way to pay the claim Light railway Mr. Hubert Powell and Mr. Graham attended before the Board on behalf of the promoters of a proposed Light Railway from Sheffield Park station to Groombridge station which they proposed to carry across the Forest from Minepits Nutley through Duddleswell to the vicinity of Crow and Gate and applied for the consent of the Board thereto. It was proposed by Mr. Turner seconded by Mr. Sandford and resolved that the consideration of the application be deferred till the next meeting Notice thereof to be placed on the Agenda and that in the meantime the Clerk take such steps as he may deem necessary to ascertain the position of the Conservators in relation thereto and whether having regard to the fact that the Forest has been subjected to an order for regulation such a scheme can be carried out under the Light Railways Act and that the Clerk is empowered to take the opinion of Counsel.


Cheque It was resolved that a cheque be drawn for the Ranger for six weeks salary and rent to 7th instant £7.10.0. It was resolved the next meeting be held on the 26th day of March next unless the Chairman see occasion to convene a meeting a meeting earlier. The Meeting adjourned at 2.30 p.m. Albert Turner Chairman

A Meeting of the Conservators of Ashdown Forest duly convened and held at the Nutley Inn, Nutley, on Saturday the 26th day of March 1898 at 11 p.m. Present Mr. Albert Turner in the Chair Mr. William Carr Mr. Thomas Colgate Mr. C.H. Corbett Mr. J.F. Hope Mr. Thomas Hyde Mr. Ll. Midgley Mr. Joseph Ridley Mr. Mark Sandford Mr. George M. Maryon-Wilson The Minutes of the last meeting were read and confirmed. The Clerk produced the Bank Pass Book showing a balance in hand of £121. Sir Spencer Wilson’s death The Clerk read a reply from Mr. George M. Maryon-Wilson thanking the Board for the expression of their sympathy on the death of the late Sir Spencer M. Maryon-Wilson. T.J. Ridley or Gurr encroachment The Committee appointed on the 18th December last with reference to the alleged encroachment of Timothy John Ridley or Gurr laid before the Board the survey which Mr. Powell had prepared by their direction. Forest Row Golf Club Gentlemen’s The Committee appointed at the last meeting to enquire into an alleged trespass by the Gentleman’s Forest Row Golf Club presented their report which was read and it was resolved that the report be entered in the minutes It was as follows: To the Conservators of Ashdown Forest. Report Your Committee Mr. Colgate, Mr. Corbett and Mr. Midgley visited the Forest Row Golf course on Thursday February 10, 1898, in the afternoon and inspected (1)The alleged encroachment on the Green near Colemans Hatch. (2)The site of the proposed new Green in place of No. 3 and the drainage suggested. (3) The quarry near Mr. H. Hutchinson’s house. They report that:


(1) The Green at Colemans Hatch is as the Ranger said entirely new and is not merely an enlargement of the old green, being separated from it by about its own width, say 20 yards. As however the Secretary admits his mistake and no damage has in fact been done to the surface of the Forest, your Committee would not recommend further action in the matter.

(2) The site of the new green, proposed in place of No. 3 green is quite close to the salient angle of a field in

the occupation of [blank space] and is about 75 yards from the present green. A new green could be made on the site with very little disturbance of the surface of the Forest. Your Committee recommends that permission be granted on the usual terms.

The Secretary also asked for permission to drain some wet land lying on the approach to the proposed green ***** with drain pipes or open grips. Sand lying near and above this wet place has already been drained and the drainage suggested is practically a continuation of the drainage allowed in 1895. If the Club care to go to the same expense as before and put in and turf over drain pipes, your Committee see no objection to granting permission but they do not think open grips advisable. (3) The quarry near Mr. Horace Hutchinson’s at Shepherds’ Lane: The Committee understand that the quarry

is being worked under the authority of the East Grinstead (Rural) Highway Surveyor. This may be so, but it is very doubtful if much of the stone taken is used on the roads. Very little in sight or on the surface was fit for road making - undoubtedly a good deal of stone has been taken and presumably is for building purposes, but, however that may be, it is quite clear that whoever has taken or is taking the has not made any attempt to comply with the terms of the licence with regard to placing the “spoil”. A quantity of fresh herbage, as far as could be judged equivalent in size to a putting green, has been covered with rubbish during the past year and the encroachment is apparently still going on. There is a disused “working” near which might be filled in so that the encroachment on to fresh herbage is not necessary.

If, as the Committee suspect, most of the damage is been done, not for public roads but for private building, they would recommend that the licence for this particular quarry be not renewed until the Conservators are satisfied that the damage already done will be repaired and the licencee will attend more strictly to the terms of his licence. The Committee noticed that there is a quarry near at hand which would be quite as convenient for the highway Surveyor and which would not mar the scenery at all in its working. The Shepherd Lane Quarry is distinctly an eyesore and spoils the appearance of that part of the Forest. Chas. H. Corbett Thomas Colgate Llewellyn Midgley It was proposed by the Chairman seconded by Mr. Hyde and resolved that subject to the assent of the Lord being first obtained the Board assent to the proposed new green being made in place of No. 3 green and the wet land lying on the approach to the proposed green being drained by pipes, but not open grips, the work to be done to the satisfaction of the Ranger also that the Clerk point out to the Club that the green at Colemans Hatch is an entirely new green and not an enlargement of an old green as at first stated by the Honorary Secretary, that whether a new green or enlargement the work ought not to have been done without the previous consent of the Conservators, and that while they would not raise further objection to it, it must be clearly understood that if mistakes of this kind should occur again the Board will be compelled to refuse any further application for work to be done on the Forest also that the Clerk add an express request that his letter be brought to the notice of the Club Committee. Shepherds Gate Quarry It was resolved that the as the quarry immediately south of the Shepherds Gate property appeared to have been worked by licence of the Lord as well as by the highway authority the consideration of the matter be adjoined till the general consideration of the subject of the Lord’s right of digging.


Forest Row Golf Club Ladies An application from the Forest Row Golf Club for permission to alter the levels of No. 3 green the nearest to the rifle range shed was considered and it was resolved that subject to the Lord’s assent, this Board assents on condition that the work is carried out to the satisfaction of the Ranger Road Surveyor’s licences The undermentioned road Surveyors applied for licences for the year ending 25th March 1899 and it was resolved that the same be granted subject to the usual conditions and each Surveyor was warned that unless the conditions as to felling up levelling and re-spreading the top spit were carefully completed with the granting of licences in the future would be discontinued. Mr. Albert Tucker - District Surveyor to the County Council to dig hardstone and gravel at pits on top of Millbrook Hill opposite Pippingford Lodge, sandstone on the west of the Coffee Tavern at Duddleswell and at Fairwarp gravel at the Kings Standing. Mr. Alfred Hoath - Road Surveyor for that portion of the East Grinstead Rural District which comprises Forest Row, Hartfield and Withyham stone and sand gravel near St. John’s church Crowborough. Between South ride of Five hundred and Greenwood Gate near Guide Post on north side of Goat farm near Wren’s Warren. Cyril E. Hubbard road over Forest The Clerk laid before the Board a correspondence which had passed with Mr. Cyril Hubbard of New Lodge with reference to a new road of about 150 years in length which he was constructing across the Forest from about the northernmost corner of Field No. 1474 in a direction nearly north to the highroad from Newbridge to Duddleswell together with the large Ordnance Sheet sent by Mr. Hubbard showing the site of the road. After considering the matter it was proposed by Mr. Corbett seconded by Mr. Colgate and resolved that the Board cannot consent to the application and that Mr. Hubbard be requested to restore the surface of the Forest to its former condition. Douglas Freshfield roads over Forest The Committee appointed to enquire into certain matters on the north side of the Forest presented the following report which was read and it was resolved that the same be entered on the minutes and that the Clerk communicate with Messrs. Hunt & Co. with reference thereto. The report is as follows: Mr. Freshfield’s Roads Your Committee on this matter visited the spot reported at last meeting and also another roadway which was noticed after your last meeting –what we found already done and being done seemed to us to open up a very considerable question and we therefore communicated with Mr. Raper who met us on the ground as did also Mr. Freshfield –we find that two roads or rather tracks across the Forest from Hindleap Warren to the high roads leading respectively from Wych Cross to West Hoathly and from Wych Cross to Forest Row have lately been repaired to a considerable content, the gravel which had from time to time been placed in the cart tracks has been carefully picked up and levelled over the road generally and the sidings of turf have been pared off and in the case of the first mentioned road this turf had been carted into Hindleap Warren and placed in two lumps there to the quantity of about 15 to 20 cart loads, in the second case the ridings were much less in extent and the turf placed in lumps by the road side Mr. Freshfield expressed himself surprised at the extent of the work done by his men which he said was far beyond their instruction and expressed his willingness to replace the sidings on the Forest immediately. These Roadways have evidently been used for many years for timber haulage from the Hindleap Warren to the high roads. Ll. Midgley Thomas Colgate} Committee


Andrew Buckman conviction ponies The Clerk reported that at the Uckfield Petty Sessional Court held on the 3rd instant Andrew Buckman of Chelwood Gate tenant of Charles Newnham was convicted of a breach of Bye Law 6 for having kept or suffered to remain on the Forest two ponies and failing to remove them when requested by the Ranger and was fined 2/- and 8/- costs which he paid. John Collins Senr. conviction van Also that at the same Court on the 17th instant John Collins Senr. was convicted of a breach of Bye Law 3 for having a van on the Forest on 26th December last and was fined 13/- and 7/- costs and the Defendant not attending a distress warrant was issued. Alfred Ridley conviction tent Also that at the East Grinstead Petty Sessional Court held on the 21st instant Alfred Ridley brought up on a warrant for breach of Bye Law 3 in having a tent on the Forest near Plaw Hatch on the 15th January 1896 was convicted and fined 5/- and 15/4 costs and went to prison in default of payment or distress. James Budgen chicken house and run The Ranger reported that James Budgen had erected a fowl house and enclosed chicken run on the Forest at the south west corner of Highgate adjoining the highroad from Forest Row to Wych Cross. Jesse Wood digging soil Also that near the same point on 24th February last he saw Jesse Wood digging soil from the Forest. The Clerk stated that this particular corner of the Forest was the subject of a provision in the judgement in Hale v. De La Warr and was excluded from the jurisdiction of the Conservators. It was resolved that the Clerk look further into the matter and if be communicate with Messrs. Hunt & Co. and report to the next meeting Thos. Shoebridge Junr. encroachment Also that on the 19th February last the ditch round the premises near Marlpits, Nutley, belonging to Thomas Shoebridge Junior and occupied by James Budgen was being taken in and that he considered more than 3 feet from the stem of the hedge was being enclosed it was resolved that the Clerk write Mr. Shoebridge on the subject. Nutley Light Railway scheme Mr. Graham, Engineer to the promoters of the proposed Light Railway from Nutley to Groombridge attended before the Board and explained the scheme so far as it was intended to affect the Forest and applied for the approval of the Board to same. It was resolved that the consideration of the matter be adjoined till the next meeting. The Clerk laid on the table the case he had laid before Mr. Rowland P. Blennerhassett Q.C. to advise the Board whether a Light Railway could be carried across the Forest in pursuance of an order under the Light Railways Act 1896 notwithstanding that section 36 of the Commons Act 1876 provided that after a Common had been regulated no part of it shall be enclosed without the sanction of Parliament subsequently obtained and Mr. Blennerhassett‘s opinion that the Light Railways Act rendered any further assent of Parliament unnecessary. Cheques It was resolved that cheques be drawn as follows: The Ranger 7 week’s salary and house rent to 28th instant £8.15.0 Mr. Blennerhassett Q.C. fee to him and Clerk for advice as above £5.15.6 It was resolved that the next Meeting be held on Saturday the 21st May next. The meeting adjoined at 3.30 p.m. Albert Turner Chairman


A Meeting of The Conservators of Ashdown Forest duly convened and held at the Nutley Inn, Nutley on Saturday the 21st day of may 1898 at 11 a.m. Present Mr. Albert Turner in the Chair Mr. William Carr Mr. C.H. Corbett Mr. J.F. Hope Mr. Thomas Hyde Mr. Ll. Midgley Mr. Joseph Ridley Mr. Mark Sandford Mr. George M. Maryon-Wilson Mrs. Pechell’s death Before the business of the meeting was entered upon Mr. Hope referred to the great loss which had been sustained by the neighbourhood since they last met on the death of Mrs. Hervey Pechell and especially by the Commoners on Ashdown Forest, Mrs. Pechell having been more largely interested in the Forest than any other Commoner and like her mother the late Lady Shelley having always taken a deep interest in all questions affecting the preservation of the Forest, and upon his proposed seconded by the Chairman Mr. Albert Turner it was unanimously resolved that the Board of Conservators record their appreciation of the great loss sustained by the Commoners and the Board of Conservators of Ashdown Forest in the death of Mrs. Hervey Pechell and tender to Mr. Hervey Pechell their deep sympathy in his irreparable bereavement. Also that a copy of this resolution be forwarded to Mr. Pechell by the Clerk. The Minutes of the last Meeting were read and confirmed. The Clerk produced the Bank Pass Book showing a balance in hand of £106:13:0. Land at High Gate The Clerk reported that since the last meeting he had communicated with Mr. Nicholson with reference to the unenclosed corner of land adjoining High Gate referred to at last meeting on which Mr. James Budgen had erected his fowl house and on which Jesse Wood had dug some earth it was resolved that the Clerk be authorised to communicate with Mr. Nicholson with a view to agree the exact boundary of the land and endeavour to arrange for the Lord to fence it off. Forest Row Golf Club Committee appointed The Clerk read the letter he wrote to the Honorary Secretary of the Gentlemen‘s Forest Row Golf Club in pursuance of the resolution passed at the last meeting and also read the resolution passed by the Board on the 23rd November 1895 (p.309) and after discussion it was on the proposition of Mr. Wilson seconded by the Chairman resolved that Messrs. Corbett, Hyde and Midgley be appointed a Committee to sanction such repairs to the Links of Forest Row Golf Club as may in their discretion be reasonably necessary from time to time. Revd. S.P. Macartney pit to be filled in It was resolved that the Clerk call upon the Revd. Sydney P. Macartney of Shalesbrook to fill in the pit on the Forest close to his property which he opened last year and to enquire by what authority he had opened the pit. Gypsies camping near Crow & Gate Mr. W.R. Edward attended and complained that numbers of gypsies were constantly encamping on the Forest between his property near the Crow & Gate and the National School and causing great annoyance to him. A written complaint to the same effect was also received from the National School Mistress. It was resolved that a board be put up on the spot giving notice that any persons camping there will at once be prosecuted and that the Ranger gave particular attention to the spot.


Road Surveyors licence Mr. Henry Vater Road Surveyor to the Uckfield Rural District Council applied for a licence for the year ending 25th March next in respect of the Parishes of Buxted, Fletching & Maresfield to dig stone & gravel at the following spots: Isle of Thorns – stone & gravel on Stone Hill - stone for channelling **** near Kings Standing – gravel near Barnes Gate - gravel It was resolved that a licence is granted to him on the usual conditions. Mr. Ralph Wilds Surveyor to the last green stead when distinct Council to dig stone on Legg’s Heath It was resolved that a licence be granted to him on the usual conditions and it was intimated to him that the Board will not able to see its way to renew the licence next year. Cyril E. Hubbard road over Forest It was resolved that the Clerk write to the Revd. Cyril E. Hubbard reminding him that he has not yet restored the surface of the Forest as directed at the last Meeting. Mr. Freshfield roadway The Ranger reported that since the last Meeting several loads of metal had been placed on the road leading out of Hindleap Warren to the Wych Cross & West Hoathly road. It was resolved that the Clerk confer with the Lord’s representative and take such action jointly with him as may appear expedient. Horace G. Hutchinson water pipe It was resolved that subject to the Lord’s approval being first obtained a licence be granted to Mr. Horace G. Hutchinson to insert a pipe in a spring on the Forest situate in the parish of Hartfield between the southern corner of Mr. Bashford’s property and the Forest field of the Misses Hale and carry it under the Forest land to the property in his occupation called Shepherds Gate the work to be carried out and the Forest surface to be made good to the satisfaction of the Ranger, the licence to be revocable by the Conservators or Lord at any time and an acknowledgement of 1/- a year paid to the Conservators during its continuance. Road Surveyor Mr. A. Hoath The Ranger having reported that Mr. A. Hoath Road Surveyor for part of the East Grinstead Rural District had not complied with the conditions of his licence to dig stone on the Forest. It was resolved that he be summoned to attend the next meeting of the Board to show cause why his licence should not be revoked. The Lords right to dig The Ranger having reported various cases of gravel digging on the Forest for which it was alleged the Lord’s Reeve had given permission it was resolved that notice be placed on the agenda for the next Meeting to consider whether measures should be taken to define the Lord’s right of digging and authorising the digging of stone gravel etc. on the Forest. Telegraph poles pillar letter box The Ranger reported that the Post Office Authorities had erected 5 telegraph poles on the Forest about 3 feet from the water table of the high road from Work house Corner Maresfield to Fairwarp and had built a brick pillar letter box on the Forest near Fryar’s Gate at the junction of the roads from Duddleswell and from Mardens Hill and about 2 feet from the water table contrary to Bye Law 3. It was resolved that the Clerk point out to the Post Master General the breach of the Bye Law but that if he desired to maintain the posts and letter box and would apply to the Board the Conservators would no doubt grant a licence.


Alfred Ovenden roadway An application from Mr. Alfred Ovenden of Jubilee Cottages Mardens Hill Withyham for permission to substitute for the road way to his property on Mardens Hill authorised by a resolution of this Board on 21st December 1895 a roadway from the high road to the centre of his property. It was resolved that he be authorised to make the road proposed provided the old road be properly levelled at once and seeded down at the proper time in the autumn and that the whole of the work be carried out to the satisfaction of the Ranger. Thomas Shoebridge **** fence The Ranger having reported that the hedge round the property of Thomas Shoebridge Junior occupied by James Budgen near Marlpits, Nutley had been grubbed and a new quickset hedge planted within the boundary but that a fence had been erected for its protection outside the boundary. It was resolved that Mr. Shoebridge be requested to give written undertaking to remove the fence when called upon by the Board to do so. Joseph Ridley bank The Ranger reported that several feet of the bank of the stream opposite the property of Mr. Joseph Ridley at Millbrook had fallen in. It was resolved that the Ranger watch the spot to see whether any alterations were made in the boundary of Mr. Ridley’s property and that a Committee view the same later on. James Hobbs hop poles The Ranger reported that Mr. James Hobbs of Spring Gardens Maresfield had deposited a stack of hop poles on the Forest outside his premises where they were being stripped of their Bark. It was resolved that the Clerk point out to him that he was committing a breach of the Bye Laws and call upon him to remove the poles as soon as possible and to respect the Byelaws in future. George Williams carting The Ranger reported that George Williams of Twyford was carting considerable quantities of stone across the Forest from a gravel pit at the back of the goat near Plaw Hatch to Hindleap Warren and was covering the track used by him with materials from the pit and thereby making a new road across the Forest. It was resolved that the Clerk call upon him to remove the materials and restore the surface of the Forest. Thompsetts Bank roadway The contractor creating the new hotel at Thompsetts Bank having a considerable quantity of brick rubble to dispose of and having offered to spread it along the track way skirting the Forest boundary from the south end of Chapel lane towards the Wych Cross road. It was resolved that it be referred to Messrs. Corbett, Hyde and Midgley to view the spot and give such direction in the matter as they may deem expedient. It was resolved that it be referred to Messrs. Corbett, Maryon-Wilson & Sandford to consider as to amending the laws and to report to the next meeting. Thomas Clarke Charlotte Wickens and Frank Millens camping The Ranger reported that on the 31st March last Thomas Clarke was fined 2/- and 8/- costs at the Uckfield Petty Sessions for a tent on the Forest near Pound Gate and in default of payment went to prison for 7 days, that Charlotte Wickens summoned to the same Court for a similar offence and not appearing was apprehended the following day and having been locked up for 24 hours was discharged with a caution, that Frank Millens summoned to the same Court for a similar offence and not appearing a warrant was issued for his apprehension. Nutley Light Railway The consideration of the application of the promoters of the Nutley Light Railway Scheme for the approval of the Conservators was adjourned from the last meeting to this meeting but no one attended on behalf of the promoters. Cheque It was resolved that a cheque be drawn for: The Ranger 8 week’s salary & house rent to 23rd inst. £10:0:0. It was resolved that the next meeting be held on Saturday the 30th July next.


The meeting terminated at 3 p.m. Albert Turner Chairman

A Meeting of The Conservators of Ashdown Forest duly convened and held at the Nutley Inn, Nutley on Saturday the 30th day of July 1898 at 11 a.m. Present Mr. Albert Turner in the Chair Mr. E.A. Nicholson representing the Lord Mr. William Carr Mr. C.H. Corbett Mr. Thomas Hyde Mr. Joseph Ridley Mr. Mark Sandford Mr. George M. Maryon-Wilson The Minutes of the last meeting were read and confirmed. The Clerk produced the Bank Pass Book shewing a balance in hand of £151:4:0. Mrs. Pechell’s death Mr. Sandford stated that he had been requested by Mr. Pechell who was too unwell to write to thank the Conservators for the expression of their sympathy on the death of Mrs. Pechell as expressed in the resolution of the Board which had been forwarded to him by the Clerk. Forest Row Golf Club appointment of Committee The Clerk reported that on the 23rd May last he wrote to inform Mr. Chignell and Miss Andrews, the Honorary Secretaries respectively of the Forest Row Golf Clubs, of the appointment of the Committee to deal with questions of repair to the links and received an acknowledgement from Mr. Chignell. Mr. Corbett reported that the Committee had received an application from Mr. Chignell for permission to run a machine over the Forest near the holes but that it was pointed out to him that the Byelaws absolutely prohibited cutting before the appointed days. Horace G. Hutchinson water pipe The Clerk reported that the Lord having consented to Mr. Horace G. Hutchinson’s application to lay a pipe under the surface of the Forest to convey water from a spring on the Forest to his property, he (the Clerk) had communicated the Conservators’ consent on the terms fixed at the last meeting and the Clerk laid on the table the undertaking Mr. Hutchinson had signed to comply with the terms Thos. Shoebridge fence The Clerk produced a written undertaking dated 27th May last by Mr. Thomas Shoebridge Junior in accordance with the resolution passed at the last meeting. Road Surveyor licence The Clerk produced an application from Mr. Vater Road Surveyor to the Uckfield Rural District Council for permission to dig gravel at Braziers Bank near Fairwarp. It was resolved that the Clerk inform Mr. Vater that the Board cannot see their way to grant the licence. Board of Trade Annual Return of Accounts The Clerk reported that he had received a letter dated 29th June last from the Board of Trade pointing out that under the local taxation returns acts the Board is required to furnish an annual return of receipts and expenditure and that he had therefore made a return for the year 1897 a copy of which he produced.


Lord Robert Cecil way to Rocks Plat The Ranger reported that bricks were being carted to Rocks Plat near Chelwood Gate which it was stated has been purchased by Lord Robert Cecil. The Clerk was directed to write to Lord Robert Cecil pointing out that there is no right of way to the land for that purpose it was resolved that in case any application should be received from Lord Robert Cecil with reference to the matter it be referred to Mr. Corbett, Mr. Maryon-Wilson and Mr. Sandford to deal with. Rev. P. Macartney pit The Ranger reported that the Revd. P. Macartney had filled in the pit in the Forest near Shalesbrook in accordance with the resolution passed at the last meeting. Quarry near Hartfield Grove re-fenced Revd. Cyril E. Hubbard trespass The Ranger reported that Mr. Job Luxford had re-fenced the sandpit near Hartfield Grove. Also that the Revd. Cyril E. Hubbard had only imperfectly restored the surface of the Forest which he had disturbed for the purpose of making a new carriage road out of New Lodge two places (one about 30 and the other about 5 yards) being still bare. It was resolved that proceeding be taken against Mr. Hubbard unless he filled up and levelled to the satisfaction of the Ranger within 14 days after notice to that effect to be sent by the Clerk. Geo. Williams cart on Forest Also that on the 11th July at East Grinstead Sessions George Williams, a gypsy, was convicted of a breach of Bye Law 3 in having a cart on the Forest and was fined 5/- and 7/- costs, which he paid. Geo. Mitchell wattles Also that on the 15th July he found George Mitchell who lives near Broadstone Warren making wattles on the Forest immediately outside his premises and had warned him that he must work on his own premises but he had not yet removed them. It was resolved that the Clerk write to him and take such further action in the matter as he may deem necessary. Land at Highgate Also that on the on the 9th July he met Mr. Hudson, the Lord's Reeve, by appointment on the land at Highgate on which James Budgen’s fowl run is erected and Jesse Wood dug soil and he produced a rough plan which he had prepared showing the measurements of the land, but as this on comparison with the Ordnance Map did not appear to be correct. It was resolved that the matter stand over for the Clerk to look further into. Geo. Philcox encroachment Also that on the 23rd June he observed that Mr. George Philcox of Newbridge appeared to have been trying to take in six or seven yards by about two yards of the Forest adjoining his boundary. And the Clerk reported that on the 29th June he wrote to Mr. Philcox requiring him to desist or the Conservators would be obliged to take proceedings against him for an injunction, but had received no reply. It was resolved (Mr. Nicholson assenting) that the Ranger be instructed to see Mr. Hudson, the Lord’s Reeve, and arrange for joint action to remove the obstruction. Revd. H.B. Dunlop digging turf The Ranger reported that on the 17th June last he called on the Reverend N.B. Dunlop of St John’s Crowborough, and his absence from home pointed out to Mrs. Dunlop that a breach of the Bye Laws was being committed in taking turf from the Forest and she stated she thought they were justified in cutting turf for graves. The Clerk reported that he received a letter from Mr. Dunlop dated 18th June asking permission to cut turf for use in St John’s churchyard and replied that it should be laid before the Board. It was resolved that Mr. Dunlop be informed that it is a breach of the Byelaws and cannot be permitted.


James Hobbs hop poles The Ranger reported that Mr. James Hobbs of Spring Gardens Maresfield has removed off the Forest the hop poles referred to at the last meeting. Alfred Ovenden Also that Alfred Ovenden is altering the road way under his instructions Tompsetts Bank roadway The Committee appointed at the last meeting reported that they had approved of the construction for the new hotel at Tompsetts Bank spreading suitable brick rubbish on the track which runs near the Forest boundary from Chapel Lane to the Wych Cross Road and the Ranger reported that he had seen the same properly spread. Mr. Freshfield installing road The Clerk reported that he had communicated with Mr. Nicholson since the last meeting with reference to the action that should be taken in consequence of metal having been spread on the track leading out of Hindleap Warren and he considered that Mr. Freshfield should be called on to give a promise not to put any more metal on the track. Some question having arisen as to Mr. Freshfield’s legal position it was referred back to the Clerk for consideration. Road Surveyor The Clerk reported that in pursuance of the resolution passed at the last meeting he on the 23rd inst. wrote to Mr. Alfred Hoath, Road Surveyor for part of the East Grinstead Rural District requiring him to attend before the Conservators at noon today and show cause why his licence should not be revoked and he read a reply from Mr. Hoath justifying his action and stating that it would be useless for him to meet the Conservators today, and Mr. Hoath was not in attendance at the appointed time. The Board having considered the matter it was resolved that the licence granted to Mr. Hoath on the 29th March last, be and is hereby revoked, and that the Clerk give him notice thereof. Post Office pillar box at Fryars Gate. Telegraph poles at Fairwarp The Clerk reported that in pursuance of the resolution passed at the last meeting he on the 26th May last wrote to the Post Master General pointing out that there had been recently erected on the Forest five telegraph poles near the high road from Workhouse corner to Fairwarp and a brick pillar box near Fryars Gate in breach of Bye Law 3 and that if it is desired to maintain them on the Forest application should be made to the Conservators for their sanction. His letter was simply acknowledged. That on the 10th June the Acting Post Master at Tunbridge Wells wrote to say the letter box was created at the request of the Withyham Parish Council and the spot had been indicated by Mr. Taylor the Vice-Chairman of the Parish Council, and asking permission of the Conservators to allow it to remain, and enquiring over what area the Conservators exercise jurisdiction - that no reply had been received from the Post Master General with reference to the telegraph posts. Fryars Gate letter box It was resolved that the Board are writing to grant the necessary permission to the Post Master General for the pillar-box near Fryars Gate to remain on the Post Master General giving a written undertaking to remove it when called on by the Conservators to do so and that in default the Board will remove it. Telegraph poles It was also resolved that if application be made by the Post Master General to allow the five telegraph poles to remain permission be granted on the same terms as the above named pillar letter box but that if no definite reply is received within a week the Clerk inform the Post Master General that instructions will be given to remove the telegraph poles unless such permission is obtained and undertaking given within a calendar month.


Post Office pillar box at Fairwarp The Clerk also reported that he had received an application dated 24th May from the Post Master of Hartfield to erect a letter box at the Marlpits, Nutley, and he had replied that the Conservators would raise no objection but that the sanction of the Lord as owner of the soil must also be obtained. The Ranger reported on the 16th July that this pillar box had been created it was resolved that the action of the Clerk in the matter be confirmed. Tompsetts Bank Recreation Ground Appointment of Superintendent It was resolved that Mr. John Forbes Gordon of Forest Row be appointed Superintendent of the Recreation Ground at Tompsetts Bank in place of the late Dr. John Magrath during the pleasure of the Conservators. Geo. Williams The Clerk reported that he wrote to George Williams of Twyford as directed at the last meeting and produced his reply stating that he would attend to the instructions given. Cheques It was resolved that the following cheques be drawn The Ranger 10 weeks salary & house rent to 1st August £12:10:0 Mr. G. Kenward Nutley for preparing & fixing notice board to gipsies near Crow and Gate pursuant to resolution of 21st May last £1:11:0 The Clerk a half year’s salary to 30th June last £50:0:0 It was resolved that the next meeting be held on Saturday the 8th October. The meeting adjoined at 1 p.m. Albert Turner Chairman

A Meeting of The Conservators of Ashdown Forest duly convened and held at the Nutley Inn, Nutley on Saturday the 8th day of October 1898 at 11 a.m. Present: Mr. Albert Turner in the Chair Mr. William Carr Mr. Thomas Colgate Mr. Llewellyn Midgley Mr. Joseph Ridley Mr. Mark Sandford The minutes of the last meeting were read and confirmed. The Clerk produced the Bank Pass Book showing balance in hand of £87:3:0. The Committee appointed at the last meeting to deal with Lord Robert Cecil's application as to a roadway to Rocks Plat near Chelwood Gate on which he was building a house presented their report with a plan attached. The report was read and the plan laid on the table. It is as follows: To the Conservators of Ashdown Forest. Report of Committee appointed on Saturday July 30th 1898 to advise in setting out a road over the Forest to land near Chelwood Gate in the Parish of Dane Hill lately purchased by Lord Robert Cecil.


The Committee, Messrs. Sandford & Corbett visited the land on Saturday August 6th and advise as follows: That permission be granted to Lord Robert Cecil to make and metal a road from the Gateway on the east side of the said land to the nearest point on the main road leading from Chelwood Gate to Wych Cross (shown red on tracing sent herewith) on the following conditions 1. That Lord Robert Cecil surrender all rights he may claim in respect of the said land to take any across the Forest by any other route whether by the tracks marked A and B on the tracing sent herewith or by any other track or way whatsoever.

2. That the road granted be made at once and all materials for building his house be carried over this roadway & by no other track or way.

3. That the road granted be made to the satisfaction of the Conservators especially with regard to the surface drainage of the forest, i.e. that the road be made with proper conduits in the grips that must be crossed so as not to interfere with the present flow of rain water.

4. That the road be not more than 15 feet wide, the road need not have the full 15 feet metalled but the parts not metalled shall be properly turfed.

5. That the tracks marked A and B on the said tracing be levelled, the ruts filled in and the whole so as to give to the Commoners as much if not more grazing land than will be taken away by the roadway which is to be metalled

6. That Lord Robert Cecil and his Successors in title pay an acknowledgement if £1 per annum and that Lord Robert Cecil deposit a sum of £10 as security for the effectual performance of these conditions which require immediate performance.

Nothing in this grant shall be deemed to give Lord Robert Cecil or his Successors in title the sole right to use the road when made or to prevent the Conservators or Commoners using the said road in the proper and ordinary exercise of their rights. Lord Robert Cecil should bind himself & his Successors to maintain the road perhaps not as to metalling but certainly as far as the surface drainage is concerned. The consent of the Lord of the Manor to be obtained. In advising the Conservators to grant this road the Committee are moved by these considerations: 1 That there is no possible way of getting to the said land except over the Forest without this or similar grant the land is almost useless.

2. That if the above conditions be fulfilled the Commoners will lose nothing they will in fact get more pasture land than they now have.

3. That the Conservators have already granted similar roads in similar circumstances. Signed C.H. Corbett Mark Sandford Mr. Sandford reported that subsequently on the 20th August last at Lord Robert Cecil’s request and in the absence abroad of Mr. Corbett and Mr. George Wilson he with the Clerk met Lord Robert on the spot and handed him a copy of the report and that Lord Robert agreed in writing to the terms of the report and was referred to Messrs. Hunt & Co. for Lord De La Warr’s consent.


The Clerk reported that Mr. Nicholson had since informed him that Lord De La Warr had consented and Lord Robert had paid the deposit of £10 into the Conservators’ Banking account. The Ranger reported that the road had since been marked out and roughly levelled. Mr. Sandford proposed that the action of the Committee be confirmed this was seconded by Mr. William Carr and on being put to the vote it was carried, the Chairman, Mr. Carr, Mr. Ridley and Mr. Sandford voting for the resolution, Mr. Midgley against and Mr. Colgate not voting. Wm. Wheatley cutting rushes The Clerk reported that William Wheatley of Coleman’s Hatch whom the Ranger had reported as having cut rushes without a licence had written promising not to offend again. Mrs. Dora Martyn application to drain An application was read from Mrs. Dora Martyn of Sutton Pulborough owner of the Laurels at Fairwarp asking permission to carry a drain 30 feet across the Forest to discharge sink water in to an old gravel pit. It was resolved that the Board decline to assent to the application. Tompsetts Bank Recreation Ground Appointment of Supt. The Clerk laid on the table a letter from Mr. John F. Gordon accepting the office of Superintendent of the Tompsetts Bank Recreation Ground. Road Surveyor’s licence revoked The Clerk reported that immediately after the last meeting on 1st August he wrote to the Road Surveyor Mr. Alfred Hoath informing him that his licence was revoked and he also sent a copy of the correspondence with Mr. Hoath to the East Grinstead Rural District Council who had replied that they regretted the Conservators had found it necessary to revoke the licence and hoping that a licence would be granted next year if required. H.M. Norman, William. Bassett burning charcoal Also that she Ranger having reported that William Bassett of Crowborough was burning charcoal on the Forest at Fairwarp for Mr. Henry Norman of Fairwarp he wrote Mr. Norman pointing out that it was a flagrant breach of the Bye Laws and that Mr. Norman had written that he had burnt charcoal there for 20 years but would remove it from the Forest and promised not to offend again. And the Ranger reported that the cord wood fagots for making charcoal had since been removed. The Clerk also stated he wrote to Bassett not to burn charcoal again on the Forest. John Blackstone cutting breaks The Ranger reported that on the 11th August he found John Blackstone tenant of Mrs. Wells at Tompsetts Bank cutting brakes on the Forest for himself. Mr. Blackstone having informed the Clerk that he had done so for 60 years the Clerk replied that he could not be allowed to take brakes or litter unless his landlady established a right in the occupier of the property to do so. The Ranger reported that he had since seen Mr. Blackstone who had promised that he would in future apply for a licence. Geo. Mitchell wattles The Ranger reported that in consequence of a notice from the Clerk, George Mitchell reported at the last meeting for having wattles on the Forest outside his promises had since been removed them. Mr. Tester brakes The Ranger reported that on the 1st August he found Henry Tester of Tompsetts Bank cutting for his landlord Martin, who on enquiry he found was dead. Tester then stated he was cutting for Martin’s daughter Mrs. Wells who denied employing him. Tester then said he was cutting for Mr. Histed. The Ranger stated that Tester is an old man and appears to be of weak intellect.


Pit near Wood’s Nursery The Ranger having reported that the pit near Wood’s Nursery, Maresfield requires re-fencing most of the old fence having been removed. The Clerk stated he had drawn the attention of the Road Surveyor of the Uckfield Rural District Council to it who had replied that the gravel had been taken from the pit by the Ratepayers in the locality. It was resolved that the Ranger be instructed to have the pit sloped down at the expense of the Conservators. Henry Walter taking brakes The Ranger reported that on the 18th August he seen Henry Walter of Browns Brook taking a load of brakes from the Forest to his own property. It was resolved that if it turns out that Henry Walters holds in a tenancy at will he be prosecuted. Land at Highgate The Clerk reported that he had visited the land at Highgate referred to at the last meeting and that James Budgen who had been employed in the business of hoop making on the land for 50 years and now hires it of Lord De La Warr pointed out the area which had for time to time been used for the purposes of the trade and that on stumping it out and measuring it he (the Clerk) found it corresponded exactly in shape with the land coloured red on the map attached to the judgement in Hale v. De La Warr but measured less than the scale of the map seemed to indicate and he produced a rough sketch of the land as he had measured it. It was resolved that the Clerk be authorised to negotiate with Lord De La Warr’s representatives to define the land by a bank and ditch and if possible to modify the shape of it so as not to take up so much of the frontage to the high road. Ovenden The Ranger reported that Mr. Ovenden had altered the roadway to his house to his satisfaction but is waiting for the proper season in order to seal down the old approach. Revd. C.E. Hubbard road The Ranger reported that since the last meeting the Revd. C.E. Hubbard of New Lodge had properly restored the surface of the Forest which he had disturbed for the purpose of making a road. Mr. Freshfield roads The Board then considered the matter of Mr. Freshfield’s roads into Hindleap Warren and the Chairman pointed out that the roadway by which Speaker Abbot used to drive out of the Warren was much further south on the west side of the Warren. It was resolved that the Conservators regret to find that since this Committee met Mr. Freshfield on the spot (when Mr. Freshfield expressed his surprise and regret that so much alteration had been made by his men to the old green track out of Hindleap Warren to the Wych Cross and West Hoathly road and stated that he would have preferred it had remained a green track) a considerable quantity of road metal had been laid down on it and the Clerk is directed to write and ask for an explanation. Bye Laws amendments The Clerk reported that he had gone through the Bye Laws and drafted various alterations which experience led him to consider were necessary and had furnished to each of the Committee a copy of the Bye Laws so altered but that owing to the absence of Mr. Corbett and Mr. George M. Maryon-Wilson the Committee had not yet been able to meet and consider the amendments. It was resolved that the matter stand over till the next meeting. John McAndrew alleged encroachment The Ranger reported that he was under impression a considerable encroachment had been made adjoining land above Newbridge which likely belonged to Mr. William Young of Fincham but now belonged to Mr. John McAndrew. The Clerk undertook to examine into the matter


E. & T. Scott cutting brakes Also that on the 3rd inst. he saw Edward & Thomas Scott sons of the late Alfred Scott of Pains Hill, Fairwarp, cutting brakes on the forest for the land late their Father’s. It was resolved that the Clerk enquire into the matter and prosecute if he deems it advisable. Geo. Philcox encroachment thrown out Also that on the 21st September last in company with the Lord’s Reeve he had Mr. George Philcox’s encroachment at Newbridge thrown out. F.R. Lucas trespasses, stack The Clerk reported that in going over the Forest the day before he noticed that the pond adjoining Mr. Francis R. Lucas’ property called Greenhall at Tompsetts Bank which Mr. Lucas enlarged in 1893(see minute book p.242) was fouled by Mr. Lucas’ geese and ducks that Mr. Lucas had 14 geese and some ducks on the Forest that he had an opening from his poultry yard on to the Forest so that his poultry might get on to the Forest that he had several hen coops on the forest and stacks of fire wood for which latter appeared that the Ranger had granted him a licence. It was resolved that the Clerk remind Mr. Lucas he is not a Commoner and has no rights on the Forest that if he had poultry are not commonable and require him forthwith to remove his poultry from the Forest and keep them off it, also warn him that he must not pollute the pond also point out that licences are only granted to poor cottagers who have not enough ground on which to stack their firewood and that the Ranger granted him a licence under a misapprehension and give him notice that the licence is revoked from Midsummer next by which time the firewood must be removed from the Forest. W.J. Walsham stack Mr. W.J. Walsham of Warrenside, Tompsetts Bank, having been in like manner granted a stack licence by the Ranger it was resolved that the same course be pursued with regard to him. Bye Law Boards A letter was read from Mr. Gordon Superintendent of the Recreation Ground at Tompsetts Bank urging that Bye Laws should be posted up upon the Forest for the information of the public. It was resolved that he be informed that as soon as the Bye Laws had been amended the matter should receive attention. Mr. H. Pechell Schd. of rights Mr. Sandford submitted to the Board a Schedule (prepared by Mr. Nicholson) identifying the various tenements belonging to Mr. Hervey Pechell to which right of common on the Forest attached showing a total arrange of 2404a 3p 25r. It was resolved that the Schedule be referred to the Clerk for examination. Bonfires It appearing that it had been the practice time out of mind for the inhabitants round the Forest to light bonfires on the forest on 5 November which is a breach of Bye Law 5 and that it is inexpedient that the number of bonfires should be increased it was resolved that the Ranger ascertain the spots on which it has been customary for bonfires to be made and inform the promoters that must apply for licences and further that the Clerk be authorised to grant licences for bonfires on accustomed spots if applied to. Cheques It was resolved that a cheque be drawn for: The Ranger 10 week’s salary and house Rent to 10 October instant £12:10:0 It was resolved that the next meeting be held on the 12th November next. The meeting adjoined at 3 p.m.


James Hope (acting) Chairman

A Meeting of The Conservators of Ashdown Forest duly convened and held at the Nutley Inn, Nutley on Saturday the 12th of November 1898 at 11 a.m. Present Mr. James F. Hope in the Chair Mr. William Carr Mr. Thomas Colgate Mr. C.H. Corbett Mr. Llewellyn Midgley Mr. Joseph Ridley Mr. Mark Sandford Mr. George M. Maryon-Wilson In the absence of the Chairman from indisposition it was resolved that Mr. Hope do take the Chair. The minutes of the last meeting were read and confirmed. The Clerk produced the Bank Pass Book showing a balance in hand of £74:14:0. John Blackstone brakes The Clerk reported that on the October last Mr. John Blackstone wrote promising not in future to cut tracks or litter on the Forest in respect of the property he occupied at Tompsetts Bank without first obtaining a licence from he Conservators. Miss Pamela Martin claim to rights Also that he had since received a letter from Mrs. A.E. Martin of 39 Midhurst Road E. stating that Miss Pamela Martin ***** Executrix of Mr. Edward Martin late owner of the cottage occupied by John Blackstone had arranged to purchase the property and asking that the question of claiming rights might stand over till completion of the purchase. Pit near Woods Nursery, Land at Highgate The Ranger reported that since the last meeting he had had the dangerous pit near Woods Nursery sloped down by Ernest Hinn at a cost of 12/6d. The Clerk produced a plan to scale of the land at Highgate which James Budgen had pointed out as having been used for the hoop business for 50 years which somewhat resembled the land shown on the Judgement Plan Hale v. De La Warr and showed a frontage on the West side to the Wych Cross 333 feet and on the east side of 97 feet 6 inches and stated that he has suggested to Mr. Nicholson a modification of the state of the land so as to give a frontage of 200 feet on the West side and 220 feet along the oblique boundary on the East side, but that the latter considered that the fair adjustment would be 250 feet frontage on the West side and 265 feet on the East side. After considering the matter it was resolved that as the object of the negotiation is to define permanently the boundary separating the land from the open Forest so that it may be made clear to everyone that the land in question is no part of the Forest the Conservators are willing to agree to the measurements suggested by Mr. Nicholson viz a frontage of 250 feet on the West side to the Wych Cross High road and 268 feet along the oblique boundary at the East side or rear, the Southern point of each measurement to be connected by a straight line which is to form the division between the said land and the open Forest provided that the Lord will define the Southern boundary by making a ditch and bank along the same and that the Board of Agriculture will rectify the Award map accordingly. Mr. Freshfield metalling road The Clerk read correspondence which had passed between Mr. Douglas Freshfield and himself since the last meeting in which Mr. Freshfield asserted that no additional metal had been put on the road leading out of Hindleap Warren to the Wych Cross and West Hoathly road since the Committee met him on the spot on the 24th February last. The Ranger stated that he was positive that several loads had been subsequently placed on the road as he


reported to the meeting on the 21st May last. Mr. Midgley one of the Committee stated that he visited the spot after the May meeting and came to the same conclusion. After discussing the matter it was resolved that Mr. Freshfield be informed that the roads was inspected by the Ranger before the May meeting and quite independently by a member of the Committee who had met Mr. Freshfield a day or two after the May meeting and they both formed the opinion that new stone had been laid on since the Committee met Mr. Freshfield on the spot but that the Board feel bound to accept his assurance that they were mistaken and trust there will be no occasion for future complaint in relation to the two roads which the Committee visited. F.R. Lucas A letter was read from Mr. F.R. Lucas stating that he had no geese on the Forest that in placing chicken coops on the Forest he was merely following the practice which his predecessors in occupation had exercised for many years and that he could prove beyond question that they had stacked firewood on the Forest in the place occupied by his stacks for 50 years. It was resolved that the Clerk inform Mr. Lucas that the Board regretted that the Clerk inform Mr. Lucas that the Board regretted that a mistake had been made with regard to geese, that enquiry be made of him whether he had kept ducks on the Forest, that he be made of him whether he had kept ducks on the Forest that he be requested to satisfy the Board that firewood had been stacked on the Forest as stated for 50 years, and that the subject of placing chicken coops on the Forest was one which was receiving the consideration of the Forest Board and that the Clerk would communicate with him later on the subject. Chicken coops It was resolved that the general question of allowing chicken coops on the Forest be placed on the agenda for the next meeting. John McAndrew alleged encroachment The Clerk reported that he had not yet been able to view the alleged encroachment referred to at the last meeting. Bonfires The Clerk reported that the following persons had applied to him for and had received licences for bonfires on the 5th November instant on the following spots on which it had been customary to have bonfires for many years and that he had in each case intimated that the Board relied on the Bonfire Committees to see that no unnecessary damage was done to the Forest viz: To Frank Luxford bonfire at Tompsetts Bank To W. Baxter Chelwood Gate Frank Mitchell Broadstone Farm Thomas Shoebridge Fords Green William Osborne Fairwarp Mr. S. Taylor bonfire at Fryars Gate Forest Row (ladies) Golf Club The Golf Club Committee appointed on the 21st may last sorted that they had authorised the ladies Golf Club Forest Row to late up return and replace Bye Laws Amendment The Committee reported that they had not yet been able to finish their consideration of the Bye Laws. Curates house. Mr. Herbert gravelling track The Ranger reported that on 14 October he observed that gravel had laid on the green track leading from the High Road near Duddleswell to a house called Fair View belonging to the Representative of the Reverend J.B.M. Butler deceased and now in the occupation of Mr. H.V. Herbert. The length of the track is about 300 yards, the width about 3 yards the gravel has been put on the track here and there, but on one place a length of 12 to 15 yards has been wholly covered. The sides of the track have also been paved here and there. It was resolved that Messrs. Hope, Ridley & Sandford be appointed a Committee to view the track and report to the next meeting.


Aaron Smith camping Also that on the 10th October last Aaron Smith was convicted at the on the East Grinstead Bench of a breach of Byelaw 3 in having a van on the Forest near Hartfield Grove and was fined 2/6 and 7/- costs which be paid. Lewis Palmer trespass Also that on the 13th October Noah Collins employed by Mr. Lewis Palmer tenant of Hartfield Grove was digging a trench on the Forest from a pond adjoining Hartfield Grove. The Clerk reported that he had written on the subject to Mr. Palmer who had only just come into the neighbourhood, and that Mr. Palmer had replied expressing his regret and promising not to transgress again. Ephraim Wood litter The Ranger also reported that on the 20th October near Greenwood Gate he saw John Inman Junior of Duddleswell carrying a load of Forest litter for Ephraim Wood of Duddleswell who is his own landlord. The Clerk was directed to write to Ephraim Wood pointing out that his name does not appear on the Schedule of Commoners and enquiring whether he was in a position to prove a right. Joseph Ridley Millbrook The Ranger reported that the earth which had slipped into the stream opposite the property of Joseph Ridley of Millbrook referral to at the meeting of 21st May last (see page 18) had now been put onto his bank. It was resolved that Messrs. Turner, Midgley and Sandford be appointed a Committee to inspect the spot and report to the next meeting. Highways width of across the Forest The Ranger reported that the Cyclists Touring Club had put up two notice roads on the Forest one by the road from the Plaw Hatch to the Priory Forest Row about a yard from the water table and one at the top of Mardens Hill Crowborough 17 feet 8 ins from the centre of the metalled road and one at the top of Kids Hill 10 feet 5 ins from the centre of the metalled road. With regard to these and to the subject of the telegraph poles referred to at the last meeting the Clerk stated that his attention had been drawn by the Clerk to the County Council to the General Turnpike Act 3 Geo.IV c126 ss 118 & 124 which provided that as regards Turnpike Roads, if any person shall make or cause to be made any building hedge fence or encroachment on any common or waste land on the side or sides of any Turnpike Road within the distance of 30 feet if within 3 miles of any market town or if beyond that distance within 25 feet from the middle or centre thereof he shall forfeit 40/- to the informant and that it shall be lawful for the Trustees of the road to cause such obstruction to be removed at the expense of the owner. The Clerk stated that while he was doubtful whether this enactment was intended to define the actual width of a Turnpike Road it clearly showed that the Board cannot authorise an obstruction within the specified distance. Aaron Horscraft claim to rights Mr. Aaron Horscraft of Uckfield attended to claim Forest rights in respect of a piece of land with a cottage thereon containing by estimation 1 acre situate at Pain’s Hill Duddleswell in the parish of Maresfield and now occupied by William Izzard. He produced a conveyance dated 10th October 1884 from Sarah Hollands to himself which recited that the property was then held by her as tenant at will of the Lord of the Manor of Duddleswell subject to the annual rent of 1/-. It was therefore explained to Mr. Horscraft that Forest rights could not attach to the property whether he could show user or not. William Browning claim to rights Mr. William Browning of Chelwood Common attended to claim Forest rights in respect of firstly a piece of meadow land and garden ground comprising 5a 1r 34p known as Colliers Croft and Jessops Croft Nos. 397 and 395 and part 396 on the ordnance Map situate near the Dane Hill National Schools in the parish of Fletching held freely of the Manor of Sheffield by the annual quit rent of 3d. Secondly a piece of freehold land and coppice ***** at Hook Hill situate at Dane Hill aforesaid containing 3.2.22 and numbered 531 + 518 on the Ordnance Map. It was resolved that the Clerk look into the title to see whether the claim could be sustained.


Kings Standing Rifle Range Mr. Ridley stated that near Kings Standing one of the caution boards had been torn down and lay on the spot and another had been taken down and destroyed. It was resolved that the Clerk drew the attention of the Officer having the use of this rifle range to the matter and request that the boards be reinstated. Henry Constable cutting litter The Ranger reported that on the 19th October last at Forge Bank near Old Forge Fairwarp he saw Henry Constable who occupied his own property near Old Forge cutting litter for himself. It was resolved the Clerk enquire into the matter. Meeting of Commoners It was resolved that the Annual Meeting of the Commoners he held at the Nutley Inn on 17th day of December next at 11 am and that the Board meet immediately after. It was resolved that a cheque be drawn for The Ranger for 5 weeks salary & house rent to 14th instant £6.5.0. Labour for pit near Woods Nursery £0.12.6. The meeting terminated at 2.30 p.m. Albert Turner Chairman

The Annual Meeting of the Commoners interested in the Forest duly convened by the Clerk by notice in the church door of each of the parishes or ecclesiastical districts into which the Forest extends and by advertisement in four newspapers circulating in the neighbourhood to wit the Sussex Express, the Sussex Advertiser, the East Sussex News and the Southern Weekly News at least 14 days before this date and held on Saturday the 17th day of December 1898 at 11 o’clock in the forenoon at the Nutley Inn, Nutley. Present Mr. James F. Hope Mr. William Browning Mr. William Carr Mr. Thomas Colgate Mr. C.H. Corbett Mr. Douglas Freshfield Mr. Humphrey Gasson Mr. James Gillham Mr. Thomas Hyde Mr. Llewellyn Midgley Mr. John McAndrew Mrs. Nesbitt Captain Noble Mr. Thomas Page The Revd. H.J. Peckham Mr. Joseph Ridley Millbrook Mr. Joseph Ridley Horney Common Mr. Sylvanus Ridley Mr. William Ridley Mr. Mark Sandford Mr. Owen Shoebridge Mr. Albert Turner Mr. George Maryon Maryon-Wilson


It was proposed by Mr. Albert Turner seconded by Mr. Charles H. Corbett and unanimously resolved that Mr. James Fitzalan Hope do take the Chair. Election of Conservators Mr. Hope having taken the Chair the Clerk read the notice convening the meeting and reported that the retiring Conservators were Messrs. Guy Charles Hardy, George Maryon-Wilson, Joseph Ridley and Albert Turner who retire by rotation on the 31st December 1898 It was proposed by Mr. James F. Hope seconded by Mr. William Carr and resolved that Mr. Albert Turner be re-elected a Conservator. It was proposed by Mr. Mark Sandford seconded by Mr. Thomas Colgate and resolved that Mr. George Maryon-Wilson be re-elected a Conservator. It was proposed by Mr. C.H. Corbett seconded by Mr. Albert Turner and resolved that Mr. Guy Charles Hardy be re-elected a Conservator. It was proposed by Mr. Colgate seconded by the Mr. William Carr and resolved that Mr. Joseph Ridley of Horney Common be re-elected a Conservator. The other nominations being made the Chairman declared the above four gentlemen duty elected. Nutley Light Railway application for approval The Clerk then read the application of the Promoters of the Nutley Light Railway for the approval of the Conservators to the proposed Railway and stated that as the Conservators considered it was outside their province to deal with the matter they had referred it to this meeting. Mr. Hope made a statement as to the limits within which he proposed to rule that the discussion must be conducted and some debate arising thereupon he withdrew from the Chair in the order that the sense of the meeting might be taken on the point at issue. Mr. Freshfield expressed approval of Mr. Hope’s proposed ruling and moved that he resume the Chair, Mr. Colgate seconded. No other propositions being made Mr. Freshfield put the resolution to the meeting and it was as carried nem con. The Chairman then read the following letter from Mr. R.J. Streatfeild Rossington Hall Bawtry Yorkshire Dec 12/95 Dear Sir, I am sorry I cannot attend the meeting of Commoners on the 17th inst. when the proposed light railway is to be discussed Of course any resolution that may be passed will merely be an expression of the opinion of the Majority of these present, but I should like so make it clear that my absence does not imply any approval of the line of which plans have been deposited and notices served. It must be observed that this that line differs materially from that which was bought before the public meeting at Nutley last April, but not, in my opinion in a way to make it more desirable.


I must also point out that this change of route which largely affects the interests of landowners having common rights in the Forest has been made without any reference to them and comes entirely as a surprise. I remain Yours truly (signed) R.J. Streatfeild The Chairman of the Meeting of Commoners Mr. Verrall, the Solicitor to the Scheme was then invited to explain it to the meeting. He stated that the Board of Agriculture would require to know the view of the Commoners and that the Promoters desired to give them full information and then to ask an expression of their opinion. The Chairman, being called on for a ruling as to the limits within which the discussion should be confined, ruled that it must be limited to the extent to which the proposed Scheme affects the interest of the Commoners as Commoners. Mr. Verrall then described the course and advantages of the proposed Light Railway and explained that for all the land taken from the Forest by the scheme the Promoters would have to secure and give to the Forest an equivalent acreage. He stated that the Promoters would be prepared to fence the line or not as right be required and if fenced would provide proper communications etc. and that the railway would not impose any burden on the Forest rates. He then presented a memorial in favour of the Scheme which he said was signed by 33 Commoners and persons entitled to exercise rights of Common asking the Conservators to support the Scheme. In reply to the Clerk, Mr. Verrall stated that the Promoters would be prepared if the line is feared to make such communications as the Board of Conservators might reasonably require, and the like as regards drainage under embankments. In reply to Mr. Freshfield, Mr. Verrall stated that about 18 acres would be taken from the Forest and that the land to be given by way of compensation was not yet defined. Numerous persons from the neighbourhood (not being Commoners) had been admitted to the room to hear the explanation of the Scheme. At the request of the Chairman these persons retired from the room at this point. It was proposed by Mr. C.H. Corbett that subject to the requirements of the Conservators being complied with as regard communications across the line in case at should be fenced and as regards drainage under embankments the assent of this Meeting of Commoners be given to the Nutley, Crowborough and Groombridge Light Railway Scheme. This was seconded by Mr. Albert Turner Mr. G. Maryon-Wilson proposed by way of amendment that a Committee consisting of three Commoners together with the Clerk to the Conservators be appointed to report as to how the proposed Light Railway from Groombridge to Nutley would effect the rights and interests of the Commoners and conditions (if any) the Promoters of the Railway might be asked to comply with for the due protection and furtherance of the same. This was seconded by Mr. Midgley. Mr. Sylvanus Ridley said the amendment would shelve the Scheme. Mr. McAndrew and Mr. Freshfield said they would support neither proposition, they considered that a direct negative was a proper answer to give to the application. Mr. Corbett having replaced the Chairman put the amendment to the meeting and there voted on it as follows:


For acreage Against acreage Maryon-Wilson, G.M. 1629 Noble, Captain 15 Midgley. Ll. 13 Freshfield, D. 200 Hope, James F. 430½ Peckham, Revd. H.J. 4 2072½ Gillham, W. 2 ½ Ridley, W. 3 ½ Ridley, Sylvanus 15 Shoebridge, Owen 3 ½

McAndrew, John 196 Ridley Joseph Horney Common 14 Ridley Joseph 19 ½ Carr William 8 Hyde Thomas 127

Corbett, C.H. 233 Colgate Thomas 4 Turner, Albert 85 ½

Page Thomas 10 940 The Chairman declared the Amendment duly carried. Mr. Hope then proposed and Mr. Ridley seconded that the following Commoners be requested to act on the Committee viz: Messrs. W.R. Arbuthnot, Robert Kenward and the Rev. H.J. Peckham. No other names being submitted the Chairman declared them duly elected. It was then proposed by Mr. Maryon-Wilson, seconded by Mr. Sylvanus Ridley and resolved that failing any of the above three Commoners Mr. Mark Sandford do act on the Committee. On the proposal of Mr. Albert Turner, seconded by Mr. Maryon-Wilson a vote of thanks was accorded to the Chairman. Mark Sandford Chairman

A Meeting of The Conservators of Ashdown Forest duly convened and held at the Nutley Inn, Nutley on Saturday the 17th day of December 1898 at 1.30 p.m. Present Mr. Albert Turner in the Chair Mr. William Carr Mr. Thomas Colgate Mr. C.H. Corbett Mr. S.F. Hope Mr. Thomas Hyde Mr. Mr. Midgley Mr. Mark Sandford Mr. G. Maryon-Wilson The minutes of the last meeting were read and confirmed. Elected Conservators The Clerk produced and read the following certificate and it was resolved that the same be entered on the minutes: To Mr. William Augustus Raper


Clerk to the Conservators of Ashdown Forest. As Chairman of the Meeting of Commoners duly convened and held at the Nutley Inn Nutley this 17th day of December 1898 for the purposes of electing four Conservators and for other purposes I hereby intimate to you that Mr. Albert Turner Mr. George Maryon Maryon-Wilson Mr. Guy Charles Hardy and Mr. Joseph Ridley of Horney Common were elected Conservators of the Forest as such Meeting. Dated this 17th day of December 1898 James F. Hope Chairman Accounts for 1895 The Clerk produced the Bank Pass Book and cheque book showing a balance in hand of £102.5.0. The Clerk laid before the Board the account of the receipts indicate for the years 1898 together with the vouchers for the various payments and the Chairman and Mr. Sandford stated that they had audited the accounts and found them correct. The same having been examined by various members of the Board it was proposed by Mr. Maryon-Wilson seconded by the Board it was proper by Mr. Maryon-Wilson seconded by Mr. Corbett and signed by the Chairman and resolved that the usual summary be sent to every Commoner. Douglas Freshfield The reply was read from Mr. Douglas Freshfield stating that no further complaint need arise as to the two roads (referred to at the meetings early in this year) so as long as the Conservators do not seek to dispute his exercise of the right to execute from time to time such repairs on them as have been executed by his predecessors and are necessary for their maintenance. He also referred to their permission recently given to Lord Robert Cecil to make a road to Rocks Plat and enquired on behalf of himself and the Right Hon. James Bryce whether the Conservators had modified their view of their legal position in which case the question of renewing his application (considered at the meeting of 10th April 1897) might have to be considered. It was resolved that the Clerk be instructed to reply to the first point that the Conservators assent to Mr. Freshfield’s view on the understanding that the tracks referred to are maintained simply as timber tracks as heretofore, and as regards the second point that Lord Robert Cecil’s property could only be reached by crossing the Forest that the Board had permitted him to make a straight track to the nearest point of the nearest high road in consideration of his abandoning two much longer tracks over the Forest to Rocks Plat and that the Board conceived that this arrangement was a benefit rather than a detriment to the Commoners. Herbert H.V. Road across the Forest The Committee appointed at the last meeting to view the track to Mr. Herbert’s house and report thereon presented the underwritten report which was read and it was resolved that the same be received, adopted, entered on the minutes and acted upon. 16th November 1898 To the Conservators of Ashdown Forest. We have this day inspected the green track leading from the turnpike road at Duddleswell to Fairview, a house belonging to Mrs. J.B.M. Butler and occupied by Mr. H.V. Herbert. We find that the road has been metalled with Forest gravel and the sides pared off at many places and we think the Ranger was quite right in reporting what had been done as we consider it to be undoubtedly an infringement of the Bye Laws.


It appears that this track is almost the only road by which access can be obtained to the house in question and we think probably if permission to repair the track had been asked for the Conservators would have granted it. This being a very old enclosure on which there has been a house for centuries probably we think it would be making a harsh use of our powers to prevent the occupier making a passable track to his residence. We are of opinion therefore that the case would be set if our Clerk wrote to Mr. Herbert pointing out to him that he has infringed the Bye Laws and informing him that in future permission from the Conservators was necessary before he again disturbed the surface of the Forest. James F. Hope Mark Sandford Joseph Ridley Road making over Forest Mr Maryon-Wilson gave notice that he would at the next Meeting invite the Board to settle a principle on which to deal with applications for roads across the Forest. Chicken coops It was resolved that the subject of chicken coops on the Forest be considered at the next Meeting and be placed on the agenda. William Browning claim to rights admitted The Clerk reported that he had investigated the title deeds to the lands in respect of which Mr. William Browning claimed rights at the last meeting and found that the titles would sustain the claims. Mr. Browning now attended with an aged witness and the Board having considered the evidence of user that it was resolved that Mr. William Browning had established his claim to the satisfaction of the Conservators and that his name be inserted in the Schedule of Commoners in respect of his properties described in the minutes of the last meeting and he theirupon paid the current rates amounting to 5/-. Henry Martin claim to rights admitted Mr Henry Martin of Dane Hill, Farmer attended to claim Forest rights in respect of a house and meadow containing about 5 1/2 acres called the Little Collingfords in the Parish of Danehill and Nos. 431 and 431a on the Ordnance Map, and the Board being satisfied as to title and evidence of user, it was resolved that Mr Henry Martin had established his claim to the satisfaction of the Conservators and that his name be inserted in the Schedule of Commoners in respect of the above property and he thereupon paid the current rate amounting to 3/-. F.R. Lucas William Jenner of Tompsetts Bank, aged 56, attended on behalf of Mr F.R. Lucas and stated that he had lived all his life at Tompsetts Bank and remembered the property now belonging to Mr. Lucas for over 50 years and that since his childhood he well remembered that the occupiers of the property had stacked his firewood on the spot on which Mr. Lucas’s stacks now stand. It was resolved that the Board was satisfied that Mr. Lucas and his predecessors in title have acquired by user on easement to build his stack of firewood on the spot and that the Clerk inform him thereof. Evenden application to make a road Mr. Evenden who had recently built a house on the south west corners of his field at Duddleswell, which is separated from the Duddleswell high road by a strip of Forest, applied for permission to make a road across the strip of the Forest and also that the Blacksmiths iron standing on his strip might be removed further as it was an annoyance to the occupiers of the house. It was resolved that as the frontage of the upper part of the field immediately adjoins the high road Mr. Evenden can make his approach to the end over his own land and that the Board therefore could not entertain his application to make a road on the Forest, also that the house having been brought to the blacksmiths iron the Conservators could not interface.


Mr. Hervey Pechell Repair of road from Spring Gardens Farm to Duddleswell Road Mr. Sandford as agent for Mr. Hervey Pechell pointed out that owing to want of proper drainage the road across the Forest from Spring Gardens Farm to the Duddleswell Road had become obstructed by materials washed down close to the high road and he asked permission to remove the obstruction and make good the road. It was resolved that permission be given accordingly Holly cutting A letter was read from Mr. Arthur Hoare with reference to the cutting of holly on the Forest and the attention of the Lord’s representative, Mr. Nicholson, was drawn to the matter. Forest Row Golf Club The Golf Committee reported that they had given the Forest Row Golf Club permission to fill in a hole between greens No. 7 & 8. Samuel Ridley litter The Ranger reported that on the 16th November he saw the son of Samuel Ridley of Fairwarp cutting litter and he stated that he was employed by his father to cut it and on the 14th December he saw the said Samuel Ridley carrying a load of Forest litter home for himself. It was resolved that the said Samuel Ridley be called upon to give a written undertaking not to cut again without a licence and that in case he should fail to give such an undertaking he be prosecuted for a branch of the Bye Laws. Lord Robt. Cecil carting sand and tiles The Ranger reported that sand and tiles were being carted across the Forest to Rocks Plat from two different directions neither being the new road. It was resolved that the Clerk give notice to Mr. Luxford to stop the cartage across the Forest other than by the said road and notify Lord Robert Cecil thereof. Ovenden Road The Ranger reported that Alfred Ovenden had made good the old roadway to his house and seeded it down in accordance with the directions of the Conservators. Mr. Gorringe cutting turf The Ranger reported that on the 23rd November having learned that Mr. William Gorringe, the grocer at Nutley had cut some turf on the Forest near Pippingford he called upon him for an explanation and that Mr. Gorringe informed him he was under the impression that the formal rights attaching to the tenement he occupied under Mr. Hobhouse entitled him to cut turf. On learning that it was illegal he expressed his regret and promised to seed down the spot. It was resolved that under these circumstances proceedings be not taken against him but that having regard to the season of the year if the seed is killed by frost he be called upon to re-seed it in the coming spring. H. Harding litter cutting The Ranger reported that on the 30th November between Gills Lap and Chuck Hatch he saw the two sons of Henry Harding of Little Claypits crossing the Forest in the direction of their and when asked why their Father did not apply for a licence they replied that they did not want one and were ready for the Conservators if they took any action. He also reported that having hidden up he saw the load carried to Little Claypits and there unloaded. It was resolved that the Clerk take such proceedings against the parties as he may deem expedient. Jacob Heasman litter cutting The Ranger reported that on the 8th December near Chapel Lane he saw Jacob Heasman of near Tompsetts Bank cutting litter furze and rough stuff which he said was to be laid in a hollow at the entrance to the premises of the new Hotel at Tompsetts Bank and that he was employed to do so by the proprietors the East Grinstead Brewery Company. The Clerk reported that he had written to them for an explanation but as yet had received no reply. It was resolved that the matter be left in the hands of the Clerk.


Henry Collins cutting wood The Ranger reported that on the 11th December the Police stopped Henry Collins a carrier at Chelwood Gate with a large bundle of furze branches he had cut from Trees on the Forest near the Vetchery and that he the Ranger had informed Mr. Hudson thereof and stated that if the Lord would prosecute the Police would prove the case. W. & A. Dadswell prospecting for gravel Also that on the 12th inst at Pound Gate he saw William Dadswell of Browns Brook and Alfred Dadswell of Pound Gate digging trial holes for gravel and they stated they were employed to obtain it for Herons Ghyll and that on his warning them to desist they stopped work and promised to fill in the holes and replace the surface spit. Ranger Leave of absence An application was made by the Ranger for a week’s leave of absence at Christmas. It was resolved that the same he granted subject to his arranging the date with the Chairman. Rate The Clerk having reported that the funds in hand with the nominal arrears of rates outstanding would be nearly exhausted when cheques had been drawn at their meeting to clear the liabilities for 1898, it was resolved that the Clerk give notice on the agenda for the next meeting to make a rate and that he be prepared with the necessary documents for the purpose. Cheques It was resolved that cheques be drawn as follows The Ranger-6 weeks salary and house Rent to 26th inst. £7.10.0. Petty disbursements during the year as per book £0.19.1

£8.9.1 The Clerk-various disbursements during the year as per vouchers £10.8.10 Postage & receipt stamps for the year £2.13.4 Telegrams and travelling expenses ditto £4.11.3 Costs re Light Railway £5.12.0 ½ yrs salary to the 31st inst. £50.0.0

£73.5.5 It was resolved that the next meeting be held on the 11th day of February next. The meeting adjourned at 3.30 p.m. Albert Turner Chairman

The Meeting of the Commoners interested in the Forest duly convened by the Clerk by notice in the church door of each of the parishes or ecclesiastical districts into which the Forest extends and by advertisements in two newspapers circulating in the neighbourhood to wit the Sussex Express, the Sussex Daily News and by notice transmitted through the post to each Commoner at least 14 days before this date and held on Saturday the 11th day of January 1899 at 11 o’clock in the forenoon at the Nutley Inn, Nutley.


Present Mr. Mark Sandford in the Chair The Revd. H.J. Peckham Mr. William Carr Mr. Thomas Colgate Mr. C.H. Corbett Mr. Douglas Freshfield Mr. Humphrey Gasson Mr. William Gilbert Mr. James Gilham Mr. Thomas Hyde Mr. William Martin Mr. Ll. Midgley Mr. William Osborne Mr. Thomas Osborne Mr. Joseph Ridley of Horney Common Mr. Joseph Ridley of Millbrook Mr. Sylvanus Ridley Mr. William Ridley Mr. Owen Shoebridge Mr. Enoch Tyler Mr. Jesse Tomsett Mr. Albert Turner Mr. James Turner Mr. Thomas R. Shoebridge Mr. James Whitewood Robert Kenward arrived in the course of the meeting Mr. Mark Sandford was unanimously elected Chairman. The Clerk read the notice convening the meeting. The Minutes of the Annual Meeting of the Commoners held on the 17th December last were then read and confirmed. Nutley Lt. Railway The Clerk reported he attended the local inquiry into the proposed Nutley, Crowborough and Groombridge Light Railway Scheme held by the Light Railway Commissioners at Crowborough on the 20th January last, that the case of the promoters was not completed and the inquiry was adjourned sine die. He read letters from the Board of Agriculture and the Light Railway Commissioners requesting to be informed of the view of the Conservators with regard to the proposal to take part of the Forest for the purpose of the Railway. Also a letter from the Commons Preservation Society asking for the views of the Conservators and the Commoners on the subject and he read his replies thereto. The Revd. H.J. Peckham presented the Report of the Committee appointed at the Annual Meeting to report with reference to the scheme which report having been read. It was proposed by the Revd. H.J. Peckham and seconded by Mr. Joseph Ridley (Horney Common) that the report of the Committee be and is hereby approved and adopted and that it be entered on the Minutes. Mr. Freshfield stated that while recognising the requirements of Nutley he considered the proper direction for the Railway would be to Sheffield Park Station. Mr. Joseph Ridley (of Horney Common) stated that that route would not be workable.


The Revd. H.J. Peckham stated that it was not so much a question of distance as of time and that the best trains from Sheffield Park Station to London took almost two hours to **** the journey. In answer to a question from Mr. Freshfield the Clerk stated that the Memorial in favour of the scheme handed in at the last Commoners meeting was signed by 59 persons of whom 32 were Commoners representing 425¼ acres and the remainder were occupiers of land to which rights attached. Mr. Turner then handed in a further memorial in favour of the Scheme signed by 40 other Commoners representing 622½ acres. The discussion coming to an end the Chairman put the resolution to the Meeting and there voted upon it as follows: For Acres Against Acres The Revd. H.J. Peckham 4 Mr. Douglas Freshfield 200 Mr. W. Carr 8 Mr. Thomas Hyde 127 Mr. J. Colgate 4 Mr. Ll. Midgley 13 Mr. C.H. Corbett 233 340 Mr. H. Gasson 3 ½ Mr. W. Gilbert 40 Mr James Gillham 2 ¼ Mr. William Martin 7 ¼ Mr. William Osborne 7 Mr. Thomas Osborne 17 Mr. Joseph Ridley 14 (Horney Common) Mr. Joseph Ridley 19 ½ (Millbrook) Mr. Sylvanus Ridley 15 Mr. William Ridley 3 ¼ Mr. Owen Shoebridge 3 ½ Mr. Thomas Shoebridge 5 ¾ Mr. Jesse Tomsett 3 Mr. Enoch Tyler 5 ¾ Mr. Albert Turner 85 ½ Mr. James Turner 15 Mr. James Whitewood 2 ½ 499 The Chairman did not vote. The Chairman therefore declared the resolution carried. The Report referred to is as follows: To the Commoners of Ashdown Forest Nutley Crowborough and Groombridge Light Railway Scheme We the undersigned William Reierson Arbuthnot, the Rev Harry J. Peckham and Robert Kenward, the Committee appointed at the Annual Meeting of Commoners held on 17th December last, to report as to how far the proposed Light Railway from Groombridge to Nutley would affect the rights and interests of the Commoners, and what conditions (if any) the Promoters of the Railway might be asked to comply with, for the due protection and


furtherance of the same, beg to report that we have met and considered the provisions of the proposed Order of the Light Railway Commission, and have deposited plans and actions of the Light Railway and have obtained from Mr. Graham, the engineer of the Promoters, who attended before us, explanations as to the details of the same and having considered the whole matter, we beg to report as follows 1. The Light Railway will traverse the Forest on the ridge of the high ground for a distance of about 3 miles,

partly in cuttings and partly on embankments, as shown on the accompanying section which Mr. Graham handed to us, and we are unanimously of opinion that this is undesirable from the aesthetic or picturesque point of view.

2. Apart from the foregoing objection, we agree that the Light Railway will be of great benefit to such of the

Commoners as live at and around Nutley and near the line of the railway, affording them facilities for travelling to and from the neighbouring towns and markets, and if (as we presume will be the case) the Light Railway is connected with the South Coast Line at Groombridge, by enabling them to send their farm and garden produce to the Towns and to bring manures and feeding stuffs to their land, at a considerable saving of expense for cartage. This consideration applies with especial force to Nutley, which is separated from the nearest Railway stations at Uckfield, Buxted, Forest Row and Sheffield Park by about 5 miles of roads with very heavy gradients.

3. We consider that having regard to the Commoners at and around Nutley, these advantages outweigh the

aesthetic consideration, particularly if the fencing of the line (which would be visible at a distance) can be dispersed with. We were informed by Mr. Graham that the sides of all embankments and cuttings would be sloped to ****** of 1 in 1 ½, and we are of opinion that this would afford a comparatively gentle and safe slope, not likely to be dangerous to the Commoners cattle and would soon be concealed by a growth of heather.

If the Commoners decide to support the Scheme, then the Committee unanimously recommend that provisions should be inserted in the Order to carry out the following objects 4. That no stations or roads or approaches thereto, or sidings, turntables, buildings, signal-posts or other

erections shall be placed on the Forest land. 5. That the land to be added to their Forest, in lieu of the land to be taken for the line, shall be subject to the

approval of the Conservators. 6. That if the Light Railway shall not be completed within five years from the commencement of the Order, or

such extended time as the Board of Trade may approve, or having been completed shall not be used as a railway, or shall at any subsequent time cease to be used as a railway, the land taken from the Forest for the line shall revert to and again form part of the Forest.

7. That as Clause 20 of the purposed Order enables the Company to make the embankments higher and the

cuttings deeper than shown on the deposited plans and sections, provision should be made that the Company shall not deviate vertically from the levels of the railway as shown on the deposited plans, without the consent of the Conservators first obtained.

8. That the Company shall make and maintain to the satisfaction of the Conservators, such proper cattle

crossings over and under the line, as the Conservators may from time to time reasonably consider necessary. 9. That the Company shall also made and maintain, to the satisfaction of the Conservators, proper crossings,

with convenient access thereto, where regular cartways or footways over the Forest now cross the line. 10. That as the public have no right on the Forest, other than access to certain specified points of view subject to

regulation by byelaw we are strongly of opinion that Clause 26 of the Order should be altered, so that the Company shall not have the power to take up or set down passengers on the Forest; otherwise the public would acquire right on the Forest which they do not now enjoy. We consider the granting of such a right, an


asset which may be of great value to the Commoners, in case they should at any future time have occasion to apply to Parliament.

Dated the 24th January 1899 W.R. Arbuthnot Harry J. Peckham Robt. Kenward Mr. Robert Kenward entered the room at this point. The following resolution was then proposed by Mr. Thomas Colgate and seconded by Mr. William Carr viz That the report of the Committee be handed by the Chairman of this Meeting to the Conservators with an intimation that it has been approved and adopted by this general Meeting of the Commoners, and that this Meeting requests the Conservators to support the Nutley Crowborough and Groombridge Light Railway Scheme provided clauses are inserted in the Order effectively securing the objects specified in paragraphs 4 to 10 inclusive of the Report. Mr. Freshfield questioned whether having regard to the duties cast upon the Conservators by Parliament the Commoners ought to ask them to approve the Scheme. The Commoners show voted upon the resolution as follows For Acres Against Acres The Revd. H.J. Peckham 4 Mr. Douglas Freshfield 200 Mr. W. Carr 8 200 Mr. J. Colgate 4 Mr. C.H. Corbett 233 Mr. H. Gasson 3 ½ Mr. W. Gilbert 40 Mr James Gillham 2 ¼ Mr. R. Kenward 74 Mr. W. Martin 7 ½ Mr. W. Osborne 7 Mr. T. Osborne 17 Mr. Joseph Ridley 14 (Horney Common) Mr. Joseph Ridley 19 ½ (Millbrook) Mr. Sylvanus Ridley 15 Mr. W. Ridley 3 ¼ Mr. O. Shoebridge 3 ½ Mr. T. Shoebridge 5 ¾ Mr. J. Tomsett 3 Mr. Albert Turner 85 ½ Mr. James Turner 15 Mr. James Whitewood 2 ½ 573 The Chairman, Mr. Hyde and Mr. Midgley did not vote. The Chairman then declared the resolution carried.


It was also resolved that the Chairman hand to the Conservators for consideration the above mentioned memorials in favour of the scheme. Mr. Freshfield proposed and Mr. Hyde seconded the following resolutions, which, were Carried unanimously viz: That the thanks of the Meeting be accorded to the Committee for the trouble they took in enquiring into and reporting on the Scheme. Also thanking the Chairman for the impartial manner in which he preceded over the meeting. Mark Sandford Chairman

A Meeting of The Conservators of Ashdown Forest duly convened and held at the Nutley Inn, Nutley on Saturday the 11th day of February 1899 at noon. Present Mr. Mark Sandford Mr. Albert Turner Mr. Thomas Hyde Mr. Thomas Colgate Mr. C.H. Corbett Mr. Ll. Midgley Mr. William Carr Mr. Joseph Ridley This being the first meeting of the year the first business was the election of a Chairman of the Board for the current year and Mr. Mark Sandford was chosen [as] temporary Chairman for the purpose of conducting the election. Chairman for year It was proposed by Mr. Thomas Colgate and seconded by Mr. C.H. Corbett that Mr. Albert Turner be the Chairman of the Board for the current year. Mr. Midgley proposed as an amendment that Mr. Jas Hope be the Chairman of the Board for the current year. The amendment not having been seconded the original resolution was put to the Meeting and carried nem con. Mr. Mark Sandford then vacated the chain and Mr. Albert Turner having taken it thanked the Board for the honour they had done him. Death of Mr. Pechell Mr. Corbett referred to the death of Mr. Hervey Pechell which had happened since the last Meeting of the Board and proposed the following resolution viz That the Board of Conservators desire to record that sense of the great loss sustained by the Conservators and the Commoners in the death of the largest Commoner, Mr. Hervey Charles Pechell, who always evinced the greatest interest in all matters connected with the Forest. The resolution was seconded by Mr. Albert Turner and carried unanimously. The Minutes of the last Meeting were then read and confirmed. The Bank Pass Book was produced and showed a balance in hand amounting to £20:10:6.


Nutley Light Railway The Clerk reported that he attended the Local Inquiry into the proposed Nutley Crowborough & Groombridge Light Railway scheme held by the Light Railway Commissioners at Crowborough on the 20th January last and furnished them with such information as was required that the case of the Promoters was not completed and the Inquiry was adjourned sine die. He read letters from the Board of Agriculture and the Light Railway Commissioners requesting to be informed of the views of the Conservators with regard to the proposal to take part of the Forest for the purposes of the Railway. Also a letter from the Commons Presentation Society asking for the view of the Conservators and the Commoners on the subject and he read his replies thereto. Mr. Sandford stated that as Chairman of the Meeting of Commoners held that morning he has been requested to hand to this meeting of Conservators the copy of the resolutions which had been passed at the Commoners Meeting and of the Report referred to in those resolutions and the memorials presented in favour of the scheme. In reply to an enquiry Mr. Sandford stated that the first resolution was carried by the following vote For 21 Commoners owning acres 499 Against 3 Commoners owning acres 340 Majority acres 159 The Chairman not voting and the second resolution by the following vote For 22 Commoners owning acres 573 Against 1 Commoner owning acres 200 Majority acres 373 The Chairman and two others not voting. He also handed in memorials in favour of the scheme delivered to him at the Commoners meeting signed by 72 Commoners owning in the aggregate 1047 ¾ acres of land entitled to rights of common on the Forest and by 27 other persons occupying lands entitled to such rights. On the proposition of Mr. Sandford seconded by Mr. Ridley it was unanimously resolved that the resolution and report be entered on the Minutes. The report is entered at page 58 anto. The first resolution of the Commoners is as follows: That the report of the Committee be and is hereby approved and adopted and that it be entered on the Minutes. The second resolution of the Commoners is as follows That the report of the Committee be handed by the Chairman of this Meeting to the Conservators with an intimation that it has been approved and adopted by the general Meeting of the Commoners and that this meeting requests the Conservators to support the Nutley Crowborough and Groombridge Light Railway Scheme provided clauses are inserted in the Order effectively securing the objects specified in paragraphs 4 to 10 inclusive of the Report. It is proposed by Mr. Corbett seconded by Mr. Sandford and unanimously resolved that the resolutions and report be printed and a copy be supplied to each Conservator that at the next Meeting the 2nd resolution and the report will be taken into consideration.


It was proposed by Mr. Ridley seconded by Mr. Sandford and resolved nem: con: that the Conservators are of opinion that it is most desirable that the Light Railway Commissioners should if possible hold the next Meeting of the Local Inquiry at Nutley instead of at Tunbridge Wells on the ground that it is the best place at which to ascertain all the circumstances of the case and how the line will affect the Forest. It was proposed by Mr. Carr seconded by Mr. Hyde and resolved nem: con: that the Clerk communicate to the Light Railway Commissioners, the Board of Agriculture and the Commons Preservation Society the result of the Meeting of Commoners held today, and the particulars of the voting on the resolutions, and of the memorials presented in support of the scheme and inform them that the report and second resolution and memorials will be taken into consideration at the next meeting of the Conservators which will be held before the next adjourned Local Inquiry of the Light Railway Commissioners is held. Mr. L. Palmer application An application was considered from Mr. Lewis Palmer of Hartfield Grove Hartfield for permission to open a small grip across the Forest in order to conduct water from a pond near the high road from Colemans Hatch to Duddleswell to his own pond. It was resolved that Mr. Hyde’s offer to inquire into the matter and report to the next Meeting be accepted. Lord Robert Cecil cartage The Clerk reported that in accordance with the resolution passed at the last meeting he wrote to Mr. Job Luxford to stop carting across the Forest other than over the new road and had notified Lord Robert Cecil thereof and he read the replies from Mr. Luxford stating that he had given most distinct instructions to his employees and used every effort to ensure that the new road only should be used and would give every assistance in his power if the Conservators desired to prosecute the offenders. Also a reply from Lord Robert Cecil complaining of being harassed. Fredr. Pilbeam application Fredr. Pilbeam of Nutley owner of part of Ord. No. 497 at Dodds Bank, Nutley, adjoining encroachment 131 stated that Jas. Tester the owner of 479a had given him permission to cut down the hedge on the north west side of No. 479a and make a footpath within 3 feet from the stem of the hedge and the applicant asked for permission to put up a wire fence on the north west side of the footpath with gates at both ends. It was resolved that provided the fence does not project beyond 3 feet from the stem of the hedge it does not come under the jurisdiction of the Conservators. Mr. G.M. Maryon-Wilson claim to rights The claim of Mr. George M. Maryon-Wilson was then considered that his property at Nutley known as B**** House comprising Ordnance Numbers 347.399.401.404a.391.392.393.402. and the ancient part of 383 and containing together about 31 acres was entitled to rights on the Forest. Mr. Edward Walton Wylie the occupier attended with aged witnesses including Sylvanus Ridley and William Carr Senior and reminded the Conservators that in August 1897 he was prohibited from cutting litter which he had done for several years previously and had in consequence enquired into the matter. The credence of she witnesses having been taken. It was resolved that Mr. Wilson [Wylie] had established his claim and that his name be inserted in the Schedule of Commoners in respect of the property and that he be rated for the same accordingly. Rate The Clerk having reported that she proceeds of the last Rate would be exhausted by payment of the current liabilities and having produced an estimate of the annual expenses it was proposed by Mr. C.H. Corbett seconded by Mr. Llewellyn Midgley 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 lands to which such rights attach which Commoners and their respective sums payable by them are hereafter set out namely


Name Address Acreage Amount £

s

d

Adams, Mr. William Moss Cottage, Newbridge, Hartfield

2 0 1 0

Andrews, Mrs. 6 Linden Park Tunbridge Wells

1/2 0 0 6

Appleby Mr. Isaac

Fords Green Nutley Uckfield

1/2 0 0 6

Arbuthnot W.R. Esq.

Plaw Hatch East Grinstead 200 5 0 0

Avis, Mrs Sarah A.

The Hollies, Fryars Gate Withyham (late Martin)

3 0 1 6

Baker Mr. Matthias Chelwood Common Dane Hill Uckfield

2 0 1 0

Baker Mr. William Chelwood Common Dane Hill Uckfield

2 0 1 0

Banister F.D. Esq., The Devisees of

C/o J. Harrison Myers Esq., 15 Chapel Street, Preston, Lancashire

55 1 10 6

Barchard, Mrs. Katherine Duddleswell Uckfield 12 0 6 Bashford, Mr. John Forest Row East Grinstead 15 0 7 6 Baines Mrs. Lucy Bolbrook Farm Hartfield 5¼ 0 3 0

**** Walter ************ East Croydon 2 0 1 0 Bell Major Yewhurst East Grinstead 180

4 10 0

Birch Peregrine Decd. Repres. Of

The Priory Forest Row East Grinstead

88 2 4 0

Birch R. W.P. Esq. Decd. Repres. Of


12 0 6 0

Box Mr. George Suttons, Stumblewood, Birch Grove, East Grinstead

3 0 1 6

Box Mr. Richard

C/o Mr. Geo. Box, Suttons, Stumblewood, Birch Grove, East Grinstead

5¾

0 3 0

Browning Mr. William

Chelwood Common Dane Hill Uckfield

¼

0 0 6

Browning Mr. William Colliers & Jessops Crofts Hook Hill

9¼

0 5 0

Budd Budd Fred. I. Restlands West Hoathly East Grinstead

145 3 12 6

Card Mr. Richard

Holly Farm Forest Row 3¾ 0 2 0

Carr Mr. William

Nutley Uckfield 8 0 4 0

Clarke Stephenson R. Esq.

C/o Daniel Watney & sons 33 Poultry London

191 4 15 6

Colchester The Rt. Hon. Lord

Carlton Club Pall Mall SW

213 5 6 6

Colgate Thomas Esq. Sheffield Park Uckfield 4 0 2 0 Cook Misses Bessie & Fanny

The Hall Nutley Uckfield 17 0 8 6

Cook Mrs Ellen Tompsetts Bank, Forest Row, East Grinstead

2 0 1 0

Cope & Buckley c/o Cope & Co. 3 Gr. 5 0 2 6


Messrs George St Westminster S.W. Corbett, Charles Esq. Woodgate, Dane Hill Park

Uckfield 233 5 16 6

Cozza Mrs

C/o Douglas Young Esq. 51 Coleman St EC (late A.H. Hills)

3½ 0 2 0

Dadswell, Mr. Robert c/o Mr. Spencer Tester Brown’s Brook, Buxted

1 0 0 6

Darling The Rev. F

The Ridge Hartfield 4 0 2 0

Diplock Mr. James Lower Spring Gardens Farm Maresfield

35 0 17 6

Diplock Mrs Mary Abbey & Sons

Hope Farm Ightham nr. Sevenoaks Brewery. Brighton

15 0 7 6

Du Croz Chas G. Esq. Court Lands West Hoathly E. Grinstead

80 2 0 0

Eason, Edward Henry Physick Esq.

43 Bishopsgate Street **** London

1:1:8 0 1 0

Edwards, Mr. S. Chapel Lane, Forest Row 0:1:18 0 1 6 Farmer Mr. Rich. Cecil Hartfield Tunbridge Wells 3 0 1 6 Fleet Mr. George Shortbridge Piltdown

Uckfield 2 ½

0 1 3

Freshfield, Douglas

Kidbrooke Park East Grinstead

200 5 0 0

Fuller Miss Millicent

Vaughans Fletching Uckfield 10 0 5 0

Son***** ************ 2 0 1 0 Gasson Mr. Humphrey Chelwood Common Dane

Hill Uckfield 3 ½

0 2 0

Gilbert William Esq.

C/o Messrs. Norton Trove & Gilbert, 79 Queen St., Cheapside E.C.

40 1 0 0

Gillham Mr. James Nutley Uckfield 2 ¼ 0 1 6 Goard Mrs. Phillipa. Philcox Forest Row Green, East

Grinstead 3 ¾

0 1 10 ½

Goldsmith Mrs. Sophia Maresfield Uckfield 1 0 0 6 Goldsmiths’ Company Goldsmith’s Hall London

E.C. 100 2 10 0

Grieve Norman W. Gordon, John

Harbury Forest Row East Grinstead Domaha, Forest Row, East Grinstead

4 5:1:36

0 0

2 3

0 0

Hale The Misses c/o Joseph Turner Esq. East Grinstead

69 1 14 6

Hardy Guy Charles

Tremaines Horsted Keynes Sussex Danehurst, Fletching

311 ½

7 16 0

Harrison, William Esq. Deceased The Trustees of William

C/o Messrs. Greenfield & Cracknell, 3 Lancaster Place, Strand, W.C.

35 ¾

0 18 0

Head Mr. John

31 High St. Lewes

10 0 5 0


Heasman Mrs. Eliza

Newbridge, Hartfield 3 0 1 6

Heasman Messrs Samuel, William and Charles

Grubbs Farm, Withyham, Tunbridge Wells

2 ½

0 1 6

Hillhouse J. 33 Chancery Lane London E.C

1 0 0 6

Hoadley, Mr. Edward

Dane Hill, Uckfield 8 0 4 0

Hoare, Alfred 37 Fleet St. London E.C 101 2 10 6 Hoath, Mrs. Lydia C/o Mr. Alfred Hoath,

Fryars Gate Withyham Tunbridge Wells

4 0 2 0

Hoath, Mr. Amos Temples School, Denmark Terrace, Brighton

3 0 1 6

Hooker, Mr. John Hartfield Tunbridge Wells 7 0 3 6 Hope, James F. Herons Ghyll, Buxted,

Uckfield 430 ½ 10 15 6

Hounsom, Wm. Allin Esq. J.P.

Cleveland, New Church Rd. Brighton

28 0 14 0

Hussey, The Revd, A.L. The Grange, Thorncliffe Road, Folkestone

2 0 1 0

Hyde, Thomas Pixton Hill Forest Row East Grinstead

127 3 3 6

Inns, Mr. Alfred George Mount Pleasant, Fairwarp, Uckfield

4 0 2 0

Kenward, Mr. Robert Fletching, Uckfield 74 1 17 0 Knight, Mr. Luther Manor Farm, Cocking,

Midhurst, Sussex 2 0 1 0

Knight, Mr. J. Railway Inn, Forest Row, East Grinstead

Larnach, Donald C/o Joseph Farmer Esq., East Grinstead

500 12 10 0

Langridge, Mr. Enoch Dane Hill, Uckfield 1 ½

0 1 0

Leppard, Mrs Elizabeth Ellen

c/o Mr. J.C. Lampard, 72 Beulah Road, Sutton

3 ¾

0 1 10 ½

Leslie, J.E. 17 Bedford Row, London, W.C.

140 3 10 0

Longley Oakhurst, Chapel Lane 0 0 6 Luckins, Messrs. Joseph, John & Thomas

Scaynes Hill Haywards Heath 6 0 3 0

Macartney, The Revd. Sydney

Shalesbrook, Forest Row 4 ¼

0 2 6

Macartney, Colonel, M.J. 3 Tor Gardens, Campden Hill, London

1 ¼

0 1 0

Magrath, Miss Fanny The Elms, Forest Row, East Grinstead

7 0 3 6

Manners, Mr. James Thomas Chelwood Common, Dane Hill, Uckfield

5 0 2 6

Marchant, Mr. Thomas Cackle Street, Maresfield, Uckfield

5 0 2 6


Maresfield, The Rector of The Rectory, Maresfield 100 2 10 0 Marriott, Mr & Miss Cordelia Isabella

c/o Messrs. Hastie, 65 Lincolns Inn Field, W.C

121 ½

3 0 9

Martin, Mr. William Coach & Horses, Dane Hill, Uckfield

7 ½

0 4 0

Martin, Mr. Henry Dane Hill, Uckfield 5 ½

0 3 0

Maynard, Mr. George Cold Harbour Farm, Forest Row, E. Grinstead

5 0 2 6

Melville, Mrs. 8 Argyll R. Kensington, S.W. 61:2:24 1 11 0 Midgley, Llewellyn Birch Grove Lodge, near

East Grinstead 13 0 6 6

Miles, Mr. William Forest Row, East Grinstead 1 0 0 6 McAndrew, John Esq. J.P. Holly Hill, Hartfield,

Tunbridge Wells 196 4 18 0

Munster, Count Alexander Maresfield Park, Uckfield 2575:3:10 64 8 6 Nesbitt, Mrs. Oldlands, Buxted, Uckfield 285 7 2 6 Noble, Captain William Forest Lodge, Nutley,

Uckfield 15 0 7 6

Norman, Mr. Henry Fairwarp, Maresfield, Uckfield

6 0 3 0

Osborne, Mrs Esther Londonderry, Nutley, Uckfield

2 ½

0 1 6

Osborne, Miss C/o Mr Edward Wilson, Mount Stewart, Fairwarp

4 0 2 0

Osborne, Mr. William and Elizabeth his wife

Foresters Arms, Fairwarp, Uckfield, late Jas Bennett

7 0 3 6

Osborne, Mr. Thomas and Harriet his wife

Three Crowns Inn, Ashurst Wood, East Grinstead, late Jas Bennett

17 0 8 6

Page, Mr. Jesse; Page, Mr. William; Taylor, Mr. George Edward

Summerford Farm, near Fairwarp, Uckfield

4 0 2 0

Page, Messrs. Thomas & James

Fairwarp, Uckfield 10 0 5 0

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 Right Hon. Lady, the Reps. Of

C/o Messrs. Powell & Co., Lewes (late Henry Whitewood)

130 ¾ 38

4 4 6

Porter, Mr. John Ringmer, Lewes 21 0 10 6 Randle, Mrs *** ******* Forest Row 1:1:0 0 1 0 Ridley, Mr. Joseph Misbourne Farm, Horney

Common, Nutley, Uckfield 14 0 7 0

Ridley, Mr. Joseph Millbrook, Nutley, Uckfield 19 ½

0 10 0

Ridley, Mr. Sylvanus Forest Farm, Danehill, Uckfield

15 0 7 6

Ridley (or Gurr), Mr. Timothy John

Cripps Corner, Ashdown Forest, E. Grinstead

5 0 2 6


Ridley, Mr. William Minepits, Nutley, Uckfield 3 ¼ 0 2 0 Ridley, Mrs. Lucy Rose (H.J.)

Whitehouse Farm, Horney Common, Maresfield

12 0 6 0

Russell, Stanley Hanbury, Forest Row 4 0 2 0 Sadlier, Mrs. C/o Joseph Turner Esq.


Sandford, Mark Maresfield, Uckfield 1 ¾ 0 1 0 Sayers, Mr. Stephen Forest Row, East Grinstead ¼ 0 0 1 ½

Sheffield, the Right Hon. The Earl of

Sheffield Park, Fletching, Uckfield

946 23 13 0

Shoebridge, Mr. Owen Cackle St, Maresfield, Uckfield

3 ½

0 2 0

Shoebridge, Mr. Thomas Nutley, Uckfield 5 ¼ 0 3 0 Shoebridge, Mr. Thos. Richardson

Nutley, Uckfield 2 0 1 0

Southdown & East Grinstead Breweries Ltd.

Lewes 4 0 2 0

Smith, Revd. G. Maberley The Rectory, Penshurst, Kent

5 ¼

0 3 0

Stapley, Mr. George Crowborough, Sussex 2 0 1 0 Stevenson, Mr. Joseph near Windmill, Nutley,

Uckfield 1 ¾

0 1 0

Streatfeild, R.J. Esq. c/o Messrs. Powell & Co. Lewes

240 6 0 0

Tamplin & Sons Ltd Phoenix Brewery ½ 0 0 6 Tapps, Gervis Miss Clara

c/o Messrs. Hastie, East Grinstead

925 23 2 6

Taylor Mr. William Darvell Beech Farm, Battle 2 0 1 0 Tetley, Joseph Jnr.

516 Fenchurch St. E.C. (late Edwards)

15 0 7 6

Tomsett, Mr. Jesse

Chelwood Common, Dane Hill, Uckfield

3 0 1 6

Turner Albert Esq. The Limes, Nutley, Uckfield 85 ½ 2 3 0 Turner Charles Esq. Oakhurst, East Grinstead 4 0 2 0 Turner Mr. Elias

Chelwood Common, Danehill, Uckfield

7 ¼

0 4 0

Turner Mr. James Hugletts Pit, Maresfield 15 0 7 6 Turner, William Esq. Nutley, Uckfield ¼ 0 1 0 Tyler Mr. Enoch

Horney Common, Uckfield 5 ¾ 0 3 0

Wallis Mr. Joseph P.

″Coopers Arms″ Crowborough,

2 ½

0 1 3

Waters Mr. Isaac Forest Row, East Grinstead 6 0 3 0 Waters Mr. James Chapel Lane ***** Wal**** Mrs Walter Uckfield 4 0 2 0 Welfare Mrs. Eliza

Stone Cottage, Hartfield, Tun. Wells

3 0 1 6

Wheatley Mr. Joseph

Coleman’s Hatch, Hartfield. Tunbridge

4 0 2 0

Wheeler Mr. Charles


5 0 2 6

Whitewood, Mr. James Buxted, Uckfield Late W. Turner

2 ½

0 0

1 0

0 6


Wickens Mr. J. H Dane Hill, Uckfield 44 ½ 1 2 6 Wickens Mr. Simeon

Chelwood Common, Dane Hill, Uckfield Brook*** Land (late Spencer Wickenden)

32 ½ 25

1 9 0

Wickens Mr. Spencer Snr.


15 0 7 6

Wilson Mr. Edward Mount Pleasant, Fairwarp 1 0 0 6 Wilson Sir Spencer M. Maryon Bart

″Searles″, Fletching, Uckfield ditto (Court House)

1629 40 14 6

Ditto 31 0 15 6 Wood, Mrs. John Nutley Uckfield 12 0 6 0 Wood, Mr. Jesse

Blacklands Farm, Forest Row (late Keys)

8 ½

0 4 6

Wood John Edgar

55 Grays Inn Road, Holborn W. C

4 0 2 0

Woods M.S. Grosvenor Esq.

9 Old Square, Lincoln’s Inn London W. C.

498 12 9 0

Wood, Mr. Thomas Daynes The Hollies, Bennett Park, Blackheath, Kent

30 ¼

0 15 6

Wood, Mr. Charles Maresfield, Uckfield 12 0 6 0

Wormald, Edward Esq. 13 South Audley St, London W 15 Berkeley Square, London W.

57 1 8 6

Young Mr. William Fincham, Hartfield, Tunbridge Wells

23 0 11 6

Geo. & Spencer Tester, James F. Hope digging gravel The Ranger reported that on the 6th January he saw near Crows Nest George Tester of Barnes Gate opening an old trial hole to obtain gravel for Mr. Jas. H. Hope he warned him to desist and advised him to get the gravel from one of the large pits - that his warning had been disregarded and George Tester and Spencer Tester had continued digging on the spot down to the present and these was a large and deep pit which was dangerous. The Clerk started he had been in correspondence with Mr. Hope’s Agents Messrs. Powell & Co. who stated that they distinctly instructed Spencer Tester not to open any new pits and they had now written him not to dig any more on their account. The Clerk also stated he had written Messrs. Hunt inquiring whether the Lord’s representative had given permission for the digging but had not yet received a reply. Mr. Reed Shadwell Farm Litter The Ranger reported that on the 10th January near Crows Gate he saw Spencer Tester of Browns Brook loading a waggon with litter on the Forest for Mr. Reed of Shadwell Farm. The Clerk stated this was a property which Lord De La Warr acquired from Mr. Saunders’ representatives since the decree in Hale v. De La Warr and that it consequently did not enjoy the benefit of certain holdings of Lord De La Warr’s referred to in that decree, that in December 1897 he wrote by direction of the Board to Lord De La Warr’s Solicitors requesting them either to establish the right and pay the Forest rate or warn the tenant to desist, but with no definite result. It was resolved that the Clerk write Messrs. Hunt again on the subject.


Henry Tester cutting tree The Ranger reported that on the 14th January he saw Henry Tester of Tompsetts Bank finish cutting down a birch tree between 25 and 30 feet in length on the Forest between Hindleap and Kidbrook and was told by Tester it was for firewood. The Clerk stated he had invited Lord De La Warr to prosecute but that his solicitors objected on the ground the birch are the Commoners’ estovers. It was resolved that Henry Tester be prosecuted. Chris. Bassett camping convicted The Ranger reported that on the 19th January Christopher Bassett was convicted at the Uckfield Petty Sessions of a breach of Bye Law 3 in camping on the Forest and was fined 1/- with 11/- costs which he paid. T.J. Ridley or Gurr damage to surface Also that on 26th January he noticed that the Forest was being cut up seriously for several hundred yards by the cartage of stone from a quarry belonging to Lord De La Warr at the back of the Goat, Plaw Hatch, which quarry is let to Timothy John Ridley or Gurr. The Clerk reported that he had written to Messrs. Hunt that on the subject. Thos Clarke Junr. camping convicted The Ranger reported that on the 30th January Thomas Clarke Junr. was convicted in his absence of a breach of Bye Law 3 in camping on the Forest and was fined 5/- with 8/ costs and failing distress 7 days hard labour. W. Evenden An application was received from Wm. Evenden through the Ranger for permission for the owner of the Blacksmith iron on the Forest at Duddleswell to be permitted to remove it from in front of his new house mentioned at the last meeting to another part of the Forest as it was an annoyance to the people in the house. It was resolved that the Conservators cannot sanction its erection on another part of the Forest Cheques It was resolved that the following cheques be drawn: Messrs. Hunt Currey & Co. to reimburse Lord De La Warr’s outlay in cutting the underwood on the Forest round Timothy John Ridley or Gurr’s holding £2:14:0 The Ranger -7 weeks salary and house rent to 13th instant £8:15:0 It was resolved that the next meeting be held on the 4th day of March next. The meeting adjourned at 3:30 Albert Turner Chairman

A Meeting of The Conservators of Ashdown Forest duly convened and held at the Nutley Inn, Nutley on Wednesday the 4th day of March 1899 at 11 a.m. Present: Mr. Albert Turner in the chair Mr. William Carr Mr. Thomas Colgate Mr. C.H. Corbett Mr. J.F. Hope Mr. Thomas Hyde Mr. Ll. Midgley


Mr. Joseph Ridley Mr. Mark Sandford Mr. George M. Maryon-Wilson The Minutes of the last meeting were read and confirmed. Mr. Pechell’s death Mr. Sandford stated that he was requested by Count Munster on behalf of himself and the relatives of the late Mr. Hervey Charles Pechell to thank the Board for the vote of sympathy passed at the last meeting. Rate The Clerk reported that the Rate made at the last meeting was confirmed by the Board of Agriculture on the 18th February last and that the demand notes had been sent out with the annual summary of accounts and that be had already received and paid into the Bank £120:5:4 on account of the new Rate. The Bank Pass Book was produced showing a balance of £129:6:10 in addition to which the Clerk had received some further rates which would be paid in due course G. & S. Tester digging gravel Mr. Hope stated that with reference to the digging of gravel near Crows Nest by George Tester and Spencer Tester referred to at the last meeting the digging was done without his authority but that if he was responsible for their acts through his agents he would do any levelling that might be necessary. The Clerk stated that Messrs. Hunt had written informing him that on inquiring into the matter Mr. Hudson assured them that the digging was in an old pit and not a new trial hole. It was resolved that a Committee coexisting of Messrs. J. Colgate, Ll. Midgley and Mark Sandford be requested to view the spot and report to the next meeting. John McAndrew alleged encroachment With reference to the alleged encroachment adjoining land near Newbridge which Mr. William Young recently sold to Mr. John McAndrew and reported by the Ranger to the meeting on the 8th October last, the Ranger now reported that since the last meeting the land in question had been enclosed by a fence. It was resolved that it be referred to the same Committee to inspect and report. Nutley Light Railway The Board then proceeded pursuant to notice to consider the first and second resolutions passed at the Commoners meeting held on the 11th February last and the report of the Committee session referred to, and after discussing the matter thoroughly. It was on the proposition of Mr. Sandford seconded by Mr. J. Ridley and resolved nem con (Messrs. Wilson and Midgley not voting) that while accepting the report and recommendation of the Commoners’ meeting the Conservators feel themselves precluded by the provisions of the Commons Regulation (Ashdown Forest) Provisional Order Confirmation Act 1885 from taking any active course in the matter. And on the proposition of Mr. Hope seconded by Mr. Wilson it was resolved nem con (Mr. Midgley not voting) that the Clerk be directed to attend before the Light Railway Commissioners and hand them a copy of the preceding resolution and that he take such action as he may deem necessary for giving effect to the recommendation of the report. Tompsetts Bank dangerous hole The Ranger having reported that there was a dangerous hole on the Forest near the Ladies Golf Club at Tompsetts Bank apparently made for a drain. It was resolved that he have the hole filled in rough stone.


Traffic from Gravel Pits The Ranger also reported that the Forest was being very much cut up by traffic to and from gravel pits at Tompsetts Bank, Broadstone Warren and Colemans Hatch leased to Mr. Job Luxford. It was resolved that it be referred to the above mentioned Committee to view and report thereon and also with reference to damage done to the surface of the Forest to and from the pit let to Timothy John Ridley or Gurr and referred to at the last meeting. Mr. L. Palmer’s application Mr. Hope having stated that owing to absence from home he had not been able to see Mr. Lewis Palmer as arranged at the last meeting, it was referred to the same Committee to inquire into the matter and report. It was resolved that the next meeting be held on the 22nd April next. The meeting terminated at 12:45 p.m. Albert Turner Chairman.

A Meeting of The Conservators of Ashdown Forest duly convened and held at the Nutley Inn, Nutley on Saturday, the 22nd day of April 1899 at 11 a.m. Present Mr. Albert Turner in the Chair Mr. E.A. Nicholson representing the Lord Mr. William Carr Mr. Thomas Colgate Mr. C.R. Corbett Mr. Ll. Midgley Mr. Joseph Ridley Mr. Mark Sandford Mr. George M. Maryon-Wilson. The minutes of the last meeting were read and confirmed. The Clerk produced the Bank Pass Book showing a balance in hand of £138.2.10 besides which he had in his hands £6:19:0 received on account of rates. Nutley Light Railway The Clerk reported that he attended the adjourned Inquiry before the Light Railway Commissioners in the Nutley Light Railway Scheme held at the Schoolroom at Groombridge on the 15th instant and handed the Commissioners a copy of the Resolution passed by this Board at its last meeting and explained that the promoters had agreed to insert clauses in the proposed order giving effect to the recommendations contained in the Report of the Committee of Commoners, a copy of which Report had been previously forwarded to the Light Railway Commissioners, and he also gave them a summary showing the attitude of the Commoners to the scheme: that the case for the Promoters having been finished Mr. Lewis Coward, Counsel for the Goldsmiths’ Company and for Mr. R.J. Streatfeild, opened his case in opposition to the Scheme and the Inquiry was adjoined till the 6th May at the same place and hour. Kings Standing Rifle Range A letter was read from the promoters of the Nutley etc. Light Railway stating that the proposed line will cut the Kings Standing Rifle Range just behind the 500 yards firing point and applying for the consent of the Board to the construction of a supplemental range immediately to the north of the present range for firing above 500 yards up to 900 yards- the application was accompanied by a plan showing the position of the existing range, the proposed supplemental range, and their respective danger zones. The application having been carefully considered and the terms and conditions laid down with regard to the present range having been referred to, it was resolved that the Promoters be informed that, if the Colonel commanding the Cinque Ports Rifle Volunteer Battalion apply to the Board for a licence for the supplemental range as defined in the letter and plan, such licence will (subject to Lord De La Warr’s consent) be granted on the same terms and conditions as the existing licence.


Lord Robert Cecil The Ranger having reported that Lord Robert Cecil had not made the road as arranged, it was resolved that the Clerk again draw his Lordship’s attention to the terms of the licence which provided that the road should be made at once. Mr. McAndrew’s encroachment The following report of the Committee appointed at the last meeting was then read and considered, and it was resolved that it be entered on the minutes. To the Conservators of Ashdown Forest. In accordance with the resolution passed at your last meeting we the undersigned visited the Forest this day and beg to report as follows: Mr. McAndrew’s alleged encroachment. We visited the little property belonging to Mr. McAndrew situate on the Forest near Newbridge and opposite Suntings Homestead and we examined the boundaries and compared them with the Ordnance and Award Maps. The western boundary of encroachment No. 61 when sold under the Regulation proceedings to Mr. William Young of Fincham which forms the S.W. corner of the property was a hedge which passed immediately outside two year trees and a holly tree (all now standing) and contained southwards in a straight line to the stem of a stunted oak tree (now standing) near the S.W. corner. The wooden post and rail fence recently put up by Mr. McAndrew with an outside curve therefore is an encroachment enclosing part of the Forest and at the middle of the bow is 12 feet outside the stem of the old fence. When encroachment No. 61 was sold the eastern end of its south boundary started from the S.E. angle of the hedge (now standing) which enclosed the old garden and the fir tree further east stood in the old hedge, the bank forming the present boundary has been moved out several feet to the south of the fir tree and the angle of the hedge but the western part of this boundary occupies its original position. We ascertained from a farmer tenant that the alteration in these boundaries has been made since he quitted about seven years ago. Pit near Crow’s Nest We visited the pit from which George and J. Tester have dug gravel with the Lord’s sanction for (it is stated) Mr. J.F. Hope. The pit adjoins previous diggings. We ascertained that there had previously been some digging on the site of this pit, not very great, but more then a mere trial hole. A great deal of gravel has been taken out on this occasion, the top spit (notwithstanding repeated warnings which the Ranger informs us he gave to the Testers) has been buried, and the excavation has not been property filled in or levelled, also a considerable piece of the Forest surface near the excavation has had the turf pared of and the gravel dug from the pit has been stacked upon it. The burying of the top spit is most reprehensible and we are of opinion that the excavation should be properly filled in and levelled and where possible the surface of the excavation and the surface where pared for stacking should at once be seeded down. Sylvanus Ridley near Crow’s Nest This person is making use of a considerable area of the Forest adjoining his holding. He has scatted about on the Forest a chicken house or coop, a large mound of turf pared off one of his fields, battens, old timber roots of trees etc., remains of an old cart lodge which has collapsed, a harrow, an old cart, 2 old wheels, some bricks, an old tub and a heap of sand, also a mixen (near a pond), also a faggot stack, a peat stack, 2 stacks of litter and some old clothes posts erected. We understand the Ranger has granted him three stack licences, which seems unnecessary, as he has plenty of land of his own for such purposes. We consider he should be required to clear off the Forest such things as he does not hold licences for and that the question of renewing his licences in the future should be considered. J. and A. Wheatley near Shepherds have carts of various things scattered about the Forest outside their holding very much like Sylvanus Ridley, they should be dealt with in the same manner. Henry Harding of Little Claypits Farm has a large quantity of wood stacked and other things scattered about the Forest outside his holding; he should be dealt with in the same manner. We have instructed the Clerk to summon all their parties to attend the next Award meeting.


Diggings south of Kings Standing Here are extensive diggings which have been carried on for some years by the Road Authorities with the result that a very large area of the Forest surface has been permanently destroyed so far as the Commoners’ pasture is concerned. No serious attempt has been made to properly level the surface. Where the County Council is at present digging the spit is being preserved but with this exception the top layer over the whole area has been buried. The County Council have only partially levelled the area they have excavated, but the Uckfield Rural District Council has neither preserved the top spit nor levelled the ground. Beside the actual pits considerable areas of pasturage are destroyed where the stone has been stacked and squared up. Private Pits We visited the following Quarry south of the Misses Hale’s property; this is being very extensively worked by Mr. Job Luxford as tenant of Lord De La Warr. Under from 9 to 11 feet of coping is obtained about 4 feet of stone of which about 4 inches in kernel; the stone is used for concreting. The top spit is not preserved but buried under the debris and there is no systematic attempt to fill up and level the working. The stone is being carted from this pit across the Forest in three or four different directions causing deep tracks and destroying a great deal of Forest surface. In one place instead of taking the high road to Coleman’s Hatch the stone is carted along a narrow strip of Forest between Forest field and the high road which is cut up with deep ruts, which is a gratuitous and most unnecessary destruction of Forest surface. Half way up the hill and on the south side of the road from Colemans Hatch to High Beeches a sandpit is being worked by Mr. Luxford as tenant of Lord De La Warr. The top spit is not preserved, there is no attempt to fill up and level the excavations, and lumps of debris are deposited on the Forest on the south side of the quarry. Further up this road and some distance to the north of it is a very much larger pit worked by Mr. Luxford as tenant of Lord De La Warr, to which the same remarks apply. In this case the stone is carted by to different routes to the high road destroying a very large area of Forest surface, quite unnecessarily. But the worst case is a deep quarry of sand and stone near the Goat worked by Mr. T.J. Ridley or Gurr as tenant of Lord De La Warr. Here the top spit is buried. No attempt is made to fill up and level the ground and a number of deep cart roads have been made across the Forest in various directions doing an immense amount of damage to the Forest surface. It appears to us that having regard to the inferior quality of the stone obtained on the Forest for the use of the roads, the large area that has to be dug over in order to obtain it, the almost universal neglect to fill up and level the ground afterwards and to preserve and replace the top spit, the Conservators should seriously consider whether they are justified in continuing to grant licences to the Road Authorities. Besides the question of quarries we have referred to above as worked by Mr. Luxford and Mr. T.J. Ridley or Gurr there are several other quarries on the Forest which are let by Earl De La Warr and in the working of which there is little doubt that the filling up and levelling and the preservation or replacing of the top spit is similarly neglected. In addition to quarries a great deal of digging for gravel from time to time takes place on different parts of the Forest similar to that of the Testers above referred to, for which Lord De La Warr receives a Royalty, while the holes are not filled up or levelled or the top spit restored. In this way large areas of the Forest surface have in the past been ruined and each year more is destroyed. In the case of quarries or deep pits it is not merely the area of the excavation that is destroyed but the area on which the stone and gravel are stacked and large extent of surface cut up in all directions by the cartage that have to be taken into account. There is also still further the question of fencing; in many cases the workings are so deep that it is absolutely necessary to fence them. There is no difficulty in getting this done while persons are actually working the pits, but such fencing is only of a very temporary character, it soon decays or is carried away and then arises the very difficult matter of getting it renewed. Sometimes the different Road Authorities and private individuals work the same pits, and each says the other is responsible, whereas in the care of purely private digging the Lord would appear to be responsible to maintain the fences. But to have the Forest studded with fenced excavations is not calculated to preserve its natural beauty. The whole questions of this digging by other then Road Authorities requires the serious consideration of the Board and as


Lord De La Warr lets the quarries and some of the pits and in other cases claims and receives Royalties his Lordship would appear to be the person with whom the Board should deal. The Decree in Hale v. De La Warr limited his Lordship’s right in the following terms ‘that he will not dig for stone brick earth gravel or other material * * * so as to prejudice the exercise of any of the rights of the Commoners’. It will be seem from what we have stated that the rights of the Commoners are being very seriously prejudiced. With reference to Mr. Lewis Palmer’s conducting water from a pond on the Forest near the high road from Colemans Hatch to High Beeches to his tanks at Hartfield Grove through a grip across the Forest, the Committee made inquiries on the spot and satisfied themselves that it had been customary for the occupiers of Hartfield Grove to do so not less then 30 years past and they cannot therefore recommended the Board to interfere. Dated this 15th day of March 1899 (signed) Mark Sandford

Llewellyn Midgley Thomas Colgate

It was resolved that the Clerk forward to Mr. McAndrew a copy of that part of the report which relates to his alleged encroachment and request his attention to the matter. Henry Harding trespass The Clerk reported that he had summoned Sylvanus Ridley, J. & A. Wheatley and Henry Harding to attend that meeting. Mr. Corbett stated that Henry Harding had seen him with reference the effects he had on the Forest, that he believed that he had convinced Harding that he was in the wrong, and he undertook to write and inform Harding that he could have a licence for faggot stack, but must remove all his other effects off the Forest. Sylvanus Ridley trespass Sylvanus Ridley attended before the Board and acknowledged that he was in the wrong, and the Board having pointed out that they had no alternative but to enforce the Bye Laws, he gave a written undertaking to remove off the Forest all materials scattered outside his holding at Crows Nest within a week from this date excepts 3 stacks for which licences had been granted and the heap of turf taken off one of his fields which heap he undertook to remove before the 1st August next. A. & W. Wheatley trespass Andrew and William Wheatley (not J. & A. Wheatley as stated in the Report) not having attended before the Board, it was resolved that the Clerk take proceedings against them for a breach of the Byelaws. Road Surveyors digging Having regard to the fact the Regulation Act imposes on the Conservators the duty of preserving the Forest in its natural condition and prevents all cutting of turf and other acts tending to damage its surface and to the almost universal neglect of the Road Authorities to comply with the terms of their licences requiring the working to be carefully and evenly filled up again and the top spit preserved and re-spread to the satisfaction of the Ranger before the 25th March following, not withstanding that the attention of Surveyors applying for licences has been repeatedly drawn to this condition and that to obtain an inferior quality of road material large areas of the Forest surface are permanently spoilt, it was resolved that the Clerk inform the various Road Authorities that this Board has come to the conclusion that it is inadvisable to issue licences for the year ending 25th March next. Private digging generally It was resolved that to be referred to a Committee consisting of Messrs. Colgate, Corbett, Maryon-Wilson, Midgley and Sandford to consider the whole subject of the digging of stone and other materials for the Forest by the persons other than Road Authorities with power to communicate with Lord De La Warr and his advisors on the subject and to make such recommendation to the Board in relation thereto as they may deem expedient for the purpose of preventing further damage to the surface of Forest and its preservation in its natural condition.


Longley & son damage to forest: The Ranger reported that the surface of the Forest between Hindleap and Kidbrooke is being cut up very much by traffic of a heavy nature, the tracks principally leading to Hindleap Warren. It was stated that the damage was caused by timber being drawn from Hindleap Warren, and it was believed that the work was being done by Messrs. Henry Longley Son of West Hoathly. It was resolved that the Ranger obtain further information and send it to the Clerk and that the latter meanwhile write to Messrs. Longley on the subject. Cheques It was resolved that a cheque be drawn for The Ranger- 10 weeks salary & rent to 24th inst. £12.10.0 Also that the next meeting be held on the 8th July next. The meeting terminated at 1.15 p.m. Albert Turner Chairman

A Meeting of The Conservators of Ashdown Forest duly convened and held at the Nutley Inn, Nutley on Saturday the 8th day of July 1899 Present Mr. A. Turner, in the Chair, Mr. William Carr Mr. C.H. Corbett Mr. Llewellyn Midgley Mr. Joseph Ridley Mr. Mark Sandford The meeting of the last meeting were read and confirmed. The Clerk produced the Bank Pass Book showing a balance in hand of £162:14:10. Nutley Light Railway The Clerk reported that since the last meeting the inquiry into the Nutley and Groombridge Light Railway Scheme was concluded and the Light Railway Commissioners declined to grant the order without stating any reasons. Lord Robert Cecil Roadway The Clerk reported that immediately after the last meeting he wrote Lord Robert Cecil again drawing his attention to his undertaking to make the road at once and had received a reply from Lord Robert dated 28th April stating that the letter should have his best attention. The Ranger reported that the roadway had been made up but not installed and it was rumoured that Lord Robert intended to turf it. Mr. McAndrew’s encroachment The Clerk reported that immediately after the last meeting he forwarded Mr. McAndrew a copy of the report of the Committee, relative to his alleged encroachment and requested his attention to the matter, to which Mr. McAndrew replied complaining that the report was inaccurate and that he had not had an opportunity of producing important witnesses. Under these circumstances the Committee decided to reopen the matter and met Mr. McAndrew and his witnesses on the spot on the 25th May and Mr. Midgley now presented the following Report which was read namely To the Conservators of Ashdown Forest


In consequence of Mr. McAndrew having disputed the report of the Committee with reference to the alleged encroachments at the Roughs reported on at the last meeting, your Committee thought is right to give him an opportunity of meeting them on the spot and producing evidence on the subject. The undersigned therefore met him there at noon today Mr. Sandford being unable to attend & Mr. McAndrew had there Mr. William Young of Fincham, from whom he purchased the property. From enquiries the Committee are quite satisfied that the post and rail fence along the west side was put up by Mr. McAndrew on the site of a gate and hedge which stood there when be purchased. W. Mr. Haffenden, the former tenant referred to in the previous report, informed the Committee on their Forest visit that the boundary had been put out since he left the place about seven years ago. Today he sent a message contradicting that statement, but his statement to the Committee on the previous occasion was so precise that they had no doubt that his statement was the true one. It also conformed with the boundaries given on the Ordnance Survey. After explaining the matter fully to Mr. McAndrew the latter undertook to put back the fence on a line which was there and then stumped out and to replant his quickset hedge inside, but inasmuch as the hedge could not be shifted at this season of the year without killing it, the Committee agreed with Mr. McAndrew that the work should be done at the end of next autumn. With regard to the southern boundary, while there is undoubtedly an encroachment the Committee felt it would be difficult to assign a recent date to the same and therefore could not press the point. Dated this 25th May 1899 Thomas Colgate Llewellyn Midgley It was resolved that the report be approved and adopted and entered on the minutes. Jas. Longley & Sons damage The Clerk reported that pursuant to the directions of the last meeting he wrote to Messrs. Henry Longley & Son enquiring an undertaking that in future in drawing timber out of Hindleap Warren, they would only use the usual leaving roads therefrom and would make good the damage they had recently done to the Forest but that he had received no reply and the Ranger being unable to furnish evidence that the damage was done by them he had been unable to carry the matter any further. Road Surveyors The Clerk reported that he informed various Road Authorities that the Board had resolved that it was undesirable to issue licences for the year ending 25th March next and he read communications he had received from the Clerk to the County Council and the Clerk to the Uckfield Rural District Council asking the Board to reconsider the matter. It was resolved that having regard to the great damage done to the Forest by past digging and by carriage of the materials across the Forest land the Board cannot see its way to alter its decision. St. Johns Cricket Club The Ranger reported that the St. Johns Cricket Club were playing cricket on the Forest near the Clump at St. Johns Crowborough and that a flag staff had been elected on the Forest. Mr. Jonah Humphrey, *** of Crowborough the president of the Club attended and applied for permission for the Club to continue to use the ground and produced a letter from Lord De La Warr’s solicitors consenting on his Lordship’s behalf. It was resolved that a licence be granted to the Club to play cricket on the ground and to have a tent and flag staff on the Forest on days on which cricket matches are played but not at any other times, on condition that proper care is taken of the surface & that the soil is not interfered with without the previous consent of the Board and Lord De La Warr, the Club to pay an acknowledgement of 1/- forthwith and of 1/- on every first date of January following so long as this licence continues and that this licence is revocable by the Board at any time on written notice to the president or any other official of the Club.


Humphrey Gasson charcoal burning: Humphrey Gasson of Chelwood Common attended and stated he had purchased from Lord De La Warr a considerable quantity of underwood growing on the Forest and applied for permission to convert it into charcoal on the Forest as it was impossible to secure enclosed ground for the purpose near at hand and the cartage over the Forest was likely to damage the surface. It was resolved that in view of all the circumstances a licence to burn the wood into charcoal on the Forest be granted to Mr. Gasson on the following terms (1) that he use two pits only to be placed on such spots as Mr. Midgley may select (2) that he carefully remove and preserve the top spit (3) that the whole of the charcoal be burnt and removed before the end of September next (4) that he immediately afterwards level the surface and re-spread the top spit and sow down with grass seeds as soon as the weather is suitable to the satisfaction of the Ranger (5) that he on no account take any brakes litter or dust for the purpose from the Forest (6) that he pay an acknowledgement of 1/-. Messrs. Noakes deposit poles Frederick Funnell of G**ses Farm, Birch Grove applied on behalf of Messrs. Noakes of Trollenden Goudhurst who were about to remove some 6000 poles part from Lord De La Warr's property at Pippingford and part from Lord De La Warr’s property at Newbridge for permission to deposit them on the Forest the former immediately adjoining the east side of the high road to Wych Cross near Pippingford boundary and the remainder immediately adjoining the west side of the high road from New Lodge to Newbridge and to allow them to remain there so long as may be necessary to make up loads for removal by traction engine. It was resolved that on payment of 2/6 acknowledgement for each site permission be granted to Messrs. Noakes on condition that any damage done to the surface by the traction engines be made good by Messrs. Noakes that no lot of poles remain on the Forest more than 21 days and that the whole be removed before the end of August. Rifle Range Forest Row: The Ranger reported that the mound used as a shooting station at 600 yards at the Pages Gill range Forest Row had been enlarged and green turf off the Forest Row had been enlarged and green turf off the Forest close by for some 9 feet by 6 feet had been pared off for the purpose. It was resolved that the Clerk enquire by what authority the same had been done and take such action in the matter as may be necessary to maintain the Bye Laws. Sylvanus Ridley stacks A letter was read from Mr Sylvanus Ridley taking exception to the paper he signed at the last meeting on the ground that he has acquired a right by long user to keep three stacks on the Forest. It was resolved that he be asked to attend the next meeting with any witnesses he wished to produce on the point. Mr. W. Inns new gateway Mr. Nicholson having written to say that Mr. Alfred Inns has opened a new gateway from his property at Fairwarp on to the Forest. It was resolved that Messrs. Sandford and Ridley view the same and report to the next meeting. W. Evenden New Road The Ranger reported that William Evenden of Maresfield had made a roadway across the Forest near his shop at Fairwarp in length about 100 feet by about 9 feet broad and had metalled same. It was resolved that unless he at once remove the metal and level up and restore the surface and undertake to sow grass seeds over the ground when the season is suitable, proceedings be taken against him for an injunction. A. & W. Wheatley, H. Harding proceedings The Ranger having reported that the effects of A. & .W. Wheatley and of H. Harding scattered about the Forest had not been removed


Proceedings It was resolved that the Clerk take proceedings for injunctions against the parties. It was also resolved that the Clerk apply to the principal Commoners to take proceedings as plaintiffs in the above cases. Fredk. Fuller Camping The Ranger reported that on the 22nd May last he prosecuted Frederick Fuller at the East Grinstead Bench for a having a tent on the Forest at Chuck Hatch but that the case was dismissed as he did not see the man at the time but only his children. Cheques It was resolved that the following cheques be drawn viz . The Clerk half years salary to 30th ulto: £50:0:0 The Ranger 11 weeks salary and house rent to 10th rest : £13:15:0 It was resolved that the Ranger take his holiday at such time as the Chairman may arrange with him. It was resolved that the next meeting be held on September 16th next. The meeting adjourned at 1.15 p.m. Albert Turner Chairman

A meeting of Conservators of Ashdown Forest duty convened and held at the Nutley Inn, Nutley, on Saturday the 16th day of September 1899 Present Mr. Albert Turner in the Chair Mr. William Carr Mr. C.H. Corbett Mr. Guy C. Hardy Mr. Thomas Hyde Mr. Joseph Ridley The minutes of the last meeting were read and confirmed the Bank Pass Book was produced showing a balance in hand of £106:11:10. Messrs. Noakes deposit of poles The Ranger reported that in accordance with the permission given to Messrs. Noakes the poles deposited by them upon the Forest were removed before the end of August last. Sylvanus Ridley The Clerk was instructed to request Mr. Sylvanus Ridley to attend the next meeting of the Conservators with his witnesses to prove the acquisition by him of the right by long user to keep three slacks on the Forest. Alfred Inns new gateway Mr. Mark Sandford reported that since the last meeting he and the Clerk had visited the property of Mr. Alfred Inns at Fairwarp and found that he had made a new gateway opening from his property on to the Forest but that he had not encroached upon the Forest in any way and they were of opinion that no action could be taken in the matter unless and until Mr. Inns made use of the gate. Mr. Evenden new road The Clerk was instructed to write Mr. William Evenden, Butcher, of Maresfield to inform him that unless he removed the metal roadway and level up and restore the surface and undertake to sow grass seeds over the ground when the season was suitable proceedings would be taken against him for an injunction and that unless he complied


with this matter within a reasonable time proceedings would be commenced against him in the County Court in the names of the Commoners present at the meeting on the 8th July last. A. & W. Wheatley, H. Harding The Ranger reported was directed to inspect the Forest adjoining the holdings of A. and W. Wheatley and H. Harding and report to the Clerk and if the effects of these persons were still scattered about the Forest the Clerk to proceed for injunctions against the parties. Taylor clothes posts The Ranger reported that Mr. Taylor of the Laundry Tompsetts Bank had left his house but had left 4 or 5 clothes posts on the Forest, that he (the Ranger) had seen him about the removal of them and that Taylor had sold the house and the clothes posts with the right to hang clothes there. It was resolved that the Ranger remove the posts and put them in the garden attached to the house. Arthur R. Smee The Ranger reported that Mr. Arthur R. Smee of the firm of Smee & Corbay of 139 New Bond Street London had purchased about ¾ of an acre of land near Highgate Forest Row and was putting the bricks and mortar from the cottages which formally stood there to form a roadway across the Forest. The Clerk was directed to write Mr. Smee that this was contrary to the Laws and that if persisted in proceedings would be taken against him. Bryce Hon. Jas. The Ranger reported that Albert Wood and Walter Pollard of Chelwood were breaking stones on the Forest at Rushy Bottom from a heap lying there and measuring 4 yards by 9 to 10 yards and that they informed him the stone was for Mr. Bryce. The Clerk was directed to write Mr. Bryce that this was contrary to the Bye Laws and that unless the men desisted and an undertaking given not to repeat the offence proceedings would be commenced. Jesse Waters The Ranger reported that Jesse Waters had a quality of building materials lying on the Forest in front of his house that 4 or 5 weeks ago he had promised to removes these that he had not done so but had added to them. It was resolved that the Ranger issue a summons against the party. Sylvanus Ridley The Ranger reported that Sylvanus Ridley had removed the heap of manure. Road Surveyors The Ranger reported that two men were still digging gravel near Kings Standing for Mr. Hook the County Council Surveyor. The Clerk was directed to write Mr. Merrifield the Clerk to the County Council, again on the matter. James Longley & Sons The Ranger reported that there were and had been for some weeks past 10 or 11 trunks or limbs of large trees lying in the Forest close to Kidbrooke Park which he believed belonged to Messrs. James Longley & Sons of Crawley. The Ranger was directed to make enquiry and ascertain to whom the trunks belonged and report to the Clerk who was instructed to write the party in default and request their removal. Mr. Lucas The Ranger reported that Mr. Lucas of near Highgate is having the pond close to his premises cleaned out and that the material of which there would be a considerable quantity was being wheeled on to the Forest. The Clerk was directed to write Mr. Lucas to inform him that he must spread the material or fill in hollows with it to the satisfaction of the Ranger. Cheque It was resolved that the following cheque be drawn The Ranger 10 weeks salary & House Rent to 18 inst £12.10.0


It was resolved that the next meeting be held on the 28th October next. The meeting terminated at 12.20 p.m. Albert Turner Chairman

A special meeting of the Conservators of Ashdown Forest duty convened and held at the Nutley Inn, Nutley on Saturday the 14th day of October 1899 at 11 a.m. Present Mr. C.H. Corbett in the Chair Mr. William Carr Mr. Guy C. Hardy Mr. Ll. Midgley Mr. Joseph Ridley Mr. Mark Sandford In the absence of the Chairman it was resolved that Mr. C.H. Corbett do take the Chair. Stone digging by Authorities A correspondence which had passed between the Clerk to the County Council and the Clerk to this Board was read from which it appeared that the County Council and the Rural District Councils of East Grinstead and Uckfield had proposed to appeal to the Justices against the decision of this Board refusing to grant licences to their Road Surveyors to take materials from the Forest and proposing to issue a summons for the East Grinstead Petty Sessions of the 23rd instant, that the Clerk to this Board had suggested unofficially and of his own motion that a conference on the Forest between representatives of all parties would be the most satisfactory course. The matter having been discussed It was resolved that the three above mentioned Councils be invited to nominate representatives of three or four Conservators on the Forest to view the places from which the these several Authorities have taken road materials during the last four or five years under the authority of Forest Bye Law No. 9 and the licence of the Conservators and to consider the whole matter of taking road materials from the Forest. Also that lists of the places from which the said Authorities have dug materials during the aforesaid period be furnished to the said Authorities before the meeting that the same may be checked by their respective Road Surveyors. Also that the said Authorities by requested to have their respective Surveyors in attendance at the meeting. Also that Messrs Corbett Midgley Sandford and Colgate to meet the representatives of the said Authorities and consider the whole matter with them and make such recommendations to this Board as they may deem expedient also that in case the proposed meeting falls through the Clerk be and is hereby instructed to oppose on behalf of the Conservators any summons issued by any of the said Authorities for authority to dig road materials on the Forest and to incur such expenses in retaining Council employing expert wirelesses and otherwise as he may deem necessary for the purpose. That if such a summons be issued notice for the purpose. That if such a summons be issued notice by given to all the Conservators to enable them to attend. St. Johns Cricket club repair & enclose cricket pitch An application from Mr. Frank Humphrey on behalf of the St. John’s Cricket Club Crowborough for permission to cut and remove turf from the forest for the purpose of improving the pitch and to rail in such pitch when so improved against horses and carts was read and considered and it was resolved that subject to the assent of the Lord being obtained the Club be permitted to cut and remove turf for the above purpose on condition that the spot from which the turf is cut is to be approved by the Ranger and afterwards to be made good by laying down if necessary. That subject to the like assent the Club be authorised to enclose the cricket pitch within an area not exceeding 30 yards by 20 yards the posts of such fence to be inserted in sockets. That if it is desired to enclose a larger area than that above specified Mr. Midgley be authorised to settle the area with Mr. Humphrey. That it be explained to Mr. Humphrey that as the ground is not appropriated as a recreation ground under the Award the Conservators licence to enclose can only operate so long as no Commoner objects and will therefore by revocable at will.


W.R.C. Evenden Trespass It was also resolved that the Clerk defer taking proceedings against Mr. W.R.C. Evenden as authorised by resolution on the 16th ulto. till further instructed. It was resolved that the next meeting of the Board be held on Saturday the 25th November next instead of the 28th instant. The meeting terminated at 12.30 p.m. Albert Turner Chairman

A meeting of the Conservators of Ashdown Forest duty convened and held at the Nutley Inn, Nutley on Saturday the 25th day of November 1899 Present Mr. Albert Turner in the Chair Mr. Thomas Colgate Mr. C.H. Corbett Mr. Joseph Ridley Mr. Mark Sandford Mr. George M. Maryon-Wilson The minutes of the last meeting were read and confirmed. The Bank Pass Book was produced showing a balance in the Bank of £94:1:10 in addition to which the Clerk reported that he had today received £90.1.0. W.R.C. Evenden trespass The Ranger reported that Mr. Evenden had removed the road metal from the Forest near his premises at Fairwarp and had restored, refunded and rolled the surface to his (the Ranger’s ) satisfaction. Wm. Taylor clothes posts removed Also that the Ranger had removed the clothes posts belonging to William Taylor of Tompsetts Bank. Arthur R. Smee materials removing The Clerk reported that after a great deal of correspondence Mr. Arthur R. Smee is slowly removing the bricks and mortar rubbish from the Forest near Highgate. Isaac Waters The Ranger also reported that Mr. Isaac Waters had removed from the Forest the building materials reported at a former meeting but has since deposited a load of planks in the same place. Rt.Hon. James Bryce Vallence Wood: The Clerk reported that he had communicated with the Rt. Hon. James Bryce with reference to the digging and breaking of stone by Albert Wood and Walter Pollard at Rushy Bottom and Mr. Bryce had explained that his gardener had agreed to buy stone from Vallence Wood (not Albert Wood) but gave no directions where it was to be broken and that on a former occasion Wood informed him he had the authority of the Lord to dig and sell stone on the Forest. The Clerk then wrote to Mr. Nicholson to inquire whether this was done with the Lord’s authority and Mr. Nicholson had replied that the Lord’s Reeve had authorised Wood to dig at Rushy Bottom and had been paid for the stone part of which was for Mr. Job Luxford. It was resolved that the Clerk draw the attention of the Lord’s Representatives to the matter and point out that if the Lord has the right to authorise persons to dig promiscuously the right does not extend to storing or breaking


the stone on the Forest and to require that in future instructions be given to the persons authorised to dig not to stack or break on the Forest. Jas. Longley & Sons timber on forest The Ranger also reported that Messrs. James Longley & Sons had removed from the Forest the trees which he had reported on a previous occasion. St. Johns Cricket club licence The Clerk reported that Mr. Humphrey on behalf of the St. John’s Cricket Club Crowborough had assented to the conditions with reference to improving the cricket pitch and railing in same, and would not require to enclose a larger area then 30 yards by 20 yards and the Clerk laid on the table a copy of the licence granted to the Club with an undertaking signed by Mr. Humphrey to observe the conditions thereof and state that the acknowledgement of 1/ had been received. Have-a-care Well The Clerk reported that he had received an application from the Forest Row Parish Council for permission to erect a Board Have-a-care Well near the Golf Links at Forest Row warning the public not to damage the cover of the well and that after consulting with Mr. Midgley he had acted on the power given him by the Board and granted a licence during the pleasure of the Conservators. It was resolved that the Clerk’s action in the matter be confirmed. Wm. Osborne spring The Ranger reported that Mr. William Osborne’s tenant of Lisburn had fenced in a spring on the Forest to the north west of Lisburn and laid pipes there from under the Forest to his holding. A letter was read from Mr. Osborne stating that the work had been done by his tenant without his knowledge or he would first have applied to the Board and he asked the permission of the Board to allow the fence and pipes to remain. The Ranger stated that there were other drinking places near at hand on the Forest supplied by the same spring and available for watering the Commoner’s cattle and it was resolved that having regard to the fact that there are convenient watering places close at hand for the Commoner’s cattle and subject to the Lords approval being Forest obtained a licence be granted to Mr. Wm. Osborne owner of part of Lisburn to maintain the fence which he has placed round the spring on the Forest immediately to the north west of Lisburn and the pipes conveying water there from to his premises at Lisburn during the pleasure of the Conservators on the conditions that he undertakes whenever required by the Lord or the Conservators to remove the fence and the pipes and to properly restore the surface of the Forest and that he pay to the Conservators an acknowledgment of 1/- on the granting of the licence and also on every 1st of January so long as the licence remains in force. Royal Ashdown Forest Golf Club: An application was received from the Royal Ashdown Forest Golf Club for permission to drain a boggy part of the golf course between Greens Nos. 2 and 3 near the Rist Wood by means of open grips instead of pipes. It was resolved that the consideration of the matter be adjourned till the next meeting and that notice thereof be placed on the agenda also that the Clerk insert in the circular convening the ensuing Annual Meeting of the Commoners a notice that at that meeting the position of the Golf Club in relation to the Forest will be considered. Stone digging by Road Authorities: The Committee appointed at the last meeting to meet representatives of the County Council and of the East Grinstead and Uckfield Rural District Council with reference to the digging of road materials on the Forest presented the following report which was read and considered and It was resolved that the report be received and adopted and entered on the minutes. It was as follows To the Conservators of Ashdown Forest Your Committee appointed at the last meeting of the Board invited representatives of the County Council and of the Rural District Councils of East Grinstead and Uckfield to meet them on the Forest to view the various excavations but they were unwilling to do this proposing instead a meeting at the County Hall at Lewes to which your Committee assented.


The meeting took place on Tuesday the 21st inst. all your Committee and your Clerk attended and there were present besides Mr. Stenning Chairman, Mr. Merrifield Clerk and Mr. Hood Surveyor of the County Council and Mr. Aubrey Hillman Chairman of the Roads and Bridges Committee, Mr. Job Luxford Chairman of the East Grinstead Rural District Council and Mr. Robert Kenward representing the Uckfield Rural District Council. Your Committee explained that Parliament had delegated to the Conservators the duty of protecting the surface of the Forest from damage and the preservation of its natural beauty and that this was a factor to be taken into consideration in dealing with the subject of digging road materials on the Forest. The Committee then stated that the Board had been compelled to stop the granting of licences to take road material because the Road Surveyors had systematically neglected to fulfil the condition to fill in and level the excavations and preserve and re-spread the top spit; that last year the County Council Surveyor had partially complied but with that exception every Road Authority every year had entirely disregarded the requirement and that when pressed on the subject several of the Surveyors had stated that if they were compelled to comply the cost of working would be greater than the value of the stone. Your Committee also stated that for several years past the Conservators at the Annual Meeting held for granting licences had drawn the attention of the Surveyors to their non compliance and had warned them that if they confirmed to neglect the matter the Conservators would be forced to refuse to renew the licences. The representations of the Councils stated that warnings should have been addressed to them, and that as a matter of fact they had none of them heard of any complaint till the licences had been stopped. Your Committee stated that the Board had always considered that it was sufficient to warn the persons who were deputed to make application for renewals. Some of the representations admitted that the digging was an eyesore to the natural beauty of the Forest and that the requirements of Bye Law 9 had not been complied with. Your Committee also pointed out that great damage is done to the surface of the Forest by the Road Authorities carting from the pits in various directions instead of using only one track from each pit to the nearest highway. Your Committee having stated that the Board considered that having regard to the quality of the material obtained from the Forest it was more to the interest of the rate payers to purchase flints or Kentish rag, a discussion took place as to the relative cost of these and Forest materials and there seemed to be an agreement of opinion among the representatives of the Councils that while material obtained else where would be more economical in the Uckfield District, it might be cheaper (owing to length of cartage) to use Forest material in some parts of the East Grinstead district. Great stress was also laid on the fact that Forest digging provides a great deal of work for local labourers The Road Authorities pressed on your Committee the fact that no complaints had been made direct to the Councils and urged that the Conservators should issue licences to the three Authorities to take road materials from the Forest till Ladyday 1901 on the understanding that careful supervision would be exercised over the workings and that all parties would then see how the system worked. Having regard to all the circumstances your Committee unanimously recommend: That the Board should grant licences to each of the Road Authorities from the present time till Lady Day 1901 on the understanding that the Authorities limit their demands as far as possible. That no two Authorities be allowed to dig in the same pit and that no materials be carted over the Forest between any 1st December and 1st May unless by special authority from the Clerk. The Committee refers to the Board to settle any other conditions to be imposed beyond those set out in Bye Law 9 such as the routes over which the materials are to be carted and particularly with regard to permitting trial holes to be made, and new pits opened both of which the County Clerk insisted must be granted under reasonable limitations and conditions. Your Committee also recommends that applications for licences should in future be made in writing by the several Councils and that notice should be given to their respective Clerks in writing of any breaches of the conditions of the licences. Dated the 21st November 1899


C.H. Corbett Ll. Midgley Thomas Colgate Mark Sandford It was also resolved that notice be given to the Clerk to the County Council that the Conservators will be prepared at their next meeting to receive and consider written applications from the several Councils for the consent of the Board to their digging road materials on the Forest till the 25th March 1901 such applications to state fully particulars as to the spots at which it is desired to dig and the nature and quantity of the materials to be taken from each spot. Mr. H. Clarke Jervoise posts An application was read from Mr. H. Clarke Jervoise of Chelwood Beacon for permission to put white posts on either side of the road leading to his property from the highway from Nutley to Chelwood Gate. It was resolved that he be informed that Chelwood Common is outside the jurisdiction of the Conservators. C.E. Godwin claim to rights The Ranger reported that Mr. C.E. Godwin of Forest Villa, Buxted (tenant of Mr. Barker of Hillbrow Crowborough) had taken litter from the Forest and the Clerk read a letter from Mr. Godwin claiming that the property was entitled to Forest rights and had exercised the same for over 60 years. It was resolved that notice be given to Mr. Godwin that the Board would be prepared at their next meeting to consider an application from the owner to be inserted on the Schedule of Commoners and to hear evidence as to title and user It was resolved that a cheque be drawn as follows The Ranger for 10 weeks salary and House rent to the 27th inst. ₤12.10.0. It was resolved that the Annual Meeting of Commoners be held on Saturday the 16th day of November next. Also that the next meeting of the Conservators be held immediately after the Commoners meeting. The meeting adjourned at 12.50 p.m. Albert Turner Chairman

The Annual Meeting of the Commoners interested in the Forest duly convened by the Clerk by notice in the church door of each of the parishes or ecclesiastical districts into which the Forest extends and by advertisement in two newspapers circulating in the neighbourhood to wit the Sussex Express and the East Grinstead Observer at least 14 days before this date and held on Saturday the 16th day of December 1899 at 11 o’clock in the forenoon at the Nutley Inn, Nutley. Present Mr. Albert Turner in the Chair Mr. Thomas Colgate Mr. James Gillham Mr. John F. Gordon Mr. G.C. Hardy Mr. J.F. Hope Mr. Thomas Hyde Mr. Ll. Midgley Mr. Joseph Ridley Horney Common Mr. Mark Sandford


Chairman It was proposed by Mr. Mark Sandford seconded by Mr. John F. Gordon that Mr. Albert Turner do take the Chair. Mr. Albert Turner having taken the Chair the Clerk read the notice convening the meeting and reported that the four Conservators who will retire by rotation on the 21st December instant are Messrs. C.H. Corbett, Thomas Hyde, Llewellyn Midgley and Mark Sandford. Election of Conservators It was proposed by Mr. Albert Turner and is seconded by Mr. J.F. Hope that Mr. Charles Henry Corbett be re-elected a Conservator. It was proposed by Mr. G.C. Hardy and seconded by Mr. J.F. Gordon that Mr. Thomas Hyde be re-elected a Conservator. It was proposed by Mr. Mark Sandford and seconded by Mr. Thomas Hyde that Mr. Llewellyn Midgley be re-elected a Conservator. It was proposed by Mr. Thomas Colgate and seconded by Mr. Joseph Ridley that Mr. Mark Sandford be re-elected a Conservator. No other nominations being made the Chairman declared the above proposed four gentlemen duly elected as Conservators for the three years ensuing. Royal Ashdown Forest Golf Club relations to Forest The position of the Royal Ashdown Forest & Tunbridge Wells Golf Club with reference to the Forest was then brought forward by Commoners. It was pointed out that the club was now firmly established and very successful and that while the club had in its infancy been allowed to use the Forest for its golf links without any compensation to the Commoners it was now well able to afford an essential contribution. On the proposition of Mr. Hope seconded by Mr. Sandford it was resolved that the time has arrived when the Royal Ashdown Forest and Tunbridge Wells Golf Club should be called on to make an annual payment to the Conservators for the use of the golf links and that it be referred to the Conservators to settle terms with the Club. Chairman

A meeting of Conservators of Ashdown Forest duly convened and held at the Nutley Inn, Nutley on Saturday the 16th day of December 1899. Present Mr. Albert Turner in the Chair Mr. Thomas Colgate Mr. C.H. Corbett Mr. G.C. Hardy Mr. J.F. Hope Mr. Thomas Hyde Mr. G.M. Maryon-Wilson Mr. Llewellyn Midgley Mr. Joseph Ridley Mr. Mark Sandford The minutes of the last meeting were read and confirmed. The Clerk produced the Bank Pass Book and cheque book showing a balance in hand of ₤220:18.10.


Elected Conservators The Clerk produced and read the following certificate and it was resolved that the same be entered on the minutes. It is as follows To Mr. William Augustus Raper Clerk to the Conservators of Ashdown Forest As Chairman of the meeting of Commoners duly convened and held at the Nutley Inn, Nutley this 16th day of December 1899 for the purpose of electing four Conservators and for other purpose I here by intimate to you that Mr. Charles Henry Corbett Mr. Thomas Hyde Mr. Llewellyn Midgley Mr. Mark Sandford were elected Conservators of the Forest at such meeting. Dated this 16th day of December 1899. Albert Turner Chairman Royal Ashdown Forest Golf Club The Clerk also produced and read the following resolution which had been passed at the Annual Meeting of the Commoners held this day and it was resolved that it be entered on the minutes. It is as follows “That the time has arrived when the Royal Ashdown Forest and Tunbridge Wells Golf Club should be called on to make an annual payment to the Conservators for the use of the golf links and that it be referred to the Conservators to settle terms with club” Mr. Chigwell the Hon. Sec. of the Club who was in attendance was invited into the room and was informed of the above resolution and the whole position was explained to him and be stated that he believed the club would be willing to make a fair payment annually to the Conservators for the enjoyment of the present links but that he could not speak definitely on the subject without consultation with his Committee. It was on the proposition of Mr. Maryon-Wilson seconded by Mr. Hardy and unanimously resolved that the Clerk be instructed to write to the Hon. Sec. of the Royal Ashdown Forest and Tunbridge Wells Golf Club stating that the Conservators considered the time had arrived when the Club should make a definite annual contribution to the Conservators in aid of the rates. It was also resolved that the sum should be ₤35 per annum. Proposed lease of Forest from Lord Mr. Corbett then stated that in compliance with an informal request made to him at the last meeting he had seen Mr. Nicholson the representative of Lord De La Warr and had asked him whether he saw any objection in principle to a lease being granted by the Lord to nominees of the Conservators of the Lords rights on the Forest (exclusive of Manorial rights and tenancies at will) that Mr. Nicholson had stated in reply that if the proposed Lessees were prepared to pay a rent equivalent to what the Lord received from the former (exclusive as aforesaid) he saw no objection in principle to the suggestion but that he was not in a position to say anything which would bind the Lord until he had an opportunity of consulting him. After the matter had been discussed if was proposed by Mr. Wilson seconded by Mr. Colgate and unanimously resolved that application be made to the Lord to grant a lease for 21 years to three out substantial nominees of the Conservators of all the Lords rights in and over the unenclosed portions of Ashdown Forest and that the Clerk write to Mr. Nicholson to that effect. It was also resolved that Messrs. Corbett, Maryon-Wilson and Sandford be appointed a Committee to carry on the negotiations with the Lord’s representative and to report to the Board.


Sylvanus Ridley stacks Mr. Sylvanus Ridley of Crows Nest attended before the Board and stated that he gave the written undertaking at the meeting of this Board held on the 22nd April last under a misapprehension as regards the three stacks and he claimed that there was appurtenant to his Crows Nest property by immemorial user a right to keep three stacks on the Forest outside his holding a stack of litter, one of turf for fuel and one of faggots viz. one adjoining his farm on the south west side, one about a rod from his boundary on the same side and a third adjoining his holding on the north east side; and that when he signed the undertaking he was under the impression he had licences from the Conservators for two of the stacks, but had since found that such was not the case. This was confirmed by the Ranger. Spencer Tester of Browns Brook aged 71 and Spencer Tester of Barns Gate aged 69 then gave evidence showing that the successive occupiers of Crows Nest had had three stacks on the spots indicated for a period exceeding 60 years last past and after considering the matter it was resolved that this Board is satisfied with the evidence and recognises the right of Mr. Sylvanus Ridley to keep three stacks on the Forest in the above mentioned positions. Mr. Midgley road posts On the application of Mr. Midgley it was resolved that he be authorised to renew the posts marking the road opposite the Red Lion on condition that he paint them white. Mr. F.R. Lucas The Ranger reported that Mr. F.R. Lucas had not distributed the soil taken from the pond near has house called Greenhall at Tompsetts Bank as required by resolution of the Board passed on the 16th September last. The Clerk stated that he wrote to Mr. Lucas communicating the resolution to him after the meeting but had received no reply and had heard a rumour that Mr. Lucas had been for some time in South Africa. It was resolved that the Clerk enquire whether he is still abroad. A. Inns new gateway The Ranger reported that the new gate opened by Alfred Inns from his property on the Forest and mentioned at the meeting of 16th September last (p.93) was being used by the horses and carts of gypsies who make a track over the Forest to it. It was resolved that the Clerk write to Mr. Inns and point out that if he does not stop the user, proceedings will have to be taken against him for an injunction John Cook taking litter The Ranger reported that on the 4th December he saw Thomas Muddle of Chelwood cutting litter on the Forest near Plaw Hatch that Muddle informed him he was employed to do so by John Cook the occupier of a house and shop belonging to Mr. Stenning at West Hoathly. It was resolved that the Clerk write to Mr. Cook on the subject. Road Authorities applications to dig Written applications were then received from the Undermentioned Road Authorities for the consent of the Conservators to their searching for and taking road materials from the Forest between the present time and 25th March 1901 as undermentioned by The East Sussex County Council 60 cubic yards of hard gravel from near Greenwood Toll 60 cubic yards of hard gravel from near Hundred Hill 260 cubic yards of hard gravel from near Kings Standing 75 cubic yards of hard gravel from near Isle of Thorns 50 cubic yards of hard gravel from near Millbrook 150 cubic yards of hard stone from near Isle of Thorns 50 cubic yards of hard stone from near Millbrook 35 cubic yards of hard stone opposite the Coffee Tavern ----------- 740 yards.


The Uckfield Rural District Council 150 cubic yards of stone gravel from near Isle of Thorns 60 cubic yards of local stone from near Stone Hill 100 cubic yards of local stone from near Kings Standing 100 cubic yards of local stone from near Barns Gate 50 cubic yards of local stone from near Brazier’s Brook, Fairwarp 100 cubic yards of gravel from near pit near main road, Fairwarp -------- 560 yards. The East Grinstead Rural District Council 50 cubic yards of stone and sand gravel from near St. Johns church, Crowborough 100 cubic yards of stone and sand gravel between south side of 500 and Greenwood Gate 50 cubic yards of stone and sand gravel from near Guide post north side of Goat 200 cubic yards of stone and sand gravel from Kings Standing ----- 400 yards. It was resolved that consents be granted to the several Authorities to take the above materials from the above mentioned spots subject to the following conditions namely 1. That the consent be subject to the provisions of Forest Bye Law No. 9 2. That no two Authorities dig at the same pit or excavations. 3. That no trial holes are made or new ground opened without the sanction of the Forest Ranger first obtained. 4. That no employee of the Authority is permitted under colour of working for the Authority to dig stone gravel

or sand for or dispose of stone gravel sand of siftings to any other person and that any employee so transgressing must at once be discharged from working for the Authority on the Forest

5. That routes for carting materials over the Forest be agreed with the Forest Ranger. 6. That no materials be carted over the Forest between any 1st December and 1st May unless permission first be

obtained from the Clerk to the Conservators. 7. That if any of the above conditions be broken the Conservators be entitled to revoke consent by notice in

writing to the Clerk to the Authority. Cheques It was resolved that cheques be drawn as follows The Ranger 5 weeks salary and rent to 1st prox. £6:5:0 Do petty disbursements for the year £1:2:2 ------ £7:7:2 The Clerk a ½ years salary to 31st instant £50:0:0 Do cash disbursements during the year £16:10:6 Do costs re Nutley Light Railway £29:18:4 ---------- £96:8:10 It was resolved that the next meeting be held on the 3rd February next. A vote of thanks was passed to the Chairman for services during the past year. The meeting terminated at 3.30 p.m. George M. Maryon-Wilson Chairman


A meeting of the Conservators of Ashdown Forest duty convened and held at the Nutley inn .Nutley on Saturday the 3rd day of February 1900 Present Mr. George M. Maryon-Wilson in the Chair Mr. William Carr Mr. Thomas Colgate. Mr. Guy C. Hardy. Mr. James F. Hope. Mr. Ll. Midgley. Mr. Joseph Ridley. Mr. Mark Sandford. This being the first meeting of the year the first business was the election of a Chairman of the Board for the current year. Mr. James F. Hope was voted to the Chair for the purpose of conducting the election. The following letter from Mr. Albert Turner was read and it was resolved that it be entered on the minutes. It was follows Nutley Feb. 3rd 1900 To Chairman pro tem Sir I am sorry not to be present today unfortunately being confined to my bed. Will you kindly convey to the members of the Board it is not my wish to seek re-election as to Chairman having had the honour for several years past to preside over this Board. I beg to tender my most sincere thanks to all the Conservators for the courteous and kindly support over me during my tenure of office and trust that my successor may receive the same. Yours faithfully (signed) A. Turner. Election of Chairman for the year It was proposed by Mr. Mark Sandford and seconded by Mr. Thomas Colgate that Mr. George Maryon-Wilson be the Chairman of the Board for the current year. No other candidate having been nominated Mr. Maryon-Wilson was declared duly elected. Mr. Hope then vacated the Chair and Mr. Maryon-Wilson having taken it thanked the Board for the complement announced to him by their invitation and before proceeding to comment strongly on the position of the Board with regard to its want of effective powers, stated that had it not been for the resolution passed at the last meeting aiming at the abolition of the present dual control. He would have felt obliged to decline that invitation. Vote of thanks to Mr. Albert Turner Mr. Hope proposed that the Board desires to record its high appreciation of the valuable services rendered to the Conservators by Mr. Albert Turner during the seven years he has occupied the position of Chairman to the Conservators and their sincere regret that he was unable to allow himself to be re-nominated for the office. This having been seconded by Mr. Sandford and supported by Chairman was carried unanimously and it was further resolved that a copy of this resolution be forwarded to Mr. Turner. The minutes of the last meeting were than read and confirmed.


The Clerk reported that the balance at the bank amounted to £117:2:10. Forest Row Golf Club A letter was read from the Hon. Sec. to the Royal Ashdown Forest and Tunbridge Hills Golf Club offering to pay to the Conservators a sum of £35 yearly as a contribution in aid of the rates. It was resolved that the offer be accepted on the understanding that the contribution commences from the 1st January last. It was also resolved that permission be granted to the Club to drain the boggy ground in front of the third green by cutting open trenches subject to the approval of Messrs. Corbett, Hyde & Midgley the Committee appointed on 1st May 1898. Fairwarp licence to makes footpath to new parish room at Fairwarp Mr. Sandford applied on behalf of the Rector of Maresfield for permission to make a footpath from the high road to the new parish room opposite the blacksmiths shop at Fairwarp. ^The application was supported by a memorial signed by 17 of the inhabitants. It was resolved that subject to the Lord’s sanction being obtained a licence be granted to the Revd. W. Hay Chapman Rector of Maresfield to make and maintain the footpath not exceeding 4 feet in width and undertaking to remove the material and restore the forest surface if and when required and to pay an acknowledgement of 1/- on the granting of the licence January during its continuance. Repair of road from Fairwarp to Forest Church Mr. Sandford applied on behalf of Mr. Henry Norman of Fairwarp for permission to metal and repair the old cartway over the Forest from Fairwarp to the Duddleswell high road near the Forest church. It was resolved that subject to the Lord’s sanction being obtained the Board assent to Mr. Norman’s application. The consideration of an application to make a footpath by the side of the above cart way also supported by the above mentioned memorial was adjourned as it was considered that the repair and metalling of the way would provide what the memorials wished namely a fairly dry footpath for the children attending the Forest school. Uckfield Rural District Council application to remove gravel An application was read from Mr. Henry Vater Surveyor to the Uckfield Rural District Council for permission to remove gravel dug some months ago from a pit at Fairwarp and not involving any cartage over the Forest. It was resolved that the application be granted. The Clerk reported that he wrote to Mr. Nicholson immediately after the last meeting with reference to the proposed lease from Lord De La Warr but had not yet received any reply the delay no doubt being due to Lord De La Warr’s absence at the War in South Africa Mr. J.R. Lucas The Ranger reported that be saw Mr. J.R. Lucas at Tompsetts Bank on the 13th January who promised to have the pond mud put into an adjoining hollow. A.G. Inns opening new gate The Clerk reported that immediately after the last meeting he wrote to Mr. A.G. Inns of Mount Pleasant requiring him to desist from permitting to be used the new gate way he had opened on the Forest but had received no reply and the Ranger reported that it was still used by the gypsies with their vans. It was resolved that the Clerk write to Mr. Inns a formal letter warning him that unless within 14 days he complied proceedings will be taken against him and that in the event of his failing to comply the Clerk do take proceedings


for an injunction in the names of the Chairman, Count Alexander Munster and Mr. Guy C. Hardy to compel compliance. James Cook taking litter The Clerk reported that he wrote to Mr. Cook as directed at the last meeting but had received no reply. A R. Stenning It was resolved that the Clerk write to his landlord Mr. A.R. Stenning and point out that he must prove his rights or his tenant must stop taking litter from the Forest under pain of prosecution. Stonehill fence of pit defective The Ranger reported several sections of the fence round the pit at Stonehill had fallen in but that he had seen the Road Surveyor who had promised to repair it. Joseph Ridley (Millbrook) cutting road The Ranger reported that on the 10th January he found Mr. Joseph Ridley of Millbrook was cutting a road across the Forest to the Nutley high road. He had already formed some 200 yards of it 25 feet wide and stated he was making it like the road at Rocks Plat. The Ranger warned him not to proceed and notified him to attend this meeting but he failed to appear. It was resolved that a Committee consisting of the Chairman, Messrs. Midgley and Sandford be appointed to view the spot with power to direct the Clerk to take such action in the matter either by way of injunction or otherwise as they may consider necessary. Also that the Clerk give Mr. Ridley notice of the Committee and require him to suspend operations till they had visited the spot and seen him. Abraham Wheatley improvement An application having been received from Mr. Abraham Wheatley of Tompsetts Bank for permission to fill in a dangerous hole near his gate on the Forest. It was resolved that he be authorised to do so subject to the approval of the Ranger and to his afterwards sowing grass seeds on the spot. John Miles cutting birches The Ranger reported that on 31st January he found about two dozen young birch trees growing on the Forest near Greenhall Toll had been cut down. Having been informed that John Miles who lives near Rist Wood had cut them he called at his house and saw his mother who promised that her son should desist and stated that he had cut birch trees only. It was resolved that the Clerk inform the Lords representatives thereof. Proposed shooting club Forest Row A letter was read from Mr. N.W. Grieve asking permission for a rifle club to use the range near Tompsetts Bank and after discussing the same it was resolved that the Conservators feel that on patriotic grounds permission should be granted, if the Lord concurs, in which case a licence is granted on the usual conditions and payment of an annual acknowledgements of 1/-. Cheque It was resolved that a cheque be drawn as follows The Ranger 5 weeks salary and house rent To 5th instant ₤6.5.0. It was resolved that the next meeting be held on the 31st March next unless the Chairman convene it for an earlier date.


The meeting adjourned at 12.45 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 Saturday the 31st day of March 1900 Present: Mr. George M. Maryon-Wilson (in the Chair) Mr. William Carr Mr. C.H. Corbett Mr. Thomas Hyde Mr. Llewellyn Midgley Mr. Joseph Ridley Mr. Mark Sandford. The minutes of the last meeting were read and confirmed. A letter was read from Mr. Albert Turner thanking the Conservators for the resolution passed at the last meeting on the occasion of his ceasing to be Chairman of the Board. The Clerk produced the Bank Pass Book showing in balance in hand of ₤146:0:10. Forest Row Golf Club The Clerk reported that the Royal Ashdown Forest and Tunbridge Wells Golf Club had paid ₤35 as the yearly contribution in aid of the rates for the year commencing 1st January last. Footpath to Parish Room, Fairwarp The Clerk laid on the table the licence granted to the Rector of Maresfield for permission to make and maintain a footpath to the new Parish Room at Fairwarp and reported that he had received the acknowledgment of it. F.R. Lucas The Ranger reported that Mr. F.R. Lucas had had the pond mud put into the adjacent hollow. A.G. Inns The Ranger reported that Mr. A.G. Inns had discontinued the user of the new gateway opened by him on the Forest and had it altered so as to open inwards on his land instead of outwards on the Forest. John Cook taking litter The Clerk reported that since the last meeting he had enquired who was the owner of the house and shop occupied by Mr. John Cook at West Hoathly and had only been able to learn that neither Mr. A.R. Stenning of Hoathly Hill nor Mr. W.V.R. Stenning of East Grinstead was the landlord. It was resolved that the Ranger make further inquiry and report to the Clerk. Stone Hill pit defective fence The Ranger reported that the Road Surveyor had repaired the fence round the pit at Stone Hill. Joseph Ridley (Millbrook) cutting road The Committee appointed at the last meeting stated that they met Mr. Joseph Ridley on the spot on the 10th instant and had prepared a report which was presented and read and it was resolved that the report be entered on the minutes. It was as follows To the Conservators of Ashdown Forest


We the undersigned being the Committee appointed to inspect alleged encroachments on Ashdown Forest at Millbrook beg to report that we have this day in company with Mr. Soper the Ranger inspected that locality. We met Mr. Joseph Ridley at his house and he was with us. We found at the rear of Mr. Ridley’s premises a green road leading to his fields the sides of which have been recently cut out and placed in leaps which heaps he, Mr. Ridley, proposes to carry on to his property. We had no means of knowing if the road in question belongs to him or if it is part of the Forest. In the field adjoining we saw some turf which Mr. Ridley declined to say whether or not that was taken from the Forest. We also saw a great quantity turf cut up and placed in lumps which Mr. Ridley said he and his son had cut for the purpose of forming a road from the turnpike to his farm and which he claimed a right to do as being the old road to his premises. He said he remembered 60 years ago the track being metalled by a certain John Turner who was at the time owner of the property and resident at Marlpits. Mr. Ridley proposed to show us where the said road had been metalled but a careful inspection only disclosed 25 stones on several hundred yards of the alleged road. We beg to report that we have asked Mr. Raper to summon Mr. Ridley to attend the next meeting of the Board and bring with him his deeds and also any witness he may have to prove that there ever has been a metalled road in the place he pointed out. Dated this 10th March 1900 George M. Maryon Wilson Llewellyn Midgley Mark Sandford Mr. Ridley now attended before the Board and produced his documents of title and a plan of his property made in 1856 and the same having been examined by the Board and by the Clerk it was resolved that the Board is satisfied that the soil of the road running between the two portions of his property does not belong to Mr. Ridley but is part of the Forest and is used in common by several properties. Also the Board was satisfied by the statements of Mr. William Carr and Mr. Joseph Ridley of Horney Common that the cart track leading from Mr. Ridley’s homestead to near the foot of Millbrook Hill leading up to Nutley is an old track used by several properties in common and that it has from time to time been drained and made up. And it was further resolved that it be referred back to the Committee to authorise Mr. Ridley to make up both roads in such manner as they may think fit provided that as regards the last mentioned road one grip for drainage be permitted in the upper side and none on the lower side. Abraham Wheatley improvement The Ranger reported that Mr. Abraham Wheatley of Tompsetts Bank had not yet filled in the dangerous hole as he was waiting for materials. John Miles birch trees The Clerk reported that pursuant to the resolution passed at the last meeting he had communicated with Mr. Nicholson with reference to the birch trees cut by Mr. John Miles on the Forest who considered that, though the right to the birch trees is in the Lord, subject to estovers yet as the Commoner’s claim estovers of birch proceedings if any should be taken by them, the Lord lending his name. Ultimately it was agreed that if Miles, who it was understood has sold some of these trees, would acknowledge his error and promise not again to cut without due authority and would pay some small sum for compensation the matter might be settled on that basis. The Clerk wrote to Mr. Miles to that effect and had received back an unsigned promise with a statement that 5/- was enclosed but no remittance was in the envelope. It was resolved that the Ranger call on Mr. Miles and on Mr. Waters the writer of the letter which professed to enclose the 5/-. Ashdown Rifle Club The Clerk reported that in pursuance of the resolution passed at the last meeting he had been in communication with Mr. Nicholson, representing the Lord, Mr. Grieve and Major Oxley with the result that a licence had been


granted to the Commanding Officer of the ‘C’ company of the 2nd Batt. Royal Sussex Regiment to permit the Ashdown Rifle Club to use the range on the usual conditions and he laid on the table a copy of the licence and stated that the Secretary had not yet paid the first acknowledgment of it as he stated that the club had not yet been formed. Lord Robert Cecil roadway The Ranger reported that Lord Robert Cecil had just commenced to metal the road which was granted to him in August 1898, but that new cart tracks are being made from his entrance gate across the Forest, one being due south to the junction of the roads, another north east to the Wych Cross road. It was resolved that the Ranger be instructed to caution any persons found driving across the Forest at this point by other than the authorised road to Rocks Plat not to trespass again. It was resolved that unless Lord Robert Cecil has satisfactorily completed the metalling and turfing of the authorised road and restored the surface of the Forest where cut up by cart tracks within a month from this date the Clerk write to him on the subject. Hood Barrs Mr. Hood Barrs having purchased part of the copyhold property on the Forest of Timothy John Ridley or Gurr and having applied to the Steward of the Manor to be admitted to lands as per plan which included encroachments from the Forest the Clerk was directed to point out to the Steward the lands which belong to the Forest. Forest Row Golf Club cart track The Ranger reported that on the 20th February he found a man who stated he was employed by the Steward of the Royal Ashdown Forest Golf Club was paring the sides of the cart track leading from the Gentleman’s Golf Club House to the south and of Chapel Lane at Tompsetts Bank and throwing it on to the centre, and he thought this had been done because the tradespeople’s carts going to The Club House did not keep to one track and consequently cut up the Forest. Some of the Conservators who had seen the work reported that it was for the benefit of the Forest as it would have the effect of keeping the track in one route instead of its spreading out over the Forest and that such damage as had been temporarily occasioned had been made good. Dr. Walsham footpath The Ranger reported that on the 21st February he found a footpath of about 40 yards in length had been made and metalled close along the outside of the hedge on the west side of Dr. Walsham’s property at Tompsetts Bank and a grip cut outside the footpath the width from the stem of the hedge to the outside of the grip being about 9 feet and the grip about 8 inches wide and 6 inches deep. The Clerk stated that Dr. Walsham admitted his man had done the work. It was resolved that the Clerk point out to Dr. Walsham that a breach of Bye Law No. 8 had been committed and that the work having been done without the sanction of the Conservators the metal must be removed and the grip filled in within fourteen days. Mr. Sandford laying drains The Ranger reported that on the 3rd inst. he found a deep trench about 13 feet deep and 4 feet wide dug from a pit worked by Mr. Job Luxford on the Forest near Tompsetts Bank for a distance of about 12 yards to a ditch adjoining the rend Mr. Macartney’s property and three or four men laying 4 inch pipes in the trench apparently for the purpose of draining the pit and that one of the men stated they were employed by Mr. Luxford. The Clerk reported that he wrote to Mr. Luxford for an explanation who had replied that he had done the work for the drainage of the pit and had no idea he was breaking any Bye Law and expressing his regret and offering to pay compensation. At the same time he stated he did not feel conscious of having gone beyond his rights and complained of being singled out while others were not interfered with. It was resolved that Mr. Luxford be reminded that he had committed a breach of Bye Law no.8, that he be required to pay ₤1:1:0 as amends and informed that if he again interfered with the Forest without first obtaining the Conservators’ permission he would be prosecuted.


Colemans Hatch roads ********* The Clerk was also directed to point out that he is carting stone from the pit in two directions and thereby unnecessarily damaging the surface of the Forest and that he must in future only cart materials from the mouth of the pit to the nearest road. Fence unsafe Also that his attentions drawn to the unsafe condition of part of the fence round the pit and that he is required to make it safe. Also that if he will give the Clerk information as to the trespasses by other persons to whom he referred the Board will at once inquire in to same. James Card application to make road The Clerk read a letter from Mr. James Card of Broadstone stating that the Holly Farm was about to be sold and inquiring whether the purchasers would be allowed to make a metalled road over the Forest from the farm to Quabrook Gate. It was resolved that the Clerk reply that the Board could not deal with a speculative application but that when application should be made by a person prepared to make the road the Board would consider the same but that this intimation does not necessarily mean that the application will be granted. Earl De La Warr proposed lease A letter was read from Mr. Nicholson stating that the question of the proposed lease must await Lord De La Warr’s return from South Africa. County Council road materials cartage The Clerk stated that having received an application from one of the County Council’s contractors for permission to cart road materials over the Forest he had communicated with the Clerk to the County Council who agreed that application of the kind must come from the County Council and not from the contractors. Tompsetts Bank repair of road Mr. J.K. Weekes of Forest Row having applied for permission if sufficient subscriptions could be raised to repair the road which runs past the Ashdown Forest Hotel at Tompsetts Bank and Mr. Banister’s property at Forest Row and continuing down a bye lane to the outlet on the Lewes Road. It was resolved he be informed that when sufficient funds had been promised he might renew his application which the Board would then favourably consider. Mr. McAndrew encroachment The Ranger reported that Mr. John McAndrew had now in accordance with his promise thrown out the encroachment referred to in the report presented to the Board on the 8th July last. Prestridge Warren timber carrying The Ranger reported that considerable damage had been done to the surface of the Forest by the cartage of timber out of Prestridge Warren. It was resolved that the Ranger ascertain who was responsible. R. Stevenson improve road Mr. R. Stevenson of Millbrook attended and asked permission to improve the track from his house to the foot of the Millbrook Hill so that vehicles might draw up at his door. It was resolved that it be referred to Mr. Sandford and Mr. Midgley to inspect the place and settle what work if any they consider expedient and that the Clerk give effect to their decision Cheque It was resolved that a cheque be drawn as follows The Ranger 8 weeks salary and house rent to 2nd April next £10:0:0


It was resolved that the next meeting be held on the 26th May next. The meeting adjourned at 3 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 Saturday the 26th day of May 1900. Present Mr. George M. Maryon-Wilson (in the Chair) Mr. Thomas Colgate Mr. Joseph Ridley Mr. Mark Sandford Mr. Albert Turner. Death of Mr. Wm. Carr a Conservator Alluding to the death since the last meeting of Mr. William Carr the Chairman proposed and it was unanimously resolved that the Conservators’ desire to record their regret at the loss by death of Mr. William Carr who has been a member of the Board since its first establishment and to express their deep sympathy with his family in the loss they have sustained. The minutes of the last meeting were read and confirmed. The Clerk produced the Bank Pass Book showing a balance in hand of ₤136:0:10. Mr. J.C Stenning claim to rights The Clerk reported that since the last meeting it had been ascertained that the property at West Hoathly occupied by James Cook belongs to Mr. J.C. Stenning. That he communicated with Messrs Turner Rudge and Turner of East Grinstead, who are Mr. Stenning’s agents, and who sent him a plan of Mr. Stenning’s property which they state is part of Barunds Place and they claim that the whole is entitled to Forest rights. The property appears to have belonged formerly to Mr. Nairn. It was resolved that the Board are satisfied that the property is entitled to Forest rights and that the Clerk be authorised to insert the name of Mr. J.C. Stenning in the Schedule in respect thereof on his paying the current rate. Joseph Ridley Millbrook Road The Committee appointed to deal with the matter of the roadway from Mr. Joseph Ridley’s homestead at Millbrook and other adjacent properties to the foot of Millbrook Hill report that they saw Mr. Ridley again and authorised him to make up the cart tracks but stipulated that he should only open up one grip for drainage on the upper side of the cart track leading to the turnpike road to Wych Cross. Ashdown Rifle Club The Clerk reported that since that last meeting the Ashdown Rifle Club had been formed and Mr. Grieve had paid him the first acknowledgement of it. Lord Robert Cecil roadway The Clerk reported that as Lord Robert Cecil that not completed the metalling and turfing of the authorised road nor restored the surface of the Forest where cut up by cart tracks within a month after the last meeting he wrote to him as directed and had received a reply which he read. It was resolved that the Clerk inform him that the metalling of the road way is progressing very slowly and that the Conservators rely on his completing this promptly and on his insisting upon his tradespeople using only the new road in going to and from his house instead of crossing the greensward and as it is now too late in the season to


turf the sides of the new road and level and turf the tracks across the Forest the Conservators rely on his Lordship carrying on this work next autumn as soon as the season is suitable. Also that the Conservators feel that they have acted in a very reasonable manner in allowing 1¾ years for completing work which was to have been carried out at the time. Dr. Walsham footpath. Mend cart tracks A letter was read from Dr. Walsham undertaking to remove the gravel spread on the Forest and to fill in the grip referred to at the last meeting and requesting permission to mend up one of the roads leading to his house. It was resolved that it be referred to Mr. Midgley and Mr. Sandford to examine the spot and to report to the Clerk what if any work Dr. Walsham may reasonably be allowed to do and that the Clerk give Dr. Walsham a proper authority accordingly. Mr. Job Luxford laying drain The Clerk reported that he wrote to Mr. Job Luxford as directed at the last meeting and had received from him ₤1:1:0 by way of amend for making the drain across the Forest without permission. Road The Ranger reported that the two tracks from the pit previously referred to related to a pit near the Misses Hale at Coleman’s. Hatch and that Mr. Luxford now only uses the track leading to the high road and had discontinued the other track and that the fence referred to as out of repair was round a pit near High Beeches and that it had now been made good. Prestridge Warren timber carrying Mr. Albert Turner stated that he had carted the timber out of Prestridge Warren referred to at the last meeting and if any damage had been done to the Forest he would have it put right at once. Richard Stevenson road The Committee appointed at the last meeting reported that they had inspected the rough cart track which Richard Stevenson of Millbrook desired to improve and had authorised him to fill up hollows in the tracks which leads straight from his house to the turnpike road to Wych Cross and to cut for drainage a small open furrow on the upper side. Fairwarp path to Parish Room; road to Parish Church The Ranger reported that the pathway to the new parish room at Fairwarp has been satisfactorily made. And the cart track to the Forest church has been satisfactorily made up. Isaac Waters representatives Also that all materials laid on the Forest by the late Isaac Waters have been removed by his representatives to within three feet of their fence. Forest fire Also that on or about the 17th April last about two acres of Forest surface had been burnt about 300 yards from Pippingford Lodge and on the right of the road to Nutley, but he was unable to find out the origin of the fire. Henry Reed camping Also that on 10th Henry Reed was convicted at the Uckfield Bench of camping on the Forest near Fairwarp and fined 11/6 including costs which he has paid. Mr. Attree’s quarry cutting trees Also that in the course of excavating at the quarry leased to Mr. Attree adjoining Hindleap Warren on the Wych Cross road a young oak tree and three birches had been cut down. The Clerk stated he had notified Mr. Nicholson the Lord’s representative thereof who suggested that as regards the birches the Conservators should write to Mr. Attree.


It was resolved that in view of pending negotiations with Earl De La Warr for a lease the matter stand over. E.H.P. Eason improve footpath An application was considered from Mr E.H.P. Eason owner of Mr. Gurr’s cottage at Newbridge for permission to level and gravel a footpath 4 feet wide from the north east corner of his property to the high road. The Ranger and Mr. Midgley reported in favour of the application and it was resolved that the application be acceded to. The Revd. J.L. Ogle claim to rights The Revd. J.L. Ogle owner of ***** Gill near Tompsetts Bank attended with witnesses in support of his claim to Forest rights. The Clerk reported that he had examined Mr. Ogle’s deeds and of the 6½ acres - 3a 2r 26p were copyholds over 60 years old but the remainder consisted of a grant made within 60 years and of modern encroachments. The evidence of Marlon Edwards aged 77 and John Heasman aged 72 having been taken it was resolved that Mr. Ogle has established his claim in respect of the 3a 2r 26p only and that his name be initialled in the Schedule of Commoners in respect thereof and he paid the current forest rate in respect thereof. Percy Edwards licence to deposit hop poles The Clerk reported that acting on the authority given him by the Board he on the 23rd April authorised Percy Edwards of Shawhurst Farm Hartfield to deposit on the Forest 2000 larch poles out of new lodge for convenience of making up roads for carting on condition that they remained only a day or two and on a spot that would not inconvenience any one and notified the Ranger thereof. H. Clarke Jervoise gypsies A letter was received from Mr. H. Clarke Jervoise drawing attention to the nuisance of gypsies near Chelwood stating that on two or three occasions within the last few days gypsies had been seen coming out of his woods with wood they had appropriated and urging the Conservators to take action against them in respect of their horses trespassing on the Forest. It was resolved that he be informed that the Conservators would deal with the horses when found but that it was very little use for them to take action unless private owners would also prosecute when injury to private property was committed. Joseph Ridley Millbrook enclosure The Ranger reported that within the last few days Joseph Ridley had fenced round a lodge of his on the Forest and enclosed part of the Forest. It was resolved that it be referred to Mr. Colgate and Mr. Sandford to inspect the spot and report. Cheque It was resolved that a cheque be drawn for The Ranger 8 weeks salary and rent to the 28th instant ₤10:0:0. It was resolved that the next meeting be held on Saturday the 28th July next. The meeting terminated at 1 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 Saturday the 28th July 1900 Present Mr. George M. Maryon-Wilson (in the Chair) Mr. C.H. Corbett Mr. Thomas Hyde Mr. Ll. Midgley Mr. Mark Sandford Mr. Albert Turner The minutes of the last meeting were read and confirmed. The Clerk produced the Bank Pass Book showing a balance in hand of ₤126:0:10. Mr. William Carr’s death The letter read from Mr. William Carr thanking the Board for the expression of their sympathy on the death of his father the late Mr. William Carr. Ranger’s holiday The Chairman reported that in exercise of the discretion vested in him he granted the Ranger a holiday from the 20th to the 27th instant. J.C. Stenning rights The Clerk reported that the J.C. Stenning has paid the Forest rate on his properly his claim to rights in respect of which was admitted at the last meeting. Lord Robert Cecil road The Clerk also reported that he wrote Lord Robert Cecil on 30th May as directed at the last meeting and has received a reply dated 1st June last stating that his Lordship could not assent to his account of the effect of the words used to him by a member of the Board on 20th August 1898. Dr. Walsham The Committee appointed at the last meeting report that as Dr. Walsham has not yet removed the gravel or filled in the grip in accordance with has undertaking read at the last meeting they have not gone into the question of mending one of the tracks leading to his house also that they think Dr. Walsham should indicate on a plan the particular track he wishes to mend. It was resolved that the Clerk communicate with him on these points. Also at Mr. Sandford’s request that Mr. Corbett take his place and act with Mr. Midgley as the Committee on that matter. E.H.P. Eason improve footpath The Ranger reported that Mr. Eason has satisfactorily levelled and gravelled the footpath from his property as authorised at the last meeting. H. Clarke Jervoise Gypsies The Clerk reported that he wrote to Mr. Clarke Jervoise on the 30th May last as directed at the last meeting and had heard nothing further from him. Joseph Ridley Millbrook encroachment The Committee appointed the last meeting to inspect the encroachment alleged to have been made by Mr. Joseph Ridley of Millbrook reported that they viewed the spot with Mr. Ridley immediately after the last meeting that Mr. Ridley stated the encroachments had existed in their present condition for a long period of years and that his title to them could be seen by an inspection of his title deeds at Mr. Hillman’s office at Lewes. Mr. Sandford saw the deeds


but could not make much out of them. The Committee also examined the Regulation Awards and found that a small encroachment No. 76a on the north side of Ridley’s holding was sold to him under the Award and was stated to contain ** square yards (which probably allowed 3 feet outside the fence all round). This encroachment corresponds with the positions of the larger one which from a careful measurement made by the Committee on the spot now contains within the fence 110 square yards. The Award map shows no encroachment at or near the position of the present smaller one which measures 44 square yards inside the fence and no land at that spot was sold to Mr. Ridley under the Award but one encroachment No. 76b a little to the north of 76a containing 20 square yards was sold to Mr. Ridley under the Award but is not now inclosed and it might be that Mr. Ridley has substituted one for the other. It was resolved that the Conservators can only recognise the encroachment sold under the Award that Mr. Joseph Ridley be required before the next meeting to reduce the inclosure No. 76a to its proper dimensions viz. 12 square yards within the fence and remove the smaller encroachment and be authorised to re-enclose encroachment No. 16b so that it contain not more than 20 square yards within the fence. Mr. Ridley being in attendance was called in the matter was fully explained to him and the Clerk undertook to send him a plan showing the enclosures and dimensions he was entitled to maintain. Prestridge Warren Mr. Turner stated the weather had not been suitable for making good the surface of the Forest near Prestridge Warren but he undertook to do so as soon as rains have fallen Licences The Clerk reported that since the last meeting acting on the authority given him by the Board he granted the following licence the usual conditions viz: Revd. J.L. Ogle for marquee To the Revd. John L. Ogle permission to erect a marquee on the Forest at Tompsetts Bank for one day in June in connection with the bicentenary celebration of the Society for the Propagation of the Gospel Benson for coconut shies To Benson permission to place coconut shies on the Forest for one day each viz. at Fairwarp on the 13th June and at Tompsetts Bank the 18th June Smith roundabout Tompsetts Bank To Smith permission to place a roundabout on the Forest at Fairwarp on the 13th June. Rubbish Also that he had received a complaint from the Secretary of the Ladies Golf Club at Forest Row of rubbish being deposited on the Forest and had directed the Ranger to see to the matter and had so informed the Lady Secretary. Forest Row Golf Club licence to mend track An application was read from the Secretary of the Royal Ashdown Forest Golf Club for permission to mend the existing track from the south end of Chapel Lane to the Club House so that the traffic may be confined to one route and the damage to the Forest from diverse divergent tracks reduced. It was resolved that permission be given to the Club to do the work subject to the approval of the Forest Row Committee. Mrs. Herbert complaint of damage to road; mend road A letter was read from Mrs. Herbert of Fairview Cottage Fairwarp who had applied for permission to repair the roadway leading from the Duddleswell main road to her cottage being the road as to which a Committee reported to the meeting held on the 17th December 1898 and having complained that Mr. James Hobbs of Spring Garden had damaged the same by taking his traction engine over it and the Ranger having examined the same and reported that apparently Mr. Hobbs had used only the track leading to his own farm. It was resolved that permission be granted to Mrs. Herbert to repair the roadway leading to her cottage to the satisfaction of the Ranger and that it be explained to her that she has not exclusive right to use the same.


1st Sussex Volunteers Royal Engineers application to use Rifle Range A letter was read from the officer commanding 1st Sussex Volunteers Royal Engineers stating that the Corps would encamp at Sheffield Park from 4th August to 1st September and asking permission for about 600 of the corps to fire their musketry course of 35 rounds per man at the Forest Row Rifle Ranger during the encampment. It was resolved the Commanding Officer be informed that the Board assent to the Engineers using the Ranger for that purpose but having regard to the position and populous surroundings of the range the Board cannot permit firing to take place at after 10 o’clock a.m., that as the Engineers will not be able to fire their courses at this range in the time allotted the Conservators assent to their using the range at Kings Standing at all times of the day and impress on them that the firing take place as far as possible at the Kings Standing range. That the Conservators assent is given subject to the Engineers obtaining the consent of Major Oxley who has control of the Forest Row range and of the Officers commanding the G Company of the Cinque Ports Rifles who has control of the Kings Standing range. That the user of each range must be subject to the Regulations imposed by the War Office to those laid down by the Conservators and to the requirements of the Officer having the charge of each range and that the working of the danger flags at each range must be put under the charge of trustworthy men. That a Committee consisting of Mr. Corbett, Mr. Hyde and Mr. Midgley be appointed with full discretionary power to make any arrangements with the Volunteer Engineers and to vary any of the foregoing restrictions and that the Volunteer Engineers be authorised to pitch tents near each range in such localities as the Committee may decide. Frederick Hills cows trespassing The Ranger reported that on the 28th June he saw a son of Frederick Hills a tenant of land on the Wych Cross road part of the Ashdown Park Estate in charge of seven cows which were pasturing on the Forest and which the boy said belonged to his father. J.F. Tribe mend footpath An application was read from Mr. J.F. Tribe owner of Mount Pleasant near *****house Nutley for permission to mend the footpath from the high road to his premises. It was resolved that he be authorised to do subject to the instruction of the Ranger. Sir Spencer Walpole K.C.B. water pipe An application was read from Sir Spencer Walpole, H.C. Bowner of Hartfield Grove and Furnace Farm near Newbridge Hartfield asking permission to lay a pipe across the Forest to carry water from Furnace Farm to Hartfield Grove. It was resolved that subject to the concurrence of the Lord and to the route of the pipe being approved by the Chairman licence be granted to Sir Spencer Walpole subject to the following conditions (1) That Sir Spencer lodges with the Clerk a plan showing the position the pipe would occupy. (2) That it be laid not less than 3 feet below the surface so as to obviate the risk of freezing and consequent

disturbance of the soil. (3) That the Conservators consent must be obtained before breaking ground to exam or repair the pipe. (4) That the licence be revocable by the Conservators after three months notice. (5) That during the continuance of the licence Sir Spencer pays to the Conservators an acknowledgement of

5/- every 1st day of January. W.H. Dixon rubbish The Clerk read a correspondence which had passed with reference to rubbish belonging to Mr. W.H. Dixon chemist of East Grinstead deposited on the Forest at Tompsetts Bank and it was resolved that if the rubbish is not removed at once Mr. Dixon be summoned. Cheques It was resolved that cheques be drawn as follows viz: The Ranger 9 weeks salary and rent to 30th instant ₤11:5:0 The Clerk a half years salary to 30th ult. ₤50:0:0. It was resolved that the next meeting take place on the 15th September next.


The meeting adjusted at 2.30 p.m. Albert Turner Chairman

A meeting of the Conservators of Ashdown Forest duly convened and held at the Nutley Inn, Nutley on Saturday the 27th day of October 1900 at 11 a.m. Present Mr. Albert Turner in the Chair Mr. Thomas Colgate Mr. C.H. Corbett Mr. Llewellyn Midgley Mr. Mark Sandford A quorum of Conservators not being available on the 15th September the meeting was adjourned till this date. It was resolved that in the absence of the Chairman for the year Mr. Albert Turner do take the Chair. The minutes of the last meeting were read and confirmed. The Clerk produced the Bank Pass Book showing a balance in hand of ₤66:4:4. Joseph Ridley Millbrook encroachments The Committee appointed with reference to the encroachments of Joseph Ridley at Millbrook and other matters presented the following report which was read and it was resolved that the same be entered on the minutes. To the Conservators of Ashdown Forest. On Monday the 27th August 1900 the undersigned Conservators with the Clerk and Ranger visited the Forest and met Mr. Joseph Ridley at Millbrook with reference to the encroachments referred to at the last meeting. Mr. Ridley asserted that the larger encroachments part of which containing 72 square yards was sold to him under the Award numbered 76a but now measuring within the fence 110 square yards had been enlarged by him since the purchase but he asserted that the enlargement had been made and enclosed for over twelve years, that he had organised a possessory title and declined to reduce the inclosure to its original proportions. As regards the smaller encroachments he maintained that the area now enclosed has also been enclosed for over twelve years and he also declined to abate or reduce it. On Mr. Ridley’s prescriptive claim the Committee refer the Board to section 36 of the Commons Act 1876. Mr. Ridley purchased under the Award an inclosure numbered 76b containing 20 square yards of which no trace now exits on the Forest and the Committee think it probable that Mr. Ridley is under the impression that the smaller encroachment above referred to and which now contains 44 square yards includes his purchase No. 76b. It is quite possible that a pigstye stood on the spot at the time the encroachments were surveyed and sold under the Award as Mr. Raper states that a few temporary erections of that description were not sold. The Committee has suggested that Mr. Ridley be summoned to the next meeting with a view to making a final effort to induce him to reduce the inclosures. Isaac Waters repres. rubbish The Committee afterwards visited Tompsetts Bank and found an accumulation of building plant, timber, etc. lying on the Forest outside the late Mr. Isaac Waters’ boundary, also that shavings from his workshop were deposited in a pit nearby and they directed the Clerk to call upon the executors to remove the same.


Walsham W.J. footpath etc. They also met Mr. W.J. Walsham at Warrenside when he assured them that he has removed the stones placed on the footpath adjoining his property and expressed regret that he had placed them there without first obtaining the Conservators consent. He stated that to the best of his belief the grip outside the footpath had merely been cleared out and not enlarged and he assured the Committee that he would not again interfere with the Forest without obtaining the Conservators’ consent. Mr. Walsham applied for permission to extend the footpath along the double dotted line shown on the accompanying sketch. Also to repair the cart track shown in black ink on the sketch and that he might fill in the ruts made by carts over various routed pencilled with diagonal lines on the sketch. The Committee recommend that he be permitted to extend the footpath as proposed as there is already a foot track going over the same route and it will be beneficial if this is gravelled before the writer. Mend cast track The Committee an also of opinion that permission should be given to Mr. Walsham to mend the cart track shown in black ink as it will tend to induce tradesmen’s carts to keep to the route and that permission also be granted to him to fill up the cart ruts referred to later in the season when rains are due. This they think will be a great improvement and they recommend that after these tracks have been filled up steps should be taken to prevent persons driving in carts over that part of the Forest. Mr. Walsham expressed a desire to support the Conservators in preserving the beauties of the Forest and has offered to contribute to the expenses of the Conservancy. Dixon W.H. rubbish The Committee found that Mr. W.H. Dixon had not removed the rubbish deposited by him and instructed the Clerk to deal with the matter in a summary manner. C.H. Corbett Thomas Colgate Ll. Midgley Mark Sandford J Ridley **** It was resolved that the Clerk write Mr. Ridley to attend the next meeting. Mr. W.J. Walsham improvements Also that permission be granted to Mr. Walsham (1)to extend the footpath along the double dotted line shown on the sketch. (2)to repair the cart track shown in black ink on the sketch and (3)to fill in the ruts made by carts over various routes permitted with diagonal lines on the sketch The whole of the above to be carried out to the satisfaction of the Committee. Also that the Committee arrange with Mr. Walsham for the cutting of a grip or grips to prevent persons driving over the Forest in carts as referred to in the report. Proposed protection & improvement fund It was also resolved that a suggestion to form a fund for the protection and improvement of the Forest be put on the agenda for consideration at the next meeting. Post near Mr. W.J. Walsham The Ranger reported that in consequence of instructions given him by the Committee on the 27th of August he removed a post which has been set up on the Forest near Mr. Walsham’s property.


Mr. Lucas post on Forest He also reported that he had ascertained a similar post near Mr. Lucas’ property was set up to keep tradesmen’s carts off the green land immediately adjoining his premises. It was resolved that the Ranger remove the post. Representatives of Isaac Waters trespass The Ranger reported that in consequence of notice given by the Clerk the representative of the late Isaac Waters had removed from the Forest the deposits referred to in the Committee report. Sussex Engineers application to use range The Committee appointed at the last meeting to arrange with the 1st Sussex Volunteers Royal Engineers for firing at the rifle ranges during their training reported that the Corps ultimately decided to carry out the shooting on their own Range instead of on the Forest. Sir S. Walpole water pipe The Ranger reported that Sir Spencer Walpole had completed the laying of the water pipe from Furnace Farm to Hartfield Grove in accordance with the terms of the licence granted by the Board. Licences for bonfires The Clerk reported that he had received the following applications for permission to have bonfires on the Forest on the 5 November and acting on the authority committed to him by the Board he had granted same subject to the usual stipulation viz to Mr. J. Shoebridge, Sect. Nutley Bonfire Socy. for Nutley. Mr. Frank Luxford of Woodbine Cottage, Highgate for Forest Row. Mr. E. Taylor of and for Friars Gate Withyham. Mr. Frank Mitchell near Broadstone, Forest Row, for a spot near **** George Philcox obstruction The Ranger reported that on 2nd August he observed Mr. George Philcox of Newbridge was collecting furzes and other hedging at the spot when the Lord’s Reeve and he removed encroachments in September 1898 but that Mr. Philcox has since put the furzes within about three feet of the stem of the hedge. Revd. S.P. Macartney metalling track The Ranger having reported that the Revd. S.P. Macartney was re-metalling parts of the cart track leading from his property to Chapel Lane, Forest Row. The Clerk stated that he wrote to Mr. Macartney enquiring on what authority he was acting and Mr. Macartney having replied that he considered that his action was covered by the permission granted him in January 1895. The Clerk replied pointing out that the permission then given him only authorised him to metal the road at that time and was not a continuous permission. That Mr. Macartney had now written asking for an interview with the Conservators it was resolved that he be invited to attend the next meeting. D. Freshfield interest in Forest The Clerk stated that Mr. Freshfield had written to inform him that he is purchasing from Lord De La Warr certain Manorial rights over part of the Forest between Millbrook and Hindleap Warren and would acquaint him with the details after the purchase has been completed at Michaelmas. Mr. Streatfeild application to light a fire The Clerk reported that on the September he received an application from the Revd. Mr. Streatfeild of Frant who wished to have a picnic on the Forest for permission to light a fire and had replied that as there is a bye law expressly prohibiting anything of the kind permission could not be granted. Bye Law Boards The Clerk reminded the Board that the Byelaws originally put up on notice boards round the Forest had all disappeared and that on the occasion of a prosecution some time ago the East Grinstead Bench pointed this out and recommended that they be replaced and the Clerk pointed out that as persons are liable to prosecution for


breaches of the Byelaws it is desirable they should be restored as suggested. It was resolved that the bye laws notice Boards be resolved in five or more prominent next parts of the Forest and that copies of the bye laws mounted on cardboard are given to such of the Landlords of the principal inns round the Forest who will undertake to hang them up in their tap rooms. Rate The Clerk reported that there would not be sufficient money in hand from the last Forest rate made on the February 1899 to meet all claims payable at the end of the current year. It was resolved that notice be placed on the agenda for the next meeting to make a rate and that the Clerk prepare a rate of 6d. per acre. Audit Committee It was resolved that Messrs. Colgate, Sandford and Turner be appointed a Committee to audit the accounts for the current year and report to the next meeting. Taylor digging The Ranger reported that on the 18th May he found a man employed by Mr. William Taylor of Mardens Hill digging stone on the Forest at St. Johns and burying the top spit. He saw Mr. Taylor who stated he was authorised by the Lord. The Clerk reported the matter to Messrs. Hunt who replied that the Reeve reported the top spit was not buried. The Ranger reported that the digging had since been discontinued and the hole left open. It was resolved that the Clerk drew Messrs. Hunts’ attention again to the matter and request that the hole may be filled in. Samuel Ridley litter The Ranger reported that he found the follow persons not employed by Commoners cutting either on the Forest without a licence. On the 2nd and 22nd October Samuel Ridley for his father Ridley of Fairwarp. Henry Constable litter On the 12th October Henry Constable of Old Forge for himself. John Meopham litter On the 23rd October John Meopham of Saint Johns for himself. Thos. Tester litter And on the same day Thomas Tester of Barnes Gate for himself, he occupying a property recently purchased by Mrs. Nesbitt. J.W. Barron application to make road; Methuen ditto A letter was read from Mr. J.W. Barron the purchaser of Yew Tree Hall on which he proposes to build a house and on behalf of himself and Mr. Methuen the purchaser of Holly Farm asking permission to make a good track sufficient for light carriage traffic from the above mentioned properties to the Hartfield Road for the purpose of concentrating on the same all the traffic which at present cuts up a considerable area of the Forest. It was resolved that he be requested to furbish a detailed plan and sections of the proposed road with a specification showing how it is proposed to construct and metal the same and that on receipt of same the matter will be considered. That as soon as received these particulars be submitted to Messrs. Corbett, Hyde and Midgley who undertook to inquire into the proposal on the spot and report their views thereon at the next meeting. Mr. Joseph Ridley resignation A letter was read from Mr. Joseph Ridley of Horney Common resigning the office of a Conservator at the end of the current year. It was resolved that his resignation be accepted and that the Clerk inform him that the Board accepts it with very great regret and thank him for his services. Cheque It was resolved that a Cheque be drawn for The Ranger 13 weeks salary and house rent to the 29th October ₤16:5:0


Commoners meeting It was resolved that the annual meeting of Commoners be held on Friday the 21st of December next at 11 am. And that the next meeting of the Conservators take place immediately afterwards. The meeting adjourned at 12:50 p.m. George M. Maryon-Wilson Chairman

The Annual Meeting of the Commoners interested in the Forest duly convened by the Clerk by notice in the church door of each of the parishes or ecclesiastical districts into which the Forest extends and by advertisement in three newspapers circulating in the neighbourhood to wit the Sussex Express, East Grinstead Observer and the Sussex Daily News at least fourteen days before this date and held on Friday the 21st day of December 1900 at 11 o’clock in the forenoon at the Nutley Inn, Nutley. Present Mr. George M. Maryon Wilson in the Chair Mr. J.F. Hope M.P. Mr. Thomas Colgate. Mr. Thomas Hyde. Mr. Joseph Ridley (Horney Common) Mr. Joseph Ridley (Millbrook) Mr. William Carr. The Revd. S.P. Macartney Mr. J.L. Ogle Mr. Thomas Page Mr. Mark Sandford Mr. Albert Turner It was proposed by Mr. Albert Turner seconded by Mr. Mark Sandford and resolved that Mr. George M. Maryon-Wilson do take the Chair. The Clerk read the notice convening the meeting and reported that a copy had been sent by post to each commoner and advertised as above mentioned. The Clerk reported that the Conservators retiring by rotation on the 31st instant were The Right Honourable The Earl of Sheffield, Mr. Thomas Colgate and Mr. James Fitzalan Hope M.P. and that Mr. William Carr who died during the past year and whose place had not been filled would if living would have retired at the same date and that a fifth vacancy had arisen by the resignation of Mr. Joseph Ridley of Horney Common. The Chairman having stated that the meeting would first elect four Conservators to fill the four vacancies arising from the ordinary rotation. It was proposed by Mr. Turner and seconded by Mr. J. Ridley of Horney Common that The Right Honourable The Earl of Sheffield be re-elected a Conservator. It was proposed by Mr. Colgate and seconded by Mr. Sandford that Mr. J.F. Hope, M.P. be re-elected a Conservator. It was proposed by Mr. Hope and seconded by Mr. Hyde that Mr. Thomas Colgate be re-elected a Conservator. It was proposed by Mr. Colgate and seconded by Mr. W. Carr that Mr. James Whitewood of Nutley be elected a Conservator in the place of Mr. William Carr deceased.


No other nominations having been made the Chairman declared the five nominees duly elected for the ensuing three years. It was then proposed by Mr. Sandford seconded by Mr. Hope and resolved that Mr. Robert Kenward of Fletching be elected a Conservator in place of Mr. Joseph Ridley resigned. 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 21st day of December 1900 at 11.30 am. Present Mr. George M. Maryon Wilson in the Chair Mr. Thomas Colgate Mr. James F. Hope M.P. Mr. Thomas Hyde Mr. Joseph Ridley Mr. Mark Sandford Mr. Albert Turner. The minutes of the last meeting were read and confirmed. A letter was read from Mr. Corbett regretting his inability to attend the meeting in consequence of indisposition. Elected Conservators The Clerk produced and read the following certification and it was resolved that it be entered on the minutes. It is as follows To Mr. 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 five Conservators I hereby intimate to you that at such meeting the following were elected Conservators namely Mr. Robert Kenward in the place of Mr. Joseph Ridley of Horney Common who resigned and the Right Honourable the Earl of Sheffield, Mr. Thomas Colgate and Mr. James Fitzalan Hope M.P. and Mr. James Whitewood in the place of the three Conservators who retire by rotation on the 31st instant and of Mr. William Carr deceased who if he had lived would also have retired at the same date Dated this 21st day of December 1900 George M Maryon-Wilson Chairman The Clerk produced the Bank Pass Book showing a balance in hand of ₤50:4:4. Accounts for year The Committee appointed at the last meeting to audit the accounts for the current year presented their report and it was resolved that it be entered on the minutes. It is as follows We have examined the accounts for the year ending on the 31st instant and have compared them with the vouchers and have found everything correct. To close the accounts there will be two Cheques to draw one for the Ranger for salary and rent ₤11:5:0


And his postages and other petty disbursements during the year ₤1:1:5 together ₤12:6:5 and one for the Clerk half years salary ₤50 and for one day on the Forest and for his disbursements for hire of room printing postages ₤14:3:6 together ₤64:3:6. The year began with a balance in hand of ₤117:2:10 and will close with an overdraft of ₤26:5:7. We wish to point out that the last week was made 11th February 1899 so that it may be taken to have covered one year and nine months which we think may be considered satisfactory. Dated 21st December 1900 Albert Turner Thomas Colgate Mark Sandford It was resolved that the accounts be approved and signed by the Chairman and that the usual summary thereof be sent to each Commoner. Cheques And that cheques be drawn to close the year’s accounts as follows The Ranger 9 weeks salary and rent to 31st instant ₤11:5:0 Petty disbursements for the year £1:1:5 ₤12:6:5 The Clerk ½ years salary to 31st inst. £50:0:0 Charge for day on Forest with Committee £4:4:0 Cash disbursements during the year £9:19:6

₤ 64:3:6 Clerk’s remuneration Some discussion having taken place with reference to the Clerk’s remuneration arising out of the second item of the account ₤4:4 it was resolved that a Committee be appointed to consider the subject of the Clerk’s remuneration and expenses and to report there on to the Board. It was resolved that the Committee consist of the Chairman, Mr. Corbett and Mr. Turner Rate The Clerk having reported that the proceeds of the last rate would be more than exhausted by payment of the current liabilities and having produced an estimate of the annual expenditure. It was proposed by Mr. Thomas Colgate seconded by Mr. Thomas Hyde 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 Conservation Act 1885 to be levied upon the respective owners of the rights of common upon the Forest at the rate of six pence per acre in respect of the acreage of their respective lands to which such rights attach which Commoners and the respective acreages aforesaid and the respective sums payable by them are here after set out namely

Name Address Acreage Amount £

s

d

Abbey & Sons Brewery, Brighton (late Mary Diplock)

15 0 7 6

Adams, Mr. William Moss Cottage, Newbridge, 2 0 1 0


Hartfield

Andrews, Miss & others 6 Linden Park Tunbridge Wells (late Banister)

1/2 0 0 6

Appleby Mr. Isaac Fords Green Nutley Uckfield 1/2 0 0 6 Arbuthnot W.R. Esq. Plaw Hatch East Grinstead 200 5 0 0 Avis, Mrs Sarah A.

The Hollies, Fryars Gate Withyham (late Martin)

3 0 1 6

Baker Mr. Matthias Chelwood Common Dane Hill Uckfield

2 0 1 0

Baker Mr. William Chelwood Common Dane Hill Uckfield

2 0 1 0


C/o J. Harrison Myers Esq., 15 Chapel Street, Preston, Lancashire

58 1 9 0

Barchard, Mrs. Katherine

Duddleswell Uckfield 12 0 6

Bashford, Mr. John Forest Row East Grinstead 15 0 7 6 Baines Mrs. Lucy Bolbrook Farm Hartfield 5¼ 0 3 0

Bailey, Abe Esq. ******* 180 4 10 0 Bennett, Mrs. Mary Ann 49 Wellesley Road, East Croydon

(late Randle) 2 0 1 0

Birch Peregrine Decd. Repres. Of


88 2 4 0

Birch R. W.P. Esq. Decd. Repres. Of


12 0 6 0

Box Mr. George Suttons, Stumblewood, Birch Grove, East Grinstead

3 0 1 6

Box Mr. Richard

C/o Mr. Geo. Box, Suttons, Stumblewood, Birch Grove, East Grinstead

5¾

0 3 0

Browning Mr. William Chelwood Common Dane Hill Uckfield

9½

0 5 0

Browning Mr. William Colliers & Jessops Crofts Hook Hill

9¼

0 5 0

Budd Budd Fred. I. Restlands West Hoathly East Grinstead

145 3 12 6

Carr Mr. William Nutley Uckfield 8 0 4 0 Clarke Stephenson Bridge House ****** London 133:3:15 3 7 0 Clarke Stephenson R. Esq.


56:2:0 1 0 0


Carlton Club Pall Mall SW

213 5 6 6

Colgate Thomas Esq. Sheffield Park Uckfield 4 0 2 0 Cook Misses Bessie & Fanny



2 0 1 0

Cope & Buckley Messrs

c/o Cope & Co. 3 Gr. George St Westminster S.W.

5 0 2 6

Corbett, Charles Esq. Woodgate, Dane Hill Park Uckfield 233 5 16 6 Dadswell, Mr. Robert c/o Mr. Spencer Tester Brown’s

Brook, Buxted 1 0 0 6

Darling The Rev. F The Ridge Hartfield 4 0 2 0 Du Croz Chas G. Esq. Court Lands West Hoathly E. 80 2 0 0


Grinstead Eason, Edward Henry Physick Esq.

43 Bishopsgate Street Without London E.C. (late Melville)

1:1:8 0 1 0

Edwards Mrs S. Chapel Lane, Forest Row (late Banister)

0:1:18 0 1 6

Farmer Mrs. Esther Graddocks Farm, Hartfield, Tunbridge Wells

3 0 1 6

Faber, Alfred Esq. Forest Row, East Grinstead (late Banister)

3:0:16 0 2 0

Fleet Mr. George Grislings Common Piltdown Uckfield

2½

0 1 3

Freshfield, Douglas


200 5 2 0

Freshfield, Douglas

House and land at Stumblewood (late C. Turner)

4 0 0 0



Gasson Mr. Humphrey Chelwood Common Dane Hill Uckfield

3 ½

0 2 0


C/o Messrs. Norton Trest & Gilbert, 79 Queen St., Cheapside E.C.

40 1 0 0

Gillham Mr. James Nutley Uckfield 2 ¼ 0 1 6 Goard Mrs. Phillipa. Philcox

Forest Row Green, East Grinstead 3 ¾ 0 1 10 ½

Goldsmith Mr. Thomas Maresfield Uckfield 1 0 0 6 Goldsmiths’ Company Goldsmith’s Hall London E.C. 100 2 10 0 Gordon, John F. Domaha, Forest Row East

Grinstead 5:1:36 0

3 0

Hale The Misses c/o Joseph Turner Esq. East

Grinstead 69 1 14 6

Hardy Guy Charles Danehurst, Fletching 311 ½ 7 16 0 Head, F.H.

Goldstrow, Piltdown, Uckfield (late John Head)

10 0 5 0

Heasman Mrs. Eliza




2 ½ 0 1 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

Withyham Tunbridge Wells 4 0 2 0

Hoath, Mr. Amos Temples School, Denmark Terrace, Brighton

3 0 1 6

Hooker, Mr. John Hartfield Tunbridge Wells 7 0 3 6 Hope, James F. Herons Ghyll, Buxted, Uckfield 430 ½ 10 15 6


Cleveland, New Church Rd. Brighton

28 0 14 0

Hussey, The Revd, A.L. The Grange, Thorncliffe Road, Folkestone

2 0 1 0

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


Grinstead Inns, Mr. Alfred George Mount Pleasant, Fairwarp, Uckfield 4 0 2 0 Kenward, Mr. Robert Fletching, Uckfield 74 1 17 0 Knight, Mr. Luther Manor Farm, Cocking, Midhurst,

Sussex 2 0 1 0

Larnach, D. Esq. Repres. of

C/o Joseph Farmer Esq., East Grinstead

500 12 10 0


0 1 0

Leslie, J.E. 17 Bedford Row, London, W.C. 140 3 10 0 Longley, Mr. C. Oakhurst, Chapel Lane, Forest

Row (late Banister) 0:1:1 0 0 6

Chatterton **** ******** Macartney, The Revd. Sydney

Shalesbrook, Forest Row 4 ¼

0 2 6

Macartney, The Revd. Sydney

(late Col. Macartney) 1 ¼

0 1 0

Magrath, Miss Fanny The Elms, Forest Row, East Grinstead

7 0 3 6

Manners, Mr. James Thomas


5 0 2 6


5 0 2 6

Maresfield, The Rector of

The Rectory, Maresfield 100 2 10 0

Marriott, Mr & Miss C.I. c/o Messrs. Hastie, 65 Lincolns Inn Field, W.C (*** sold to Shoebridge)

116

2 16 0

Marsden, James. Hurst Wood House, Hurst Wood, Buxted (late ****)

3 ½

0 2 0

Martin, Edward Woodcote ***** 1:1:28 0 1 0 Martin, Mr. William Coach & Horses, Dane Hill,

Uckfield 7 ½

0 4 0

Martin, Mr. Henry Cullingfords, Dane Hill, Uckfield 5 ½ 0 3 0 Maynard *** ***** 12 0 6 0 Maynard, Mr. George Cold Harbour Farm, Forest Row,

E. Grinstead 5 0 2 6

Midgley, Llewellyn Birch Grove Lodge, near East Grinstead

13 0 6 6

Miles, Mr. William Forest Row, East Grinstead 1 0 0 6 McAndrew, John Esq. J.P.

Holly Hill, Hartfield, Tunbridge Wells

196 4 18 0

Munster, Count Alexander

Maresfield Park, Uckfield 2546:2:30 63 13 6

Noble, Captain William Forest Lodge, Nutley, Uckfield 15 0 7 6 Norman, Mr. Henry Fairwarp, Maresfield, Uckfield 6 0 3 0 Norris, Edward S. Barons Down, Lewes (late

Munster)

Ogle, Revd. J.L. Aegen Gill, Forest Row, East Grinstead

3:2:26 0 2 0

Osborne, Mrs Esther Londonderry, Nutley, Uckfield 2 ½ 0 1 6 Osborne, Miss C/o Mr Edward Wilson, Mount

Stewart, Fairwarp 4 0 2 0




7 0 3 6


Duddleswell, Maresfield, nr. Uckfield

17 0 8 6

Page, Mr. Jesse; Page, Mr. William; Taylor, Mr. George Edward

Summerford Farm, near Fairwarp, Uckfield

7 0 3 6



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

(late Henry Whitewood) 130 ¾ 38

4 5 6

Porter, Mr. John Ringmer, Lewes 21 0 10 6 Porter, Mr. John (late Randle) 6 0 13 6 Ridley, Mr. Joseph Horney Common, Nutley, Uckfield 14 0 7 0 Ridley, Mr. Joseph Millbrook, Nutley, Uckfield 12 0 6 0 Ridley, Mr. Sylvanus Forest Farm, Danehill, Uckfield 15 0 7 6 Ridley (or Gurr), Mr. Timothy John


5 0 2 6

Ridley, Mr. William Minepits, Nutley, Uckfield 3 ¼ 0 2 0 Ridley, Mrs. Lucy Rose (H.J.)


12 0 6 0

ditto (late James Diplock) 7:2:36 0 10 0 Russell, Stanley Hanbury, Forest Row (late Grieve) 3:3:20 0 2 0 Sadlier, Mrs. C/o Joseph Turner Esq.


Sandford, Mark Maresfield, Uckfield 1 ¾ 0 1 0 Sayers, Mr. Stephen Forest Row, East Grinstead ¼ 0 0 1

½ Sheffield, the Right Hon. The Earl of

Sheffield Park, Fletching, Uckfield 946 23 13 0

Shoebridge, Mr. Owen Cackle St, Maresfield, Uckfield 3 ½ 0 2 0 Shoebridge, Mr. Thomas Nutley, Uckfield 5 ¾ 0 3 0 Shoebridge, Mr. Thos. Richardson



Lewes (late Banister)

4 0:2:30

0 2 6

Stevenson, Mr. Joseph near Windmill, Nutley, Uckfield 1 ¾ 0 1 0 Streatfeild, R.J. Esq. c/o Messrs. Powell & Co.

Lewes 240 6 0 0

Tamplin & Sons Brewery Brighton Ltd

Phoenix Brewery, Brighton (late Lyell)

½

0 0 6

Tapps, Gervis Miss Clara


925 23 2 6

Taylor Mr. William Darvell Beech Farm, Battle 2 0 1 0 Tetley, Joseph Jnr.

5&6 Fenchurch St. E.C. (late Edwards)

15 0 7 6

Tomsett, Mr. Jesse


3 0 1 6

Turner Albert Esq. The Limes, Nutley, Uckfield 85 ½ 2 3 0 Turner Mr. Elias Chelwood Common, Danehill, 7 ¼ 0 4 0


Uckfield Turner Mr. James

Hugletts Pit, Maresfield 15 0 7 6

**** Sols. * Frederick Place, Old Jewry, E.C.

¾

0 1 0

Tyler Mr. Enoch Horney Common, Uckfield 5 ¾ 0 3 0 Wallis Mr. Joseph P. ″Coopers Arms″ Crowborough,

2 ½ 0 1 3

***** ******** 2 0 1 0 Walpole, Sir Spencer The Grove, Hartfield (late Melville) 61:2:26 1 11 0 Walters, Mr. Walter Coal merchant, Uckfield (late Page

and others) 34 ½

0 17 6

Waters Forest Row, East Grinstead 1 ½ 0 1 0 Waters Mr. James Ditto (late Banister) 0:2:8 0 0 6 Webb, Mrs. Marian G. Fryars Gate, Withyham, Tunbridge

Wells 2 0 1 0

Welfare Mrs. Eliza


3 0 1 6

Wheatley Mr. Joseph

Coleman’s Hatch, Hartfield. Tunbridge

4 0 2 0

Wheeler Mr. Charles


5 0 2 6

Whitewood, Mr. James Nutley, Uckfield 2 ½

0 1 6

Wickens Mr. J. H

Dane Hill, Uckfield 44 ½ 1 2 6

Wickens Mr. Simeon

Chelwood Common, Dane Hill, Uckfield (late Randle)

57 ½ 20

1 19 0



15 0 7 6

Wilson Mr. Edward Mount Pleasant, Fairwarp 1 0 0 6 Wilson Sir Spencer M. Maryon Bart

″Searles″, Fletching, Uckfield )

1660 41 10 0

Wood, Mr. Jesse Blacklands Farm, Forest Row (late Keys)

8 ½

0 4 6

Wood John Edgar 55 Grays Inn Road, Holborn W. C 4 0 2 0 Woods M.S. Grosvenor Esq.

Mountfield, Bonchurch, Isle of Wight

498 12 9 0

Wood, Mr. Thomas Daynes

The Hollies, Bennett Park, Blackheath, Kent

30 ¼

0 15 6

Wood, Mr. Charles Maresfield, Uckfield 12 0 6 0

Wood, Mr. William Moat Farm, Edenbridge, Kent (late James Diplock)

27:2:39 0 14 0

Wormald, Edward Esq. 15 Berkeley Square, London W. 57 1 8 6 Young Mr. William Fincham, Hartfield,


Joseph Ridley, Millbrook encroachments Mr. Joseph Ridley of Millbrook attended pursuant to the direction given at the last meeting with reference to his encroachments on the Forest. It was pointed out to him that in 1886 the inclosure No.76a in the Schedule to the Award was measured for the Valuer by Mr. Cowper and was found to contain 72 square yards and that quantity only was sold to Mr. Ridley and conveyed to him by deed, but that it has been since enlarged and now contained within the fence recently put up 110 square yards. That the smaller encroachment was not shown on the Ordnance


Map of 1876 and was not sold or conveyed to him, but that another encroachment 76b containing 20 square yards and situate a short distance from the others was sold and conveyed to Mr. Ridley but has now ceased to be inclosed. Section 36 of the Commons Act 1876 was read to him. It was explained to him that this Act excluded the application of the statute of limitations and he was called on by the Board to reduce encroachment 76a to its original dimensions and to throw out the other unauthorised enclosure and he was informed that he was at liberty to re-enclose encroachment No. 76a. He was also recommended to see a Solicitor and place him in communication with the Clerk. Ultimately the matter was adjourned to enable Mr. Ridley to inspect the Award and map and he was informed that if he intimated his readiness to comply the Committee would set out with him the proper bounds of inclosures 76a and 76b. Protection and Improvement Fund Mr. Corbett being prevented by indisposition from attending this meeting it was resolved that the subject of forming a fund for the protection and improvement and of the Forest of which he had given notice at the last meeting be adjourned till the next meeting Revd. J.P. Macartney repairing cart track The Revd. J.P. Macartney accompanied by the Revd. J.L. Ogle attended and stated that be presumed when the Board in January 1895 gave him permission to gravel the old cart track running from Chapel Lane to the west of his property that permission authorised him to repair it from time to time. The Chairman explained that the permission then given extended only to such repairs as be thought fit to carry out at the time and that the Board could not see their way to grant continuous permission and that if in the future he desired to repair the track he must on each occasion first obtain the permission of the Board. Mr. Macartney then applied for permission again to repair the track and it was resolved that permission be granted him accordingly. Bonfire licences The Clerk reported that since the last meeting licences have been granted to have bonfires on the Forest on the 6th November last viz: To Joseph Martin at Chelwood Gate To Alfred Dadswell at Browns Brook Job Luxford trespass A correspondence between the Clerk and Mr. Job Luxford with reference to building materials placed by the Mr. Luxford on the Forest in connection with some building operations he was executing for Mr. Lucas at Tompsetts Bank and some earth excavated for foundations which he has deposited in holes on the Forest was then read and considered and it was resolved that the Clerk give Mr. Luxford notice to remove entirely to the satisfaction of the Ranger within fourteen days all materials deposited by him or his men on the Forest(other than earth deposited in holes) failing which or in case any other materials or earth be hereafter deposited on the Forest by him or his employees without the permission of the Conservators being first obtained to be at once prosecuted for breach of the Bye Laws. Isaac Waters & Sons trespass A correspondence between the Clerk and Messrs. Isaac Waters & Sons with reference to earth taken by them from a well and deposited on the Forest near Mrs. Cook’s house was also read and considered and it was resolved that a similar notice be given to Messrs. Isaac Waters & Sons. Tompsetts Bank cart tracks A letter was read from Mr. Smee pointing out that the Forest between his house and the Ashdown Forest hotel was being cut by carts and suggesting that one moderately good road should be made between Mr. Lucas’ house and the Hotel. It was resolved that the matter be referred to the Committee dealing with matters at Forest Row to consider and report to the Board.


T.J. Ridley or Gurr cart tracks The Ranger reported that considerable quantities of sand are being carted to West Hoathly from the pit near the Goat worked by Mr. Timothy J. Ridley or Gurr and that Forest was being much cut up by the traffic. It was resolved that this matter also be referred to the same Committee to consider and report to the Board. Taylor digging Referring to the resolution passed at the last meeting a letter was read from Messrs. Hunt & Co. stating that under the direction of the Lord’s Reeve. Mr. Taylor has filled up the hole referred to. Histed post The Ranger reported that a tethering post has below put up by Mr. Histed, butcher of Forest Row, on the Forest near the Royal Ashdown Forest Golf Club House. It was resolved that Mr. Histed be informed that it must be placed close to the Club fence or removed altogether. Alfred Walters Sr. repairing track The Ranger reported that on the 1st instant he saw Alfred Walters Senr. of Fairwarp repairing a track way which crosses the Forest from the Blacksmith’s at Fairwarp to cottages near Marlpits. It was resolved that he be informed that he must in future obtain the permission of the Board before interfering with the surface of the Forest. A. Turner cart tracks; fence at Cackle St. The Ranger reported that Mr. Albert Turner had filled in the ruts on the Forest near Prestridge Warren and repaired the fence round the pit at Cackle Street to his satisfaction. F.V. Hadlow litter The Ranger reported that on the 20th November he saw a man cutting litter on the Forest for Mr. F.V. Hadlow of Parkhurst, Buxted, and stopped him. The Clerk stated he had a correspondence with Mr. Hadlow who was under the impression his property had rights. The Clerk pointed out his property was not rated and if he could prove the necessary user he must claim in the usual way and the Board would inquire into the matter. Bye Law notice boards etc. It was resolved that the Clerk be authorised to carry out the resolution passed at the last meeting with reference to recovering the Bye Law Boards and depositing copies and cards at the Inns round the Forest. Ladies Golf Links repairs A letter was read from Mr. Corbett stating that permission had been given to the Ladies Golf Club at Forest Row to take up the turf and alter the levels on the 8th green of the ladies links and patch some of the other greens of the tees provided that no turf be taken from other parts of the Forest and the work be completed to the satisfaction of the Ranger. Messrs. Barron & Methuen road The Clerk reported that he had received plans and a section of the road which Messrs. Barron & Methuen desired to construct from their properties to Quabrook Gate and had handed them to the Committee appointed at the last meeting to report on the application. The following report was presented by the Committee and read and it was resolved that it be entered on the minutes. Ashdown Forest Application by Messrs. Barron and Methuen for permission to make a road. Report of Committee A Committee consisting of Messrs. Corbett, Hyde and Midgley visited the site of the proposed new road on Wednesday December 5 1900 and report in favour of granting Messrs. Barron and Methuen’s application on the following conditions:


1. That the road be make in accordance with the plans with the addition of three passing points at x,y,z where the road should be 14 feet wide (see plan).

2. That proper culverts or drain ways be made to carry off the water coming from the higher )western) ground. The one culvert at C on plan is not sufficient.

3. That open grips should be cut for drainage on each side of the new road except at the passing places. At these points the drainage should be by pipes. There must be ways to and from the road on to the Forest.

4. That all existing cart tracks between the Brook and a line drawn from W to W’’’’’ be filled in, levelled and grassed whether the tracks be caused by the applicants or not (see plan).

5. That the road should be begun at once and completed by 31st April to carts carrying anything but farm produce should be allowed on the Forest coming from or going to either enclosure until the new road be made and then only be the new road

6. That a sufficient deposit be made to secure the fulfilment of these conditions 7. That a rent be paid or a lump sum in lieu of rent. The Committee in recommending the new road feel they have no alternative if the appearance and herbage of the Forest is to be saved. The applicants have bought their encloses under the impression (apparently) that a right to carry farm produce over the Forest to and from their enclosures can be used for all purposes; and that a right to use a certain defined track gives a right to deviate to any intent, even 50 yards away or more as soon as increased cartage has made the old track impassable. The damage done in this case is serious. From 2 to 3 acres of Forest have been used as cartways, one acre being like a ploughed field. The Committee consider that in view of the probable repetition of these acts by persons similarly situated it may be well for the Board to take steps to ascertain their rights on the following points. 1. Whether a right to carry farm produce over the Forest can be enlarged into a right of way for all purposes, e.g. to carry building material.

2. Whether a private right of way along a well known track gives a right to deviate and made a new track and again and again to deviate when the new tracks become successively impassable. It should be recommended that these are not cases of public rights of way but of private easements so that the common law rights to deviate when the high road becomes ********* does not necessarily apply. The Committee suggest that in the future the Ranger should at once report any case of a person using a Forest track to carry anything but farm produce and that the Clerk should be instructed to write and forbid the act as an encroachment. Should the act be persisted in the Clerk should call a Board to consider the question of testing the Board’s rights

Golf Club Subsequently the Committee visited the Golf Course and saw Mr Chignell the Hon. Sec. and gave him permission to make a few slight alterations to the course. The Committee also viewed and approved the direction of the road the Club have permission to make. C.H. Corbett Thomas Hyde The Report places and section were then considered and it was resolved: 1. That as regards recommendation 3 provision must be made to drain the grips into the Quabrook. 2. That as regards recommendation no. 5 the words from “no carts” to the end of the paragraph be not

confirmed. 3. That as regards recommendation no. 6 the deposit be fixed at £40 or £20 for each of the two gentlemen. 4. That a proper licence embodying the various terms decided on and with the usual conditions be drawn up

and agreed to in writing by Messrs. Barron and Methuen. 5. That an acknowledgement of £1 each be paid by Mr. Barron and Mr. Methuen to the Conservators on the 1st

January next and on every subsequent 1st January so long as the licence continues unrevoked. 6. That in the opinion of the Board it is advisable that the foundation of the road should be a foot of rubble

instead of six inches.


7. That it is made clear in the licence that the road when made is to be for the use of all persons lawfully entitled to take carts or wagons of any description over the Forest.

8. That the whole of the works be executed to the satisfaction of the Committee. 9. That as Mr. Corbett and Mr. Midgley were not present at this meeting the recommendation as to the Board

taking to ascertain their rights on certain points be adjourned to the next meeting. 10. That subject to the above alterations additions and exceptions the report be adopted 11. That subject to Messrs. Barron and Methuen agreeing to the terms set out in the report as above be modified

and to the Lord consenting thereto a licence be granted to them to make the road accordingly. It was resolved that the next meeting be held on Friday the 1st March next or on such earlier day as the Chairmen may deem expedient. The meeting terminated at 3.45 p.m. George M. Maryon-Wilson Chairman

A meeting of the Conservators of Ashdown Forest duty convened and held at the Nutley Inn, Nutley on Friday the 1st day of March 1901 at 11 a.m. Present Mr. George M. Maryon Wilson in the Chair Mr. Thomas Colgate Mr. C.H. Corbett Mr. Robert Kenward Mr. Mark Sandford Mr. Albert Turner Mr. James Whitewood Election of Chairman for the year This being the first meeting of the year the first business was the election of a Chairman of the Board for the current year. Mr. Albert Turner was voted to the Chair for the purpose of conducting the election. It was proposed by Mr. Mark Sandford seconded by Mr. Albert Turner and unanimously resolved that Mr. George M. Maryon-Wilson be the Chairman of the Board for the current year. Mr. Albert Turner then vacated the Chair and Mr. George M. Maryon-Wilson having taken it expressed his acknowledgements to the members for the renewal of their confidence. The minutes of the last meeting were read and confirmed. The Clerk reported that the balance to the credit of the Conservators at the bank amounts of £97:15:1. New Conservators accept office The Clerk reported that the Mr. Robert Kenward and Mr. James Whitewood had by letter accepted the office of Conservators to which they were elected on the 21st December last. The Clerk reported that the Forest rate made at the last Meeting was confirmed by the Board of Agriculture on the 29 December last and that the demand notes were sent out with the annual summary of accounts and that he had collected and paid into the bank £132:2:8 on account of it.


Job Luxford trespass, Isaac Waters & Sons trespass; Mr. Histed post; Thomas Harbour camping The Ranger reported that Mr. Job Luxford and Messrs. Isaac Waters & Sons had satisfactorily removed from the Forest materials referred to at the last meeting also that Mr. Histed has complied with the resolution passed at the last meeting with regard to the tethering post. Also that on the 17th January last Thomas Harbour was summoned at the Uckfield Petty sessions for camping on the Forest and in his absence was fined 10/- including costs or 7 days imprisonment in default of distress. F. Weeks depositing earth Mr. F. Weeks of Tompsetts Bank having applied for permission to deposits some earth the Clerk on 16th January last instructed the Ranger if it was good soil (and not rubbish) to arrange with Mr. Weeks to put it into some specified hole on the Forest that might need filling up provided he levelled it properly and the Ranger reported that this was done under his direction and to his satisfaction. James Walters litter The Ranger also reported that on 21st January on the Forest near Paines Hill Fairwarp he saw the son of James Walters of Browns Brook loading litter for his father. The Clerk made enquiry and Captain Larking’s Bailiff wrote him starting that James Walters rents part of Oldlands which has Forest rights. John Jones horse grazing; John Collins Senior horse grazing The Ranger reported that on 14th February he found two horses on the Forest at Wych Cross belonging to John Jones, dealer of Chelwood Common, the order to John Collins Senior a gipsy of Chelwood Gate. The Clerk stated that Bye Law 6 is a very difficult one to construe and that he gave the Ranger very specific written instructions how to proceed. Road posts near Red Lion Inn Mr. Midgley reported that the new posts had been put in around the corner of the Forest near the Red Lion Inn at Chelwood Gate to mark the road turning to Horsted Keynes. Mr. Douglas Freshfield complaints The Clerk read a letter from Mr. Douglas Freshfield complaining that the Commoners are not informed of the result of Commoners’ meeting and suggesting that with notice of each rate notice should be sent of changes in the composition of the Board Mr. John McAndrew complaint The Clerk also had 2 letters from the Mr. John McAndrew a former Conservator suggesting that the proceedings at meetings of Commoners should be published. That notices of rates should bear the signature of the Chairman or Clerk. That the Summary of accounts of each year should be made up to 30th November instead of 31st December and should be circulated before each annual meeting of the Commoners. Expressing surprise that the Board had accepted a contribution of £35 per annum from the Golf Club and enquiring whether their powers had been extended to cover this transaction and what consideration had been granted to the Club in return. Suggesting that the names and addresses of the Conservators and of their officers should be printed on the back of any annual statement of accounts. Additions to Annual Summary of accounts It was resolved that the names and addresses of Conservators and of their officers be printed in future in the annual Summary of accounts and that Mr. Freshfield and Mr. McAndrew be informed thereof.


It was also resolved that Mr. McAndrew be informed that the Conservators have no control over the Meetings of Commoners but that the press have always been admitted to them That the Board see no reason at present to depart from the practice established by their predecessors of not admitting the press to their meetings. That applications for Forest rates have always from issued with the name of the Clerk printed on them. That to alter the financial year would be attended with much inconvenience but the Board will bear the suggestions in mind. That the arrangement was made by the Board with the Golf Club in obedience to a resolution passed at the Commoners Annual Meeting on the 16th December 1899 pursuant to notice given to each Commoner that the position of the Club in relation to the Forest was to be considered at that Meeting. Tracks across the Forest near Mr. Smee; track from sand pit near the Goat. The Forest Row Committee stated that owing to the state of the weather having prevented inspection they had not yet been able to deal with the suggestion of Mr. A.R. Smee that one good road should be substituted for the numerous cart tracks near his house or with the question of cart tracks from the sand pit near the Goat. Job Luxford application to drain quarry An application having been made by Mr. Job Luxford for permission to drain the stone quarry worked by the him at Hollies Down. It was resolved that it to be referred to the Forest Row Committee to consider and report. Protection and Improvement Fund The question of forming a fund for the Protection and Improvement of the Forest was brought forward by Mr. Corbett and after full consideration on the proposition of Mr. Corbett seconded by Mr. Sandford it was unanimously resolved that all acknowledgements for licences and contributions and other than Forest rates and fines recovered at Petty Sessions received on or after 1st January last be joined into a separate fund to be called “the Protection and Improvement Fund” and be applied for the protection and improvement of the Forest. Tracks over Forest Mr. Corbett drew attention to the extensive injury which is done to the surface of the Forest (1) by reason of persons building houses on inclosures on the Forest hitherto used only for pastoral or agricultural purposes, the carriage of heavy building materials to the same and increased traffic to and from the same in connection with the occupations of such houses and (2) by the fact that when a cart track over the Forest has became seriously cut up persons make fresh cart tracks adjacent thereto and (3) to the fact that persons in some cases fill in such tracks with stone and gravel and thus convert the tracks from their original character of green ways. After considering the subject fully it was proposed by Mr. Corbett seconded by Mr. Colgate and unanimously resolved that the Clerk prepare and lay before Counsel a case to advise the Conservators as to their legal position and powers in relation to these matters. Road Authorities applications to dig The East Sussex County Council having applied for the consent of the Conservators pursuant to Section 20 of the Commons Act 1896 to dig and carry away from the undermentioned spots on the Forest the road materials following, viz:

Cubic yards Description of material Point from which it is proposed to obtain material

60 stone Isle of Thorns pit in Parish of Fletching

60 stone Millbrook pit in Parish of Maresfield

100 gravel Kingstanding in Parish of Buxted


40 stone Opposite Fox Coffee Tavern parish of Maresfield

240 gravel Kingstanding and near the Five Hundred

It was resolved that the Board observing that these is a substantial reduction in the quantity applied for grant such consent on the same terms and conditions as those contained in the licence dated the 16th December 1899. The East Grinstead Rural District Council having applied for the Board’s consent to dig and carry away road materials from the same spots and in the same quantities as granted by licence to them dated the 16th December 1899 it was resolved that the Clerk point out to the Council that at the conference held at Lewes on the 21st November 1899 it was understood that application would be discontinued in the future or that the quantities applied for would be gradually reduced and that having regard to the injury done to the surface of the Forest by digging for road materials the Board can only consent to the digging and carrying away of the following quantities of stone sand and gravel on the same terms and conditions as these contained in the licence of the 16th December last namely: 50 cubic yards from near St. John’s Church, Crowborough 100 cubic yards between the south side of the Five Hundred and Greenwood Gate 50 cubic yards near Guide post south side of Goat Farm 100 cubic yards near Kingstanding Also that the Clerk impress on the Council that more care be taken to preserve the top spit. Joseph Ridley Millbrook encroachments M. Turner reported that Mr. Joseph Ridley of Millbrook called on him after the last Meeting and inspected the Award map and undertook to reduce Encroachment No. 76a to its original proportions to abate the other encroachment referred to at the meeting of the 29th October last inclosing encroachment No. 76b in its stead. It was resolved that the Committee originally appointed to deal with this matter be requested to inspect and see that Mr. Ridley carries out his promise and to report to the next meeting. Mr. F.R. Lucas The Forest Row Committee reported that had given Mr. F.R. Lucas permission to fill in the ruts in the roadway leading from his house near Tompsetts Bank to the main road. Messrs. Barron & Methuen The Clerk stated that a draft of the licence proposed to be granted to Mr. Barron and Methuen to make a road across the Forest to Quabrook Gate was prepared and sent to Mr. Barron for approval but that he asked for the time to be extended in order to make the road as the ground was too wet to make it now and pressed for the omission of the clause reserving the right to revoke the licence. Mr. Corbett stated that since the matter was before the Committee a very considerable additional area of the Forest had been badly cut up by the carriage of building materials. It was resolved that Mr. Barron’s attention be drawn to this serious damage. That he be informed the Conservators have no power to bind the Commoners by granting an irrevocable licence. That they are willing to extend the time for completing the road until the 29th September next. But that having regard to the extensive damage done to the surface of the Forest they cannot proceed further with the application for the licence unless Mr. Barron and Mr. Methuen at once give the Clerk their ****** undertaking(1) that they will immediately make a faggot road over the site of the proposed roadway and will not carry any traffic over any other route than such faggot road and (2) that they will at once commence and before the 1st May next completely make good all damage to the surface of the Forest which in the opinion of the Committee


has been caused by their traffic. That if the foregoing conditions are completed with the licence embodying the additional conditions above defined may be granted subject to the Lord’s consent. Also that the Clerk enquire of Mr. Barron what is meant by the reference in his letter of the 29th January last to improving the neighbouring ground. Douglas W. Freshfield rights acquired from the Lord The Clerk reported that the Solicitors of Mr. Douglas William Freshfield of Kidbrooke Park had communicated to him particulars of a Deed dated the 16th November last whereby Earl De La Warr and other necessary parties conveyed to Mr. Freshfield all the rights of the present Earl De La Warr of sporting cutting trees or underwood and quarrying and all other rights and privileges which the present Earl may have as the Lord of the Manor of Duddleswell over land between the Kidbrook Estate on the north and Prestridge Warren on the south and bounded on the East & West by red lines on a plan deposited with the Clerk including all rights of the present Earl in respect of any quarries already specified theirin or under any Leases or Agreements for Leases or Tenancies of any quarries of sporting rights of any other Lease or Agreements for Leases or tenancies granted over or on the same by him or his predecessors ****. The Clerk having pointed out that the deed did not recuse to Mr. Freshfield the power to take proceedings for the protection of the trees and underwood inasmuch as he would have no property in them *** he had severed them. Mr. Freshfield obtained a further deed dated the 13th February last whereby the portion of the Forest above defined was conveyed to him for the life of the present Earl without impeachment of **** subject to the rights (if any) of the Commoners. That as the Commoners rights were then queried the Clerk had thought it necessary to send to Mr. Freshfield’s Solicitors a copy of the judgement in Hale & others v. Earl De La Warr defining the Commoners’ rights and to draw their attention to the order for regulation, the ******* made these and the Bye Laws and to point out that the supply of brakes fern heather and litter, birch willow and alder are at the present time insufficient to supply the lawful requirements of the Commoners. Earl De La Warr proposed lease The Committee appointed on the 16th December 1899 to negotiate with the Lords representatives for a lease of the Forest presented the following interim report on the subject which was read and it was resolved that it be entered on the minutes. Ashdown Forest Rights Interim Report of Committee Gentleman We as the Committee appointed by the Board of Conservators to conduct the negotiations with the Mr. Nicholson as steward of the Manor on behalf of Earl De La Warr with the view of obtaining from the Lord a lease to the Conservators of his rights over the Forest so as to extinguish as far as possible the system of dual control now existing over it, have to place you the following report as the result of those negotiations. The draft lease submitted by Mr. Nicholson on the 18th January last subsequent to a preliminary interview at Lewes in the month of September 1900 between Mr. Nicholson, Mr. Corbett and Mr. Sandford at which the whole question in its general bearings was informally discussed, was for the term of 21 years at an annual rent of £75 payable quarterly. With regard to this term and the method of payment of rent, we have stipulated that the term should be determinable by the Lessees at the end of the first seven years, taking the view that the shorter period would facilitate the raising of the necessary money for the rent by inducing guarantors to come forward who might object to a longer term of liability. To this Mr. Nicholson has replied (a letter 1st February 1901) pointing out that this power should be mutual and stating that he has altered the draft accordingly. As to the method of payment the Lord until any necessity arises to the contrary is prepared to accept a half yearly or even yearly rent. With reference to the general character of the lease as originally submitted we think that we should at once state that it contains many reservations and restrictions chiefly if not entirely in favour of the Lord and that in connection with them generally Mr. Nicholson remarks in a marginal note that the lease in itself must be regarded in the light of a concession by the Lord. As to these reservations we have felt that we could with the object of facilitating the approval of the draft and at the same time without prejudicing the interests of the Lessees give way upon several of them and these therefore


we us not propose in this report to detail to you. After conceding them, however, four points are still left which after careful consideration we feel involve so closely the interests of the leases as an essential if not vital part of the scheme that they cannot if the lease is to attain its object and some appreciable advantages to the Lessees is to be derived from the rent payable under it be safely abandoned and they are as follows: 1st. Timber In the clause prohibiting the cutting of timber without the consent of the Lord is also underwood is also included on the ground that if the Forest is stripped of the underwood, furze, etc. it will become one uninteresting and very unproductive pasture and not worth the money expended on it (**** 5th February 1901) We consider that underwood should not be included in this reservation but that the Lessees should have the power to cut it without the consent of the Lord if only as a source of income towards meeting the rent. Further a right to cut underwood with discretion is necessary to preserve the growing timber on the Forest. 2nd Drainage and roads It is proposed to restrict the Lessees from laying pipes for the purpose of draining the Forest in connection with roads, etc. on the ground that if they had the right to drain there was any application to part in pipes etc., it might be done under ***** of these concessions (letter 5th Feb. 1901). In answer to this we consider it essential that full power to drain the Forest be given to the Lessees and that they should not be restrained from laying to pipes on the Forest for the benefit of the Forest. No restriction on this direction should go farther than prohibiting them from granting preventions to outsiders other than Commoners which might possibly create an easement. 3rd Digging stone The exercise of this right is extended in the proposed lease to the Lord’s tenants subject to the supervision of the Reeve which it is claimed on behalf of the Lord will provide every possible precaution which is requisite ( letter 5th February 1901). We consider it most important that the exercise of this right should be confined to the Lord as a personal right to himself and that his tenants as such should be prohibited from digging on the Forest without the permission of the Lessees. If the restriction is not introduced the very dual control in this important respect which has proved such a source of trouble and difficulty in the past is likely to continue in the future, as in our view the supervision of the Reeve does not dispose of this objections and is no effective safeguard. 4th Sporting rights We consider it in the interest of the forest that some effective control should be exercised over the sporting rights and regard it of the utmost importance that they should be vested in the Lessees for that purpose. In conclusion we would state that we consider the concession of these four points in favour of the Lessees as so important as to be a necessary conditions to the acceptance of the lease having regard to all the circumstances and in the event of their refusal by the Lord we feel bound to recommend the abandonment of the lease altogether We are Gentleman Yours faithfully George M. Maryon Wilson Albert Turner Mark Sandford C.H. Corbett It was resolved that the Board approved the stand taken by the Committee with regards to the three points as to (1) Timber & underwood. (2)Drainage & roads and (3) Digging stone but are of the opinion that the sporting rights should *****be included and leave the Committee to continue the negotiations


Cheque It was resolved that a cheque be drawn in favour of: The Ranger nine weeks salary and rent to 4th proximo £11:5:0 It was resolved that the next meeting be held on the 17th May or on such earlier date as the Chairman may deem expedient. The meeting terminated at 2.45 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 17th May 1907 at 11 a.m. Present Mr. George M. Maryon-Wilson in the Chair Mr. Robert Kenward Mr. Llewellyn Midgley Mr. Mark Sandford Mr. Albert Turner Mr. James Whitewood The minutes of the last meeting were read and confirmed The Clerk reported that the balance in the bank amounted to £153:10:7. John Collins John Jones turning out The Clerk reported that on the 14th March last at the Uckfield Petty Sessions John Collins was convicted of a breach of Bye Law 6 in turning out a horse on the Forest and was fined 10/- and 7/- costs and John Jones was convicted of a breach of the same Bye Law for keeping a horse on the Forest and was fired 10/- and 7/- costs. Clerk’s remuneration The Committee appointed at the meeting held on the 21st December last to consider the subject of the Clerk’s remuneration and expenses and to report thereon to the Board presented their report which was read and considered and it was resolved that it be appointed and adopted and entered on the minutes. It was as follows: To the Conservators of Ashdown Forest We the Committee appointed on the 21st December last to consider the subject of the Clerk’s remuneration and expenses having gone fully into the matter beg to report as follows. The original arrangement was embedded in a resolution passed 31st December 1889 which after the salary, proceeded to say “such salary to be exclusive of cash disbursements but to include all the usual duties of Clerk and the conduct of prosecutions before the Petty Sessions but not any other legal proceedings” Further additions to the salary were subsequently made by resolutions passed on the 1st June 1889 and the 10th February 1894 respectively but no other alteration was made in the terms of the above arrangement. Until the last year the visits of the Clerk to the Forest on the ordinary work of the Conservancy were and still are included in his salary.


At the meeting of the 16th December 1899 under a misapprehension as to the terms of the existing arrangement certain reductions were in a bill of costs then presented by him and he was instructed in future to charge for all visits made to the Forest. The Clerk who has given us every information and assistance informs us he made the charge of £4.4.0 referred to in the resolution under which we are acting for the purpose of bringing the whole subject before the Board and clearing up the misapprehension. We are of opinion that the arrangements laid down by the resolution of the 31st December 1887 and acted on until the 16th December 1899, properly defines the duties included in the Clerk’s salary, and is a fair and proper arrangement. Having regard to the multifarious duties discharged by the Clerk the skill and time involved and the amount of the clerical work, we consider his personal salary of £100 p.a. not unreasonable. And to avoid misapprehension in the future we recommend that a note be entered on the minutes to the effect that the resolution of the 31st December 1887 defining the duties covered by the Clerk’s salary is still in force and that the Clerk assent thereto. Dated 8th March 1901 George M. Maryon-Wilson Chas. H. Corbett Albert Turner The Clerk then expressed to the meeting his assent the above mentioned resolution of the 31st December 1887 is still in force. Quarry at Hollies Down drain The Committee appointed to deal with Mr. Job Luxford’s application for permission to lay a drain in order to drain the quarry at Hollies Down reported that they had viewed the spot and had sanctioned the laying of the drain. Earl De La Warr proposed Lease The Chairman as Chairman of the Committee appointed to negotiate with Lord De La Warr for a Lease of the Forest reported that he had communicated with Lord De La Warr’s representative Mr. Nicholson in the terms of the resolution passed by the Board at their last meeting with the result that he had received from Mr. Nicholson the following reply which was read – Lewes 6th May 1901 Dear Sir I intimated to you in my letter of the 2nd March 1901 my views on the subject of the Lease and with your extended domain I put the matter before his Lordship and sent to him the draft Lease and I am authorised to say that he cannot entertain such proposed extension: if however you wish the matter re-opened it must be distinctly understood that the draft as drawn by me with the slight modifications which I agreed to and the power for either party to determine at the end of the 1st 7 or 14 years must be accepted. If you on behalf of the Committee cannot accept these terms the matter must drop. In fact I cannot **** his Lordship without again submitting the draft to any Terms; but I am prepared to advise him to accept the draft as I think that it should stand. Yours truly E.A. Nicholson George M. Maryon-Wilson Esq.


After discussing the matter it was resolved that the Chairman be requested to acknowledge receipt of Mr. Nicholson’s letter and to express to him the regret of the Committee that they were unable to accept the terms offered on behalf of the Lord on the ground that they will not in any sense effect the main object of the proposed Lease namely the abolition of the present dual central over the Forest or justify the Committee in commending the raising of a rent for which there would be no adequate return It was also resolved that the Board tender their thanks to the Committee for the great interest and trouble they have taken in the matter and regret the futility of their efforts. Joseph Ridley encroachments The Committee appointed to deal with the encroachments of Mr. Joseph Ridley at Millbrook reported that he had thrown out some of the land enclosed but that it was desirable a proper survey of the enclosures should be made as a record to refer to in the future and that they proposed to defer a detailed report till such survey had been made. It was resolved that the Committee be authorised to secure the services of all Mr. Gilbert Gardner of a fee not exceeding one guinea to plot the encroachments as they now stand showing their dimensions and their position in relation to and distance from the adjacent boundaries of Mr. Ridley’s property. Roads & tracks, case & opinion of Counsel The Clerk then laid on the table the case he had prepared with reference to roads and tracks on the Forest with the opinion of Mr. Guy Lushington thereon and he expressed his indebtedness to the Chairman and Mr. Corbett for having formulated the questions to be put to Counsel. The questions were then read with Mr. Lushington’s opinion generally on the whole matter and his answers to those questions and it was resolved that the Board consider the opinion exceedingly clear and satisfactory and that the questions and answers be entered on the Minutes: 1 (a) Can the owner of an enclosure with a right of way over the Common hitherto only used for the carriage

of agricultural produce use that way for any other purpose, e.g. for the carriage of building material? (b) If so, must he confine himself to the track or may he deviate when the track becomes ****drous? (c) If he may not deviate may he repair the track metalling or otherwise so as to facilitate haulage. In other words may he change the character of the road and if so may he (d) subsequently maintain the track in its altered character?

2. Assuming that the owner of one enclosure has at some time past carted material along the track for farm buildings or cottages without interruption does this enable him to cart materials for any other purpose, e.g. for the erection of a private residence? Opinion Before answering categorically the specific questions asked in the case laid before me I may state that I am in entire concurrence with Mr. Clark’s opinion as cited in the case that the Conservators as such cannot bring an action The distinction between this case and the case of the Wimbledon and Putney Commons Conservators v. Dixon E.R.I. Ch.D.362 arises from the fact that in that case the land of the common was vested in the Conservators by a special Act of Parliament. In the present case it is clear the bye laws do not meet the requirements of the case even if the question of title did not arise and oust the jurisdiction of the Justices. If proceedings should be taken they must be instituted by the Commoners in the name of the Lord of the Manor either in the High Court or the County Court by virtue of the Commons Act 1876 (39 5 40 Vict c56)s 30. In the present case the owners of the enclosures with the exception of classes 5 & 6, to whom other principles may apply and which I will deal with later have admittedly acquired a right of way to their enclosures by prescription. What the extent of this right may be can only be proved by evidence of user and it will be for a jury or court to say what is the effect of such evidence.


It is therefore not necessary to consider except incidentally the cases which turn on an express grant of a right of way. In the words of Willes J in Williams v James LR 5 c.p. 577. In the case of proving a right by prescription the user of the right is the only evidence. In the case of a grant the language of the instrument can be referred to and it is of course for the Court to construe that language and in the absence of any clear indication of the intention of the parties the maxim that a grant must be construed most strongly against the grants must be applied. In the same case Bovill J. says if nothing appears to the contrary the presumption is that a right of way to land is for all purposes according to the ordinary and reasonable use thereof at the time of the grant. That right and the corresponding burden cannot be increased by any material alteration of the dominant tenement which substantially increases the burden. In my opinion the case quoted in the case laid before me that of the Wimbledon and Putney Commons Conservators v Dixon 1 ch D.362 is the authority which ought to guide my decision. In that case all other cases were cited and discussed and Mellish L.J. in his judgements says “The evidence practically comes to this that the right of way has been exercised for all purposes connected with the use of the farm for residential or agricultural purposes”. We have then to consider whether the character of the property can be so changed as substantially to increase or alter the burden upon the servient tenement. I said when this case was first opened that I was strongly of opinion that is was the settled law of this country that no such change in the character of a dominant tenement could be made as would increase the burden on the servient tenement. The **** and observations which are entitled to very great weight of Lord Abinger and Mr. Baron Parke in the cases which have been referred to inclined me at first to think the opinion I had formed was wrong but when we consider those remarks in connection with the very clear language of the Court of Queens Bench in Allan v Gourne 11 A&E 7.59 & Bovell C.J. & Willes J. in Williams v James 2.C I am satisfied that the true principle in the principle laid down in those cases that you cannot form evidence of users of a privilege connected with the enjoyment of property in its original state infer a right to use it into whatsoever form or whatever purpose that property may be changed. that is to say, if a right of way to a field be proved by evidence of user however general for whatever purpose *** field the person who is the owner of that field cannot say I have a right to turn that field into a manufactory and then use the way for all the purposes of the manufactory or town so built. Assuming therefore that the evidence of user in the present cases only goes to the extent mentioned by Mellish L.J. I think that case is exactly in point. As to the cases which turn on the question of an express grant they are only useful in considering the question as to what may be implied by the amount of user proved to have existed but in the present case the use that the tracks are sought to be put to are so entirely apart from the use of them which I assume can be proved by evidence that I think it is unnecessary to enter into a detailed analysis. There are the two classes of owners of enclosers to whose position I think attention should be drawn, those numbered 5 and 6 in the case; namely (5) owners of encroachments the fee simple of which has been sold and conveyed by the Lord of the Manor within 40 years past and (6) the owners of similar encroachments made since December 1869 the fee of which was sold and conveyed by the Land Commissioners to the occupiers and others, if the occupiers refused to exercise their right of prescription under the terms of the Ashdown Forest Act of 1885. As to these classes it might be argued that as their title rests on a grant and not on prescription that the principle of Newcomen v Coulson 5. Ch D. 633 amd Finch v G.W.R. Co 5 ** D 254 would apply, but in my opinion however such is not case. As regards class 5 the Lord of the Manor clearly had no right to convey any right of way in derogation of the rights of the Commoners and if any right of way has been acquired by the enclosure owners it is by prescription and the principle applicable to the other enclosure owners in the Forest will apply. If a right way of necessity is claimed my opinion as to class (6) on this point will apply. As to class (6) it is necessary to know whether anything was said and if then what as to the right of way granted to the purchasers by the Commissioners, if there was a grant of an absolute right of way the case would be almost exactly similar to Newcomen v Coulson 5 Ch D 133. But I expect it will be found that nothing was said about the right of way, it may therefore be implied as a right of way of necessity, under the rule stated by Sergeant Williams William Saunders 325 where a man having a close surrounded with his own land grants the close to another in fee for life or years, the grantee shall have a way to the


close over the grantors land as incident to the grant for without if he cannot derive any belief from the grant? This statement of the case was recognised and acted upon by the Court of Exchequer in Pennington v Gallard 9 Ex. 12. In such cases the nature and extent of the right of way will be assumed from the necessity which granted it and where the land is purely agricultural only a right of way for agricultural purposes will be assumed. The case of the Corporation of London v Riggs 13 Ch.D 798 supports this view. That case was the converse of the present one as there the owner of a close surrounded by his own land granted the land and reserved the close. It was held that the implied right to a way of necessity to and from the close over the land operated by way of re-grant from the grantee of the land and was limited by the necessity which created if. Further that necessity for all purposes for which the close might at any time be used but only for such a right of way as would enable the owner of the close to enjoy it is as in the condition it happened to be at the time of the re-grant. For instance, if at the time of the re-grant the close was agricultural land the owner of the close could only claim such right of way as is suitable to the enjoyment of the land in that condition he cannot claim a right of way suitable to the user of the close as building land. The fact that that case is converse to the present one makes no difference as it is clear from the judgement of Sir G. Jessel M.R. and the ******* in the head note to the case that the same rule would apply if the grant of the land locked close with an implied grant of a way of necessity over the surrounding land. On this assumption I am of the opinion that the answers to the questions addressed to me will hold good as regards these two classes of encloser owners equally with the other owners of enclosures in Ashdown Forest. In any opinion therefore: 1. (a) The owner of an agricultural or pastoral enclosure with a right of way over the common acquired by

prescription and hitherto only used for the carriage of agricultural produce is not entitled to use that way for any other purpose such as the carriage of building material. (b) The obligation to repair at common law a right of the way is upon the owner of the dominant tenement (in the present case the owner of the enclosure) it is therefore his own fault if it is out of repair.

He has therefore no right to leave the ordinary track on account of its want to repair, see Taylor v Whitehead 2 Doug 745 and Bullard v Harrison 4 M ** 381 which overrule the propositions laid down in 2 Bt.Comm.36 (c) This raises a more difficult question. It has been decided since a case in the reign of Edward IV (9 Edward 4, 35) that as the burden of repair is imposed upon the owner of the dominant tenement a corresponding right is also conferred upon him to do all those acts which may be necessary to secure the full enjoyment of the easement even though he should thereby be compelled to commit a trespass. I can find no direct authority as to how far repair may be carried but in my opinion the enclosure owner is entitled to repair the right for way to such an extent as to enable him to use it for the purpose for which he required it by prescription. If a grass track has up till now been proved to be sufficient for all the traffic of the dominant tenement would not be entitled to metal and make it up so as to fit it for other purposes for which he was not entitled to use it. The two cases of Dand v Kingscote 6 M & W 174 and Newcomen v Coulson 5 Ch D.133 are cases of easements acquired by grant and not by prescription. In the former case it was held that a way being granted to a coal mine the owner of the dominant tenement was entitled to lay a railroad along the road in other that he might be able to carry out his right of getting coals in the most efficient manner.

In the latter case the allottee under an enclosure award was held entitled to metal a road in order to cart building materials to his land which had formerly been agricultural property, but the decision proceeded on the that though allottees were not confined to the use of the road for agricultural purposes only but entitled to construct a roadway suitable for the purposes to which the land was in the course of being applied. The judgement in that case turned on the nature of the grant of the right of way under the allotment scheme. I do not think that either of these cases apply to a right of way acquired by prescription and that the owner of the enclosure can only repair the track to the extent already mentioned.


(d) If it was proved by evidence that a grass track was all that the enclosure owner was entitled to keep up and repair, the metalling of the road would be an act of trespass and the owner of the enclosure could be restrained from maintaining it in its altered character.

2. The answer to this question is supplied by the case of the Wimbledon and Putney Common Conservators v

Dixon. According to the decision in that case the fact that an owner has carted material along a track for the repair of a farm house or cottage or does not enable him to cart materials for any other purposes such as the erection of a private residence

Barron & Methuen licence The Clerk reported that Mr. Nicholson on behalf of the Lord had approved the proposed licence but had suggested that if practicable the road should hug the boundary of Holly Croft and follow the blue dotted line he had marked on the Ordnance Map. The Committee to whom this point was referred reported that owing to the undulating character of the route marked blue it was practically impossible to adopt it. It was resolved that the Clerk inform Mr. Nicholson thereof that he be authorised to complete the licence based on the plan originally approved by Committee and to extend the time for making good the damage to the surface of the Forest the work to be done as soon as the season was suitable but in any case before 31st December next. Road Authorities digging The Uckfield Rural District Council leaving applied for a licence to dig in the Forest during the year ending 25 March next as follows:

100 yards Stone gravel From near Isle of Thorns 60 yards Stone From near Stone Hill 50 yards Stone From near Kings Standing 100 yards Stone From near Barns Gate 50 yards stone From near Braziers Brook, Fairwarp 410 yards gravel From near Main Road, Fairwarp

It was resolved that such licence be granted subject to the same terms and conditions as the licence granted to the same Council on 16th December 1899. A letter was read dated 7th March 1901 from the East Grinstead Rural District Council accepting the licence on the Forest (which licence reduced the quantity which the Council applied by dig near Kings Standing from 250 yards to 100 yards) and urging the Board to reconsider the matter and extend the licence to 250 yards near Kings Standing. It was resolved that the Council be informed that the Board cannot see their way to consent to an increase of the quantity. Walsham Smee tracks Mr. Midgley reported that the Committee to whom the applications of Mr. Walsham and Mr. Smee with reference to tracks on the Forest in the vicinity of their properties and the suggestion of making one defined road in lieu of some of the tracks had not yet been able to report. It was resolved that the Committee be empowered to authorise such work in reference to the premises as they may deem beneficial to the Forest Local Government Board annual return of accounts The Clerk laid on the table a copy of the annual return made to the Local Government Board of receipts and expenditure of the Conservancy for the year ending 31st December last. Cheque It was resolved that a cheque be drawn as follows: The Ranger 11 weeks salary and rent to 20th instant £13:15:0


It was resolved that the next meeting be held on Friday the 26th July next or on such earlier date as the Chairman may deem expedient. The meeting terminated at 1.30 p.m. George M. Maryon-Wilson Chairman

At a Special Meeting of the Conservators of Ashdown Forest duly convened and held at the Nutley Inn, Nutley on Monday the 1st July 1901 at 11.30 am Present Mr. George M. Maryon-Wilson in the Chair Mr. C.H. Corbett Mr. Thomas Hyde Mr. Mark Sandford Mr. Albert Turner Mr. N.W. Grieve cartage The Clerk read the notice convening the meeting to consider what the action should be taken in reference to the carriage over the Forest of materials etc. for erection of a new house by Mr. Norman W. Grieve on Water Farm near Foxbury Wood. Also letters from Mr. Midgley and Mr. Kenward regretting that previous engagements prevented their attending. The Forest Row Committee viz. Messrs. Corbett, Midgley and Hyde reported that on the 12th June last in perambulating the Forest they observed that Mr. Job Luxford had commenced erecting for Mr. Norman Grieve a new house on the property known as Water Farm close to Foxbury Wood which he had recently purchased from Mr. Card and that damage was likely to be done to the Forest by the carriage of materials and that they directed the Clerk to give notice to Mr. Luxford and Mr. Grieve to stop such traffic. The Clerk reported that be had given notice accordingly and the Ranger reported that apparently the cartage of materials over the Forest and ***** on the new house had been stopped. The Clerk read the correspondence that had passed between himself and Mr. Grieve on the subject and Mr. Grieve attended before the Board and stated he was not going to use the Forest for speculative building but that he had planted a great part of it as an orchard and was building near the north end of the property a six roomed cottage for his men to live in, that when this cottage is finished he intends adding a little bit to the old cottage near the south end of the property for his own occupation and desires to improve in one or two places the track to the property over the Forest and to throw a small bridge from it over the stream which forms his western boundary near the south west corner of his property. Mr. Grieve started he was not aware he was acting unlawfully in carting building materials over the Forest, that he had seen his neighbour Mr. Barron doing so apparently without interference but that while Mr. Barron’s cartage had been done in all kinds of weather and had very much damaged the surface of the Forest he Mr. Grieve had waited 8 months to his own personal inconvenience until the soil of the Forest was so dry that the cartage would not injure it. The Chairman explained to Mr. Grieve that the Conservators are advised that the occupies of a holding on the Forest cannot use the accustomed way to it over the Forest for any purpose other or larger than the past user has established and that the cartage by Mr. Barron had taken place before the Board had been advised as to the legal position past user had established. Mr. Grieve then applied for the Board’s consent:


1. To his continuing the carriage of building materials and plant over the Forest for the completion of the cottage now in course of erection

2. To his carrying materials and plant over the Forest for enlarging the existing cottage. 3. To his improving the cart track which starts from the Tunbridge Wells and East Grinstead road near Little

Parrock over the Forest to Water Farm and throwing a bridge over the stream as aforesaid. Mr. Grieve having retired the Board considered the whole matter and being of opinion that Mr. Grieve might reasonably have come to the conclusion from Mr. Barron’s proceedings that he had a right to carry materials for new buildings over the Forest and having purchased and commenced the work under such impression they would not be justified in his case in prohibiting the completion of the new cottage it was resolved 1. That this meeting is not competent to deal with applications 2 and 3 as notice of such applications has not

been given to those members of the Board who are not present. 2. That as regards application 1 the Board will not object to Mr. Grieve continuing for a time not exceeding 3

calendar months from this date the carriage over the Forest of materials and plant for completing the cottage now in course of erection, provided that such cartage is strictly confined to the existing track from the high road near Little Parrock to Water Farm and that Mr. Grieve undertake to make good to the satisfaction of the Conservators any damage occasioned by such cartage and that applications 2 and 3 will be considered by the Board at their next meeting but it must be clearly understood that in granting the above permission the Board are in no way pledging themselves to assent to applications 2 and 3.

It was also resolved that for the information of the Board of their next meeting it be referred to the Forest Row Committee to consider applications 2 and 3 and the plan handed in by Mr. Grieve of the track he desires to improve and the site and character of the proposed bridge and to meet Mr. Grieve on the spot and to report fully thereon. Cheque It was resolved that a cheque be drawn for: The Ranger 6 weeks salary and house rent to this day £7:10:0 It was resolved that the next meeting of the Board be held on Friday the 19th instant of the 26th instant. The meeting terminated at 12.45 p.m. George M. Maryon-Wilson Chairman

A meeting of the Conservators of the Ashdown Forest July convened and held at the Nutley Inn, Nutley on Friday the 19th day of July 1901 at 11 a.m. Present Mr. George M. Maryon-Wilson in the Chair Mr. C.H. Corbett Mr. Ll. Midgley Mr. Mark Sandford Mr. Albert Turner Mr. James Whitewood The minutes of the last ordinary meeting of the 17th May last and of the Special Meeting of the 1st July instant were read and confirmed. The Clerk reported that the balance in the bank amounted to £179.0.1.


Joseph Ridley Millbrook encroachments Also that Mr. Gilbert Gardner had made a survey and plan of the two enclosers of Mr. Joseph Ridley at Millbrook pursuant to the resolution of 17th May last and he laid the plan on the table. Barron & Methuen licence Also that after communications with Mr. Nicholson the licence to Messrs. Barron & Methuen had been completed Millbrook pursuant to the resolution of 17th May last. Earl De La Warr negotiations for lease With reference to the negotiations with Lord De La for a Lease of the Forest the Chairman reported that in pursuance of the resolution of the 17th May last he wrote to Mr. Nicholson in the terms thereof and informed him that the negotiations must therefore drop and that he had received no reply or acknowledgement from Mr. Nicholson. Road Authority road materials The Clerk reported that he wrote to the East Grinstead District Council in the terms of the resolution of 17th May last and had received a reply dated 30th May last again urging this Board to reconsider its decision and allow the Council to take the remaining 100 yards of road materials from the Forest near Kings Standing on the grounds that it is urgently required for the roads near the spot and that the use of the Forest materials affects a considerable saving to the rate payers and intimating that in the event of refusal the Council would consider the advisability of applying to the local Justices to authorise them to take such gravel as may be required. It was resolved that this Board cannot see its way to alter its decision and that the Clerk inform the Council accordingly and remind them of the arrangement arrived at the conference at Lewes. Forest Row Committee Report The Forest Row Committee, viz Messrs. Corbett, Hyde and Midgley presented the following report which was read and it was resolved that it entered on the minutes. It is as follows: Your Committee made a tour of inspection on the Forest on Wednesday the 12th June 1901 accompanied by the Clerk and Ranger. Hood Barrs gate The consequence of a letter from Mr. Hood Barrs asking permission to make an opening to the Forest from the north westerly corner of the back garden of his cottage at Wych Cross and to clear some furze which would interfere with the opening your Committee viewed the spot. The N.W. corner of the back garden adjoins the high road and the Committee think Mr. Hood Barrs meant the south west corner. Be that as it may there are already three entrances to the property from the high roads and the Committee can see no necessity for authorising another opening on the Forest and directed the Clerk to reply to Mr. Hood Barrs accordingly. Ridley or Gurr sand pit They then viewed the sand pit worked by T.J. Ridley or Gurr near the Goat and found that a considerable area of Forest ground had been destroyed by it, that there had been no attempt to level the debris or to preserve or re-spread the top spit and that a larger area of surface of the Forest round the pit had been seriously injured by the making of a number of cart or wagon tracks from the pit, persons drawing sand from the pit appear to have taken any route convenient to them over the Forest regardless of weather there was a track way or not and where the ruts in any tracks had become too deep to have made fresh tracks in the vicinity. Such user appears to your Committee to be in direct contravention of the terms of the judgement in Hale v De La Warr in which the late Earl De La Warr undertook not to dig on the Forest so as to prejudice the exercise of any of the rights of the Commoners and your Committee suggest that the present Earl should be required to fulfil this undertaking and to take steps (1) to have the debris properly filled back and levelled (2) to ensure the top soil being in future carefully preserved and re-spread (s) to restrict the traffic to and from the pit to one track only which shall take the most direct route to the


nearest roadway. And in connection with this matter your Committee think it would be desirable that the Board should consider how for the above mentioned undertaking is being observed over the Forest generally. Tompsetts Bank cart tracks Your Committee than viewed the Forest in the neighbourhood of Messrs. Walsham Smee and Lucas’ properties at Tompsetts Bank. The Forest surface is in this vicinity very much cut up and damaged by carts, principally tradesmen which take short cuts across the turf wherever most convenient. The Committee recognise that the old track which runs from Chapel Lane through Highgate and along the west side of Mr. Smee’s and round the south east corner of Mr. Lucas’ property where it joins the road made up by Mr. Lucas and running out to the Wych Cross road is in a bad condition and in winter almost impassable and affords some excuse for diverging and they are of opinion that if funds can be raised locally permission should be granted to metal and make this track into a good road and that therefore the user of all other tracks should be prevented by the cutting of broad grips at available points. F.R. Lucas pipes The Committee viewed the boundaries of Mr. Lucas’ property and found on the north side near the west corner two drain pipes projecting at the top of the bank close to a pig stye and a cesspool recently constructed for the purpose apparently of discharging liquid on the Forest and at the north east corner an iron pipe projecting some feet on the Forests for discharging liquid from an iron tank inside Mr. Lucas’ fence which was fitted with a stop cock and that a grip had been cut on the Forest to conduct the liquid discharged from the pipe further on to the Forest. The Ranger stated he had seen offensive liquid discharged from this pipe. Your Committee are of opinion that Mr. Lucas should be required to remove these pipes and to refrain from drainage of any kind on to the Forest Isaac Waters & Sons deposits. Your Committee observed at the premises of Isaac Waters & Sons a heap of building materials lying on the Forests extending 3 or 4 feet from the wooden buildings near the gate into the yard which building they understand was erected on the extreme boundary of Waters’ property. They also saw a quantity of timber planking deposited close by on the Forest. Edward Isaac Waters was warned that these materials must be removed at once and the practice of making deposits on the Forest discontinued or proceedings would be taken. Subsequently his elder brother ****** Waters saw the Committee and started he is now the owner of the property outside which the deposits were made and a similar warning was given to him. The Committee consider it desirable an example should be made in this case if the notice is not compiled with by injunction rather than in prosecution under the Bye laws. Barron gateway The Committee then viewed the road to Messrs. Barron & Methuen property which is being made up pursuant to licence but they observed that instead of Mr. Barron making his gate at the north west angle between two oak trees as authorised by the Board he has cut an opening and put up an iron carriage gate eight yards further west which would necessitate a branch road being made to it over the Forest. The Clerk was directed to call on him to remove the gate to the point authorised. The Committee noted that on the south side of Mr. Barron’s property his boundary consisting of old buildings and fences may be removed at any time and it would then be impossible to ascertain the exact boundaries, the Committee think it desirable an exact plan with measurements should at once be made and directed the Clerk to have this done at once. Norman Grieve traffic They also observe that Mr. Job Luxford has commenced erecting for Mr. Norman Grieve a new house on the property near by that he has recently purchased from Mr. Card and that damage is likely to the done to the Forest by the carriage of materials. The Clerk was directed to give notice to Mr. Luxford and Mr. Grieve to stop such traffic. William Wheatley deposits The Committee then proceeded to William Wheatley’s property near Colemans Hatch and found a quantity of timber and other things scattered about on the Forest. The Ranger stated that Wheatley has a licence for a stack. The Committee directed the Clerk to call on Wheatley to remove all other deposits.


Joseph Wheatley pipe Joseph Wheatley of Hillside near Colemans Hatch having laid a pipe under the Forest for a distance of 20 yards to convey water from a pond on the Forest to his premises and having in reply to the Clerk written offering to apologise and begging to be granted a licence, the Committee viewed the spot and recommended that it should be impressed on Mr. Wheatley that he has committed an unlawful act but that if he apologies the pipe be allowed to remain under licence he paying a small yearly acknowledgement. Dated 12th June 1901 C.H. Corbett Ll. Midgley Thomas Hyde Barron gateway The Clerk reported that following on the visit of the Committee he wrote on the 13th June last to Mr. Barron pointing out that no licence had been granted to him to open a gateway at the point referred to in the report and calling on him to place the gate at the point originally authorised and that he had received a reply dated 19th June starting that before the plans were definitely accepted it was found there was not room to make the entrance at the corner between the oak trees and that the turn from the road at that point into his drive would be very awkward and begging the Board to sanction the gateway where he has now made it (which by inference would mean the making of a short branch road to it). The following further report of the Committee was also presented and read and it was resolved that it be entered on the minutes. It is as follows: To the Conservators of Ashdown Forest The undersigned members of the Forest Row Committee made a further tour of inspection on Tuesday the 16th July 1901 with the Clerk and Ranger and met Mr. Grieve by appointment at Water Farm. Mr. Grieve desired permission to put a bridge over the stream bounding his property on the west side of a small oak tree near the south west corner of his property and to improve the existing cart track over the Forest from the proposed bridge to its point of junction with the cart track which Messrs. Barron and Methuen have been authorised to improve. After going thoroughly into the matter and having regard to the circumstances set out in the minutes of the meeting of the Board on the 1st instant and being of opinion that a metalled road will have the effect of confining the traffic to one route and prevent much injury to the surface of the Forest recommended that Mr. Grieve be permitted to put a bridge at the point indicated subject to the plan and specification of it being approved by the Board and that Mr. Grieve be permitted to improve the existing cart track by metalling it to a width of eight feet and slightly altering the route as pointed out the interview but so that the road includes the existing footpath within its limits. Mr. Grieve to be permitted to lower the crown of the rise over which the road passes a little north west of the proposed bridge and to use the materials so removed for levelling up the road elsewhere. Mr. Grieve at the proper season to fill in all parallel tracks and sow the surface with grass to the satisfaction of the Board a specification of the work to be done to the road to be approved by the Board. The Committee consider it would be equitable that Mr. Grieve first put himself in communication with Messrs. Barron and Methuen as to joint user of that part of the track they are improving. The permission to be given in the form of a licence to embody such of the provisions in the licence to Messrs. Barron and Methuen as are applicable to the present case Mr. Grieve while not admitting the right of anyone to prevent his doing so applied for the consent of the Conservators to his carrying materials and plant to Water Farm for the enlargement of the old cottage standing upon it. We requested Mr. Grieve to submit to the Board a plan showing the extent of the proposed work to the cottage


Barron gateway The Committee then considered Mr. Barron’s letter to the Clerk of the 19th June and viewed the spot. The removal of soil made in improving the card track disclosed the fact that the main of one of the two oak trees crosses the entrance and that the entrance cannot be made between the trees without cutting away this root and destroying the tree and they recommend that if Mr. Barron prefers it he be authorised to maintain and use the gateway he has made and for that purpose to make a short branch road from the corner of his property on condition that such branch road is made close along his hedge and does not at any point extend further than eleven feet from the stem of his hedge, this roadway to be subject to such conditions applicable to the case as are contained in the licence granted to Messrs. Barron and Methuen with regard is improving the adjacent cart track. F.R. Lucas trespass The Committee then viewed the boundary of Mr. Lucas’ property at Tompsetts Bank and found that at two points on his north boundary he has caused a quantity of excavated sand and soil to be shot through his hedge down the bank on the Forest and a third deposit of the same with garden rubbish is made in a hollow on the Forest a few feet from the gate of his stable yard. Dated 16th July 1901 Hood Barrs gate It was resolved that the action of the Committee in reference to Mr. Hood Barrs application be approved and confirmed. Ridley or Gurr sand pit, Earl De La Warr’s undertaking On the proposition of Mr. Corbett seconded by unanimously resolved that the Clerk write to Earl De La Warr’s representatives drawing attention to the case of the sand pit worked by Ridley or Gurr pointing out that the late Earl De La Warr’s undertaking in the case of Hale v De La Warr is not being observed and calling on the present Earl to comply with it. Tompsetts Bank cart tracks It was also resolved that the report and recommendations of the Committee with reference that the cart tracks at Mr. Smee that as soon as funds have been raised for the purpose the Conservators are prepared to give their consent and apply to Earl De La Warr for his consent to the metalling of the track from the south end of Chapel Lane to be road from Mr. Lucas’ house and as soon as this done the Conservators will take steps to stop the traffic over other tracks. F.R. Lucas pipes etc. It was also resolved that the Clerk write to Mr. Lucas calling on him to remove the pipes referred to in the Committee’s first report and the materials referred to in their second report and stop the discharge of all liquid on to the Forest Isaac Waters & Sons deposits Upon the proposition of Mr. Corbett and Mr. Sandford it was unanimously resolved that proceedings be taken for an injunction in the County Court against Isaac Waters & Sons to restrain them from depositing goods on the Forest and that the cost of the proceedings be defrayed out of the protection and improvements fund. The Chairman, Mr. Corbett and Mr. Midgley consented as Commoners to act as Plaintiffs on behalf of themselves and all other Commoners. Barron gateway It was resolved that the communication contained in the second report of the Committee with reference to Mr. Barron’s entrance be approved, the Clerk to inform Mr. Barron thereof and point out to him that the 11th feet limit must be strictly adhered to.


His boundaries The Clerk reported that the south boundary of Mr. Barron’s property is defined clearly on the 25 inch Ordnance map and that when going round with the Committee on the 16th instant he with the Ranger made careful measurements of the boundaries which will enable him to detect any alteration that may hereafter be made. Mr. Wheatley’s deposits It was resolved that the consideration of the matter of William Wheatley’s deposits on the Forest be adjourned to the next meeting. Joseph Wheatley’s pipe It was resolved that the report of the Committee with reference to Joseph Wheatley’s pipe be approved and that subject to the Lord’s consent a licence subject to usual conditions be granted to Mr. Wheatley a yearly acknowledgement of 1/- to be paid. Norman Grieves improve track, make bridge It was resolved that having regard to the special circumstances of the case the report of the Committee with reference to Mr. N. Grieve’s application to make a bridge and improve a cart track be approved and (subject to the Lords concurrence) a licence be granted to him in the terms recommended in the report. Mr. Grieve to pay the Board an acknowledgement of ₤1 on the completion of the licence and on every succeeding 1st January during its continuance. The Board then examined the plan furnished by Mr. Grieve of the proposed alterations and additions to his old cottage and it was resolved that permission be granted to him to carry material and plant for the proposed alterations and additions over the same track and on the same terms as stated in the permission granted him to carry materials for the new cottage. J. Luxford cartage of stone The Ranger reported that quantities of stone are being carted by Mr. Luxford or his employees from the pit at Hollies Downs on the Forest to Mr. Barron to metal the roadway. Ordnance maps It was resolved that the Clerk ascertain whether the new edition of the 26 inch Ord. Map is published for the whole Forest and if so that he obtain the sheets that relate to the Forest each sheet to be mounted separately on canvas and that he get also a suitable box or case to contain them. Cheque It was resolved that a Cheque be drawn as follows The Clerk a half years salary to 30th June last ₤50:0:0 It was resolved that the next meeting be held on Friday the 18th October next or such earlier date as the Chairman may deem it necessary to convene a meeting. The meeting terminated at 1:30 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 18th day of October 1901 at 11 a.m. Present Mr. Geo. M. Maryon-Wilson in the Chair Mr. C.H. Corbett Mr. J.F Hope Mr. Thos Hyde


Mr. Mark Sandford The minutes of the last meeting were read and confirmed. The Clerk produced the Bank Pass Book showing a balance in the bank of ₤199:17:7 Road authority road materials The Clerk reported that immediately after the last meeting he wrote to the East Grinstead Rural District Council in terms of the resolution then passed and had heard nothing further. Barron gateway The Ranger reported that Mr. Barron had removed his entrance gate back to the North West angle of his property and had blocked up the opening he had made further west. Barron proposed alteration of boundary The Clerk stated that Mr. Barron had applied to him for permission to alter the irregular northern boundary of his property referred to at the last meeting by substituting for it a curved give and take line and that he (the Clerk) had explained to Mr. Barron that under the provisions of the Commons Act 1876 land once made the subject of a Regulation order could not be enclosed without the express sanction of Parliament. It was resolved that having regard to the terms of the Act of Parliament the Board could not entertain the application. Hood Barrs proposed gate A further letter from Mr. Hood Barrs was read stating he feared he had not made his application clear that he proposed to close one of his entrances on the south west side and wanted permission to make a fresh opening further to the south west than the present gate. It was resolved that he be requested to submit a plan showing (1) the position of the site he proposed to close permanently and (2) the exact point at which he wished to open a fresh gate and (3) the width of the proposed gate Road near Mr. Smee’s A letter was read from Mr. Smee with reference to the resolution passed at the last meeting stating he saw no prospect of sufficient funds being raised for making up and metalling the whole of the cart track from the south end of the Chapel lane to the road from Mr. Lucas’ house and asking consent to his putting in order and maintaining in the same condition as Mr. Lucas has made and maintained the road from his house to the Wych Cross road that portion which runs from the road maintained by Mr. Lucas to the corner of the lane separating Mr. Smee’s property from Mrs. Slack’s property and also the last mentioned lane. It was resolved that subject to the consent of Lord De La Warr being obtained the Board will grant Mr. Smee a licence for the purpose on condition that he carry out the work to the satisfaction of the Forest Row Committee and make such drains as they may consider necessary for carrying the surface drainage of the Forest under the road and that on the work being completed the Committee will authorise Mr. Smee to level the cart tracks now disfiguring the surface of the Forest around his property and will cause grips to be cut at proper points to prevent vehicles trespassing over the ground. Isaac Waters & Sons The Clerk reported that he and the Ranger met Mr. H.J. Waters (Isaac Waters & Sons) at his property at Tompsetts Bank when it appeared that he was entitled to three feet from the stem of the hedge where there had been a ditch outside that the building between his gates only prospected two feet from the old stone and that he therefore appeared to be entitled to one foot outside the building but that on the occasion of his visit materials extended from five to six feet from the building. That the Clerk informed Mr. Waters he was instructed to take proceedings


and ultimately Mr. Waters promised to remove all material deposited more than a foot beyond the building. The Ranger reported that Mr. Waters had removed a great deal of the material but that some still extended fully two feet from the building. It was resolved that Mr. Waters be required to give a written undertaking to remove all material deposited more than a foot from the building and not again to make any deposit outside the one foot from the building and failing his compliance proceedings be taken against Isaac Waters & Sons as directed at the last meeting subject to the directions of the Forest Row Committee and that they be authorised to take the opinion of counsel if they deem it expedient Edwin Weston De La Warr tenant claim to litter: Mr. Edwin Weston the tenant of Earl De La Warr’s property known as Newbridge Farm containing 11 acres at Newbridge, Hartfield, attended to claim the right to take brakes and litter from the Forest under the terms of the judgement in Hale v De La Warr for use on the said farm. Evidence of user for over 70 years past having been given by William Divall of Quabrook aged 84 who was born at New Bridge brick kiln and had lived in the vicinity all his life. It was resolved that the Board were satisfied that there had been user for the period required by the judgement and admitted the claim. Mr. Grieve bridge & road A letter from Mr. Grieve dated 12th October 1901 with plan and section of proposed bridge and plan sections and specification for the improvement of the cart track referred to at the last meeting and a note from Mr. Barron on behalf of himself and Mr. Methuen approving the arrangement were considered and It was resolved that the plans, sections and specification be approved but that it be pointed out to Mr. Grieve that to ensure the road standing the traffic a greater depth of metal would be desirable. That subject to the Lord’s consent being obtained a licence be granted to Mr. Grieve on the terms mentioned in the resolution passed at the last meeting on his signing a counterpart of the licence containing an undertaking on his part to commence at once and carry out with all reasonable speed the whole of the works to the satisfaction of the Board. Mr. Freshfield temporary roadway Mr. Job Luxford attended on behalf of Mr. Douglas W. Freshfield and stated that Mr. Freshfield is about to erect a residence in the Prestridge Warren near the keeper’s gate and desires permission to temporarily strengthen with wooden sleepers the timber track from the keeper’s gate on the north side of the Warren to the high road from Wych Cross to Plaw Hatch and to carry over the road when so strengthened materials for the said buildings and that the user for this purpose would probably be required for 2 years. It was resolved that the application be granted subject to Mr. Freshfield undertaking to comply with the following conditions (1) That as soon as the building operations are completed the sleepers be removed and the timber track be restored to its present condition to the satisfaction of this Board and (2) That Mr. Freshfield pays an acknowledgment of ₤1:1:0 on the 1st day of November next and on every succeeding 1st day of November during the continuance of the user. Quabrook gate Complaint having been made by Mr. Aaron Brett of Whitehouse Farm, Quabrook, on behalf of himself and of various Commoners that Messrs. Barron and Methuen have raised the roadway at Quabrook Gate so that the gate there which had been maintained and repaired by the Commoners in the vicinity would not shut that they had altered it so that it could be lifted and carried into place but that people who passed through would not take the trouble to close it and the Commoners’ cattle in consequence strayed off the Forest on to the high road. It was resolved that Messrs. Barron and Methuen be required to re-erect the posts and gate so that the gate will swing free and will close of its close accord.


Forest Row Golf Club repairs etc. The Royal Ashdown Forest Golf Club having applied for leave to do the usual repairs to the greens and tees and also to reply and level the present ninth green. It was resolved that permission be given subject to the conditions that the new turf be taken from suitable places and the old turf be properly laid in its place. Joseph Ridley peat The Ranger reported that on the 7th September he saw the son of Joseph Ridley of Millbrook cutting peat on the Forest at Millbrook. That he went in search of Joseph Ridley and found him in one of his fields and informed him that it was a breach of the Byelaws to cut peat without authority. Ridley replied that he had a right to cut it. It was resolved that the Clerk prosecute the offender for a breach of the Bye Laws. John Stiller cutting litter out of season The Ranger reported that on 19th September last finding several heaps of litter cut between Hindleap Warren and Kidbrook Park he made inquiries and learned that it had been cut by John Stiller who lives near the Forest Row cemetery for John Head of Millbrook Farm belonging to Mr. Larnach a commoner. This litter having been cut contrary to the Bye Laws before the 1st October. It was resolved that the Clerk inquire whether Mr. Head had employed Stiller and if so warn him as well as Stiller that they must not cut before the 1st October. Fredk. Tester depositing materials The Ranger reported that Frederick Tester, bailiff to Mr. Freshfield had deposited materials from a well in the lane at High Gate to form a pathway. It was resolved that the Clerk ascertain whether the spot is within the jurisdiction of the Conservators and if so ask for an explanation. Count Munster repair road to Spring Gardens Farm Mr. Sandford reminded the Board that on 17th December 1898 he obtained permission for Mr. Hervey Pechell to repair the road from Spring Gardens Farm to the Duddleswell road and remove the obstruction caused by materials washed down. He stated the work was not then carried out but that Count Alexander Munster the successor of Mr. Pechell now desired permission to carry it out. It was resolved that permission be given accordingly. Albert Walter brakes The Ranger reported that on the 9th inst he saw Albert Walter of Cackle Street on the Forest between Lisburn and Dodds Bottom loading a cart with brakes for himself, Mr. George Osborne of Pippingford Farm being his landlord. It was resolved that the Clerk write to matter on the subject. Zachariah Carr The Ranger reported that on the 9th inst he found Zachariah Carr of Dodds Bank near the Misses Hale who has had a piece of the Forest fenced in for some years past grubbing up the hedge and so adding this piece to his holding. It was resolved that the Clerk inquire in to the matter. Harry Constable litter The Ranger also reported that on the 15th instant near Old Forge he saw Harry Constable of Old Forge Bank Horney Common cutting litter for his own use, he being his own landlord. It was resolved that the Clerk write to him on the subject.


Forest Row Golf Club road completed The Forest Row Committee reported that the improvements to the road to the Royal Ashdown Forest Golf Club house had been satisfactorily completed. Cheque It was resolved that the following Cheque be drawn The Ranger 13 weeks salary and house rent to the 30th ₤16:5:0 Mr. Edward Stanford for the Ordnance Map…………………………………..₤6:5:0 It was resolved that the Annual General Meeting of Commoners be convened for Friday the 13th December next at the Nutley Inn at 11 a.m. And that the next meeting of the Board be held immediately after the Commoners meeting. The meeting terminated at 3 p.m. George M. Maryon-Wilson Chairman

The Annual Meeting of the Commoners interested in the Forest duly convened by the Clerk by notice in the church door of each of the parishes or ecclesiastical districts into which the Forest extends and 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 held on Friday the 13th day of December 1901 at 11 o’clock in the forenoon at the Nutley Inn, Nutley. Present Mr. C.H. Corbett in the Chair Mr. G.M. Maryon-Wilson Mr. Douglas W. Freshfield Mr. Thomas Colgate Mr. Thomas Hyde Mr. Robert Kenward Mr. W.R. Keeys Mr. Llewellyn Midgley The Revd. H.J. Peckham Mr. Mark Sandford Mr. Albert Turner Chairman chosen Mr. C.H... Corbett was unanimously chosen Chairman and having taken the Chair. Notice, publication of The Clerk read notice convening the meeting and reported the due publication thereof as above mentioned. Retiring Conservators The Clerk reported that the Conservators who retire by rotation on the 31st instant are Messrs. George M. Maryon-Wilson, Albert Turner, Guy Charles Hardy and Robert Kenward. Election of Conservators It was proposed by Mr. Sandford and seconded by Mr. Hyde that Mr. George M. Maryon-Wilson be re-elected a Conservator.


It was proposed by Mr. Colgate and seconded by the Revd. H J. Peckham that Mr. Albert Turner be re-elected a Conservator. It was proposed by Mr. Turner and seconded by Mr. Kenward that Mr. Guy Charles Hardy be re-elected a Conservator. It was proposed by Mr. Sandford and seconded by Mr. Midgley that Mr. Robert Kenward be re-elected a Conservator. No other nominations having been made the Chairman declared the four nominees duly elected for the ensuing three years. C.H. Corbett Chairman

A meeting of the Conservators of Ashdown Forest duly convened and held at the Nutley Inn at Nutley on Friday the 13th of December 1901 at 11:30 a.m. Present Mr. George M. Maryon-Wilson in the Chair Mr. Thomas Colgate Mr. C.H. Corbett Mr. Thomas Hyde Mr. Robert Kenward Mr. Llewellyn Midgley Mr. Mark Sandford Mr. Albert Turner The minutes of the last meeting were read and confirmed. Election of Conservators The Clerk produced and read the following certificate and it was resolved that it be entered on the minutes. It is as follows To Mr. William Augustus Raper. Clerk to the Conservators of Ashdown Forest. As Chairman of the meeting of Commoners on Ashdown Forest duly convened and held this day at the Nutley Inn at Nutley for the purpose of electing four Conservators thereby intimate to you that at such meeting the following were elected Conservators namely Messrs. George Maryon-Wilson, Albert Turner, Guy Charles Hardy and Robert Kenward in the place of the four Conservators who retire by rotation on the 31st instant. Dated this 13th day of December 1901 C H. Corbett Chairman The Clerk produced the Bank Pass Book showing a balance in hand of ₤261:0:7. Road near Mr. Smee; road & bridge Mr. Grieve The Clerk reported that he prepared licences to Mr. Smee and Mr. Grieve as directed at the last meeting and on the 24th October last sent them for the consent of the Lord to Mr. Nicholson who replied that he must first obtain the Lord’s express sanction and he asked to see the plans referred to in the licences. These were sent to him by return


post and the Clerk pointed out at the same time that the works proposed would be beneficial to the Forest. He subsequently wrote to Mr. Nicholson two or three times but as yet Mr. Nicholson had not obtained the Lord’s authority to consent. Mr. Freshfield temporary road The Clerk reported that he communicated to Mr. Freshfield the conditions on which his application to temporarily lay down sleepers and carry building materials over the timber track out of Prestridge Warren would be granted, that Mr. Freshfield had written undertaking to observe the conditions and had paid the acknowledgement of ₤1:1:0 Divergence Also that subsequently Mr. Freshfield wrote to ask if he might lay the sleepers in a straight line from the Warren to the road instead of over the timber road thus taking a much shorter route over the Forest expressing his readiness in consideration thereof to abandon all right to the old cart track. The Clerk stated he had assented to laying the sleeper over a direct line as a temporary arrangement for the building without prejudice to any question as to the future. It was resolved that the Board confirm the Clerk’s action. Gypsies Mr. W.D. Freshfield attended and drew attention to the increasing nuisance of gypsies who are allowed by Mr. Timothy John Ridley or Gurr of Cripps Corner to camp on his land. It was pointed out to Mr. Freshfield that the Board has no control over gypsies camping on private property and he was referred to the sanitary authority. Mr. Freshfield licence to cart stone out of Hindleap Warren Mr. Freshfield also stated that he is quarrying stone in the Hindleap Warren immediately adjoining the Honeywell Quarry and desired the assent of the Conservators to carting the stone through an opening to be made into the Honeywell Quarry and over the existing cart way through that quarry to the Wych Cross road. The Honeywell Quarry being within that part of the Forest which is included in the grant to him by Lord De La Warr for the life of the latter it was resolved that the Conservators consent to the application subject to Mr. Freshfield paying them an acknowledgement of 5/- on every 1st day of January during the continuance of this licence and undertaking to close the exit from Hindleap Warren and discontinue the carriage through the Honeywell Quarry of stone quarried within the Warren when required by the Conservators. Quabrook Gate The Clerk reported that he wrote to Mr. Barron after the last meeting required him and Mr. Methuen to re-erect the gate and posts at Quabrook Gate and the Ranger reported that the work had been satisfactorily done. Spencer Ridley convicted for cutting turf without licence The Clerk reported that Spencer Ridley son of Joseph Ridley of Millbrook was summoned before the Uckfield Bench on the 7th instant for a breach of Bye Law no. 8 on the 7th September last in cutting turf or peat on the Forest without a licence. The Defendant attended the Court with his father and having pleaded guilty was fined 5/- and costs 6/- which were paid. John Stiller cutting litter out of season The Clerk reported that pursuant to the resolution passed at the last meeting he wrote to Mr. John Head of Mudbrook Farm, Forest Row, who informed him that he only authorised Stiller to cut litter when the proper season arrived. The Clerk replied cautioning him to be more explicit in his instructions in future and also wrote to John Stiller warning him that if at any future time he cut out of season he would be prosecuted. Albert Walter cutting brakes without licence The Clerk reported that he wrote to Albert Walter of Cackle Street as directed at the last meeting that unless he gave a written promise that he would not in future cut brakes on the Forest without a licence he would be prosecuted and had received a reply stating in effect that he thought the property had a right and referring him to his landlord Mr. George Osborne of Pippingford Farm. It was resolved that the Clerk write to Mr. Osborne to ascertain whether he could establish a right.


Zachariah Carr encroachment The Clerk reported that he inspected the alleged encroachment by Zachariah Carr at Dodds Bank pursuant to the resolution passed at the last meeting and he produced a sketch of the property made on the spot and stated that the piece of ground in question was enclosed by a fence which looked as if it had stood there for same years and that Carr had grubbed up the bank and hedge which divided it from his field behind. The Ranger stated that the fence in question had stood where it does all his time. It was resolved that the Clerk endeavour to ascertain how long the fence in question has existed. Same, faggot stock The Ranger reported that Carr who formerly had his faggot stack inside the fence has recently for the first time placed faggots on the Forest on the south east side of the fence and it was resolved that he be required to remove them. Henry Constable litter The Clerk reported that pursuant to the resolution of the last meeting he wrote to Henry Constable of Old Forge Bank, Horney Common and had received from him a written promise that he would not in future cut litter on the Forest without licence. Bonfire licences The Clerk reported that he granted licences to the following to have bonfires on the Forest on the 5 November last subject to the usual condition namely: Frank Mitchell, Yew Tree Cottage, Forest Row E. Taylor, Friars Gate, Withyham. William Ridley, Beech View Farm, Nutley Joseph Martin, Chelwood Gate Forest Row recreation ground The Clerk reported that he had a long correspondence with the Revd. A.J. Swainson of Forest Row as to the prior and moral claim of the Forest Row Cricket Club to the Tompsetts Bank Recreation Ground and to have the pitch protected from damage by football players. The Clerk pointed out in reply that while the Club is entitled to the exclusive user of the Pavilion which was erected some years ago by permission of the Board for the use of the Club the Recreation Ground is for the enjoyment of the inhabitants of Forest Row and the neighbourhoods. That the control of it is by Bye Law 17 placed under the Superintendent Mr. Gordon and that the Club must apply to the Superintendent if it is desired to fence in the cricket pitch. Isaac Waters & Sons trespass The Clerk reported that Mr. H.J. Waters had removed all materials deposited outside the one foot from the building referred to at the last meeting. He also paid his Forest rate which he had previously refused to pay. The Clerk also stated he had directed the Ranger to keep his eye on the spot to see that Mr. Waters does not again break the Bye Laws by depositing materials on the Forest. F.R. Lucas repair of road The Clerk reported that pursuant to the power delegated to him by the Board he had given Mr. Lucas of Greenhall near Tompsetts Bank permission to repair the road from Greenhall to the Wych Cross road. Hope J.F. digging The Clerk reported that Mr. James F. Hope had written to say he wanted to obtain gravel from the Forest and that as there had been some complaint the last time he obtained some he desired to know what were the Conservators’ views on the subject. The Clerk stated he had replied that provided Mr. Hope obtained the consent of the Lord and dug in an existing pit and filled in the ground excavated preserving and re-spreading the top spit on the surface he thought the Conservators would make no objection.


Duddleswell Road Improvement of corner Mr. Hope having pointed out at the last meeting that there is a dangerous corner where the road from Crowborough enters the high road from Hartfield to Maresfield and that it would be greatly improved if the corner between the two roads is thrown into the highway it was resolved that if the road authority desire to carry out this improvement the Board will make no objection. Frederick Tester rubbish last meeting The Clerk reported that he had examined the Award map and found that the spot on which the Ranger reported at the last meeting that Frederick Tester had deposited materials from a well was outside the boundary of the Forest as defined on the map. Hood Barr gateway The Clerk reported that since the last meeting he had received from Mr. Hood Barrs a rough plan showing the wicket gate he desired to close up and the spot to which he desired to remove it and the width of the gate. It was resolved that it be referred to the Forest Row Committee to view the spot and report on the application. Cheque It was resolved that the following Cheque be drawn The Ranger 13 weeks salary and house rent to 30th instant £16:5:0 Petty disbursements during the year as per book £0:19:3

£17:4:3 The Clerk Various disbursements during the year as per vouchers £9:17:7 Postage receipt stamps for the year £2:15:9 Telegrams & travelling expenses do. £4:7:2 Costs of obtaining Mr. Guy Lushington’s opinion re. rights of way £5:5:0 Half year salary to 31st instant £50:0:0 £72:5:6 Accounts for 1901 The Clerk laid before the Board the account of the receipts and expenditure for the year 1901 together with the vouchers for the various payments which were examined by the Board and having been found correct it was proposed by Mr. Corbett seconded by Mr. Kenward that the accounts be approved and signed by the Chairman and the usual summary be sent to every Commoner. Protection & Improvement Fund It was resolved that the sum of ₤39:13:0 standing to the credit of the “Protection and Improvement Fund” be placed on deposit with Messrs. Barclay & Co. Ltd. in the joint names of the Chairman and the Clerk. A cheque was accordingly deposited. Mr. Maryon-Wilson being obliged to leave the meeting at this point Mr. C.H. Corbett was voted into the Chair. The Ranger’s reports were then gone through. County Council draining road on to Forest He reported that on the Forest at Millbrook about 25 yards on the west side of the Nutley to Wych Cross road the employees of the East Sussex County Council have laid several large pipe and dug a large grip for the purpose of draining the water from the high road on the Forest. It was resolved that the Clerk look into matter and report to the next meeting.


It was resolved that the next meeting of the Board be held on the 14th day February next unless Mr. Wilson see reason to convene it at an earlier date. The meeting terminated at 1 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 14th day of February 1902 at 11 a.m. Present Mr. G.M. Maryon-Wilson in the Chair Mr. C H. Corbett Mr. Thomas Hyde Mr. Robert Kenward Mr. Llewellyn Midgley Mr. Mark Sandford This being the first meeting of the year the first business was the section of a Chairman of the Board for the current year. Temporary Chairman election of Chairman for the year Mr. C.H. Corbett was voted to the Chair for the purpose of conducting the election. It was proposed by Mr. Sandford seconded by Mr. Midgley and unanimously resolved that Mr. George M. Maryon-Wilson be the Chairman of the Board for the current year. Mr. Maryon-Wilson then took the Chair and thanked the members for thus expressing their satisfaction with the manner in which he had hitherto discharged his duties as Chairman. The minutes of the last meeting were then read and confirmed. Protection and Improvement Fund The Clerk reported that pursuant to the resolution passed at the last meeting he had placed the ₤39:13:0 standing to the credit of the Protection and Improvement Fund on deposit at Messrs. Barclay & Co. in the joint names of the Chairman and the Clerk. The Clerk produced the Bank Pass Book showing a balance in the bank of ₤170:9:4 which includes ₤38:17:0 received this year on account of the Protection and Improvement Fund. Protection and Improvement Fund cheque It was resolved that the said sum of ₤38:17:0 be also placed on deposit with the above mentioned sum of ₤39:13:0 and a Cheque was drawn accordingly. Smee & Grieve proposed licences The Clerk read a letter from Mr. Nicholson dated 13th January last stating that in reference to Mr. Grieve and Mr. Smee’s proposed licences Lord De La Warr’s secretary has written as follows “I am to say that his Lordship resents the injustice of the Conservators taking the whole of the fees paid for forming roads on his soil and must withhold his consent pending a more equitable arrangement” and Mr. Nicholson asked what could be suggested. Earl De La Warr future payment ****, acknowledgement for licences It was proposed by Mr. Corbett seconded by Mr. Kenward and unanimously resolved that the Clerk inform Mr. Nicholson that the Conservators suggest that in future applicants for licences for roads over the Forest be informed


that they will have to pay to the Lord a similar yearly acknowledgment to that which they are required to pay to the Conservators. Also that the Conservators will be prepared if desired to divide with the Lord the acknowledgement hereafter to be received in respect of roads over the Forest under licences already granted. T J. Ridley or Gurr sand pit The Clerk reminded the Board of the resolution passed on the 19th July last directing him to write to Lord De La Warr’s representatives drawing attention to the case of the sand pit worked by J.L. Ridley or Gurr pointing out that the late Earl De La Warr’s undertaking in the case of Hale v De La Warr is not being observed and calling on the present Earl to comply with it and that he had deferred writing pending the negotiations for licence to Messrs. Grieve and Smee. Costs A bill of costs which Messrs. Hunt had rendered to the Conservators amounting to ₤4:13:6 was then examined and the Clerk was instructed to communicate with Messrs. Hunt as to an item of ₤1:1:0 with reference to the licences to the Rector of Maresfield and Mr. Norman. Earl De La Warr proposed Lease from A letter was read from Mr. Nicholson stating that his charges in relation to the abortive negotiations for the proposed lease from Lord De La Warr should be paid by the Conservators. Thomas Scott digging stone The Ranger reported that on the 3rd January last he found Thomas Scott son of Alfred Scott of Paines Hill digging for stone on the Forest for his father within a few yards of the house of the latter. He directed the son to stop digging and (the father being from home) to inform him that he was breaking the Bye Laws. The digging had been discontinued and the hole filled up. Highgate. Application to improvement road from Chapel Lane to Wych Cross road Mr. James Waters of Forest Row attended and applied on behalf of the inhabitants of Forest Row for the sanction of the Board to their improving the gradients of and metalling the road running from the south end of chapel lane at Forest Row westward past the Ashdown Forest hotel and thence running due west between enclosed lands till it reaches the green and to make a new outlet to it straight across the green into the high road from Forest Row to Wych Cross. It was resolved that the Board is willing to consent to the application if the owner of the soil also consents and that the Clerk ascertain whether the owner of the soil is Earl De La Warr or Mr. Freshfield and communicate with him thereon. The Forest Row Committee presented the following report which was read and it was resolved that it be entered on the minutes: To the Conservators of Ashdown Forest The Clerk having on the 8th January reported to us that building operations had been commented on Hospital Farm and that the Forest was being considerably cut up by cartage of materials by Messrs. Walter Holt & Son builders of Croydon whom he had warned to desist and that he had also written on the subject to Mr. Freshfield who he understood was interested in the property, your Committee met on the spot on Tuesday 21st January. Mr. Douglas W. Freshfield the freeholder Major Darwin, the lessee, who is building, and a representation of Messrs. Holt the contractors and walked over the ground with them. Your Committee found that the Forest had been extensively cut up by cart tracks leading in various directions much of the traffic being occasioned by the cartage of material to Hospital Farm and much by the cartage of sand from the pit near the Hospital Farm which is worked by Timothy J. Ridley of Gurr as to which latter your Committee reported on a former occasion. There appears to be an old established track running from the high road near the Goat almost due south to the high road near Twyford Lodge and passing along the eastern boundary of Hospital Farm and the western boundary of Ridley’s holding


known as Cripps’ Corner but that the other tracks are of modern creation Major Darwin explained that he was building a residence for himself on Hospital Farm and was desirous of obtaining permission to make up a permanent road from a point close to the outbuilding on Ordnance No. 110 to the high road near the Goat. The Committee explained to Major Darwin that they had no power to deal with the application but would report on it to the Board at their next meeting on the 14th February but they informed Major Darwin that in the meantime and without prejudice to any decision the Board might come to they would not object to his hardening the track which they walked over with him and marked out, as what appeared to be the ancient track by packing in the ruts and filling in with faggots of hard material and carting building materials over it on the distinct understanding that the traffic was to be limited strictly to that route and that he held himself responsible to the Conservators if after that date any materials were carted to the farm over any other part of the Forest. As regards Major Darwin’s application to convert the track into a permanent road your Committee consider that as this track appears to be an ancient one and to serve the different properties along its route it would be beneficial to the Forest that Major Darwin should be permitted to make and maintain it as a metalled road not exceeding 9 feet in width from the highway near the Goat to the point he indicated on the Hospital Farm in order that there may be no excuse for the local traffic to diverge from the track on to the Forest. Your Committee have examined the plan submitted by Mr. Hood Barrs indicating the wicket gate he wished to close up from his property at Wych Cross and the point near the south west corner of the property at which he wished to place a similar gate, that there is at this latter point a strip of Forest 25 feet in width between the proposed gate and the high road and they see no reason why the application should be granted. Dated the 13th February 1902 C. H. Corbett L. Midgley Thomas Hyde Major Darwin application to harden road from the Goat to Twyford It was proposed by Mr. Sandford seconded by Mr. Kenward and the report be approved and adopted and that Major Darwin be informed that so far as the Conservators are concerned they do not object to his metalling the track which was pointed out to him by the Committee as the ancient track on condition that he undertake to confine his traffic entirely to the track. Road authority drainage of roads The Clerk reported on the question referred to him at the last meeting that the Local Government Act 1888 S.H. (6) confers on the County Council the powers and duties of the Surveyor of Highways as regards main roads. Sec 67 of the Highway Act 1835 empowers the Surveyor to make drains through any land adjoining a highway. Where the land is private property the owner of occupier is entitled to compensation for damage but waste or common is excluded from this provision. No notice is required by any act to he given before making such drains and he further reported that he did not find any enactment which excepts a regulated common from the operation of this general law. Mr. Freshfield licences to cart stone from Hindleap Warren- The Clerk reported that he had communicated to Mr. Freshfield the terms on which the Board consented to his carrying stone from Hindleap Warren through the Honeywell Quarry on to the Wych Cross road and that he had assented in writing thereof and had paid the acknowledgment of 5/- due on 1st January last. George Osborne claim to rights The Clerk reported that Mr. George Osborne of Home Farm Pippingford claimed rights of common in respect of his property at Cackle Street occupied by Albert Walter, that Mr. Osborne had this morning produced to him the conveyance of the property dated the 13th December 1894 from which it appeared that the property comprised 34 perches and was conveyed by the De La Warr trustees to Mr. Osborne’s wife Mabala, that the land was shown by plan on the deed and that prior to the conveyance it was held on a tenancy at Will. This Clerk informed Mr.


Osborne that a claim to rights could not be sustained and he promised to warn his tenant not again to take brakes or litter without a licence. Zachariah Carr encroachment The Clerk reported he had not as yet been able to obtain any reliable information with reference to the alleged encroachment by Zachariah Carr. Marriott, Mr. & Miss, T. Streatfeild litter The Ranger having reported that on 16th December last he saw Thomas Streatfeild (tenant of Worsted Farm-near Ashurst Wood which belongs to Mr. & Miss Marriott) taking litter from the Forest, the Clerk reported that he wrote to and afterwards saw Messrs. Hastie the Solicitors for Mr. & Miss Marriott and pointed out that Masketts at Nutley is the only property belonging to them which appears on the Schedule of Commoners as entitled to rights and that it is necessary either that they should establish that Worsted Farm is entitled to rights of common or that Mr. Streatfeild should give a written undertaking not again to trespass on the Forest. The Clerk explained that the property being old enclosed it would not be necessary to go into the title but that if he could produce evidence to show 60 years user the Conservators would be ready to hear the same. Messrs. Hastie had since written that they would look into the matter but asked that it might stand over for a short time on account of pressure of work St. John’s Cricket Club trespass The Ranger having reported in December last that the Cricket Club at St. Johns Crowborough were re-turfing their pitch and no permission having been given the Clerk reported that he wrote to the Hon. Sec. Mr. Humphrey who had replied expressing regret and had promised that the Committee will in future apply for permission beforehand. Kings Standing Range notice boards Two of the notice board and posts near Kings Standing Rifle Range having disappeared the Clerk reported that he wrote to the Commanding Officer on the 14th January last requesting that they might be replaced. H. Cruttenden application for road Mr. H. Cruttenden of Uckfield attended before the Board and stated that he had recently purchased from Mr. Vinall a property lying on the Forest at Pound Gate(Nos. 185, 186 & 187 on the Ordnance Map 1898) and applied for permission to make a new road to it over the Forest from the high road to enter on the side of No. 186 but as there appeared to be already a road from the highway to the front of the property it was resolved that the Board cannot accede to Mr. Cruttenden’s application and that the Clerk inform him they only consent where an absolute necessity is shown and not a mere matter of convenience and that Mr. Cruttenden be required to re-level the surface of the Forest where he had commenced making the road before applying to the Board. Henry Harding trespasses The Ranger having reported that Henry Harding tenant of Little Claypits at Hartfield owned by Misses Hale and who has been before the Board on a former occasion in connection with the deposit of materials etc. on the Forest near Little Claypits having a quantity of wood on the Forest and a steam engine with which he was cutting up the wood, the Clerk reported he summoned Mr. Harding before the East Grinstead Bench on the 3rd instant for breach of Bye Law 15 in leaving wood upon the common without written consent and for breach of Bye Law 3 in placing a steam engine on the Forest and thereby causing an obstruction, that Mr. White of East Grinstead appeared for the defendant and as regards the wood claimed a prescriptive right but that defendant’s evidence having broken down on this point the Justices convicted him and fined him 10/- and 8/- costs and that as regards the summons for the steam engine the bench having suggested a small penalty the defendant pleaded guilty and was fined 1/- without costs. The Clerk reported that he had found it advisable to have photographs taken of the locus in quo which had greatly assisted the Bench. Mr. Harding having stated that he was merely cutting up materials for the erection of an engine house on Little Claypits and having made a written application to be allowed to finish the work undertaking to remove the engine before the 15th instant the Clerk stated that he had given Mr. Harding a written consent to that effect. Mr. Harding attended but made no application.


It was proposed by Mr. Corbett seconded by Mr. Sandford and resolved that if Mr. Harding has not removed the engine and all deposit from the Forest (except one stack of faggots and one stack of letter for which licences had been granted to him) before 1st March the Clerk do take proceeding in the County Court against him and any other necessary parties for an injunction to compel the removal. Furnace Wood timber hauling The Ranger reported that on the 20th January he found the surface of the Forest considerably cut up by carriage of timber from the Furnace Wood at Newbridge to the main road which he understood had been drawn out by Mr. Job Luxford. It was resolved that the Clerk write to Sir Spencer Walpole the owner of Furnace Wood requesting him to have the surface of the Forest levelled and made good. Janetta Jones camping The Clerk reported that on the 13th instant Janetta Jones was convicted at the Uckfield Petty Sessions of a breach of Bye Law 3 for having a van on the Forest and was fined 5 / and 7/- costs. Fairwarp burial ground extension The Clerk reported that on the 7th January he received a letter from the Revd. G.C.W. Pembury of the new parish of Fairwarp as to providing additional burial accommodation either by enclosing additional land from the Forest or by transplanting the fringe of trees from inside the enclosure on to the Forest outside and that he had replied to him the same day as follows: The mere shifting of the trees from the inside of the enclosure on to the Forest outside would be merely a temporary expedient and would be unsatisfactory because the Burial Authority would have no control over them afterwards and no means of protecting them from injury. The proper course is to obtain an extension of the existing burial ground. For this purpose you would have to apply to Messrs. Hunt Currey & Co. of Lewes the solicitors to Lord De La Warr who has power to grant land for the purpose on the Forest subject to the following conditions: that the sanction must be obtained of these Commoners whose lands lie in the vicinity of the proposed enclosure and also the consent of the Board of Conservators. The legal expenses would be Messrs. Hunt’s bill in the matter. The first thing is to prepare an exact plan made to scale showing the present boundaries of the burial ground and also showing the exact piece of land that it is desired to add. Jacob Heasman Harry Tester cutting trees The Ranger reported that on the 21st January the policeman at Forest Row saw Jacob Heasman and Harry Tester cutting an alder pole about 16 feet long on the Forest between Hindleap Warren and Kidbrooke Park where several trees have been lopped or cut down of late being on that part of the Forest which had been conveyed by Earl De La Warr to Mr. Freshfield and that Heasman stated he had a right to cut any soft wood. It was proposed by Mr. Corbett seconded by Mr. Kenward and resolved that the Clerk prosecute Heasman and Tester. Mr. Midgley building post It was resolved that permission be granted to Mr. Midgley to erect a hitching post on the Forest on the opposite side of the road to his carriage entrance. Cheque It was proposed that a cheque be drawn for The Ranger 7 weeks salary and house rent to the 17th instant ₤8:15:0 It was resolved that the next meeting be held on Friday the 2nd May next or such earlier date as the Chairman may deem it necessary to convene the meeting. The meeting terminated at 3 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 2nd day of may 1902 at 11 a.m. Present Mr. George M. Maryon-Wilson in the Chair Mr. Thomas Colgate Mr. C.H. Corbett Mr. Thomas Hyde Mr. Robert Kenward Mr. Llewellyn Midgley Mr. Mark Sandford Mr. Albert Turner The minutes of the last meeting were read and confirmed. Protection and Improvement Fund The Clerk reported that he had placed the sum of ₤38:17:0 acknowledgments for licences received this year on deposit in the joint names of the Chairman and Clerk and produced the deposit receipts for this and last year’s deposit of ₤ 39:13:0 The Bank Pass Book was produced showing a balance of ₤123:14:4 to the credit of the current account. Licences - arrangement with Lord The Clerk reported that in accordance with instructions given at the last meeting he wrote to Mr. Nicholson on the 15th February suggesting that if licences are granted in future to make roads or metal tracks over the Forest the licencees should be required to pay an annual acknowledgment to the Lord of the same amount as that which they pay to the Conservators and that if the Lord should fall in with that suggestion and he thought it right to require it the Conservators would be ready to divide with the Lord the yearly acknowledgments thereafter to be received by them in respect of **** over the Forest made or detailed under licences already granted and on the 24th February Mr. Nicholson replied that on the understanding the Lord was to receive one half of all the acknowledgment for concessions in the past and future from that time he consented to Mr. Grieve and Mr. Smee’s concessions and had signed them accordingly. Mr. Smee licence In the case of, Mr. Smee’s licence Mr. Nicholson agreed that as the metalling of the track was a public rather than a private benefit no acknowledgment should be reserved or required. Mr. Nicholson charge for licences Mr. Nicholson further stated that the applicants should pay for their licences and he proposed to fix his fee at ₤1:1:0 per licence. Earl De La Warr proposed lease - reopen negotiations Mr. Corbett in accordance with notices given moved Mr. Sandford seconded and it was unanimously resolved that negotiations be reopened with Earl De La Warr for a lease to three substantial persons for 21 years determinable by the Lessees only at 7 or 14 years of all his Lordship's rights and interest in and over the unenclosed portion of Ashdown Forest including: (1) The right to raise and cut timber and other trees and underwood (2) The right to drain the Forest where desirable (3) The right to sanction where desirable the improvement and metalling of existing tracks and the making

metalling and user of new roads subject as regards the latter to the reservation of a power to determine and of a yearly payment or acknowledgment

(4) The Lords right to dig and get stone brick earth gravel and other material and all minerals and (5) All sporting rights (6) And including the benefit of all current leases and agreements in relation to the premises.


It was proposed by Mr. Midgley seconded by Mr. Turner and unanimously resolved that Mr. Corbett be requested to make an appointment with Mr. Nicholson for the purpose of reopening the negotiations and of discussing terms with him and to report to the Committee next here after mentioned. It was proposed by Mr. Corbett seconded by Mr. Kenward and unanimously resolved that a Committee be appointed consisting of the Chairman, Mr. Corbett and Mr. Sandford for the purpose of carrying on the negotiation and reporting to the Board. Messrs Hunt & Co. costs It was also resolved that if Mr. Nicholson require payment of his costs of the late negotiation before reopening negotiation Mr. Corbett be empowered to deal with the matter. N. W. Grieve licences for road The Clerk reported that on informing Mr. Grieve that his licence was ready that gentleman had written that as the size and importance of his property on the Forest did not appear to justify the expense involved in the original scheme for road and bridge he wished to give it up and wished simply to mend the present track in places filling up ruts here and there with stones and making the crossing of the stream safer. It was resolved that subject to the assent of the Lord the licence be altered so as to make the doing of the work mentioned in it permissive and not obligatory thus enabling him to do so much only as he thinks fit. Messrs. Hunt & Co. costs A reply was read from Mr. Nicholson stating that he would not discuss the question of the ₤1:1:0 item in Messrs. Hunt & Co.’s bill and that the Conservators might strike it out. Highgate application to improve road The Clerk reported that the western part of the road track from Chapel Lane to the Wych Cross road which the inhabitants proposed to improve passed over the part of the soil of the Forest that is vested in Mr. Freshfield and the remainder over Earl De La Warr’s soil. That he had informed Mr. Waters that the Board is willing to consent to the application to the application provided Earl De La Warr and Mr. Freshfield both consent and referred him to Mr. Hunt and Mr. Freshfield for the purpose. The Clerk also communicated with both these parties as directed. Major Darwin application to make road, to take water from spring The Clerk reported that he communicated to Major Darwin the resolution of the last meeting of the Board and had since received a further application from him (1) Asking permission to make a short road from the ancient cart track to his property as shown on a plan

produced (2) To take from the spring on the Forest immediately above the Hospital Farm which supplied T.J. Ridley or

Gurr. The Clerk stated he met Major Darwin on the spot also T.J. Ridley or Gurr who expressed himself quite willing that Major Darwin should take water so long as enough was left for his use. The Clerk stated that the overflow of the spring originally passed on to the Hospital Farm but that it had been diverted at some comparatively modern date by a cutting across the Forest down the ditch at the side of the opposite and thence into Ridley’s property.

T.J. Ridley or Gurr application to lay pipe from spring Ridley also applied to the Clerk for permission to lay pipes under the Forest to carry his supply from the spring to his property. The Clerk could not ascertain when the cutting was made and consequently whether Ridley had acquired a vested right to the water. Major Darwin proposed to close in the spring to the satisfaction of the Conservators so as to prevent contamination that pipes for supplying his house and Ridley’s should be inserted at the same level that he should provide a drinking trough or pool satisfactory to the Conservators for watering the Commoners cattle to the supplied by a pipe from the spring inserted at a lower level that the supply pipes to his and Ridley’s properties so that the Commoners would retain the first claim on the water. It was resolved that subject to all details being agreed with the Forest Row Committee and to the Lord’s consent being obtained a licence be granted to Major Darwin subject to the usual conditions to metal and maintain the old


track as marked out by the Committee from the high road near the Goat to the point at which he desires to make a short length of new road to his property and to make metal and maintain such short length of new road he paying a yearly acknowledgment of ₤1 half to the Conservators and half to the Lord and subject as above and to an adequate and first supply of water from the spring being secured to the Commoners for than cattle licences be granted on the usual conditions to Major Darwin and to Mr. T.J. Ridley to lay pipes under the Forest to carry water from the spring to their respective properties each party paying a yearly acknowledgment in respect thereof to the Conservators amounting in the aggregate to a guinea per annum to be divided between the parties as may be agreed. Ridley or Gurr application to deposit bricks The Clerk read an application he had received from T.J. Ridley for permission to deposit 15000 bricks on Forest and stated he subsequently visited the spot and saw Ridley and found he had already deposited as he stated from 8000 to 9000 bricks some outside his north hedge kept within three feet from the stem of his hedge near there is a compact block of bricks in the lane dividing his land from Hospital Farm extending five feet from his ledge and an inconvenience if not danger to anyone driving along it in the dark and a few on the opposite side of the lane facing the wicket gate to his cottage which he said he was going to use. He asks permission to deposit another 11000 or 12000 on the Forest and to leave the whole there till after haying when he talks of building a cottage to live in so that he can let his farm. It was resolved that the Conservators can see no reason why Mr. Ridley should not stack the bricks on his own property and cannot consent to his application also that he be required to remove at once the bricks stacked in the lane. Fires on Forest reward offered The Clerk reported that extensive fires having occurred on the Forest which were evidently wilfully caused the Chairman on the 12th April directed him to put out bills offering a reward of ₤10 for information which should result in the conviction of any person unlawfully and maliciously setting fire to the heath, etc. A bill was printed (a copy of which was laid on the table) and was in the hands of the Ranger the next morning who at once left one at each public house beershop and school on and around the Forest and posted them up on all available positions. It was resolved that the action of the Chairman be adopted and confirmed. The Ranger reported that several fires had occurred since the notices were issued and the Clerk read letters from Mr. Freshfield suggesting the employment of private detectives to try and discover the incendiaries and offering to contribute to the expense. It was resolved that the Conservators are of opinion that the fires are deliberately caused for the purpose of improving the feed, that they are not likely to occur again this year but that it is desirable before Easter next year to request the Chief Constable to draft plain clothes detectives into the district with a view to discovering the offenders if fires should again be started. Kings Standing Range notice boards The Ranger reported that the missing notice boards and posts near Kings Standing Rifle Range have been replaced. Road Authorities’ application The East Sussex County Council applied for the consent of the Conservators to dig and carry away from the under mentioned spots on the Forest the road materials following: Central district (Mr. A.G. Tucker, District Surveyor)

Cubic yards Description of material Point from which it is proposed to obtain the materials

80 Stone Isle of Thorns pit in Parish of Fletching 80 Stone also the sand gravel removed in

obtaining the same Millbrook Hall pit in parish of Maresfield

50 gravel Kingstanding in parish of Buxted West district (Mr. H.W. Bowen, District Surveyor)

240 gravel Between Kingstanding and top of Five Hundred


The East Grinstead Rural District Council applied for consent to dig and carry away from the under mentioned spots on the Forest the road materials following: Hartfield Parish

150 gravel From Kingstanding Pit Withyham Parish 30 gravel From Pit at top of 500 acres 30 gravel From St John’s Pit

It was resolved that as there is a material reduction in the quantities applied for by each authority the Board consent to the applications on the same terms and conditions as those contained in the licences granted to the same Authorities on the 16th December 1899. Also that the Clerk impress on the Authorities the necessity of strictly observing the terms and conditions of the licence. H. Cruttenden claim to rights The Clerk reported that since the last meeting Mr. H. Cruttenden of Uckfield the owner of the property on the Forest at Pound Gate nos. 185 and 187 on the Ordnance Map 1898 had enquired whether the property was entitled to rights that the Clerk had investigated his title deeds and found that part of the property was an encroachment sold under the Regulation Award to which under the terms of the conveyance common rights could not attach while the remainder was purchased in 1887 from Lord De La Warr from whom it had been held at will and could not therefore have acquired a right by prescription and the Clerk had informed Mr. Cruttenden thereof accordingly. Zachariah Carr alleged encroachment The Clerk reported that he had examined the alleged encroachment by Zachariah Carr at Dodds Bank with Mr. Albert Turner who had known the place for many years and he stated he was unable to say that any ground had been taken in recent years and the Ranger stated that he had noticed no change since he became Ranger. Marriott Mr. & Miss. J. Streatfeild litter The Clerk read a further letter from Messrs. Hastie dated 17th April last relative to Worsted Farm and stated he proposed to wait a further communication. Furnace Wood timber hauling The Ranger reported that the damage done to the Forest by drawing timber from Furnace Wood Newbridge had been made good. Thos. Osborne estovers The Clerk read letters from Mr. Thomas Osborne of Duddleswell as to cutting estovers for his property known as Misbourne. It was resolved that the Conservators do not see their way to give him any authority to cut estovers. Hy. Hardinge deposits The Ranger reported that Henry Hardinge of Little Claypits removed his steam engine off the Forest pursuant to his undertaking. The Clerk stated he visited the place on the 21st inst and found that practically everything had been cleared off the Forest except a stack of litter for which Harding has a licence and a stack of wood. This wood consists of larger posts of young trees probably willow which Harding no doubt uses for the purposes of his trade but he alleged at the Police Court that he used only a small piece of the butt for his trade and that the main part he used for fuel and as he has a licence for a faggot stack he contends it covers this wood. Under these circumstances the Clerk thought it undesirable to proceed for an injunction and suggested that if the Conservators consider it desirable to take any


further action Hardinge should again be summoned for leaving the wood on the Forest under Bye Law 15 as it is absolute and no claim to rights can be set up. It was resolved that unless Hardinge undertakes at once to remove the wood the Clerk proceed against him under Bye Law 15. Fairwarp recreation ground driving over - fence gone A letter was read from Mr. Fredk. J. Wood Superintendent of the Fairwarp Recreation Ground complaining that someone had been carting over it and that the fence round the ground had fallen down. The Clerk stated that having heard that Mr. William Markwick of Duddleswell had been carting across it he wrote warning him that if he did so again he would be prosecuted. It was resolved that the Clerk prosecute any one found breaking Bye Law no. 17 Misses Hale The Misses Hale having complained that a cart track is made and used on the Forest between the high road from Coleman’s Hatch to High Beeches and the eastern hedge of their Forest field to the great disfigurement of the Forest and applied to the Conservators to stop it. The Clerk stated he had viewed the spot and it appeared to be used by carts going to and from Luxford’s quarry. There is a bank by the side of the road which has been cut away at the entrance to this track and the Clerk suggested that if this bank were made up it would prevent carts leaving the high road. It was resolved that the Misses Hale be authorised to have the bank made up under the supervision of the Ranger. Mr. Luxford quarries - improper working The Clerk reported that his attention had been drawn to a quarry near Forest field and on the north west side of the above high road and also a quarry further up the hill on the south east side of the same high road both worked by Mr. Job Luxford. Both are deep pits the latter now about 25 feet deep, part of the west side of the former pit is not fenced. Both pits occupy a considerable area. No attempt has been made to fill back and level the debris or to preserve the top spit which is allowed to fall in and is buried and none has been put on one side. The Clerk understands the same is the case with a much larger quarry also worked by Mr. Luxford higher up on the north west side of the road which he had not time to visit. This negligence is a distinct breach of Bye Law 9 and is seriously and permanently injuring the Forest. If proceedings are taken the Clerk advised that a properly qualified person should be employed to examine the quarries and give evidence on the hearing of any summonses that might be issued. It was resolved that the Clerk draw Mr. Luxford’s attention particularly to the Bye Law and warn him that the Conservators will require strict compliance with it. Earl De La Warr negotiation of 1896 for sale of Forest It was resolved that Mr. Hope be requested to obtain from Mr. Francis Barchard the duplicate agreement signed on the 10th January 1896 between Earl De La Warr and Mr. Hope and Mr. Albert Turner on behalf of the Conservators by which Earl De La Warr agreed subject to the sanction of Parliament to sell all his interest in the Forest in exchange for the right to enclose certain land adjoining the Five hundred. It was resolved that cheques be drawn as follows The Ranger 11 weeks salary and house rent to the 5th instant £13:13:0 Messrs. Hunt bill of costs less the ₤1:1:0 above mentioned £3:12:6 It was resolved that the next meeting be held on Friday the 1st August next or such earlier date as the Chairman may deem necessary The meeting terminated at 4:10 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 1st day of August 1902 at 11 a.m. Present Mr. George M. Maryon-Wilson in the Chair Mr. C.H. Corbett Mr. Llewellyn Midgley Mr. Mark Sandford Mr. James White Wood The minutes of the last meeting were read and confirmed. The Bank Pass Book was produced showing a balance of ₤106:6:10 to the credit of the current account. Earl De La Warr negotiation for sale of Forest The Clerk reported that he had ascertained that the agreement entered into with Earl De La Warr on the 10th January 1896 with reference to a transfer to the Conservators of all his Lordship’s interest in the Forest was not executed in duplicate. That Mr. Barchard objected to part with the original and that at Mr. Hope’s request he sent to Mr. Barchard’s and had a copy of the agreement made and forwarded to Mr. Corbett. Earl De La Warr proposed lease of Forest That he had advised the Committee appointed to negotiate with Earl De La Warr for a lease that the Conservators have no power to hold land or take a lease and that the Committee had consequently no report to present but that certain gentlemen interested in the Forest namely Count Alexander Munster, Mr. Douglas W. Freshfield, Mr. Geo. M. Maryon-Wilson and Mr. C.H. Corbett had entered into negotiation with Lord De La Warr for a lease of the Forest with a view to assisting the Conservators in the protection of the Forest from injury and the Commoners on the protection of their rights and their had produced the draft of the proposed lease a summary of which was read and was as follows: Summary of proposed lease. Parcels. Waste of Manor of Duddleswell within the Pale of Forest (except portion made over to D.W. Freshfield by agreement of 16th November 1900.) All such timber & other trees underwood all sand sandstone & other stone usually employed in building or road making or repairing gravel brick tile other earths usually employed in brick making as the Lord has power to demise with full & free liberty to cut dig carry away, but so as not to prejudice the exercise of any of the rights of the Commoners. All game fish with full liberty of sporting and fishing. Exceptions All tenancies at will or lands heretofore part of Forest not at present actually lying waste. All mines and minerals other than above mentioned. All such brick and other earths of the character heretofore taken from the waste near Claypits including the sand pit occupied by Leonard Divall as shall be required for making bricks tiles and other ware at the Brickworks near Claypits in Hartfield on the Forest. With liberty to dig & carry away same. Subject As to the whole to the rights of the Commoners over the same. Also to and with the benefit of the following leases of agreements for leases or tenancies written or otherwise namely:

Job Luxford 18 April 1898 William Cole 2 October 1900 Timothy J. Ridley or Gurr Leonard Divall

29 March 1902 for hire of sandpits


Albert Turner Richard Hugh Ramsbotham and Philip Berry Ramsbotham

19 October 1900

Frederick Augustus White 19 March 1902 D.W. Freshfield John Parsons Thomas Hyde Peregrine Birch

for hire of shooting

Volunteer Corps Two Golf Clubs

For using Rifle Ranges

Term 21 years from 29th September 1902 determinable as below Rent ₤150 per ann. payable quarterly Lessees covenants To pay rent clear of al deductions except income tax. To pay all rates, taxes etc. except Landlords’ income tax. To maintain good and sufficient fences round pits or quarries To cut as timber or underwood without notice in writing to ******** so as to give him a right to object not to assign or underlet or part with possession of premises or any part (except to persons taking under leases or agreements for lease or the creation of tenancies similar to those subject to and with the benefit of which this demise is hereby created) without consent in writing of the Earl. Not to give permission to make or concur making any hard roads or the putting pipes over or under any part of premises or otherwise disturb the soil (except in the proper working of any quarries or pits) without the previous consent in writing of the Earl etc. But this restriction shall not be held to extend to any such permission as shall be capable of being revoked and shall be revoked at the end or sooner determination of said term Lessors Covenant for quiet enjoyment Proviso for re-entry on non-payment of rent for 30 days or lesser shall assign or break any covenant etc. Terminable Either party can terminate at end of 7th or 14th year on 6 calendar months previous notice in writing. N.W. Grieve licence for road The Clerk reported that the proposed licence to Mr. N.W. Grieve has been altered so as to make the work permission and not obligatory and has been completed with the Lord’s ascent. Major Darwin to make road, take water from spring The Forest Row Committee presented the following report which was read and it was resolved that it be entered on the minutes only To the Conservators of Ashdown Forest Dear Sirs Major Darwin’s application Report of Committee We the undersigned being two of the Forest Row Committee, Mr. Hyde being unable to attend, visited Hospital Farm on January 9th 1902 & there met Major Darwin The Committee inspected the proposed road and saw the spring, both indicated on the accompanying plan. After hearing Major Darwin’s explanation the Committee are of opinion that no damage will be done to the grazing rights


or appearance of the Forest if permission be granted to Major Darwin to carry out the proposed works in conformity to the plans. If the main track which leads across the Forest be, as your Committee believe, an ancient right of way for all purposes the track which Major Darwin proposes to metal is also in all probability a right of way to the aforesaid cross track from Hospital Farm. The Conservators therefore will not be granting any fresh right beyond the permission to harden the farm track except that at the end of the farm track for the last three yards or so, Major Darwin (see plan) wishes to change the direction of the farm track from west to south but as Major Darwin will close the old entrance and give up as much of the old track no difference will be made by the change to the grazing or appearance of the Forest. With regard to the spring although the plan shows rather elaborate works they will not affect the appearance of the Forest when they are finished as the whole will be covered in with earth. Provided sufficient water is left for the Commoners’ cattle & that the Commoners have a prior claim on the water in times of drought the Committee think that permission may be granted for the works set out in the plan. An acknowledgement should be required for each concession C.H. Corbett Ll. Midgley. 13th June 1902 It was resolved that subject to the consent of the Lord being obtained licence the granted to Major Darwin (1) To make up metal and maintain the ancient cart track marked out by the Committee not exceeding 9 feet in width from the high road near the Goat to the point at which the cart track to Hospital Farm (shown on the plan deposited with the Conservators by a double red hatched line) leaves it. (2)To divert the existing cart way from the said east track to the said farm so that it shall follow the route indication by the said double red hatched line and to make up metal and maintain the same not exceeding 9 per in width and (3) to make maintain such grips and drains as may be necessary for draining the said cart track and cart way and the adjacent Forest land. Major Darwin abandoning the portion of the cart way for which part of the double red hatched line is substituted and levelling the surface thereof and closing up and ceasing to use the entrance into Hospital Farm to which it led and (4) Subject to an adequate and first supply of water from the spring being secured to the Commoners for their cattle and to private rights (if any) to take water from the spring a licence to carry out the works at the spring as shown on the plan submitted and to take water there from by the means indicated on the plan for use on his property at Hospital Farm such licences to be subject to the usual conditions and to the payment of the acknowledgments fixed at the last meeting. T.J. Ridley or Gurr deposit of bricks The Clerk reported that he wrote to T.J. Ridley or Gurr with reference to the deposit of bricks on the Forest as directed at the last meeting; that he recently inspected the spot and found that the bricks on the north or Forest side of the holding are stacked outside his fence but within about three feet of the stem of the hedge; that the position of the stack of bricks in the last has been altered and that the bricks are all now stacked against his hedge within four feet per of the stem thereof and that this is not within the jurisdiction of the Conservators according to colouring of the plan attacked to the Regulation Award Henry Hardinge deposit The Clerk reported that he had in hand the matter of Henry Hardinge stack of wood but required to visit the spot again before issuing a summons. Misses Hale The Clerk reported that the Misses Hale had written stating that they did not see their way to avail themselves of the permission given by the Board at the last meeting to make up the bank by the side of the road from Colemans Hatch to High Beeches.


Job Luxford improper working quarries The Clerk read a correspondence that had passed between himself and Mr. Job Luxford with regard to breaches of Bye Law 9 in the working of the quarries let to him by Earl De La Warr It was resolved that the Clerk arrange a visit of inspection to the quarries with a Committee of the Conservators. Mr. Luxford making new cart track The Clerk also reported that complaint having been made that Mr. Job Luxford’s carts had been making a new track across the Forest from the Wych Cross road into Mr. Freshfield’s quarry he wrote to Mr. Job Luxford on the subject and the Ranger reports that the trespass had been stopped. Mr. Luxford’s men committing nuisance Attention having been drawn by a Conservator to nuisances committed on the Forest by Mr. Luxford’s workmen employed in the erecting [of] Mr. Freshfield’s mansion in Prestridge Warren. It was resolved that the Ranger see Mr. Luxford on the subject Coronation bonfires The Clerk reported that after consultation with Conservators in the vicinity he granted permission to the following persons to have bonfires on the Forest to celebrate the King’s Coronation subject to the usual conditions: Mr. J. Woodhams Junr near Twyford Revd. J.W. Pembury at the Fairwarp recreation ground Miss. Hopkins licence for tent That on the recommendation of Mr. Corbett be granted Miss Ellice Hopkins an invalid, permission to put up daily an umbrella tent on the Forest at Chelwood Gate and resort thereto Roadway authority materials That shortly after the last meeting the Uckfield Rural District Council applied for the consent of the Conservators to dig and carry away from different parts of the Forest 450 yards of road materials being an increase in quantity on last year. The quantities authorised for the year ending: 25th March 1901 being 560 yards 25th March 1902 being 410 yards. The authority at first disputed the arrangement arrived at the Lewes Conference on 21st November 1899 that applications would be in future either discontinued or the quantities gradually reduced but after considerable correspondence they submitted an amended application for a greatly reduced quantity namely: 125 yards of stone gravel from near Isle of Thorns 75 yards of local stone from near Stone Hill 75 yards of local stone from near Barons Gate 75 yards of local stone from near the Fairwarp pits. 350 And he had forwarded them consent for same subject to the terms and conditions of the licence granted 16th December 1899. It was resolved that the Clerk’s action in the matter be confirmed. Mr. Moorcock application for road William Moorcock of Nutley the owner of part of no. 597 on the new Ordnance Map attended and asked permission to make a 9 feet road from same to the high road a distance of about 80 feet. The Board decided to defer consideration of the matter till some of the Conservators had inspected the spot.


Mrs. S.A. Avis application for footpath Mr. Sarah Ann Avis, a Commoner, of Friars Gate stating that she was building a cottage on land adjoining the police station at Friars Gate and desired permission to make a path from same to the high road across the strip of Forest about 2 or 3 yards wide. It was resolved that the Board will not object to Mrs. Avis making the path. Abraham Card application to fill up hole The Clerk reported that Mr. Abraham Card of Tompsetts Bank having applied for permission to dispose of some earth and rubbish by filling in a hole on the Forest he had granted permission subject to the work being done to the satisfaction of the Ranger and that only earth was left on the surface. The Ranger reported that Mr. Card had carried out the work to his satisfaction. S. Smart application for pleasure stand The Clerk reported that Mr. S. Smart of the Swan, Forest Row, having applied for permission to use the unenclosed land opposite the Nutley Inn for amusements on Nutley Club day 25th ulto. on the ground that one man had hired the field and refused him admittance, the Clerk had replied that the Conservators have only granted the use of the Forest for such purposes where no enclosed land was available in the immediate vicinity and declined to compete with persons who have land available for the purpose particularly where, as in the present case, the owners pay Forest rates. Convictions Edward Pannell, James Giles, William Mowbey, George Collins, Joseph Jones, Fanny Wilson, Janette Jones, Sally Wickens The Clerk reported that the following persons have been a convicted and fined for breach of Bye Laws namely at Uckfield Bench on 8th May Edward Pannell, James Giles and William Mowbey for breach of Bye Law 3 and each fined 1/- and 9/- costs and on 22nd May George Collins or Jones for breach of Bye Law 5 fined 2/6 and costs and on 19th June Joseph Jones for lighting a camp fire 1/- and 7/- costs and at East Grinstead Bench on 26 May for breach of Bye Law 3 Fanny Wilson fined 5/- and 10/- costs, Janetta Jones fined 5/- and 7/- costs and Sally Wickens fined 5/- and 7/- costs. Forest fire The Ranger reported that on the night of 26th -27th June a fire occurred on the Forest to the north of Hospital Farm by which about 2 acres of the Forest was burnt, that he had made all possible enquiries but could not trace by whom or how it was ignited. Rate The Clerk having reported that the funds in hand would not cover the expenses of the conservancy beyond October next it was resolved that the Clerk give notice on the agenda for the next meeting to make a rate and to prepare the necessary document for the purpose. Cheques It was resolved that cheques be drawn as follows: The Ranger 13 weeks salary and house rent to the 4th inst £16:5:0 The Clerk a half years salary to the 30th June last £50:0:0 It was resolved that the next meeting be held on Friday the 10th October next or such earlier date as the Chairman may deem expedient. The meeting terminated at 12:50 p.m. George M. Maryon-Wilson Chairman 10th October 1902


A meeting of the Conservators of Ashdown Forest duly convened and held at the Nutley Inn, Nutley on Friday the 10th day of October 1902 at 11 am. Present Mr. George M. Maryon-Wilson Mr. C.H. Corbett Mr. Thomas Hyde Mr. Llewellyn Midgley Mr. Mark Sandford Mr. Albert Turner Mr. James Whitewood The minutes of the last meeting were read and confirmed. The Bank Pass Book was produced showing a balance of ₤43:3:3 to the credit of the current account. Major Darwin licence to make road and take water from spring The Clerk reported that the licence which it was decided at the last meeting to grant to Major Darwin had been prepared and signed by Earl De La Warr but that his Lordship had not returned the plans to Mr. Nicholson who retained the licence till he received them. The Clerk was instructed to apply to Major Darwin for duplicate plans. Luxford Job’s men nuisance The Ranger reported that he spoke to Mr. Luxford about the nuisance referred to at the last meeting and that it had been put a stop to. William Moorcock application for road Mr. Sandford reported that he met Mr. William Moorcock at the place at which he has applied for permission to make a carriage road to a cottage he is building on the cast side of the high road a little south of Fords Green. He stated that there is about 30 yards of Forest between wished to make the road, that to do so it would be necessary to cut through a high and picturesque bank which borders the high road and to make an embankment across the green ride behind the bank. That a cart track in fair condition runs immediately along the front of Mr. Moorcock’s property coming out on to the high road a little further down which is quite sufficient for the requirements of the property. It was unanimously resolved that the Board only consents to roads being made as a way of necessity where no proper access exists and that as the existing track affords access to the property the application cannot be sanctioned. Earl De La Warr proposed lease of Forest Mr. Corbett informed the Board that after the draft of the proposed lease from Lord De La Warr had been finally settled and approved by his Lordship’s Solicitor he had received an intimation that after due consideration his Lordship had decided not to let a portion of the Forest at present. It was resolved that a very cordial vote of thanks be accorded to the Committee and particularly to Mr. Corbett for the immense amount of trouble they have taken in connection with the negotiations. Royal Ashdown Forest Golf Club Mr. Chignell Hon. Sec. of the Royal Ashdown Forest and Tunbridge Wells Golf Club attended before the Board and applied for permission to repair the existing tees and greens and to make new greens at spots coloured red and numbered in red 6, 7, 8 and 11 on a plan which he handed to the Board and to make two new tees at spots coloured red on the plan at the extreme west of the golf course. The following protest from Commoners bearing on the subject was read and it was resolved that it be entered on the minutes it is as follows: To the Conservators of Ashdown Forest.


We the undersigned being resident in the neighbourhood of the Shepherd’s Gate, near Coleman’s Hatch, and interested in the preservation of the Forest and the Common rights beg to protest most strongly against permission being given by the Conservators for a further extension of the golf course in this direction which we believe to be in contemplation. We would submit that as things are at present the two golf courses -the Ladies and the gentlemen’s occupy a very large area (quite as large as is right or reasonable) of the Forest, to the limitation of the Commoners’ rights and to the danger of those who walk on the recognised paths and rights of way. The further expansion, if carried out as proposed, would result in the first place as we understand it in golf balls being driven right down the length of the footway from the Shepherd’s Gate to Forest Row, to the further danger of those using it, and in second place would still further curtail the rights of the Commoners in litter cutting, a very serious consideration seeing that there is but a small area in this part of the Forest left on which the bracken and heather are allowed to grow. For these reasons we beg to enter the strongest possible protest against permission being given for the further extension of the golf course in this direction. The proposed extension, as we understand it, goes so close to some of the properties that there would be considerable danger of interference with their undisturbed possession, owing to occasional golf balls being driven into them. F. Darling The Ridge H. Hale Forest House F.A. Hale Forest House S. Walpole Hartfield Grove Henry Elphick Quaybrook W. Divall Gate House Farm John McAndrew Holly Hill Horace G. Hutchinson Shepherd’s Gate Bery Divall Little Shephards Henry Holmes Little Sheppards Farm Mrs. W. Holmes Bridgers Place George Philcox Portobello Newbridge Joseph Wheatley Forest View It was proposed by Mr. Corbett seconded by Mr. Sandford and unanimously resolved that permission be granted to the Club to repair the existing tees and greens and to make the new green no. 11 and the two new tees at the extreme west of the golf course, the turf required for the work to be taken from spots properly seeded down and the work completed to the satisfaction of the Forest Row Committee but that having regard to the protest the Board cannot give permission to make the proposed new greens nos. 6,7 and 8 on the plan and that the protesting Commoners be informed thereof. Mr. Freshfield & Mrs. Paul. Licence for temporary cartage The Clerk reported that since the last meeting Mr. Job Luxford applied on behalf of Mr. Freshfield and Mrs. Paul for permission to cart building materials for the erection of a house and offices on the old Cherry Gardens across the strip of Forest on the west side of Broadstone by a route indicated on a plan he deposited with the Clerk and after consulting the Chairman and several of the Board the Clerk gave permission. An acknowledgement of 5/- was paid and a written undertaking given to make good the surface after the cartage is finished. It was resolved that the Clerk’s action be confirmed Forest Row Recreation ground alteration of position of fence An application was read from Mr. Gordon the Superintendent of the Forest Row Recreation ground for the assent of the Board to his shifting part of the fence so as to enable football to be played without using that part of the ground which is laid out for cricket.


The Clerk stated that the proper area of the recreation ground is five acres but that the area enclosed be the fence is 800 square yards short of that quantity. It was resolved that it be referred to the Forest Row Committee to meet Mr. Gordon on the spot and arrange the alteration of the position of the fence. Gypsies to be prosecuted It was resolved that it be an instruction to the Ranger to prosecute persons camping on the Forest, whether old offenders or new, who do not clear off on the same day as he orders them to do so. 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 was proposed by Mr. Thomas Hyde seconded by Mr. Llewellyn Midgley 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 Forest at the rate of six pence per acre in respect of the acreage of their respective lands to which such rights attack which Commoners and their respective acreages aforesaid and the respective sums payable by them are hereinafter set out namely: Act 1885 to be levied upon the respective owners of the rights of common upon the Forest at the rate of six pence per acre in respect of the acreage of their respective lands to which such rights attach which Commoners and the respective acreages aforesaid and the respective sums payable by them are here after set out namely

Name Address Acreage Amount £ s

d

Abbey & Sons Brewery, Brighton 15 0 7 6

Adams, Mr. William

Moss Cottage, Newbridge, Hartfield

2 0 1 0

Andrews, Miss & others

6 Linden Park Tunbridge Wells 1/2 0 0 6

Appleby Mr. Isaac Fords Green Nutley Uckfield 1/2 0 0 6 Arbuthnot W.R. Esq.


Avis, Mrs Sarah A.

The Hollies, Fryars Gate Withyham

3 0 1 6

Baker Mr. Matthias


2 0 1 0

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

Ballard & Co. Messrs.

Brewers, Lewes 2 ½

0 1 6


C/o Thomas Eggar Esq., 46 Old Steyne, Brighton

58 1 9 0

Barchard, Mrs. Katherine


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

0 2 6

Bashford, Mr. John

Forest Row East Grinstead

15 0 7 6

Baines Mrs. Lucy Lunn

Bolbrook Farm Hartfield 5¼ 0 3 0

Bailey, Abe Esq. C/o Mrs. Bailey, Yewhurst, Forest Row 180 4 10 0 Betchley, Mr. A. Forest Row 1 0 0 6 Bennett, Mrs. Mary Ann

49 Wellesley Road, East Croydon 2 0 1 0


Birch, Fredk. Peregrine Decd. Repres. Of

8 ½ Angel Court, Throgmorton Street, London SE

3:3:12 0 2 0

Birch, Francis Esq.

Grundisburgh Hall, Woodbridge, Suffolk 44 1 2 0

Box Mr. Richard

********** 3

0 1 6

Brassey, The Hon. Robert

********** 57



9½

0 5 0

Budd Budd Fred. & John.

Restlands West Hoathly East Grinstead

145 3 12 6

Card, Mr. James Forest Row ¼ 6 Carr Mr. William

Nutley Uckfield 8 0 4 0

Chatterton, Geo. J.

******** 6 0 3 0

Clarke Stephenson


133:3:15 3 7 0

Clarke Stephenson R. Esq.


56:2:0 1 0 0


Carlton Club, Pall Mall, SW Pall Mall SW

213 5 6 6

Colgate Thomas Esq.

Sheffield Park Uckfield 4 0 2 0

Cook Misses Bessie & Fanny



2 0 1 0

Corbett, Charles Esq.

Woodgate, Dane Hill Park Uckfield 233 5 16 6

Dadswell, Mr. Robert

c/o Mr. Spencer Tester Brown’s Brook, Buxted

1 0 0 6

Darling The Rev. F


Darwin, Major Leonard Rob.

Hospital Farm, Forest Row 33

0 15 6

Du Croz Charles Grant. Esq.

Court Lands West Hoathly E. Grinstead 80 2 0 0



1:1:8 0 1 0

White W **** 0 0 0 Evenden, Mr. William Alfred

Maresfield, Uckfield 1 0 0 6

Farmer Mrs. Esther

Graddocks Farm, Hartfield, Tunbridge Wells

3 0 1 6

Faber, Alfred Esq. Forest Row, East Grinstead (late Banister) 3:0:16 0 2 0 Fleet Mr. George Grislings Common Piltdown

Uckfield 2½

0 1 3

Freshfield, Douglas


204 5 10 0




Gasson Mr. Humphrey


3 ½

0 2 0


C/o Messrs. Norton Trist & Gilbert, 79 Queen St., Cheapside E.C.

40 1 0 0

Gillham Mr. James

Nutley Uckfield 2 ¼

0 1 6

Goard Mrs. Phillipa. Philcox

Forest Row Green, East Grinstead 2 ¾

0 1 6

Goldsmiths’ Company

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

Gordon, Granville

Shalesbrook, Forest Row (late Macartney) 5 ½

0 3 0

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

3 0

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

Danehurst, Fletching 311 ½

7 16 0

Head, F.H.

Goldstrow, Piltdown, Uckfield

10 0 5 0

Heasman Mrs. Eliza




2 ½ 0 1 6


Withyham Tunbridge Wells 4 0 2 0

Hoath, Mr. Amos The Platt, Crowborough 3 0 1 6 Hope, James F. Herons Ghyll, Buxted, Uckfield 430 ½ 10 15 6


Cleveland, New Church Rd. Brighton 28 0 14 0

Hutchinson, Horace G. Esq.

Shepherds Gate 5 ¼

0 3 0

Hyde, Thomas Pixton Hill Forest Row East Grinstead 127 3 3 6 Inns, Mr. Alfred George

Mount Pleasant, Fairwarp, Uckfield 4 0 2 0

Keeys, Mr. Richard

Hartfield, Tunbridge Wells 10:2:6 0 5 6

Kenward, Mr. Robert

Fletching, Uckfield 74 1 17 0

Knight, Mr. J. Railway Inn, Forest Row, East Grinstead 0:2:2 0 0 6 Larnach, D. Esq. Repres. of

C/o Joseph Farmer Esq., East Grinstead 500 12 10 0

Langridge, Mr. Enoch

Dane Hill, Uckfield 1 ½

0 1 0

Laver Miss Elizabeth Fielder

Greystones, Crowborough (late Baines) 5 ½

0 3 0

Leslie, J.E. 17 Bedford Row, London, W.C. 140 3 10 0 Longley, Mr. C. Oakhurst, Chapel Lane, Forest Row (late

Banister) 0:1:1 0 0 6


Mc Lord, Addison Esq.

Rose Cottage, Chelwood, Uckfield 8 0 4 0


Chelwood Common, Dane Hill, Uckfield 5 0 2 6

Marchant, Mr. Thomas

Cackle Street, Maresfield, Uckfield

5 0 2 6



Marriott, Mr & Miss Cordelia Isabella.

c/o Messrs. Hastie, 65 Lincolns Inn Field, W.C (*** sold to Shoebridge)

116

2 16 0


3 ½

0 2 0

Martin, Edward Woodcote, Forest Row 1:1:28 0 1 0 Martin, Mr. William

Coach & Horses, Dane Hill, Uckfield 7 ½

0 4 0

Martin, Mr. Henry Cullingfords, Dane Hill, Uckfield 5 ½

0 3 0

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

Cold Harbour Farm, Forest Row, E. Grinstead

5 0 2 6

Midgley, Llewellyn

Birch Grove Lodge, near East Grinstead 13 0 6 6

Miles, Mr. William Forest Row, East Grinstead ¼ 0 0 6 McAndrew, John Esq. J.P.

Holly Hill, Hartfield, Tunbridge Wells 196 4 18 0



Noble, Captain William

Forest Lodge, Nutley, Uckfield 15 0 7 6

Norman, Mr. Henry

Fairwarp, Maresfield, Uckfield 6 0 3 0

Norris, Edward S. Barons Down, Lewes 100 2 10 Ogle, Revd. J.L. Aegin Gill, Forest Row, East Grinstead 3:2:26 0 2 0 Osborne, Mrs Esther

Londonderry, Nutley, Uckfield 2 ½

0 1 6


4 0 2 0



7 0 3 6


Duddleswell, Maresfield, nr. Uckfield 17 0 8 6

Osborne, Mr. Thomas




Parker Crow & Gate, Buxted 3:1:6 0 2 0 Peckham, George Sunnyside, Hartfield, Tunbridge Wells 0:1:16 0 2 0 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. Henry Oakeley

C/o Messrs. Powell & Co., Lewes (l 170 ¾

4 5 6

Porter, Mr. John Ringmer, Lewes 27 0 13 6 Ridley, Mr. Joseph Millbrook, Nutley, Uckfield 12 ½

0 6 6

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

0 7 0

Ridley, Mr. Sylvanus

Forest Farm, Danehill, Uckfield 15 0 7 6

Ridley (or Gurr), Mr. Timothy John


3 ¼

0 2 0

Ridley, Mr. William

Minepits, Nutley, Uckfield 3 ¼

0 2 0

Ridley, Mrs. Lucy Rose (H.J.)


19:2:26 0 10 0

Russell, Stanley Broadstone, Forest Row 3:3:20 0 2 0 Sadlier, Mrs. C/o Joseph Turner Esq.


Sandford, Mark Maresfield, Uckfield 1 ¾ 0 1 0 Sayers, Mr. Stephen

Forest Row, East Grinstead ¼ 0 0 1 ½



Shoebridge, Mr. Owen

Summer Hill, Horney Common, Nutley 3 ½

0 2 0

Shoebridge, Mr. Thomas

Nutley, Uckfield 11:0:37

0 6 0

Shoebridge, Mr. Thos. Richardson



Lewes

4:2:30

0 2 6

Stenning, J.C. Esq.

C/o Messrs. Turner, Rudge & Turner, East Grinstead

5:1:4 0 3 0

Stevenson, Mr. Joseph

near Windmill, Nutley, Uckfield 1 ¾

0 1 0

Streatfeild, R.J. Esq.

c/o Messrs. Powell & Co. Lewes

240 6 0 0


Phoenix Brewery, Brighton ½

0 0 6

Tapps-Gervis Miss Clara


925 23 2 6

Taylor Mr. William

Darvell Beech Farm, Battle

2 0 1 0

B***** L.B.

****** Bank, Colemans Hatch (late Tetley)

15 0 7 6


Tomsett, Mr. Jesse


Treadcroft & Buckley, Messrs.

******* Withyham 5 0 2 6

Turner Albert Esq.

The Limes, Nutley, Uckfield

85 ½

2 3 0

Turner Mr. Elias Chelwood Common, Danehill, Uckfield 7 ¼ 0 4 0 Turner Mr. James Hugletts Pit, Maresfield 15 0 7 6 Tyler Mr. Enoch Horney Common, Uckfield 5 ¾ 0 3 0 Wallace Mrs Reginald.

Bicycle Arms, Aragus Hill, Rotherfield

2

0 1 0

Walpole, Sir Spencer

Hartfield 61:2:26 1 11 0

Walters, Mr. Walter

Coal merchant, Uckfield 34 ½

0 17 6

Waters, Mr. Henry

Shepherds Well, Tompsetts Bank, Forest Row (late Miles)

1 ½ ¼

0 0

1 0

0 6

Waters Mr. James Forest Row, East Grinstead 0:2:8 0 0 6 Webb, Mrs. Marian Gardiner

71 Eccles Road, London 2 0 1 0

Welfare Mrs. Eliza


3 0 1 6

Wheatley Mr. Joseph

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

Wheeler Mr. Charles


White, W. Leeland

Whitecroft, Forest Row (late Edwards) 1 0 0 6

Whitewood, Mr. James

Nutley, Uckfield 2 ½

0

1 6

Wickens Mr. J. H


1 2 6

Wickens Mr. Simeon




15 0 7 6

Wilson Mr. Edward

Mount Pleasant, Fairwarp 1 0 0 6

Wilson Geo. M. Maryon Esq.

Searles, Fletching, Uckfield

1660 41 10 0

Wood, Mr. Jesse Blacklands Farm, Forest Row (late Keys) 8 ½ 0 4 6 Wood John Edgar 55 Grays Inn Road, Holborn W. C 4 0 2 0 Woods M.S. Grosvenor Esq.

Mountfield, Bonchurch, Isle of Wight 498 12 9 0

Wood, Mr. Thomas Daynes

The Hollies, Bennett Park, Blackheath, Kent 30 ¾

0 15 6

Wood, Mr. Charles Devisees of

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

Wood, Mr. William

Moat Farm, Edenbridge, Kent 27:2:39 0 14 0


Young Mr. William

Fincham, Hartfield, Tunbridge Wells

23 0 11 6

Lord Robert Cecil, J.W. Barron, David Methuen return deposits It was resolved that the Clerk be authorised to refund to Lord Robert Cecil, Mr. J.W. Barron and Mr. David Methuen the deposits made by them when licences were granted to them in relation to roads over the Forest subject as regards Lord Robert Cecil to the Clerk being satisfied that his Lordship has complied with the conditions of his licence and that any three Conservators are hereby authorised to sign cheques for the same when requested by the Clerk. Future deposit moneys to be placed on deposit It was resolved that in future deposits as security for compliance with the terms of licences be placed to a deposit account at the Bank instead of being paid into the current banking account. Cheque It was resolved that a cheque be drawn for The Ranger, 10 weeks salary and house rent to the 13th instant £12:10:0 Commoners meeting It was 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 Conservators be held immediately afterwards. Conservator resignation of Mr. James Whitewood handed in his written resignation of the Office of a Conservator and it was resolved that it recorded. The meeting terminated at 12:55 p.m. George M. Maryon-Wilson Chairman

The Annual Meeting of the Commoners interested in the Forest duly convened by the Clerk by notice in the church door of each of the parishes or ecclesiastical districts into which the Forest extends and by advertisement in two newspapers circulating in the neighbourhood to wit the Sussex Express, the Sussex Daily at least 14 days before this date and held on Friday the 19th day of December 1902 at 11 o’clock in the forenoon at the Nutley Inn, Nutley. Present Mr. Geo. M. Maryon-Wilson, in the Chair The Revd. J.L. Ogle The Rev H.J. Peckham The Honble H.B. Portman Sir Spencer Walpole K.C.B. Mr. J.W. Barron Mr. L.B. Burns Mr. Thomas Colgate Mr. C.H. Corbett Mr. A. Faber Mr. J.F. Gordon Misses Hale Mr. H.G. Hutchinson


Mr. J. Hyde Mr. R. Kenward Mr. J. McAndrew Mr. Edward Martin Mr. L. Midgley Captain Noble Mr. George Philcox Mr. Sylvanus Ridley Mr. S. Russell Mr. Mark Sandford Mr. A. Turner Mr. J. Waters Mr. H.J. Waters Chairman chosen Mr. Geo. M. Maryon-Wilson was unanimously chosen Chairman and having taken the Chair. Notice publication of The Clerk read the notice convening the meeting and reported the due publication thereof as above mentioned. The Clerk reported that the Conservators retiring by rotation on the 31st instant were Mr. Charles Henry Corbett, Mr. Thomas Hyde, Mr. Llewellyn Midgley and Mr. Mark Sandford and that a fifth vacancy had arisen by the resignation of Mr. James Whitewood who if he had continued in office would have retired on 31st December 1903. Election of Conservators The Chairman having stated that he proposed to proceed first with the election of four Conservators to fill up the four vacancies arising on the retirement of the four Conservators by ordinary rotation and would take nominations for these four vacancies. It was proposed by Mr. A. Turner and seconded by Revd. H.J. Peckham that Mr. C.H. Corbett be re-elected a Conservator. It was proposed by Mr. L.B. Burns and seconded by Mr. Edward Martin that Mr. Thos. Hyde be re-elected a Conservator. It was proposed by Mr. Thomas Colgate and seconded by Mr. Thomas Hyde that Mr. Llewellyn Midgley be re-elected a Conservator. It was proposed by Mr. A. Turner and seconded by Mr. Llewellyn Midgley that Mr. Mark Sandford be re-elected a Conservator. It was proposed by Mr. A. Tester and seconded by Mr. John F. Gordon that Mr. Edward Martin be elected a Conservator. It was proposed by Sir Spencer Walpole and seconded by the Revd. J.L. Ogle that Mr. Horace Hutchinson be elected a Conservator. The voting on these nominations was then taken with the result that Commoners representing the following voted as follows: For a r p Hyde Thomas 917 2 16 Corbett C.H. 814 2 12 Sandford Mark 741 1 0 Midgley Ll. 738 0 2 Hutchinson Horace 358 3 24


Martin Edward 312 2 12 The Chairman then declared the four first named gentlemen duly elected Conservators for the ensuring three years (being the Conservators who retired by ordinary rotation). The Chairman then stated that he would proceed with the election of Conservators to fill up the vacancy occasioned by the retirement of Mr. James Whitewood. It was proposed by Mr. Corbett and seconded by Mr. Sandford that Mr. Douglas William Freshfield be elected a Conservator to fill the vacancy. It was proposed by Mr. Faber seconded by Mr. Gordon that Mr. Edward Martin be elected a Conservator to fill the vacancy. On a show of hands being taken Mr. Martin withdrew his candidature with the consent of his proposer and seconder without counting the acreages and the Chairman then declared Mr. Douglas W. Freshfield duly elected a Conservator in the place of James Whitewood who had resigned. Gypsies at A.G. Inns Captain Noble drew attention to the nuisance arising from Mr. A.G. Inns of Mount Pleasant Farm allowing numbers of gypsies to encamp on his land. He stated that the Sanitary Authority were doing their best to suppress the nuisance and asked whether the Conservators had any power to interfere. The Chairman stated that the matter was already under the consideration of the Conservators and that if any breach of the Bye Laws or of the Forest rights could be established they would take action in the matter. On the proposition of Sir Spencer Walpole seconded by Mr. Hutchinson it was unanimously resolved that a vote of thanks be accorded to the Chairman for the admirable and impartial manner in which he had conducted the proceedings. George M. Maryon-Wilson Chairman.

A meeting of the Conservators of Ashdown Forest duly convened and held at the Nutley Inn at Nutley on Thursday the 19th day of December 1902 at noon. Present Mr. George M. Maryon-Wilson in the Chair Mr. E.A Nicholson representing the Lord Mr. Thomas Colgate Mr. C.H. Corbett Mr. Thomas Hyde Mr. Robert Kenward Mr. Ll. Midgley Mr. Mark Sandford Mr. Albert Turner The minutes of the last meeting were read and confirmed. Election of Conservators The Clerk produced and read the following certificate and it was resolved that it be entered on the minutes. It is as follows 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 five Conservators. I hereby intimate to you that at such meeting the following were elected: Mr. Thomas Hyde, Mr. Charles Henry Corbett, Mr. Mark Sandford and Mr. Llewellyn Midgley in the place of the four Conservators who retire by rotation on the 31st instant, and Mr. Douglas William Freshfield in the place of Mr. James Whitewood who has resigned and who if he had continued would have retired on the 31st December 1903. Dated this 19th day of December 1902 George M. Maryon-Wilson Chairman Rate The Clerk reported that the rate made at the last Meeting was confirmed by the Board of Agriculture on the 17th October last, that the demand notes were at once sent out and that he had received and paid into the Bank £169:2:4 on account thereof. The Clerk produced the Bank Pass Book shewing a balance in hand of £200:16:2 Major Darwin licence to make road and take water from spring The Clerk reported that Major Darwin having furnished the Clerk with duplicate plans of (1) the proposed diversion of the cart way into the Hospital Farm and of (2) the proposed arrangements for dealing with the water at the spring, the licences to him had been completed and he laid on the table the counterparts signed by Major Darwin and read a letter from that gentlemen thanking the Board for granting them. Royal Ashdown Forest Golf Club The Clerk reported that immediately after the last meeting he wrote to the Hon. Secretary of the Royal Ashdown Forest & Tunbridge Wells Golf Club detailing the terms of the resolution passed on his application at the last meeting. The Ranger reported that on the 15th October last he met Mr. Chignell on the ground and settled with him the spots from which the turf was to be cut for repairs. The Clerk also reported that immediately after the last meeting he wrote to Mr. John McAndrew on behalf of the protesting Commoners informing him that in consequence of the protest the Board refused the application to make the new greens on the East side of the stream and he read the correspondence that had since passed with Mr. McAndrew. Forest Row Recreation ground alteration of fence The Forest Row Committee reported that pursuant to the resolution passed at the last meeting they had arranged with the Superintendent Mr. Gordon the alteration of the fence of the Forest Row recreation ground. Hole on Forest near Mrs. Waters The Ranger reported that he had made inquiries with reference to a quantity of refuse that had been thrown into a hole on the Forest adjoining the gate to Mrs. H. J. Waters workshop at Tompsetts Bank, that Mr. Waters admitted depositing part of the refuse but stated that the bottles, jars and old cans had been placed there by someone else, the Ranger was informed that these had come from the Gentlemen’s Golf Club House but on inquiry found he was mistaken, Mr. Waters having offered to fill in the hole and level it the Clerk stated he had authorised her to do so provided the surface is covered entirely with earth free from rubbish. C.H. Corbett claim to rights Mr. C.H. Corbett claimed rights of common in respect of Newbarn formerly known as Newnham Farm in the parish of Horsted Keynes. The evidence of Jesse Funnell of Danehill Brook was taken and the consideration of the application adjourned for further inquiry.


Forest Row Ladies Golf Club The Forest Row Committee reported that they had authorised the Ladies Golf Club at Forest Row to make certain repairs on their course. Forest Row Rifle Range repairs Captain Beale of the C. Company, Sussex Volunteers having applied for permission to repair and re-lay some turf at the 200 and 600 yards firing points at the Forest Row Range, the Clerk reported that he had authorised him to do so subject to the Ranger sanctioning beforehand the spots from which the new turf was to be taken and arranging with him to seed down the surface from which it is cut. Fredk. Carter application to fill in holes Frederick Carter of Sharpthorn, West Hoathly, having applied for permission to employ earth taken from the foundations of Major Darwen's house in filling up holes on the Forest by the side of the road leading to Major Darwen's, the Clerk reported he had authorised him to do so on condition that he did not damage the herbage of the Forest and left the surface level where he filled in and carried out the work generally under the directions of the Ranger. F. Carter repair road near Goat The same Fred Carter having also applied for permission to lay a few loads of stone on the old road above the Goat Farm which he stated was flooded with water. It was resolved that he be authorised to do so subject to the approval of the Ranger Bonfires The Clerk reported that acting on the authority committed to him by the Board he had granted licences to have bonfires on the Forest on the 5th November last, subject to the usual conditions, namely: E. Taylor of and for Friars Gate, Withyham J. Martin of and for Chelwood Gate. J. Mills of and for Tompsetts Bank. J.S. Moore application to inclose Mr. J.S. Moore of Friars Gate having applied for permission to fence in a small piece of Forest land immediately in front of his residence to prevent cattle etc. tearing up the ground and offering to pay a small yearly rent for same and to undertake to throw it out when required. The Clerk reported he had replied that the Board could under no circumstances consent to the inclosure of the strip temporarily or otherwise. Obadiah Avis drain Obadiah Avis of Friars Gate having applied for permission to extend the drain pipe from his sink (which now discharges on the Forest and which he alleges is a nuisance in hot weather) to discharge into the ditch bounding the Five hundred acres. It was resolved that if he obtain the permission of the Reeve of Earl De La Warr, who is the owner of the ditch, the Board consent to his extending his drain on condition that he undertake that he will remove the whole of the drain so far as it passes through the Forest land if the Lord or the Conservators should at any time require him to do so. George Smith taking wood The Ranger reported that on the 14th October last he saw George Smith, who occupies a tent on Geo. Inns’ land coming of the Forest with a large bundle of burnt wood. The Clerk reported the matter to Mr. Nicholson and offered the Ranger as a witness if the Lord would prosecute. Louisa Ridley ditto The Ranger reported that on the 22nd October be saw Louisa Ridley living in a van on Geo. Inns’ land coming across the Forest with a bundle of burnt wood, and that both Smith and Ridley had since left the neighbourhood.


Clerk to prosecute future copies It was resolved that should another clear case be found the Clerk prosecute as it is believed that to obtain this fuel is one of the causes of Fires on the Forest. George Inns fresh opening The Ranger reported that Geo. Inns has made a fresh outlet from a field of his on to the Forest and had a large colony of gypsies on his land. A letter was read from Mr. Geo. Inns complaining that on the 13th instant the Ranger trespassed on his land and entered a van thereon and turned over the bed clothes and looked in the oven the property of William Russell. The Ranger stated he had not been on the land and the Clerk was directed to inform Mr. Inns thereof. Robert Ashby, Reginald Ashby, Spencer Edwards, Lord De La Warr’s tenants taking litter The Ranger reported that on the 25th October he saw George Heasman of Friars Gate cutting litter on the Forest near Friars Gate who stated he was employed by Reginald Ashby of Lodgefield Farm, Withyham, and by Reginald Ashby of Lodgefield Farm, Withyham, both farms being the property of Earl De La Warr and on the 15th November he saw Spencer Edwards of Hartfield cutting litter on the Forest near Hartfield Grove, who stated he was employed by George Elliot, a butcher of Hartfield who is a tenant of Earl De La Warr. Mr. Robert Ashby had written the Clerk that he employed Heasman to cut understanding he had a right, Mr. Reginald Ashby had written he had not had any litter this year but that he thought of having some and Mr. Elliot had written that he had occupied the land for about 11 years and had Forest litter off and on for that time, and that Mr. Peckham, the tenant who had held the land for nearly 40 years before him had used no other litter but from the Forest and he did not know there was any question as to his right. It was resolved that the Clerk call on all three to show 60 years user in respect of their farms of the judgement in Hale v De La Warr. Holly cutting A letter was read from Mr. Alfred Hoath asking that the hollies on the Forest might be protected from strangers who steal and cut and hack the tees badly. Mr. Nicholson stated that if sufficient evidence could be obtained he would prosecute on behalf of the Lord and the Clerk was directed to reply to Mr. Hoath to that effect. William Izzard litter The Ranger reported that on the 17th October on the Forest at Kingstanding he saw William Izzard of Pains Hill near Fairwarp loading a cart with litter, who said he was going to add it to a heap he had near his house. Mr. Sandford having stated that he thought Izzard would apply in future for licences if the Clerk wrote to him and explained, he was instructed accordingly. Reed James litter The Ranger reported that on the 21st November near Broadstone Warren, and Colemans Hatch he saw the son of James Reed cutting litter for his mother who owns the property occupied. Mr. Nicholson stated that he believed Mrs. Reed would wish to act in accordance with the law and the Clerk was directed to write to her. Aaron Smith van fined On the 14th November the Ranger found Aaron Smith with a van on the Forest near Pound Gate Schools, who left on being warned and summoned him before the Uckfield Bench, which on the 4th December in his absence fined him 5/- and 8/- costs. He also issued summons for the same Court against Rhoda Billsbrey for a van on the Forest on the 25th November George Smith Sen. for having a tent on the Forest on the 28th November and Phoebe James for a cart on the Forest on the 28th November all near Pound Gate Schools, but the police were not able to effect service. He also reported that on the 18th instant Naomi Smith and Janetta Smith were convicted by the Uckfield Bench for having vans on the Forest and were each fined 1/- with costs 6/- which they paid.


Mr. Moorcock application for footpath Mr. William Moorcock of Nutley attended and in lieu of the carriage way he applied for at the last meeting he now applied for permission to make a footpath from the front of the house he is building at Dodds Bank to the high road a distance of about 70 feet and stated he did not wish to cut away the bank by the high road or to make a raised way across the green ride. It was resolved that permission be granted, the position to be fixed and the work carried out to the satisfaction of Messrs. Sandford and Turner. Ranger’s holiday It was resolved that the date of the Ranger’s holiday be left to the discretion of the Chairman. S. Ridley licence to deposit materials Mr. Sylvanus Ridley attended & applied for permission to deposit building materials on the Forest outside his property at Fairwarp. It was resolved that permission be granted him accordingly provided that no materials are deposited after the 25th March next and that all be cleared away before 29th September next. Cheques It was resolved that the following cheques be drawn The Ranger – 11 weeks salary and house rent to 29th instant £13:15:0 Petty disbursements during year £1:15:9 £15:10:9 The Clerk. Disbursements during the year as per vouchers £8:9:7 Postage & receipt stamps for year £3:0:8 Telegrams & travelling expenses ditto £4:6:11 Half years salary to 31st inst £50:0:0 Disbursements on account of improvement find £0:4:6 Costs on account ditto £5:12:9 £71:14:5 Accounts for 1902 The Clerk laid before the Board the accounts for the year 1902 together with the vouchers for the various payments which were examined and being found correct. It was proposed by Mr. Corbett seconded by Mr. Sandford and resolved that the accounts be approved and signed by the Chairman and the usual summary be sent to every commoner. Carts driving across Forest Complaint having been made by Mr. Hyde as to the damage done to the Forest by tradesmens’ carts driving across it from Mr. Macartney’s to the Golf Club House. It was resolved that the Ranger ascertain whose carts offend and warn the owners and if his warning is disregarded that the offender or offenders be prosecuted. It was resolved that the next meeting of Conservators be held on Friday 6th March next or such earlier date as the present Chairman sees fit to appoint. The meeting terminated at 3:15 p.m. George M. Maryon-Wilson Chairman

A meeting of the Conservators of Ashdown Forest duty convened and held at the Nutley Inn at Nutley on Friday the 6th day of March 1903 at 11 a.m. Present Mr. Geo. M. Maryon-Wilson in the Chair


Mr. C.H. Corbett Mr. Douglas W. Freshfield Mr. Ll. Midgley Mr. Mark Sandford Mr. Albert Turner Chairman temporary This being the first meeting of the year the first business was the election of Chairman of the Board for the current year. Mr. C.H. Corbett was voted to the Chair for the purpose of conducting the election. Chairman election of It was proposed by Mr. Mark Sandford seconded by Mr. Albert Turner and unanimously resolved that Mr. George Maryon-Wilson be the Chairman of the Board for the current year. Mr. Maryon-Wilson having taken the Chair and thanked the Board for the renewal of their confidence in him. The minutes of the last meeting were read and confirmed. Rate, collection of; Barron Methuen deposits returned The Clerk reported that he had collected and paid into the Bank the greater part of the rate made on 10th October last and all yearly acknowledgements due on 1st January last. That he had repaid to Messrs. Barron and Methuen the deposits of £20 each made by them pursuant to resolution of 21st December 1900. Earl De La Warr acknowledgement paid; Protection and Improvement Fund That pursuant to resolution of 14th February 1902 (p.220) he had paid to Messrs. Hunt for Earl De La Warr’s use £2:1:6 in respect of licences to make or metal roads over the Forest granted before that date and had placed £40:2:6 the amount of acknowledgements received on account of the protection and improvement find on a deposit account with Messrs. Barclay in the joint names of the Chairman and Clerk and produced the deposit receipt and he produced the Bank Pass Book showing a balance in hand on general account of £172:3:9. Uckfield Rural D.C. application to cart stone in prohibited time The Clerk reported that the Surveyor of the Uckfield Rural District Council having applied to him for permission to cart about 50 yards of stone from the pit at Stone Hill near the high road being within the prohibited time he authorised him to do so provided he took care that the track across the Forest is only used when dry. Countess De La Warr Licence to widen outlet of road at New Lodge Also that the Countess De La Warr having applied for permission to slightly widen the mouth of the carriage way from New Lodge over the Forest where it joins the high road from New Bridge to Kings Standing by cutting off the corners so as to enable far to use her motor car the Clerk with the approval of the Chairman and other Conservators informed the Countess that the Conservators would not object. The Ranger reported the work had been carried out in accordance with the plan furnished by the Clerk. Mr. Freshfield entrance to old Cherry Orchard The Clerk also reported that Mr. D.W. Freshfield had consulted him with reference to making an entrance to the house he is building in the old Cherry Orchard at the north west corner of Broadstone Warren from the Wych Cross road immediately below Ordnance No. 467. At this point the present high road joins the length of old high road for which it was many years ago substituted and it appearing very questionable whether the space intervening between the fence and the present high road is not part of the highway the Clerk after consulting the Chairman and other Conservators informed Mr. Freshfield that no objection would be made.


Road Authorities licences The following applications from the undermentioned Road Authorities to dig and carry away road materials from the Forest during the year ending 25th March 1904 were considered namely The East Sussex County Council Central District A.G. Tucker, Surveyor

Cubic yards Description of material Point from which it is proposed to obtain the materials

60 Stone Millbrook Hill 60 Stone & gravel Isle of Thorns

West district (Mr. H.W. Bowen, District Surveyor)

240 Coarse gravel Near Kings Standing 50 Fine gravel ditto

The East Grinstead Rural District Council

120 stone near Kings Standing 30 ditto Between 500 & Greenwood Gate 30 sandstone The Goat 10 ditto St John’s Crowborough

The Uckfield Rural District Council

50 gravel Isle of Thorns 60 ditto Stone Hill

50 ditto Barns Gate 50 ditto Braziers Bank 50 ditto Fairwarp Pit

The Ranger having reported that during the past year the Authorities have completed with the terms of their licences. It was resolved that there being a material reduction compared with last year in the quantities applied for terms and conditions as those contained in the licences granted to the Authorities on 16th December 1899 and that the Clerk remind the Authorities that those terms and conditions must be strictly observed. Walter Taylor Walter Manns holly cutting The Clerk reported that on the 15th December PC Baker of Nutley caught Walter Taylor of Dodds Bank cutting holly on the Forest and that in 20th February last the Ranger found a number of holly trees cut near Whitehouse Farm and traced them by the marks of the haulage to Whitehouse Farm where he was Walter Manns the tenant who admitted having cut them. In pursuance of the arrangement made at the last meeting the Clerk reported the cases to Mr. Nicholson who replied that the Lord’s Reeve, Mr. Hudson, had seen Walter Manns who had given him an undertaking not to offend again and had paid for the damage done. Jas Charman cutting tree Mr. Freshfield stated that he recently met a man named Charman and his sons, who live near Mr. Walsham’s carrying away a beech tree cut on the Forest, diameter 9 inches where cut. It was resolved that the Ranger ascertain and report to the Clerk who owns the house in which Charman lived at the time. Tree cutting - Clerk to prosecute in future It was also resolved that in future where clear evidence of tree cutting without lawful authority is forthcoming the Clerk prosecute under the Bye Laws.


Reginald Ashby Mr. Reginald Ashby the tenant of Lodgefield Farm, Withyham belonging to Earl De La Warr attended to claim the right to take litter but not brakes from the Forest for use on the Farm under the terms of the judgement in Hale v De La Warr. The Board heard his evidence extending back between 40 and 50 years and that of William Mills who was born and had lived in the vicinity of the Farm all his life except 2 or 3 years and whose evidence extended back between 70 and 80 years. Robert Ashby Mr. Robert Ashby the tenant of Blackham Court Farm in Withyham belonging to Earl De La Warr attended to make a like claim in respect of his farm. The Board heard his evidence which extended back 20 years and that of William Mills. It was resolved that these parties have not established the user as required by the judgement in Hale v De La Warr, that they never cut by themselves or their servants but appear always to have purchased litter after it had been cut. That the Clerk inform Mr. Nicholson of the applications and of the Board’s views and ask him if he has any evidence he desires to offer. George Elliott The Clerk reported that he had written to Mr. George Elliott, Butcher of Hartfield, a tenant of land there belonging to Earl De La Warr calling upon him to attend and prove his user but he did not appear. G.J. Chatterton application to cut green turf Mr G.J. Chatterton having applied for permission to cut turf on the Forest to make a lawn about 250 to 300 square feet on his property Holly Hall Farm near Chelwood Gate. It was resolved that Mr. Chatterton be informed that the Board have no authority to grant the permission. George Inns taking gravel The Ranger reported that on 9th February he saw George Inns of Mount Pleasant taking gravel from an old pit at Fairwarp who stated that Mr. William Hudson the Lord’s Reeve had authorised him to do so. The Clerk wrote to Mr. Hudson to enquire if he had given permission and on the 19th Mr. Hudson replied that he add not done so but that he had since seen Inns who had paid him royalty for what he had taken. Earl De La Warr’s Reeve accepting Royalty gravel digging without lease prosecute and ask Lord to delay accepting payment It was resolved that the Clerk inform Mr. Nicholson that if a similar case is brought before the Conservators hereafter they will be compelled to prosecute, and request that no royalty or damages be applied for or accepted till after the proceedings have been finished. Henry Hobbs gravel Mr. Henry Hobbs, Baker at Fairwarp, having applied to the Clerk for permission to take sand gravel to repair a road about 50 yards long behind the Foresters Arms at Fairwarp which road carries a good deal of traffic and is impassable, the Clerk after inquiry informed Mr. Hobbs that Conservators would not object provided he obtained the permission of Earl De La Warr’s Reeve to dig the gravel. Geo. Hodges widening footpath The Ranger reported that on the 14th February last near St John’s church, Crowborough he found that George Hedges who lived near by was widening a foot track moving earth from the higher and throwing it on the lower side for a distance of about 50 yards. In reply to a letter from the Clerk, Hodges wrote that he was not aware he was doing wrong, that he was only improving a footpath from the road to his cottage which was impossible in wet weather and asking permission to complete the work. It was resolved that it be referred to the Forest Row Committee to inspect and report. James Pilbeam clothes posts: The Ranger reported that on 6th February he found James Pilbeam who occupies New Pond Cottage in Crowborough Warren facing the Forest and does Mr. Ramsbottom’s laundry work has 17 clothes posts on the


Forest which he uses as a drying ground. The Clerk wrote Pilbeam on the 16th February requiring him to remove them and to cease making use of the Forest for any purpose whatever. It was resolved that unless the posts are removed within a month from this date proceedings be taken. Sylvanus Ridley damaging surface The Ranger reported that on the 20th February he saw Sylvanus Ridley of Crows Nest cutting down the growth and levelling the Forest round his holding a distance of five or six yards from his hedge and that he has a pipe which discharges offensive matter into the ditch and a large hole dug on the Forest five or six feet from his hedge from which he has taken sand or stone. The place was viewed by Mr. Midgley and Mr. Sandford who reported as follows: Your Committee as undersigned visited on Monday March 2nd Sylvanus Ridley’s holding, and they find that he has on the outside of his boundary on the N.W. side cleared all gorse and other growth from the Forest about 4 yards wide, and levelled the ground, presumably with a view to ultimately putting out his fence. He has also a heap on the Forest of turf and soil, cut from the Forest ready for a mixing, to cart on his ground when ready. There are numerous coops, poles, old roll and other things on the Forest which should be on his holding. Unfortunately Ridley was not at home so whether he will admit he has transgressed or not remains to be seen for the Ranger has not actually been able to catch him in the act of transgressing. It was resolved that the Clerk apply to Mr. Ridley for an explanation as to what has been done and require the removal of the chattels that have been lying on the Forest for some time. Geo. & Thos. Tester digging channel: The Ranger reported that on 28th January he saw George Tester digging a channel on one side of the house occupied by Thomas Tester at Browns Brook, which it is believed now belongs to Captain Larking, 8 feet from the stem of the hedge. Tester said he was cleaning out the ditch but the Ranger could not trace a ditch. The place was viewed by Mr. Midgley and Mr. Sandford reported as follows: Afterwards your Committee visited Thomas Tester’s. He has cut a wide ditch outside his fence part of which he has used for banking up his fence, and the rest he has put in a heap on the Forest for a mixing. He acknowledged to us that his brother had done it when he was laid up, and that he had dug the ditch too wide - but we must make allowances as his brother was not quite right! We told him that in future he must ask advice of the Ranger as to how far he might dig from his boundary. He hoped no more would be said about it, but we informed him we were bound to bring the case before the Board. It was resolved that the Clerk write and inform Thomas Tester that if he interferes again with the Forest without authority he will be prosecuted. Obadiah Avis drain Mr. Obadiah Avis having written that the ditch he wanted to extend his drain to was not the ditch adjoining the Five hundred but a ditch adjoining the old abandoned high road which was part of the Forest it was resolved that he be informed the Conservators cannot consent to his doing so, that he must discontinue the discharge from the drain on to the Forest, but that if he obtains permission to discharge it on private properly where it will not affect the Forest the Board if satisfied may be willing to licence him to lay a drain under the Forest. Hole on Forest near Mrs. Waters’ The Ranger having reported that Mrs. Waters had only partially filled up the hole near her gate and that refuse of various kinds has since been thrown into it. It was resolved that the Clerk inform Mrs. Waters that the filling in and levelling must be completed within a mouth.


Mrs. Emma Read claim to rights: Mr. James George Read, husband of Mrs. Emma Read, the owner of Bank Cottage and about 5 acres nos. 524, 525 and 526 on the new Ordnance Map on the Forest near Forest Row attended to claim Forest rights in respect thereof but not having brought any witnesses as to user the matter was adjourned till the next meeting. Annual Resume On the motion of Mr. Midgley it was resolved that with a view to issuing a resume of the current year’s work of the Board to the Commoners in January next the Clerk be instructed to submit to the meeting in December next a draft report for their consideration. James A. Richardson application to improve cart track Mr. James A. Richardson of Tunbridge Wells, Lessee of White Cottage near Colemans Hatch applied on behalf of himself and others near for leave to metal the cart track from the point when it leaves the main road near Colemans Hatch past the Ridge School House to Stone Cottage. It was resolved that the application be referred to the Forest Row Committee to inspect and report. Wm. Moorcock footpath Mr. A. Turner and Mr. Sandford reported that they had arranged with Mr. William Moorcock the position of his proposed footpath and that he is carrying out the work. Forest fires It was resolved that the Clerk ask the Chief Constable if he can see his way to take steps for the detection of persons firing the Forest, which fires generally occur in the months of April and May and are generally started in the evening and to point out that it is useless to employ local policeman or men in uniform for the purpose, and to inform him that the Board is prepared to contribute towards the necessary expenses. It was further resolved that it be left to the Chairman and Clerk to settle details and terms with the Chief Constable. Cutting grips It was resolved that the Forest Row Committee be authorised to cut grips on the Forest where they deem it necessary for stopping vehicles from driving over the Forest. D.W. Freshfield carriage drive out of Hindleap Warren The Ranger having reported that the road leading out of Hindleap Warren on to the high road from Wych Cross to Plaw Hatch had been recently metalled over its entire length and breadth, being the road referred to in the minutes of meetings held in March, May and December 1898. Mr. Freshfield stated that the road in question is a carriage road which has always formed an exit for the carriage drives constructed by Mr. Speaker Abbott within Hindleap Warren and that he is entitled to do such repairs as are necessary to a carriage drive in the same manner as has been done in the past. Smith Naomi, Smith Janetta vans The Ranger reported that on the 18th December last at the Uckfield Petty Sessions Naomi Smith and Janetta Smith were each fined 1/ and 6/ costs for having vans on the Forest. H. Cruttenden discharging liquid The Ranger reported that Mr. H. Cruttenden of Ashdown Cottage Pound Gate has a pipe which discharges on to the Forest. It was resolved that the Clerk call upon him to remove the pipe and stop the discharge. Forest Row Rifle Range repairs The Ranger reported that the repairs to the Forest Row Rifle Range authorised at the meeting of the 19th December 1902 (p 265) had been carried out to his satisfaction. John Waters removing stone The Ranger reported that on the 14th February he found John Vaughan removing stone from the bed of the brook at Quabrook and carrying it on to Little Parrock Farm, tenant Mr. John Waters to fill in wagon ruts. The Clerk


stated he had a correspondence with Mr. Waters on the subject and had pointed out that rights of common did not confer the right to take stone. T.J. Ridley or Gurr metalling The Ranger reported that Timothy John Ridley or Gurr was metalling a continuation of the road metalled by Major Darwin. It was resolved that the Clerk write him on the subject. Leonard Divall carrying over Forest The Ranger reported that on the 18th February last he found Leonard Divall of the Brickyard, Chuck Hatch, was cutting up the Forest by carting sand from a pit close by the brick yard to Prestridge Warren, but as it appeared he was carting it to the nearest high road it was resolved that it be referred to the Forest Row Committee to inspect and report. Mrs. Emma Read alleged encroachment The Ranger reported that he thought Mrs. Emma Reed of Bank Cottage, Forest Row was trying to make an encroachment by closing up the end of a strip of land along the south side of her orchard. It was resolved that it be referred to the Forest Row Committee to inspect and report. Cheque It was resolved that a cheque be drawn for: The Ranger, 10 weeks salary and house rent to the 9th instant ₤12:10:0 It was resolved that the next meeting of Conservators be held on Friday the 26th June next or such earlier date as the Chairman sees fit to appoint. The meeting terminated at 3:50 p.m. George M. Maryon Wilson Chairman

A meeting of the Conservators of Ashdown Forest duty convened and held at the Nutley Inn, Nutley on Friday the 26th day of June 1903 at 11 a.m. Present Mr. George M. Maryon-Wilson in the Chair Mr. C.H. Corbett Mr. Thomas Colgate Mr. D.W. Freshfield Mr. Thomas Hyde Mr. Robert Kenward Mr. Ll. Midgley Mr. Mark Sandford The minutes of the last meeting were read and confirmed. The Bank Pass Book was produced showing a balance of ₤ 201:8:3 to the credit of the current account. James Charman cutting tree The Clerk reported that James Charman who was reported at the last meeting as having cut a birth tree occupies a cottage on land which has forest rights and in respect of which Mrs. Ellen Cook the owner pays Forest rates. Reginald Ashby Robert Ashby Lord De La Warr’s tenants claim to litter The Clerk stated that he wrote to Mr. Nicholson with regard to the claims of Mr. Reginald Ashby and Mr. Robert Ashby that Mr. Nicholson wrote to them and had since informed him that he had as yet no reply.


George Elliott Lord De La Warr’s tenant claim to rights The Clerk reported that he gave notice to George Elliott of Hartfield to attend this meeting and prove user, pointing out that if he failed to do so the Board would have to prosecute, if at any future time he had litter from the Forest. Mr. Elliott however did not attend. Gravel digging without authority The Clerk reported that he wrote to Mr. Nicholson after the last meeting pointing out the difficulty there would be in connecting persons for digging gravel without authority if the Lord’s Reeve accepted royalty from them and requesting that in such cases the Lord would defer till after conviction claiming and accepting payment for the damage done to his freehold. Mr. Nicholson had replied that he would bear it in mind. James Pilbeam clothes posts The Ranger reported that since the last meeting James Pilbeam has removed all his clothes posts from the Forest near Crowborough Warren. Obadiah Avis drain And that Obadiah Avis had discontinued the discharge of liquid on the Forest and had removed the drain Henry Cruttenden drain And that Mr. H. Cruttenden of Ashdown Cottage Pound Gate had discontinued the discharge of liquid on the Forest and removed the pipe. Sylvanus Ridley chattels on forest The Clerk reported that he wrote Sylvanus Ridley after last meeting and had received a reply which he read dated 30th March last. It was resolved that the Clerk write to him referring him to his undertaking of 22nd April 1899 and give him notice to remove all his chattels off the Forest within a week and that if he fail to do so he be prosecuted. Forest fires The Ranger reported that fires had occurred on the Forest since the last meeting on 23rd March and on 12th, 14th, 16th, 25th and 27th April last. The Chairman stated that the Clerk after inquiry had been unable to obtain the services of suitable local men at ₤1 per week to watch the Forest with a view to detecting incendiaries, that the Chief Constable had offered plain clothes Constables for a month at 2 guineas per week each, but he (the Chairman) did not feel justified in incurring so large an expense without the express sanction of the Board. On the proposition of Mr. Corbett seconded by Mr. Sandford it was resolved that with a view to the prevention of Forest fires the Clerk arrange before the next season to secure the services of 2 plain clothes Constables for a month on such terms as he may be able so arrange with the Chief Constable, the expense to be charged to the Protection and Improvement Fund. It was further resolved that in the opinion of the Board a reward would produce no practical result. T. J. Ridley or Gurr metalling road cutting grip The Clerk reported that after the last meeting he wrote to T.J. Ridley or Gurr inquiring who had metalled the cart hack and cut a grip in the east side of it a little above Major Darwin’s property and had received a reply dated the 13th March last which was read. It was resolved that the matter be referred to the Forest Row Committee to view and report. Golf Club damage to greens The Clerk reported that on the night of 3rd April last, greens nos. 15 & 17 used by the Ashdown Forest Golf Club were maliciously damaged and the Club had asked him what course the Conservators recommended. He had replied advising the offer of a reward for information and Lord De La Warr’s permission to prosecute in his name for malicious injury. The Forest Row Committee presented the two following reports which were read.


George Hodges footpath They also stated they had not yet been able to view the footpath at Crowborough which George Hodges desired to improve. It was resolved that the reports be entered on the minutes and that the Committee be thanked for their valuable services. Report of the Forest Row Committee 28th March 1903 The Committee met on the 28th March last at Chelwood Gate. Lord R. Cecil’s road They viewed the roadway to Lord Robert Cecil’s house and found that his Lordship had failed to comply with the terms of his licence in that the unmetalled sides of the road had not been turfed. By their direction the Clerk on 30th March wrote to Lord Robert drawing his attention to the matter and reminding him that the season for turfing would soon be past. Lord Robert replied on 31st March “I have been advised that the sides of the road will turf themselves without further care on my part” and he asked for a return of his deposit. The Clerk replied on 1st April last pointing out that Lord Robert had entered into a specific arrangement in August 1898 to turf the sides in consideration of which the Conservators consented to his making the road and that the sides had not turfed themselves in the nearly five years that have since elapsed and that the deposit would he released when the condition had been complied with. To this no reply had been received and no step has been taken to turf the sides. Your Committee recommended that Lord Robert be required to comply with the terms of his licence in the course of the next autumn and that till he has done so his deposit be not returned. Darling Ridge Wood clearing way The Committee observed that near the Goal the Forest was being cut up by the clearing of Darling Ridge Wood which belongs to the Twyford Estate. Mr. Joseph Turner of East Grinstead the agent of the Estate informed them that the track had to his knowledge been used for the purpose for over 60 yards and the Clerk thereupon wrote to Mr. Turner requesting that the ruts be filled in and the surface restored as far as possible. Leonard Divall cartage across forest Leonard Divall in carting sand from the pit at Chuck Hatch appears to be taking a direct route to the nearest high road. The Committee recommended that the Ranger watch his operations and see that he confines his carting to one definite track. High road proposed alteration Understanding that the road authority contemplates applying to make a slight alteration in the curve of the high road from Forest Row to Plaw Hatch a mile to the south of the Priory the Committee viewed the spot. The point is a rather sharp curve in the road with a sharp descent and the Bank on the west side and the growth on it obstruct the view along the road to a dangerous degree. The Committee recommended that if application is made the Conservators raise no objection to the bank being cut down provided the work be commenced sufficiently to the north of the Yew Tree there to preserve the tree from injury. Mr. J.M. Richardson repair road The Committee viewed the road which runs from the Colemans Hatch road past the Ridge Schools to Stone Cottage which Mr. James M. Richardson the Lessee of Stone Cottage has applied for permission to metal. The road is not a mere cart track but a definite and well established road which has been repaired from time to time with sand stone or other material. To put and maintain it in good condition will be a boon to the school children and will keep the traffic to one definite route and the Committee therefore recommend that Mr. Richardson’s application be assented to. Thomas Hyde Llewellyn Midgley Chas. H. Corbett


Report of the Forest Row Committee 16th June 1903 The Committee met at Tompsetts Bank on the 16th June 1903. Grips They instructed the Ranger as to the position and dimensions of the grips which are to be cut at Thompsetts Bank and Shalesbrook for preventing vehicles diverging from the regular tracks on to the turf. Dr. Walsham application to cart building materials The Clerk having received an application by Mr. Luxford on behalf of Dr. Walsham dated 8th May for permission to cart materials for the erection of a small cottage on his land and to deposit bricks temporarily on the Forest the Committee met a representative of Mr. Luxford on the spot and were unanimously of opinion that the application be granted on condition that the materials are carted over the existing road as pointed out by the Committee and that the bricks are deposited on a spot which they pointed out opposite the gate in to the site and that Mr. Luxford undertakes afterwards to make good the road over which the materials are carted and to restore the surface of the soil on which the bricks are deposited. And having regard to the length of time that had elapsed since Dr. Walsham to proceed with the work the Committee took upon themselves to authorise Mr. Luxford to proceed on the conditions above named and the Clerk wrote to him accordingly. But they feel that such applications should as a rule be dealt with by the Board itself. Mrs. Walters hollow near The Committee viewed the hollow outside the gate of Mr. Waters late workshop at Tompsetts Bank permission to fill up which was given to Mrs. Waters in November last on condition that the surface layer be of earth properly levelled. Since that time a quantity of broken bottles and old tins has been deposited making the place very unsightly. The Clerk wrote to Mrs. Waters in 20th March last to complete the work within a month. The Committee found that nothing had been done and as it is evidently useless to rely upon Mrs. Waters carrying out the work they recommend that permission be given to any person carrying on building works in the vicinity to deposit materials in the hollow provided the top be of earth only properly levelled. Oak tree ringed The Committee viewed a fine oak tree of probably 6 ft in girth standing in the lane leading to Thompsetts Bank opposite Mr. Job Luxford’s cottages occupied by Mills and Miles and found that a ring of bark about a foot in width extending entirely round the tree had been recently removed, the only object of which can be to destroy the tree. The Ranger and police have endeavoured without success to trace the perpetrator. This is a most disgraceful outrage and the Committee recommend the Board to offer a reward of ₤5 out of the Protection and Improvement Fund for such information as may result in the conviction of the perpetrator. Mr. Lucas discharge of foul liquid The Committee observed that foul liquid in considerable quantities is flowing from a tank at the north east corner of Mr. Lucas’ property into a grip cut on the Forest for the purpose of conducting it away. Also that there are signs of foul liquid overflowing down the bank on to the Forest from a tank or cesspool near the middle of the north side of Mr. Lucas’ property and that broken glass and old tin cans are lying on the Forest at the back of Mr. Lucas’ coach house which appear to have been thrown from his premises. The Committee recommended that steps be taken at once to compel the abatement of these nuisances. Mrs. Emma Read encroachment The Committee viewed the encroachment made by Mrs. Emma Reed of Bank Cottage or someone apparently on her behalf by closing with cut bushes the open end of a strip of Forest land hitherto open to the Commoners’ cattle between her hedge and the remains of what appears to have been an old attempt to enclose. They directed the Ranger to remove the cut bushes and recommended that any fresh attempt to enclose the strip should be resisted.


Grips near Mr. Smee's The Committee are of opinion that since the cart track on the west side of Mr. Smee’s property at Thompsetts Bank has been metalled and made into a good road with the sanction of the Board steps should be taken to stop vehicles being driven over the strip of Forest land on the west side of the road and they recommend that Mr. Smee be authorised if he wishes to cut 2 or 3 deep grips across this strip of Forest land and to fill in the tracks passing over it. Driving over turf Complaints have been made of the carts of tradesmen and others about Forest Row not keeping to the regular cart tracks but driving over the turf and the Committee directed the Ranger to watch and caution any offenders and report them to the Clerk. The Ranger has detected and warned 4 offenders and the Clerk has written to them also warning them that they will be prosecuted if they repeat the offence. As the nuisance has not yet been stopped the Committee recommend that their instruction be continued. Road to Mr. Ogle’s The road from the Rev. J.L. Ogles and Mr. Granville Gordon’s is very much cut up which encourages persons to deviate from it. The Committee are of opinion that if these gentlemen are prepared to repair this track the Board should consent to their doing so. Damage to surface at Mr. Faber’s Between this track and Mr. Faber’s boundary the Forest is very much cut up by the wheels of the sanitary van used to empty Mr. Faber’s cesspool. But as there is no other way of emptying the cesspool and the local authority is about to drain Forest Row when the necessity for emptying this cesspool will cease the Committee hesitate in recommending any action in the matter. Llewellyn Midgley Douglas W. Freshfield Thomas Hyde Dr. Walsham cartage of building materials It was resolved that the action taken by the Committee with reference to Dr. Walsham’s application be confirmed. Lord Robert Cecil That the Clerk write Lord Robert Cecil calling on him to do the work in the late autumn and pointing out that it would be necessary to lay down soil to induce the turf to grow that if his Lordship had not complied by the December meeting the Board cause the works to be done and charge the expense thereof against the deposit. Other recommendations approved And that the recommendations of the Committee on other matters be approved and the Clerk be instructed to take such as may be necessary for giving effect there so. Dr. Walsham rubbish The attention of the Board was drawn to broken glass empty tins and other refuse deposited in a hole on the Forest on the east side of Dr. Walsham’s to have the same removed and to take steps to prevent refuse being again deposited there by any of his employees. Darling Ridge Wood clearing way The owner of Darling Ridge Wood not having filled in the ruts etc. It was resolved that the Clerk write Mr. Joseph Turner again. Mrs. Emma Read claim to rights Mr. James Reed attended on behalf of his wife Emma Reed daughter of the late Tom Miles to claim rights of common in respect of the Cottage and about 5 acres of land on the Forest near Broadstone Warren Forest Row and produced a witness named Richard Blackstone aged 71 born at Shalesbrook and who had lived in the vicinity of the property all his life and proved that the successive occupiers had turned out 2 cows and young stock and had


had Forest litter and brakes continuously for a period exceeding 60 years last past. It was resolved that the Board being satisfied with the evidence admits the claim except as regards a small strip containing 9 perches on the south west corner of the property, which was an encroachment sold to the late Tom miles under the Regulation Order and about the same quantity adjoining being a tenancy at Will. The Board at the same time impressed on Mr. Read that only as much stock can be turned out on the Forest as the land will support in the winter. Mrs. Emma Reed encroachment The Ranger reported that he had removed the bushes enclosing a strip of land at Mrs. Emma Read’s property referred to in the Committee’s report. Dadswell Farm Buxted litter The Ranger reported that on the 14th March last near the Crow and Gate he saw a load of litter being taken from the Forest for Wm. Reed of Shadwell Farm Buxted recently purchased, as he understood, by Mr. J.F. Hope from Lord De La Warr and not entered on the Schedule of properties entitled to Forest rights. It was resolved that the Clerk write to Mr. Hope on the subject. Alice Wickens cutting furze On the same day the Ranger saw Alice Wickens of Pound Gate cutting furze on the Forest near the Crow & Gate. Gypsies cutting gorse Mr. Henry Cruttenden who owns a property near Pound Gate complained that gypsies living in a cottage on the Forest below his place are continually cutting the gorse for firing to the disfigurement of the Forest. The Clerk undertook to inform Mr. Cruttenden that if he could procure evidence sufficient to warrant a prosecution the Board would prosecute. F. Inman H. Hobbs taking furze The Ranger reported that on the 18th April at Fairwarp he saw Frederick Inman who lives with Henry Hobbs the Baker there, making furze he had cut on the Forest into a bundle for removal, he said Mr. Hobbs used it for fires (** in his oven). The Clerk stated he wrote Mr. Nicholson on the 24th April inquiring whether any authority had been given to Hobbs and if not whether the Lord would prosecute. Mr. Nicholson replied suggesting the Conservators should prosecute. The Clerk replied he would bring the matter before the Board but pointed out that it would seem to be to the interest of the Commoners that the furze should be removed by some one. The Clerk undertook to write and warn Mr. Hobbs that he must not cut in future without being authorised. Edward Scott cutting furze The Ranger reported that on 2nd June Mr. William Izzard of Pains Hill Fairwarp having written to him complaining that a quantity of furze had been cut close to her boundary he went there and found quite a cart load of the furze cut. He called at Edward Scott’s of Pains Hill whose mother informed him her son had cut the gorse to spite Izzard, there being ill feeling between them. The Ranger warned her that he should report it & that further cutting must be stopped. It was resolved that the Clerk prosecute if he could get evidence as to the cutting. Henry Taylor nuisance The Ranger reported that on 23rd March last he observed that Henry Taylor living near Fryars Gate had a closet and pigstye so placed they drain on to the Forest. Samuel Heasman nuisance And that Mr. Samuel Heasman who lives next to Mr. Taylor had a heap of manure the soakage from which also drains on to the Forest. The Clerk wrote both parties on 31st March to stop the nuisance and the Ranger reported that nothing had been done in either case. It was resolved that the Ranger inspects again and report to the Clerk.


James Mills foul liquid The Ranger reported on 24th April that James Mills occupying a cottage at Thompsetts Bank (opposite the oak tree that has been ringed) had a pipe projecting from his garden which discharged foul liquid on to the Forest. The Clerk wrote to Mr. Mills on 1st May requiring its removal and the Ranger on 8th May having found that Mr. Job Luxford was the owner saw his Clerk about it. On 15th May the Ranger reported the pipe had been removed and on 20th May he discovered the oak tree referred to in the report of the Forest Row Committee had been ringed. James Weston, Revd. J.L. Ogle, Thomas Fuller, James Reed driving over turf The Ranger reported that he stopped persons driving over the turf near Thompsetts Bank and warned them to desist namely on 30th March James Weston of Newbridge Mill, on 31st March the Rev. J.L. Ogle of Aegens Gill, on 1st April Thomas Fuller of Pound Gate and on 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 17th April James Reed of Bank Cottage. The Clerk stated he subsequently wrote to the parties warning them that if they repeated the offence they would be prosecuted. The Ranger reported that on 24th June he saw Joseph Hall in the employ of Mr. F. Young Butcher of Forest Row driving over the turf of the Forest between the Revd. Mr. Ogle’s and the Golf Club House and warned him not to do it again, and on the following day he saw James Wheeler in the employ of G. Turner, Miller of Tablehurst driving a cart over the turf of the Forest near the Gentlemen’s Golf Club, and gave him a like warning. It was resolved that if any fresh case is reported the Clerk prosecute. George Stiller repairing on Forest The Ranger reported that on 11th April he found George Stiller, Wheelwright of Fryars Gate, repairing a wagon on the Forest and that he had been informed he lights fires on the Forest to heat his tyres. The Clerk wrote him on the 14th April warning him to desist. Mr. Stiller now attended before the Board and stated that he had wagons on the Forest and lighted fires thereon to heat tyres for over 21 years, he stated that it would be a great convenience to him if he might continue the practice and offered to pay a rent or acknowledgement for the same. It was explained to him that he had no legal right and that the Conservators could not authorise him to do what was a distinct breach of the Bye Laws. George Stiller shed A letter was read from Mr. Nicholson dated the 9th May last stating that Mr. Stiller had enclosed a shed erected between some holly trees on the Forest at Friars Gate and suggesting that the shed should be thrown down and that the holly trees (which the Lord claimed) should be cut down and taken away and that he hesitated to move in the matter last the Conservators should think he was encroaching on their province. It was resolved that he be informed that the Board approve of his taking action in the matter. Reuben Yalden camp fire The Ranger reported that on the 21st May last at Uckfield Bench Reuben Yalden a gypsy was convicted of lighting a camp fire on the Forest and was fined 3/- and 7/- costs William Moorcock footpath Attention was drawn to the way in which Mr. William Moorcock had made the footpath in front of his new house at Dodds Bank in cutting deeply through the 2 earth banks and making a raised way across the green ride between them. Mr. Sandford one of the Committee to whom the matter was referred at the meeting of the 19th December last (p.269) stated that what had been done was contrary to Mr. Moorcock’s statement made to the meeting and to the instructions given to Mr. Moorcock by the Committee .It was resolved that the Clerk informs Mr. Moorcock thereof and require him to remove the raised way across the green ride. Mr. Freshfield Prestridge Warren ****ation of roads out Mr. Freshfield stated that as owner of Prestridge Warren he would like to abandon three roads out of Prestridge Warren namely (1) a roughly metalled road is coloured green and marked A on a plan delivered by Mr. Freshfield to the Board (2) a circuitous cart track from about the middle of the north side of the Warren to the high road from Wych Cross to Plaw Hatch which cart track is coloured green and marked B on the plan and (3) a circuitous cart track leading from the upper part of the west side of the Warren to the high road leading to Twyford which cart track is coloured green marked C on the plan if he were permitted to make metal and maintain 2 shorter and more


direct roads (coloured red and marked D & E on the plan) to the high road from the exits of the cart trackers marked B & C. It was resolved that subject to the consent of the Lord being obtained a licence be granted to Mr. Freshfield to make metal maintain and use the two proposed shorter roads marked D & E so long as the use of the roads marked A, B & C is discontinued, the new roads to be metalled not exceeding a width of 9 feet if any part of them are cut through earth banks the sides of the banks to be suitable sloped off, the sides of the roads not metalled to be properly turfed, sufficient provision to be made for the drainage of any grip or depressions crossed by the new roads. The surface of routes A, B & C to be levelled and filled up so as to obliterate all traces of them and acknowledgements of 1/- per annum to be paid to the Conservators and to the Lord during the continuance of the licence. The licence to cease and the surface of the new roads to be levelled and restored to the original condition of Forest land in the event of routes A, B & C or any of them being again used. Lavender Plat application for footpath Anthony Hoban in the service of Mr. H.P. Birch owner of Lavender plat having applied for permission to make a footpath from Lavender plat to the high road from Forest Row to Plaw Hatch. It was resolved that if he applied it be referred to the Forest Row Committee to inspect and report. Footpaths improvement of Mr. Freshfield having stated that the Board would confer a great benefit on the Cottagers on the Forest if they would bridge and drain some of the footpaths in the north west part of the Forest. It was resolved that it be referred to the Forest Row Committee to view the footpaths and report. Cheques It was resolved that cheques be drawn for: The Ranger 16 week’s salary and house rent to the 29th instant ₤20:0:0 The Clerk a half years salary to 30th instant £50:0:0 It was resolved that the next meeting of the Board be held on Friday the 18th September next or such earlier date as the Chairman may find necessary. The meeting terminated at 3:15 p.m. Albert Turner Chairman

A meeting of the Conservators of Ashdown Forest duty convened and held at the Nutley Inn, Nutley on Friday the 18th day of September 1903 at 11 a.m. Present Mr. Albert Turner in the Chair Mr. C.H. Corbett Mr. Douglas W. Freshfield Mr. Thomas Hyde Mr. D. Midgley Mr. M. Sandford In the absence of Mr. Maryon-Wilson, Mr. Albert Turner was elected Chairman of the meeting. The minutes of the last meeting were read and confirmed


The Bank Pass Book was produced showing a balance of ₤139:4:9 standing to the credit of the current account and 3/½ in the hands of the Clerk, and that the sum of ₤116:8:2 stands on deposit to the credit of the Protection and Improvement Fund. Sylvanus Ridley chattels on Forest The Clerk reported that pursuant to the resolution of the last meeting he wrote to Sylvanus Ridley on the 6th July last requiring him to remove all his chattels off the Forest and the Ranger reported that Ridley had compiled. Lord Robert Cecil The Clerk also wrote on 6th July last to Lord Robert Cecil in the terms of the resolution passed at the last meeting and received the following reply: 4 Paper Buildings Temple E.C. July 10th 1903 Sir, I have received your letter of the 6th inst, and in reply thereto I have to say that at the time the licence to which you refer was granted, I was distinctly informed by a member of Board who met me on the site that there was no intention to enforce the terms of the licence beyond the receipt of the deposit money and it was upon the faith of that assurance that I accepted the licence. My belief was and is that no licence was required and that I had at common law a right to make a road across the common from my property to the High Road. At the same time in order to meet the views of the Conservancy I have caused grass to be put down upon the sides of the road, this appears to me to be fully as much as the Conservators are entitled to. I have some recollection of being applied to by the Chairman of your Board to assist in carrying out the policy of the Board in connection with some leases and the soil of the common and that I assented to that application. I confess that the exaggerated importance that has been attached to this question of turfing, in itself a perfectly unimportant matter to the Conservators and to everyone else, makes me very doubtful whether the business capacity of the Board is sufficient to make it worth while to assist them any further in any of their undertakings Yours faithfully Robert Cecil W.A. Raper Esq. It was resolved that a Committee consisting of Messrs. Corbett, Freshfield & Midgley do view the condition of the road before the December meeting and report to that meeting whether the terms of the licence had then been complied with. Dr. Walsham rubbish The Clerk also wrote to Dr. Walsham to remove the rubbish from the hollow on the Forest, on the East side of his property and to stop any further deposits and read replies from Dr. Walsham to the effect that his man repudiated having put any rubbish on the Forest but that be Dr. Walsham had instructed him to have the rubbish referred to covered up. Darling Ridge Wood clearing way The Clerk also wrote to Mr. Joseph Turner to fill in the ruts and make good the damage done to the surface of the Forest by clearing Darling Ridge Wood. The Ranger reported the work had not been done. Oak tree ringed The Clerk reported that he had caused bills to be circulated all round Forest Row offering a reward of ₤5 for any information which should result in convicted for ringing the Oak tree referred to at the last meeting but that no information had reached him.


F.R. Lucas discharge of foul liquid Also that he wrote immediately after last meeting to Mr. F.R. Lucas calling on him to abate the nuisances & had received a reply promising to do so at once. The Ranger stated the discharge of liquid had ceased & the rubbish had been removed of he was directed to keep his eye on the place. Grips The Committee reported that the grips had been completed round Tompsetts Bank. Mrs. Emma Read rate The Clerk reported that since the last meeting Mr. Emma Reed paid the current Forest rate for the property in respect of which her claim to Forest rights was admitted at that meeting. James F. Hope Shadwell Farm rights Also that he had drawn Mr. J.F. Hope’s attention to the fact that his tenant of Shadwell Farm had taken litter from the Forest and enquiring whether he claimed rights in respect of the farm which is not included in the Schedule of lands entitled and Mr. Hope had promised to enquire into the matter. Edward Scott cutting furze Also that Mrs. Izzard on being applied to refused to give evidence against her neighbour Edward Scott for cutting gorse as reported at the last meeting, stating she was afraid he might do her some serious inquiry. Scott had not been summoned. Mr. Moorcock footpath The Clerk reported that on 6th July last he wrote to Mr. Moorcock pointing out her had not complied with his representation on which permission was granted to cut away the bank by the high road or to make a raised way across the green ride and requiring him to remove the embankment across the latter and restore it to its original condition and not to disfigure the footpath by laying down ashes on it. The Ranger reported that he had nearly removed the raised path and was at work completing it to day. Lavender Plat application for footpath The Clerk reported that on the 6th July last he wrote Anthony Hoban that any application to make a footpath must come from the owner of Lavender plat, but that it did not necessary follow that it would be granted. The Clerk had heard nothing further. F. Young, G. Turner driving over forest Also that after the last meeting he wrote to Mr. H. Young butcher of Forest Row and to Mr. Geo. Turner of Tablehurst Mill warning them that they must not again drive over the green sward of the Forest and that any persons thereafter found doing so would be prosecuted. Arthur Miles driving over sward The Ranger reported that on the 20th August last Arthur Miles who works for Mr. Banister at Forest Row drove a heavy cart over one of the golf greens. The Clerk stated that with a view to prosecuting this man pursuant to the resolution of last meeting he had examined the Bye Laws on the subject. It was resolved that the Clerk write warning him that if he repeated the act, proceedings would be taken against him, the Clerk was to consider whether pending an amendment of the Bye Laws civil proceedings might not be taken. Footpaths work etc. On the proposition of Mr. Freshfield seconded by Mr. Sandford it was resolved that in future all work done to footpaths on the Forest be executed by the Board at the expense of the party applying. G. Elliott claim to rights The Clerk reported that he had received a letter from Mr. Geo. Elliott of Hartfield enquiring whether he could not take brakes till he had satisfied the Board of his right. It was resolved that notice be given him to attend the next


meeting with his witness and that in the meantime he must not take any unless he obtained a licence from the Ranger and further that the Ranger be authorised to grant him a licence for 2 loads of brakes if he applied. Footpaths improvement of It was resolved that the Forest Row Committee be authorised to do what they consider necessary in bridging and draining footpaths in the north west part of the Forest so that they expend not exceeding ₤10 out of the Protection & Improvement fund. Geo. Hodges alter footpath Mr. Sandford undertook to view of report on Mr. Geo. Hodges’ application to improve a footpath at St. Johns, Crowborough referred to at a previous meeting. Fire The Ranger reported that on the 7th July last a large fire occurred on the Forest between Gills Lap & Greenwood Gate resulting in the destruction of between 30 & 40 acres of furze, being by far the most extensive fire this year. [Commonable animals] Mr. Sandford pursuant to notice suggested whether the Board should not now fix under Bye Law 7 the number of commonable animals that each authorised person may turn out on the Forest. In the course of the discussion it was stated that many of the Commoners find it does not pay to turn stock on the Forest, that there is considerably more pasture than the bona fide Commoners use, that besides sheep which are not commonable a large proposition of the cattle on the Forest belong to persons who have no rights of common. That the furze which is too large to cut with a scythe for litter is of no value to the Lord, and that the fires on the Forest are largely due to persons who illegally turn out sheep & others who burn it in order afterwards to use the stems for fuel and much stress was laid on the danger these unauthorised fires are to adjacent private property. [Furze] After considerable discussion it was resolved that the Clerk communicate with Mr. Nicholson with a view to ascertaining whether the Lord will authorise the Board from time to time to cut down or otherwise destroy the furze which is too large for litter on such parts of the Forest as they may deem expedient having regard to the preservation of the beauty of the Forest & to require payment from non-Commoners residing inside or immediately adjacent to the Forest pale for turning out sheep or cattle, the movies so received to be applied for the protection of improvement of the Forest. And that the further consideration of Mr. Sandford’s suggestion is adjourned. Read from Shalesbrook to Chapel Lane repair of A letter was read from the Revd. J.L. Ogle with reference to traffic on the road from Shalesbrook to Chapel Lane. As part of the damage is caused by the Sanitary van of the East Grinstead Rural District Council it was resolved that the Clerk write to that Council pointing out that the road was recently made for the convenience of the local residents, that the Council has no legal rights to use but that there is no objection to their doing provided they make it good also make good damage done to the surface of the Forest by the tracks of the Sanitary van from the road to private properties. J. Burgess licence to stack bricks The Clerk reported that on the 29th July he granted to J. Burgess of Fairwarp who is erecting a cottage at Duddleswell for Mr. Barchard permission to stack bricks required for the work temporarily on the Forest provided he cleared them as soon as possible afterwards & make good any damage done to the surface. It was resolved that the Clerks action be confirmed. Licences limit of time, rent for delay It was also resolved that when licence of this kind are granted in future, a reasonable time be specified and an undertaking be given by the licencee to finish within the time or in default to pay a progressive rent per week for any delay. T.J. Ridley or Gurr fill up holes The Clerk reported that Timothy J. Ridley or Gurr who is building a house had asked permission to use the earth coming from foundations in filling up holes on the Forest & that on 29th July last he granted such permission


subject to the approval of the Ranger on condition that only genuine soil and not sand stone be deposited. It was resolved that the permission be confirmed. Old Lodge deposit on Forest The Ranger reported that on the 18th August last he found the contractor (Mr. William Wells of Plumpton).who is making alterations to Old Lodge for Lady De La Warr had wheeled out a quantity of earth on to the Forest. It was resolved that he be requested at once to remove the earth from the Forest & make good the surface of the Forest to the satisfaction of the Ranger Gravel put at Hartfield Grove fencing The Ranger reported that on the 12th August last he required Wm. Wheatley who was digging in a gravel pit near Hartfield Grove by permission of the Lord to fence it & that it had since been sufficiently fenced. Geo. Wheatley cutting rushes Having learnt that George Wheatley who lives near Tompsetts Bank had cut the rushes in the pond below the Priory at Forest Row the Ranger saw him he stated he had no wish to offend & undertook to write to the Clerk promising not to cut them again. The Clerk not having received any undertaking it was resolved that he inform Wheatley that unless he give such undertaking he would be prosecuted Cheque It was resolved that a cheque be drawn for The Ranger 12 weeks Salary & house rent to 21st instant £15.0.0 And that the Clerk pay out of the Protection & Improvement fund to: Messrs. Isaac Waters & Sons for cutting grips at Tompsetts bank £1.16.0 It was resolved that the Chairman, Mr. Corbett & Mr. Turner be appointed a Committee to audit the account for the current year Commoners' annual meeting Also that the annual General Meeting of Commoners be held at the Nutley Inn on Friday the 11th December at 11 a.m. Also that the next meeting of the Board be held immediately after such annual meeting or on such earlier date as the Chairman may consider necessary. The meeting terminated at 2.30 p.m. George M. Maryon-Wilson Chairman

The Annual Meeting of the Commoners interested in the Forest duly convened by the Clerk by notice in the church door of each of the parishes or ecclesiastical districts into which the Forest extends and 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 held on Friday the 11th day of December 1903 at 11 o’clock in the forenoon at the Nutley Inn, Nutley. Present Mr. Geo. M. Maryon-Wilson in the Chair The Revd H.J. Peckham Mr. Thomas Colgate


Mr. C.H. Corbett Mr. D.W. Freshfield Mr. Robert Kenward Mr. Ll. Midgley Mr. Mark Sandford Mr. Albert Turner Mr. Charles Wilson Mr. Sylvanus Ridley Chairman chosen Mr. George M. Maryon-Wilson was unanimously chosen Chairman and having taken the Chair Notice of publication The Clerk read the notice convening the meeting and reported the due publication thereof as above mentioned. Minutes The minutes of the last annual meeting of Commoners were then read and confirmed Retiring Conservators The Clerk reported that the Conservators returning by rotation on the 31st instant were the Right Honourable The Earl of Sheffield, Mr. James Fitzalan Hope M.P., Mr. Thomas Colgate and Mr. Douglas Wilson Freshfield. Mr. Hope not seeking re-election A letter was read from Mr. James F. Hope stating that in consequence of the demands upon his time in Parliament and elsewhere he very much regretted that he was unable to offer himself as a candidate for re-election. It was proposed by the Chairman seconded by Mr. Colgate and unanimously resolved that this meeting desires to record and to tender to Mr. Hope its sincere thanks for the very valuable services he has rendered to the Commoners during the time he has held the office of a Conservator and its great regret that he is prevented by his other public duties from offering himself for re-election. Nominations It was proposed by Mr. C.H. Corbett and seconded by Mr. Llewellyn Midgley that Mr. Edward Martin be elected a Conservator. It was proposed by Mr. Albert Turner and seconded by Mr. Mark Sandford that Mr. Thomas Colgate be re-elected a Conservator. It was proposed by the Revd. H.J. Peckham and seconded by Mr. Albert Turner that Mr. Douglas William Freshfield be re-elected a Conservator. It was proposed by Mr. Thomas Colgate and seconded by Mr. Llewellyn Midgley that the Right Honourable Henry North Earl of Sheffield be re-elected a Conservator. It was proposed by Mr. C.H. Corbett seconded by Mr. George M. Maryon Wilson that the Honourable Henry Berkeley Portman be elected a Conservator. Voting The voting on these nominations was then taken with the result that the voting of Commoners present owning properties entitled to rights of common on the Forest according to the average of such properties was as follows namely for: a r p Mr. Douglas W. Freshfield 2322 0 39 Thomas Colgate 2368 0 39 The Hon. Hy. Berkeley Portman 2192 0 0 Mr. Edward Martin 2156 3 39


The Rt. Hon. The Earl of Sheffield 205 3 39 Conservators elected The Chairman then declared the four first named gentlemen duly elected Conservator for the ensuring three years. The meeting terminated with a vote of thanks to the Chairman. A. Munster Chairman

A meeting of the Conservators of Ashdown Forest duly convened and held at the Nutley Inn at Nutley on Friday the 11th day of December 1903 at noon Present Mr. George M. Maryon-Wilson in the Chair Mr. E.A. Nicholson representing the Lord Mr. Thomas Colgate Mr. C.H. Corbett Mr. Robert Kenward Mr. Ll. Midgley Mr. Mark Sandford Mr. Albert Turner The minutes of the last meeting were read and confirmed. Election of Conservators The Clerk produced and read the following and it was resolved that it be entered on the minutes. To Mr. William Augustus Raper Clerk to the Conservators of Ashdown Forest As Chairman of the meeting of Commoners duly convened and held at the Nutley Inn, Nutley this 11th day of December 1903 for the purpose of electing four Conservators I hereby intimate to your that at such meeting the following were elected Conservators namely: Mr. Douglas William Freshfield, Mr. Thomas Colgate, the Honourable Henry Berkeley Portman and Mr. Edward Martin in the place of the four Conservators who retire by whether on the 31st instant. Dated this 11th day of December 1903 George M. Maryon Wilson Chairman The Clerk produced the Bank Pass Book showing a balance to the credit of the Conservators on the current account of £124.19.9 and Messrs. Barclay deposit receipt showing £116.8.2 standing on deposit to the credit of the Protection & Improvement Fund. Lord Robert Cecil The Committee appointed at the last meeting reported that they had that meeting viewed the road from Lord Robert Cecil’s property near Chelwood Gate and found that nature had at length done what Lord Robert Cecil undertook but neglected to do. William Moorcock footpath The Clerk reported that Mr. William Moorcock had complied with Board’s requirement as regards the footpath from his house


Arthur Miles The Clerk reported that he had enquired into a complaint made by the Royal Ashdown Forest Golf Club that Arthur Miles had driven a cart over No. 1 green at Shales Brook and had ascertained that on the 24th October last he had taken a cart with two horses over the green four times, namely twice going for litter and twice bringing it in. That the litter was cut close to “Have a Care” well for Mr. Banister the occupier of Stone House which had Forest rights and that the green lay in nearly a direct line from the litter to Mr. Banister’s gates. It was resolved that the Clerk represent the whole matter to the Banister Trustees and suggest their giving Miles directions not to pass over the green in future. G. Elliott claim to right A letter was read from Mr. G. Elliott 13th November last stating that while his predecessors in occupation had had litter from the Forest he did not propose to attend before the e Conservators or take litter from the Forest unless the Board would grant him permission to takes two loads a year. It was resolved that the Ranger be authorised to grant Mr. Elliott a licence to take 2 loads of litter this winter. Cart track above Hospital Farm, define by grips A report of the Forest Row Committee was read and it was resolved that the report be approved and entered on the minutes. It is as follows: The Forest Row Committee met at Hospital Farm on Saturday 3rd October last. They viewed the Forest surface above Major Darwin's entrance which has been very much cut up with traffic which is not confined to one route and they recommend that the Ranger be directed to define the old route by two parallel grips cut 10 feet apart & that he warn all persons concerned that the traffic must be confined between the grips Major Darwin change of gates They met Major Darwin who asked permission to close the gate opening on the Forest just above his entrance and to substitute another gate higher up. The Committee recommend that his application be granted. The Committee then viewed the footpath and footbridges between Hindleap Warren and Kidbrooke (Kidbrooke Bog) and directed that certain footpaths be drained and repaired and that the bridge near the Rifle Butts be also repaired at a total expense not exceeding altogether £10. C.H. Corbett Douglas W. Freshfield Ll. Midgley George Hodges alter footpath Mr. Sandford reported that he had not yet been able to inspect the footpath from Mr. Hodges’ house at St. John’s Crowborough Road from Shalesbrook to Chapel Lane The Clerk reported that pursuant to resolution passed at the last meeting he wrote to the Clerk to the East Grinstead Rural District Council with reference to the road from Shalesbrook to the top of Chapel Lane but had not yet received a reply J. Burgess licence to stack bricks The Clerk reported that John Burgess to whom permission (recorded at the last meeting) was given to stack bricks on the Forest at Duddleswell had not yet completed the building. Old Lodge deposit on Forest The Ranger reported that he had authorised Mr. William Wells to dispose of the earth he had deposited on the Forest outside Old Lodge by filling up a hole on the Forest and that he has done the work properly and spread mould over the surface to his satisfaction


George Wheatley The Clerk reported that he wrote to Mr. George Wheatley immediately after the last meeting requesting him to give a written promise not again to cut rushes in the pond near the Priory without the Conservators’ permission but had received no reply and understood his silence was due to the fact that he was now serving a term of 7 years penal servitude. T.J. Ridley deposits on Forest The Clerk reported that on 12th October last at the East Grinstead Bench he prosecuted T.J. Ridley or Gurr for having at a stack of bricks on the Forest on the north side of his property at Cripps Corner and that Ridley was convicted and fined 10/- & 8/- costs which he had paid. John Jones or Collins camping At the same time he obtained a conviction against John Jones alias Collins for camping on the Forest who not appearing was fined 5/- & 9/- costs. Bridge over hole 13 construction authorised The Clerk reported that the Royal Ashdown Forest Golf Club having applied to him for permission to reconstruct the plank bridge over the brook near the 13th hole as it was in a dangerous condition he authorised the club to do the work. It was resolved that the action of the Clerk be confirmed. Repairing golf greens An application was read from the same Club to do the following work namely: Royal Ashdown Forest Golf Club Work proposed to be done on the course during the winter 1903-4 & approved by the Green Committee 1st Tee Extend back tee near Rowe’s cottage 20 yards Course Level up ruts & fill hollows on the course Green Improve lower green 2nd hole Tee Extend lower medal tee to the right 2nd hole Green 3rd hole Tee A temporary tee behind present ours to be tried 7th hole Drain ground beyond the rough for drive & fill in existing open drains where possible. 7th hole Green Level down centre knob and lower one on far right of green. Fill in small drain bounding

left side of green 8th Green A new drain from back part of upper green to be made and connected with either of

existing ones on the right or left hand. 14th Tee Present forward tee to be enlarged of a new one made on the right near Mr. Barron’s hedge. 15th Tee A new tee be made say 12 yards to the north of the present one beyond the 14th green 18th Green The depression on the 18th green to be levelled the usable space on the green will be much

increased thereby. Oct 30th 1903 It was resolved that permission be granted on the usual conditions. Bonfires The Clerk reported that he received only one application this year for permission to have a bonfire on the Forest on the 5th November by viz.J. Martin of and for Chelwood Gate and that acting on the authority committed to him he had granted the application The Ranger stated he believed no other bonfires were made on the Forest on that occasion. D.W. Freshfield Prestridge Warren alteration of roads out The Clerk reported that the licence authorised on the June last to Mr. Freshfield for altering the roads out of Prestridge Warren had now been completed


Fairwarp Cricket Club application for practice ground The Board then considered an application by the Revd. G.C. Pimbury Vicar of Fairwarp on behalf of the Fairwarp Cricket Club for permission to level a piece of Forest land near the village for the use of the club as a practice ground. It was resolved that the Board has no objection to the club levelling a piece of the Forest near the village of Fairwarp for practising cricket the site area & carrying out of the work to be subject to the approval of Mr. Sandford on behalf of the Board, the area not to be enclosed. Hutchinson H.G. discharge of liquid The Ranger having reported that on the 22nd day September last when passing Mr. Horace Hutchinson’s dairy at Shepherds Gate he noticed a bad smell coming from the boundary ditch and found a quantity of offensive liquid which appeared to be discharged from a pipe a little further up which was embedded in a square of brickwork. The Clerk stated he wrote to Mr. Hutchinson promised to comply and the Ranger reported that the pipe had new been stopped up. Sylvanus Ridley deposit The Ranger reported that on the 24th September he found that while Sylvanus Ridley at Crows Nest had cleared away the deposits generally he had placed various chattels round his faggot stack on the Forest and he observed two separate places on the Forest where he had been mixing or had deposited mortar and that several slabs of wood were lying in another spot. Mr. Ridley on being spoken to said he had removed all he intended to remove and should attend the next meeting of the Conservators to prove his right to place things in the Forest near his house The Clerk reported that he had given Mr. Ridley notice to attend the present meeting. The Ranger also reported that on the 13th October he found Sylvanus Ridley had removed from the Forest the building materials permission to deposit which was granted him on the 19th December 1902. Mr. Ridley attended before the Board with George Tester and claimed the right to deposit chattels on the Forest outside his gate over an area which he ultimately fixed at ¼ acre and Mr. George Tester stated he had known the place for 60 years past and that the occupier had always used the Forest land for the purpose and had also many years ago used a saw pit on the Forest. After the parties had withdrawn the Board considered the matter and it was resolved that Mr. Ridley he informed that unless all deposits were removed before the 20th instant proceedings would be taken against him to restrain him from depositing anything on the Forest. Mr. Ridley having been recalled the Chairman informed him of the decision of the Board. It was further resolved that if Mr. Ridley does not remove all deposits by the date named the Clerk do take proceedings against him under the Commons Act 1876 in the County Court in the name of the Lord and 2 or 3 Commoners, the cost thereof to be paid out of the Protection and Improvement Fund. Mr. C. Wilson manure The Ranger having on the 17th October found a heap of manure deposited on the Forest adjoining the road from Boring Wheel Mill to Fairwarp a few yards to the east of Lower Spring Gardens Farm. The Clerk wrote to Mr. C. Wilson the new owner who replied that it was placed there by his predecessor that he would shortly remove it and would see “there is never any put there again”. Christopher camping Christopher Smith camping The Ranger reported that on the 22nd October Christopher Smith was convicted at the Uckfield Bench for having a tent on the Forest near Pound Gate School and was fined 2/- & 7/- costs which were paid.


Col. Needham stone The Ranger reported that Col. Needham of the Priory Forest Row had lately been drawing stone from a pit between Kidbrook and the road from Forest Row to Plaw Hatch. The Clerk stated the pit was on that part of the Forest vested in Mr. Freshfield and it was resolved that he communicate with Mr. Freshfield on the subject A.H. Clough making a footpath The Ranger having reported that on the 11th November he observed that part of the hedge in front of cottages which Mr. A.H. Clough has recently built at Highgate had been removed and that a pathway about 12 yards long by 2 ½ broad had been made from the gap across the Forest. The Clerk stated he wrote to Mr. Clough on the subject who had replied he would ascertain when next at Forest Row what grounds there might be for the Ranger’s statement. It was resolved that the matter be referred to the Forest Row Committee to enquire into and report. Hoadly driving over Forest The Ranger reported that on the 24th November last having heard that Mr. Hoadly butcher of Forest Row habitually drives across the Forest out of the tracks he called on him and cautioned him not to do it again. A. Card application to purchase birch trees A letter was read from Mr. A. Card, broom-maker of Forest Row, applying to purchase birch trees on the Forest. It was resolved that the Clerk inform Mr. Card that the Conservators are not in a position at present to offer him any birch trees for sale. James F. Hope claim to rights Mr. James H. hope having claimed that his property known as Shadwell Farm comprising Nos. on Ordnance May 12th edition 1899 333.334.349.350.351.352.382.383.384.385.501.502.503.504.504.505.506.507.508.561.containing altogether ninety acres and one rood and situate in the Parish of Buxted is entitled to rights of common on the Forest and William Read the tenant of the farm, Spencer Tester of Browns Brook aged 75 and George Frost of Buxted aged 72 having appeared before the Board and given evidence as to user for 60 years last past it was resolved that the Board is satisfied that the property is entitled to Forest rights and directs the Clerk to insert it in the Schedule of properties entitled to rights. Earl De La Warr furze cutting, charging non Commoners for grazing The Clerk reported that pursuant to resolution of last meeting he wrote to Mr. Nicholson applying for the consent of the Lord to the Conservators destroying furze which is too large to grow and to require payment from non commoners for grazing and that he had received a reply which he read It was resolved that Mr. Nicholson’s reply be entered on the minutes. It is as follows: Lewes 9th Dec. 1903 Dear Mr. Raper I have communicated their Messrs. Cox & Lafone with Lord De La Warr in reference to your letter of the 3rd instant and they say that he is in favour of the furze being cut in the manner suggested but stipulates that whatever is done must be subject to the approval of the Reeve. With regard to sheep he upholds the rights of his tenants to turn them out & that those specific persons not actually tenants whom he successfully defended in the past should be now protected. In this view care well be requested in dealing with the question especially as it is not clear that sheep may not be turned out. Yours very truly E.A. Nicholson. W.A. Raper


List of animals grazing on Forest It was proposed by Mr. Corbett seconded by Mr. Sandford and unanimously resolved that the Ranger enquire and report what persons turn out on the Forest what animals they turn out and how many each turns out of each kind. Also that the question of the right claimed for certain of Lord De La Warr's tenants to graze sheep be considered when the Rangers return is received. The Ranger reported that on the 17th October he found 18 geese roaming over the Forest which be found were the property of Mr. J. Horscraft of Fairwarp. It was resolved that particulars of geese on the Forest be included in the Ranger’s return of animals Cheque It was resolved that cheques be drawn on current account: The Ranger 14 weeks salary & house rent to 28th inst. £ 17.10.0 Petty disbursements during the year £1.11.4 19.1.4 The Clerk Disbursements for the year as per vouchers £11.1.6 Postages & receipt stamps for year £2.9.0 Telegrams & travelling expense do £4.6.0 Half year’s salary to 31st instant £50.0.0 67.16.6 And the following cheques on the Protection & Improvement Fund: Messrs. Isaac Waters & Sons for digging grips Etc. on Forest £1.13.0 Messrs. Hunt Currey Nicholson & Co. costs of negotiation with Earl de la Warr for lease of Forest 1900-2 £16.15.10 Accounts for 1903 The Committee appointed at the last meeting to audit the accounts for the current year reported that they had examined the same and compared them with the vouchers and found them correct. It was proposed by Mr. Sandford seconded by Mr. Kenward and resolved that the accounts be approved and signed by the Chairman and that the usual summary be sent to every Commoner. It was also resolved that the balance of £100:8:9 to the credit of the Protection & Improvement Fund be taken off deposit at the end of the year and invested in Consoles in the joint names of the Chairman and Clerk. Rate The Clerk having reported that the funds in hand would be nearly exhausted by payment of the current liabilities and having produced an estimate of the annual expenses it was proposed by Mr. Albert Turner seconded by Mr. Charles Henry Corbett and unanimously resolved that a rate be made for their duties under the Award made under the provisions of the Inclosure Acts 1865 to 1878 and the Commoners 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 six pence per acre in respect of the acreage of their respective lands to which such rights attach which Commoners and their respective acreage aforesaid and the respective sums payable by them are hereinafter set out namely:


Name Address Acreage Amount £ s d


Adams, Mr. William

Moss Cottage, Newbridge, Colemans Hatch

2 0 1 0



Appleby Mr. Isaac, Trustees of


1/2 0 0 6

Arbuthnot W.R. Esq.


Avis, Mrs Sarah A.


3 0 1 6

Baker Mr. Matthias


2 0 1 0

Baker Mr. William Chelwood Common Dane Hill Uckfield 2 0 1 0 Ballard & Co. Messrs.

Brewers, Lewes 2 ½

0 1 6



58 1 9 0

Barchard, Mrs. K.L.S.


Barralet, Mrs. Phoebe

The Laurels, Nutley (late Variolet) ¾

0 0 6

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

0 2 6

Bashford, Mr. John

Forest Row East Grinstead

15 0 7 6

Bailey, Abe Esq. Yewhurst, Forest Row 180

4 10

0

Betchley, Mr. A. Forest Row 1 0 0 6 Bennett, Mrs. Mary Ann

49 Wellesley Road, East Croydon 2 0 1 0

Birch, Fredk. Peregrine Decd. Repres. Of


3:3:12 0 2 0

Birch, Francis Esq.

The Red House, Offord, Woodbridge, Suffolk

44 1 2 0

Box Mr. Richard

24 Ham*ritt Road, Stratford, Essex (late G. Box)

3

0 1 6


*** ***** Manor 11-1-23 95:2:14


Chelwood Common Dane Hill Uckfield 9½

0 5 0



145 3 12

6

Burns, L.B. Esq. Andrews Bank, Colemans Hatch (late Tetley)

15 0 7 6

Card, Mr. James Forest Row (late W. Miles) ¼

6

Chatterton, Geo. J.

Bridge Wharf, Caledonian Road, London 6 0 3 0

Clarke Stephenson, Mrs.


133:3:15 3 7 0


Clarke C/o Daniel Watney & sons 33 Poultry London

56:2:0 1 0 0


c/o ***** Hughes & ***** 213 5 6 6




2 0 1 0

Corbett, Charles Esq.

Woodgate, Dane Hill Park Uckfield 233 5 16

6

De La Warr, Countess

Old Lodge, Uckfield 9:0:4 0 5 0

Dadswell, Mr. Robert

c/o Mr. Spencer Tester Brown’s Brook, Buxted

1 0 0 6

Darling The Rev. F


Darwin, Major Leonard Rob.

Hospital Farm, Forest Row 30 ½

0 15

6

Du Croz Mrs Margaret

Court Lands West Hoathly E. Grinstead 80 2 0 0



1:1:8 0 1 0

Eggledon, Mrs. ******* Uckfield (late Colgate) 4:0:10 0 2 6 Evenden, Mr. William Alfred


3 0 1 6 Faber, Alfred Esq. Forest Row, East Grinstead (late Banister) 3:0:16 0 2 0 Fleet Mr. George Grislings Common Piltdown

Uckfield 2½

0 1 3

Freshfield, Douglas

Wych Cross House, Forest Row (late Wickens) (late Box)

204 9 ½ 5 ¾

5 10

0



******* ************ 2 0 1 0 Gasson Mr. Humphrey


3 ½

0 2 0


C/o Messrs. Norton Trist & Gilbert, 79 Queen St., Cheapside E.C.

40 1 0 0

Gillham Mr. James

Nutley Uckfield 2 ¼

0 1 6

Goard Mrs. Phillipa. Philcox


0 1 6

Goldsmiths’ Company

Goldsmith’s Hall London E.C. 100 2 10

0

Gordon, Granville

Shalesbrook, Forest Row (late Macartney) 5 ½

0 3 0

Gordon, John F. Domaha, Forest Row East Grinstead 5:1:36 0 3 0 Hale The Misses c/o Joseph Turner Esq. East Grinstead 69 1 1

4 6


Hardy s Danehurst, Fletching 311 ½ 7 16

0

Head, F.H.

Goldstrow, Piltdown, Uckfield

10 0 5 0

Heasman Mrs. Eliza



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

******* ******************** Hillhouse J. 33 Chancery Lane London E.C 1 0 0 6 Hoare, Alfred 37 Fleet St. London E.C 101 2 1

0 6

Hoath, Mrs. Lydia C/o Mr. Alfred Hoath, Fryars Gate Withyham Tunbridge Wells

4 0 2 0

Hoath, Mr. Amos The Platt, Crowborough 3 0 1 6 Hope, James F. Herons Ghyll, Buxted, Uckfield 430 ½ 10 1

5 6


Shepherds Gate, Hartfield 5 ¼

0 3 0

Hyde, Thomas Pixton Hill Forest Row East Grinstead 127 3 3 6 Inns, Mr. Alfred George


Keeys, Mr. Richard

Hartfield, Tunbridge Wells 10:2:6 0 5 6

Kenward, Mr. Robert

Fletching, Uckfield 74 1 17

0

Knight, Mr. J. Railway Inn, Forest Row, East Grinstead 0:2:2 0 0 6 Larking, Capt. Regd. N.W.

***************** 328:3:13 8 4 6


C/o Joseph Farmer Esq., East Grinstead 500 12 10

0

Langridge, Mr. Enoch


0 1 0



0 3 0

Leslie, J.E. 17 Bedford Row, London, W.C. 140 3 10

0

Longley, Mr. C. Oakhurst, Chapel Lane, Forest Row (late Banister)

0:1:1 0 0 6

Mc Lord, Addison Esq.




Marchant, Mr. Thomas

Cackle Street, Maresfield, Uckfield

5 0 2 6


The Rectory, Maresfield 100 2 10

0



57 ½

1 9 0


3 ½

0 2 0

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


Martin, Mr. William

Coach & Horses, Dane Hill, Uckfield 7 ½

0 4 0

Martin, Mr. Henry Cullingfords, Dane Hill, Uckfield 5 ½ 0 3 0 May, Mr. Frank Dane Hill, Uckfield 12 0 6 0 Maynard, Mr. George

Cold Harbour Farm, Forest Row, E. Grinstead

5 0 2 6

Midgley, Llewellyn

Birch Grove Lodge, near East Grinstead 13 0 6 6

McAndrew, John Esq. J.P.

Holly Hill, Hartfield, Tunbridge Wells 196 4 18

0



Needham, Colonel

The Priory, Forest Row 58 1 9 0

Noble, Captain William

Forest Lodge, Nutley, Uckfield 15 0 7 6

Norman, Mr. Henry


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 Annwood Farm, Fletching 2 ½

0 1 6


4 0 2 0



7 0 3 6



Osborne, Mr. Thomas


Parker, Mrs Emily Crow & Gate, Buxted 3:1:6 0 2 0 Page, Messrs. Thomas & James


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

C/o Messrs. Powell & Co., Lewes (l 170 ¾

4 5 6

Porter, Mr. John Ringmer, Lewes 27 0 13

6

Read **** ************ Ridley, Mr. Joseph Millbrook, Nutley, Uckfield 12 ½ 0 6 6 Ridley, Mr. Joseph Horney Common, Nutley, Uckfield 14 0 7 0 Ridley, Mr. Sylvanus

Forest Farm, Danehill, Uckfield 15 0 7 6

Ridley (or Gurr), Cripps Corner, Ashdown Forest, E. 3 ¼ 0 2 0


Mr. Timothy John Grinstead

Ridley, Mrs. Lucy Rose (H.J.)


19:2:26 0 10

0

Russell, Stanley Broadstone, Forest Row 3:3:20 0 2 0 Sadlier, Mrs. C/o Joseph Turner Esq.

East Grinstead 185 4 1

2 6

Sandford, Mark Maresfield, Uckfield 1 ¾ 0 1 0 Sayers, Mr. Stephen

Forest Row, East Grinstead ¼ 0 0 1 ½

Seymour, Mr. Mark

Forest Row (late W. Miles) ¼

0 0 6


Sheffield Park, Fletching, Uckfield 946 23 13

0

Shoebridge, Mr. Owen

Summer Hill, Horney Common, Nutley 3 ½

0 2 0

Shoebridge, Mr. Thomas

Nutley, Uckfield 11:0:37

0 6 0




Lewes

4:2:30

0 2 6

Stenning, J.C. Esq.

C/o Messrs. Turner, Rudge & Turner, East Grinstead

5:1:4 0 3 0

Stevenson, Mr. Joseph

near Windmill, Nutley, Uckfield 1 ¾

0 1 0

Streatfeild, R.J. Esq.

c/o Messrs. Powell & Co. Lewes

240 6 0 0


Phoenix Brewery, Brighton ½

0 0 6



925 23 2 6

Taylor Mr. William

Darvell Beech Farm, Battle

2 0 1 0

Tomsett, Mr. Jesse


Treadcroft & Buckley, Messrs.

******* Withyham 5 0 2 6

Turner Albert Esq.

The Limes, Nutley, Uckfield

85 ½

2 3 0

Turner Mr. James Hugletts Pit, Maresfield 15 0 7 6 Tyler Mr. Enoch Horney Common, Uckfield 5 ¾ 0 3 0 Wallace Mrs Reginald.

Railway Inn, Town Row, Rotherfield 2

0 1 0

Walpole, Sir Spencer

Hartfield 61:2:26 1 11

0

Walters, Mr. Walter

Coal merchant, Uckfield 34 ½

0 17

6

Waters, Mr. Henry

Shepherds Well, Tompsetts Bank, Forest Row

1 ½

0

1

0


(late Miles) ¼ 0 0 6 Waters Mr. James Forest Row, East Grinstead 0:2:8 0 0 6 Webb, Mrs. Marian Gardiner

71 Eccles Road, London 2 0 1 0

Welfare Mrs. Eliza


3 0 1 6

Wheatley Mr. Joseph

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

Wheeler Mr. Charles


White, W. Leeland

Whitecroft, Forest Row (late Edwards) 1 0 0 6

Whitewood, Mr. James

Nutley, Uckfield 2 ½ 0 1 6

Wickens Mr. J. H Dane Hill, Uckfield 44 ½ 1 2 6 Wickens Mr. Simeon

Chelwood Common, Dane Hill, Uckfield 50 ½ 1 10

0



15 0 7 6

Wilson Mr. Edward

Mount Pleasant 1 0 0 6

Wilson Geo. M. Maryon Esq.

Searles, Fletching, Uckfield

1660 41 10

0

Wood, Mr. Jesse

Blacklands Farm, Forest Row (late Keys)

8 ½

0 4 6

Wood John Edgar 55 Grays Inn Road, Holborn W. C 4 0 2 0 Wood, Mr. Thomas Daynes

The Hollies, Bennett Park, Blackheath, Kent 30 ¾

0 15

6



******* *************** 27:2:39 0 14

0

Young Mr. William

Fincham, Hartfield, Tunbridge Wells

23 0 11

6

Wm. Moorcock pathway to chapel A letter was read from Mr. William Moorcock of Forest Hall, Nutley, applying for permission to repair a footpath 3 feet wide from the high road crossing Fords Green to the small wooden hut near the chapel and belonging to Mr. Zachariah Carr. It was resolved that the application be granted on condition that the work is carried out under the direction & completed to the satisfaction of Mr. Sandford & Mr. Turner. Danehill Parish Council Boundary Stone A letter was read from the Danehill Parish Council asking permission to place the parish boundary post in its proper position on the Forest between Chelwood Gate and Wych Cross It was resolved that the application be granted Mr. H. Cruttenden planting trees The Ranger reported that Mr. H. Cruttenden the owner of Ashdown Cottage at Pound Gate Buxted had planted to trees on the Forest 3 on each side of the approach to his house it was resolved that the Clerk point out to Mr. Cruttenden that he has no authority to interfere with the Forest and that he must apply for permission to allow the trees to remain.


Sand pit Shalesbrook The Ranger reported that Mr. Job Luxford who is working the sand pit on the Forest near Shalesbrook is extending it about 4 yards Chairman vote of thanks to This being the last meeting for the year a vote of thanks was unanimously accorded to Mr. George M. Maryon-Wilson for the able manner in which he had performed the duties of Chairman during the past year Resume It was resolved that a resume of the year’s work to be approved by the Chairman and Messrs. Corbett, Midgley & Sandford be printed and issued to the Commoners It was resolved that the next meeting of the Board be held on Friday the 5th February next or such earlier date as Mr. Maryon-Wilson may deem necessary. The meeting terminated at 3.25 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 5th day of February 1904 at 11 a.m. Present Mr. Geo. M Maryon-Wilson in the Chair The Honble H.B. Portman Mr. C.H. Corbett Mr. D.W Freshfield Mr. Thomas Hyde Mr. Robert Kenward Mr. E. Martin Mr. Ll. Midgley Mr. Mark Sandford Mr. Albert Turner Chairman temporary This being the first meeting of the year the first business was the election of Chairman of the Board for the current year Mr. D.W. Freshfield was voted to the Chair for the purpose of conducting the election. New Conservators The Clerk reported that the Honble H.B. Portman and Mr. Edward Martin had notified to him in writing their acceptance of the office of Conservators. Chairman election of On the proposition of Mr. C.H. Corbett seconded by Mr. Robert Kenward it was unanimously resolved that Mr. George Maryon Maryon-Wilson be the Chairman of the Board for the current year. Mr. Maryon-Wilson on taking the Chair thanked the meeting for the renewed expression of their confidence in re-electing him to the office. He referred to the care and patient attention given by the Board to the details of the work which came before them congratulated them on the establishment of the Protection and Improvement Fund and the investment of a substantial balance in and on the publication at the instance of Mr. Midgley of the resume of their work which Board showed the Commoners what the Conservators were doing and that they are not a mere paper body.


Mr. Guy C. Hardy’s death He reported that since the last meeting a vacancy had been occasioned on the Board by the untimely death of Mr. Guy H. Harding who had served the office since 1st January 1896. Mr. Sandford as representing Count Munster the largest Commoner proposed, Mr. Albert Turner seconded and it was unanimously resolved that the Conservators desire to record their sense of the loss this Board has sustained by the death of Mr. Guy C. Harding who had served the officer of Conservator sense the 1st January 1896 and proved a most valuable member of the Board and they further desire to tender to Mrs. Hardy their sincere sympathy in the irreparable loss she has sustained & also to Mr. Albert Hardy The Chairman in putting this resolution to the vote stated that he had sustained a very great personal loss by the death of his brother in law and that he greatly appreciated the very sympathetic remarks that had fallen from the proposer. The minutes of the last meeting were read and confirmed. F.J. Hope vote of thanks The Clerk reported that he communicated to Mr. Hope the resolution passed at the recent meeting of Commoners thanking him for the valuable service he had rendered during his tenure of Office as a Conservator and he read Mr. Hope’s reply acknowledging the vote. Resume The Clerk laid on the label a print of the balance sheet for the year 1903 and of the resume of the Board’s work which had been approved by the Committee appointed at the last meeting and had been sent by post to each Commoner. Rate The Clerk reported that the rate made at the last meeting was confirmed by the Board of Agriculture and Fisheries on the 19th December last and that he had commenced the collection. Also that the balance of £100:8:9 standing to the credit of the Protection and Improvement Fund on 31st December last had pursuant to resolution of last meeting been invested in the purchase at 88 ½ of £113:15:2 Consols in the joint names of the Chairman and Clerk and he produced the bank receipt for same. It was resolved that the sum of £39:14:0 received this year for acknowledgements be invested in Consols and added to the sum already standing to the credit of the Protection and Improvement Fund. The Clerk produced the Bank Pass Book which showed a balance to the credit of the Conservator’s current account of £128.1.1. Arthur Miles He reported that pursuant to resolution of last meeting he wrote to Mr. J. Harrison Myres, Trustee of the Banister Estate with reference to Arthur Miles’ acts and he read Mr. Myres’ reply expressing his regret at Miles’ conduct and stating he had written to Mr. Banister and trusted there would be no repetition of the damage. It was resolved that Mr. Myres be thanked for his letter. Cart track above Hospital Farm defined by grips The Ranger reported that he had not yet been able to define the old route of the cart road above Hospital Farm and it was arranged that members of the Forest Row Committee should meet him again on the spot and mark the proposed limits. Major Darwin exchange of gates The Clerk stated that pursuant to resolution of last meeting he had written to Major Darwin assenting to his making a new gate way out of Hospital Farm on to the Forest higher up his boundary on condition of his closing the existing gate.


George Hodges alter footpath Mr. Sandford recommenced that Mr. Hodges’ application to improve a footpath near St. Johns church Crowborough be authorised subject to the work being carried out by the Ranger and Mr. Hodges undertaking to pay the cost thereof. It was resolved that the recommendation be approved and acted upon. Road from Shalesbrook to Chapel Lane A reply was read from the East Grinstead Rural District Council stating that the Council could not accept any liability for the repair of the road over the Forest from Shalesbrook to the top of Chapel Lane or to make good any damage done to the surface of the Forest but that they hoped the necessity for using the cesspool emptiers would soon cease as the damage scheme for Forest Row was being pushed forward. It was resolved that the Clerk write to the Council enquiring when they propose to cease committing this trespass and that the matter be put on the agenda for the next meeting. Burgess licence to stack bricks The Ranger reported that Mr. John Burgess had not yet completed the building at Duddleswell. Fairwarp Cricket Club practice ground Mr. Sandford reported that he had set out the area near Fairwarp village to be used for a practice ground by the Fairwarp Cricket Club that it was being levelled and turfed centre his supervision and that the Club had asked him to apply for permission for them to place a temporary fence round it till the turf had become permanently set. It was resolved that permission be given to fence it temporarily subject to its being entirely removed before the 29th September next. Sylvanus Ridley deposits The Clerk reported that be wrote Sylvanus Ridley pursuant to the resolution passed at the last meeting and that Ridley had since appealed to Lord De La Warr who has replied that he could not permit any deposit on the Forest except the licenced stacks and that unless Ridley complied with the Conservators’ requirements he intended to join with them in proceeding against him for an injunction. Col. Needham stone The Clerk stated he had ascertained from Mr. Freshfield that he had authorised Col. Needham to take the stone referred to at the last meeting F.R. Lucas road An application was read from Mr. F.R. Lucas of Greenhall Forest Row for permission to repair the road across the Forest from his house to the Wych Cross road and to metal a piece of road to his stable gate which he stated the public sanitary cart cuts up very badly. I. Waters & Son deposit building materials The Clerk reported that Messrs. Isaac Waters & Sons had applied for permission to mix on the Forest materials require for alterations and additions to Mr. A.R. Smee’s property at Forest Row known as Cherry Croft which they stated would be finished about the first week in April. He sent them an undertaking binding them to remove all materials and property sow down the surface affected with grass seed before the 7th April or in default to pay 5/- per week for any delay and stated on the undertaking being signed stamped and returned the necessary permission would be granted. Revd. F. Darling pathway A letter was read from the Revd. F. Darling of The Ridge Coleman’s Hatch pointing out that a path round the west end of his property used by people coming to the Ridge Chapel had become impassable from wet and from vehicles being drawn over it and that he was having an old ditch and drains cleared out and would be glad to have the spot inspected with a view to further means being employed for the protection and improvement of the path.


The Forest Row Committee presented the following reports which were read and it was resolved that they be entered on the minutes. They were as follows: Report of Forest Row Committee Your Committee as undersigned met yesterday Feb. 4th and visited Mr. Lucas’ road & are of opinion that permission should be granted to fill up ruts & repair road across the Forest from his house to the Lewes main road. With regard to metalling a track from this road to his stable, they consider that he should have had the road from his stable to front gate inside his over premises, seeing he has been allowed the road before mentioned but he has taken French leave & is using the track her evidently wants to metal by covering it with gorse cut on the Forest. If the Board think be should have a road outside from his stable they then recommend that he do not use the one as at present but metal a narrow road close by his own fence not exceeding 12 feet from stem of hedge & pay £2 a year acknowledgement, the licence to be on the usual conditions. Clough footpath Mr. Clough was next visited & they find he has opened out a pathway & installed it from his premises to the old cart track which passes within 10 yards, this the Committee view as an encroachment & needless, & advise its being closed. If Mr. Clough makes a definite application for a pathway the Committee would recommend the Board to sanction a pathway from the extreme south west corner of his premises to the nearest road provided he keeps close to the edge of the Forest. Waters & Sons deposit Mr. Waters has building materials on the Forest by Mr. Smee’s having first rolled back the turf. Shepherds Well hole **** The Hollow outside Mr. Waters’ premises is a disgusting sight - old tin cans, bottles & other rubbish & no attempt has been made to fill in or cover up. Golf Club alterations Golf Club. The pathway to the 18th tee from the Club House may be improved but not widened. The new tee for the 17th hole for which permission was granted some time since is now about to be made, & the place chosen is some 40 yards below the existing one but it does not in any way alter the course, so that no more litter will be required to be mown. It was proposed at the 5th green to remove come of the surface from one side to put it onto the other - simply cutting the green more & also to put in about 20 yards of pipe to carry the water away from the edge of the green From the 7th tee down to the brook is a steep slope which would be much improved by 6 or 8 sleeper steps about 20 inches wide, & on the way to the 7th green is a very boggy patch of ground now attempted to be drained by open grips, it is proposed to put in pipes say 2 feet deep to catch the water before getting to this boggy part so as to endeavour to improve the surface & to do away with the open grips & a similar experiment is proposed to be tried in the hazard just in front of the 8th tee. The Committee viewed all these places & would recommend sanction be given for the alterations. Signed Ll. Midgley

J. Hyde Douglas W. Freshfield 5th Feb. 1906 Report on Revd. Darling’s encroachment On Wednesday Feb. 3rd I visited the path round the Ridge property leading to the Ridge Chapel, & find that the Revd. Darling has had the ditch outside his property cleaned out leaving the material in the Forest in heaps - he has


also had cut a ditch on the Forest about 20 yards long leaving about 5 or 6 cart loads of material on the Forest. Moreover he has put in three lots of drain pipes at intervals of a few yards under the pathway to drain the water off into his ditch. About 20 yards from his entrance he has deposited on the Forest in a hollow a miscellaneous lot of rubbish, tin cans, pails, broken crockery & other useless material, after having once before been asked to remove a similar heap. Sir S. Walpole metalling track Further down towards Hartfield Grove I find an old green cart track that leads down into the back part of Sir Spencer Walpole’s premises has been metalled & made a road of. Quarry near Broadstone Warren new tracks I also call attention to new tracks being made from the Quarry on the north side of the road from Wych Cross to Coleman’s Hatch. Ll. Midgley F.R. Lucas Roads It was resolved that the recommendation of the Committee with regard to Mr. Lucas’ application be approved & communicated to him and that the Clerk do what is necessary in the matter. A.H. Clough footpath Also that the recommendation of the Committee with regard to Mr. Clough be approved and adopted and that the Clerk call on him to close the opening he had made in his fence and to restore the surface of the Forest over which the path had been made to its natural condition I. Waters & Sons deposits Also as Messrs. Isaac Waters & Sons had deposited materials on the Forest without permission they be prosecuted. Hole near Shepherds Well Also that it be referred to the Committee to have such work done to the hollow outside Mr. Waters’ premises by filling it in or otherwise as they may deem expedient, the expense to be paid out of the Protection and Improvement Fund. Deposit of refuse. Notice to prosecute Also that notice be given to the occupiers around Tompsetts Bank and Highgate that the deposit of refuse or rubbish on the Forest or in any holes thereon is prohibited by the Bye Laws and that any person found offending would be prosecuted. Forest Row Golf Club. Repairs & improvements Also that permission is given to the Royal Ashdown Forest Golf Club to carry out the works proposed provided that the execution of them is closely supervised by some responsible Committee on Official of the club and that the spot from which any turf or material required for the work is removed be approval by the Forest Row Committee or some member of their body appointed by them for the purpose. Revd. F. Darling disturbance of surface Also that it be pointed out to the Revd. F. Darling that before interfering with the surface of the Forest by digging grip and by laying in pipes he should have obtained the permission of the Board. That he be requested to remove the soil taken out of his boundary ditch but not soil taken out of grips which must be left where it is and that he be asked the reason for digging the grips. Also that he be required to remove the tins, broken crockery and other rubbish deposited in a hollow on the Forest. Also that in case any application is made to improve the footpath along the west side of Mr. Darling’s property it is referred to the Forest Row Committee with power to act.


Sir S. Walpole metalled road Also that the Clerk write to the Sir Spencer Walpole pointing out that the metalling of the cart track was a breach of the Bye Laws and enquiring by whose authority the work had been done Return of animals on Forest The Ranger reported that he had been unable as yet to complete the particulars of cattle sheep and geese turned out on the Forest. Earl De La Warr tenants grazing sheep It was resolved that the consideration of the subject of sheep turned out by tenants of Lord De La Warr be deferred till the Ranger return is presented. Pathway to chapel Messrs. Sandford & Turner reported that they had set out the footpath to the wooden hut near the chapel at Dodds Bank but that the work has not yet been completed. Mr. H. Cruttenden planting trees A letter having been received from Mr. H. Cruttenden asking that the trees referred to at the last meeting might be allowed to remain. It was resolved that he be informed that they would be allowed to remain during the pleasure of the Board. Forest Row Rifle Range repair works A letter was read from the Officer commanding C Company 2nd Vol. Batt Royal Sussex Regt. Asking for permission to enlarge the stop butt at the Forest Row Rifle Range by raising its height and increasing its length and to take materials for the purpose from the spot. The Ranger reported that the works were already being carried out. It was resolved that the Clerk express the surprise of the Board that works had been commenced on the butts without the sanction of the Board and that the matter be referred to the Committee with full power to take any action in the matter that may think advisable. The Ranger reported that several fresh tracks over the Forest were being made from the pit worked by Mr. Luxford near High Beeches and on the north side of the road from Colemans Hatch and that on the 16th December last he saw one James Forman digging a channel along one of these tracks. It was resolved that the Forest Row Committee be requested to view and report. Road from Shalesbrook The Ranger reported that on the 18th December last Mr. Weeks the livery stable keeper at the Ashdown Forest Hotel applied to him for permission to walk his horse across the Forest as the road from Shalesbrook to Chapel Lane had become almost impassable. The Ranger instructed Mr. Weeks to write to the Clerk but no letter has been received. Grip by Mr. Lucas The Ranger reported that half the grip dug by order of the Conservators near Mr. F. Lucas’ house had been filled up. It was resolved that he have it cleared again. Buckman application to take litter refused Andrew Buckman of Chelwood Gate having applied to the Ranger for leave to take a small quantity of litter from the Forest for a pig the Clerk reported that a resolution passed was still in force prohibiting licences being given to any person who has been convicted of a breach in a bye law and that Buckman having been convicted he advised that Ranger he could not give him any licence


Sylvanus Ridley digging gravel The Ranger reported that on the 4th January he found Sylvanus Ridley digging gravel in a disused hole on the Forest on the north side of his house and that Ridley held a permit from Lord De La Warr’s Reeve Mr. Hudson. Also that a space of 3 or 4 square yards close by had been cleared of growth which Ridley informed him he had cleared for the purpose of depositing the gravel on when dug. The Clerk wrote to Mr. Nicholson on the matter who replied that on 21st January that Mr. Hudson had given a licence to dig, that the heath was cut for the gravel to be deposited to await Mr. Hudson’s visit to measure it and that Mr. Hudson acted strictly within Lord De La Warr’s rights. To which the Clerk replied on 22nd January that in authorising the digging of gravel which destroys a considerable area of the Forest surface and in removing litter from another area on which to deposit the gravel when dug he considered the Lord was seriously prejudicing the exercise of the Commoners rights and committing a breach of his undertaking in the judgement in Hale v De La Warr. Thomas Scott cutting litter The Ranger reported that on 15th January near Paines Hill, Fairwarp, he found Thomas Scott cutting litter for his father Alfred Scott who lives there in his own house. The Clerk stated that Scott could prove long user and the question was whether his property was or had been a tenancy at Will within 60 years. Mr. A. Turner undertook to ascertain and inform the Clerk as to this. Dr. Walsham New Cottage The Ranger reported that Mr. Luxford had not complied with the conditions on which permission was given to him to cart to and deposit building materials on the Forest outside the land on which he built a new cottage for Dr. Walsham in that he had not removed the rubbish and restored the surface. It was resolved that the Clerk required him to comply. Forest Row Committee Messrs. Corbett, Freshfield, Martin, Midgley and Hyde were appointed to act as the Forest Row Committee for the current year. Cheque It was resolved that a cheque be drawn for: the Ranger 6 weeks salary and house rent to 8th instant £7:10:0 It was resolved that the next meeting be held on Friday the 22nd April next or such earlier date as the Chairman may deem necessary The meeting terminated at 2.50 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 22nd day of April 1904 at 11 p.m. Present Mr. George M. Maryon-Wilson in the Chair The Honble H.B. Portman Mr. C.H. Corbett Mr. D.W. Freshfield Mr. Thomas Hyde Mr. Robert Kenward Mr. Edward Martin Mr. Mark Sandford Mr. A Turner


The minutes of the last meeting were read and confirmed. The Chairman stated that the Clerk always forwarded to him after the meeting a complete draft of the minutes which he goes carefully through and after making any necessary corrections signs and returns to the Clerk to enter in the minute book and he thought it would save the time of the Board if under these circumstances the minutes were in future taken as read. It was proposed by Mr. Kenward seconded by Mr. Sandford and unanimously resolved that in future the minutes of the preceding meeting be taken as read The Clerk produced the Bank Pass Book which showed a balance to the credit of the Conservators of £157.12.0. He also produced bank receipt for £46.0.2 Consols. purchased at 86 1/8 with the £39.14.0 acknowledgement received this year pursuant to resolution of last meeting Mr. Guy C. Hardy’s death The Clerk read a letter from Mr. Herbert Hardy thanking the Board on behalf of Mrs. Guy C. Hardy and herself for the expression of their sympathy on the death of Mr. Guy C. Hardy and their appreciation of his services. Cart track above Hospital Farm defined The Ranger reported that the route of the old public right of way to the east of Hospital Farm has now been defined by trenches cut on each side. Grip by Mr. Lucas’ Also that he had the grip near Mr. Lucas’ cleared as directed at last meeting Geo. Hodges alter footpath The Clerk stated he wrote to Mr. Hodges at Crowborough after the last meeting informing him that the Board would carry out the improvement he desired to the footpath from his house on his giving an undertaking to pay the cost but had received no reply Road from Shalesbrook to Chapel Lane The Clerk read a reply received from the East Grinstead Rural District Council stating that when the sewage scheme for Forest Row is completed there will be no further use for the sewage van but that no date can be fixed at present for discounting the use of the Shalesbrook road. F.R. Lucas road The Clerk reported that he submitted to Mr. F.R. Lucas a draft licence as authorised at the last meeting but that Mr. Lucas struck out the previsions by which he was to be bound when required to close up the exit from his stable and coach house onto the Forest alleging that the gate was there when he bought the place 13 years ago. The Ranger made enquiries and was informed by Mr. Thomas Friend of Birch Grove who took in the land on which Mr. Lucas’ stables are built and who lived on the property when Mr. Lucas purchased it and for 18 years preceding that when sold to Mr. Lucas there was no gateway at all near the stables, and that the only gate then existing were the others which Mr. Lucas now uses. The Clerk communicated this statement to Mr. Lucas who replied that instead of a gate there was a gap in the hedge stopped by a handle, but that he would alter the position of his cesspool and withdrew his application for a licence. It was resolved that the Clerk explain to Mr. Lucas that licence can only to granted subject to the pleasure of the commoners and that the clause in question is inserted in all licences. Forest Row Committee report The Forest Row Committee presented the following report which was read and it was resolved that it be received and entered on the minutes. It was as follows:


Conservators of Ashdown Forest The Forest Row Committee met on the 26th March 1904 at 11 a.m. at the Rifle Butts at Pages Gill, Forest Row. They found a considerable area on the north west side of the Butts had been dug over, leaving the surface which from experience of a former digging, it will take many years for vegetation to grow on again. They also found the extension of the Butts on the west side partially carried up, the top spit and heather having been used as an outside facing. Captain Moore who was to have met them was not there but the Sergeant Instructor was present, and after careful examination the Committee informed him that the extension may be completed on condition that the area dug over on the north west side be properly levelled and that any material required be taken from a raised part of the Forest immediately adjoining Broadstone Warren and just to the west of the gate leading in to the Warren, that all banks left by digging that had been done or was to be done be sloped down to a very easy slope, that the top spit and heather everywhere be carefully put on one side and afterwards re-spread on the banks where sloped down. Captain Moore shortly afterwards joined the Committee and they explained to him the directions that had been given and the Clerk undertook to send him a written copy of such directions. Captain Beale having applied for permission for some volunteer cyclists and another Company of Volunteers to join his Company in manoeuvres on the Forest on the 2nd prox. The Committee authorised the Clerk to give consent. Shalesbrook road hitching posts Messrs. Hyde & Martin having represented that it would be a great advantage if one or more hitching posts were erected, one in the fork of the road from Chapel Lane where one branch goes to Shalesbrook and the other to the quarry so that the sanitary van and tradesmen’s carts might be hitched to it and others in other positions, the Committee authorised them to erect one or more posts and rings at spots they considered most convenient and recommend that the cost is charged to the Protection and Improvement Fund. Isaac Waters & Sons deposits The Committee then inspected the Forest outside Mr. Smee’s property and found the building materials had been removed and the surface returned. They met Mr. H.J. Waters there and he assured them he had signed and returned the undertaking sent to him by the Clerk, that as the Clerk had not received it, it must have been sent elsewhere by mistake and he assured the Committee that he had no wish or intention to disregard the Conservators’ authority and promised to search and let the Clerk know if possible what had become of the undertaking. The Committee being satisfied that there was a bona fide mistake directed the Clerk not to proceed with the summons directed at the last meeting. A.H. Clough footpath The Committee then proceeded to Mr. A.H. Clough property and found that the footpath made and raised from the new wicket gate recently opened in the middle of the front hedge was still in use and in going to inspect the route further east over which Mr. Clough had asked permission to make a new footpath they found that the footpath had been already made and a good deal of old gorse cut and rooted up, the banks cut through and the hollow filled up, and from information obtained it appeared that the work had been done about three weeks ago. The Clerk was directed to write to Mr. Clough to enquire whether he had authorised this to be done and also whether he was prepared to remove the first mentioned raised path and restore the surface of the Forest over which it passed. Dr. Walsham’s cottage They then visited the spot where Mr. Luxford had been authorised to deposit building materials and found that the area had been practically cleared. Shepherds Well deposit As a considerable quantity of fresh rubbish appeared to have been thrown into the pit adjoining Shepherds Well and some refuse also was laid outside Shepherds Well fence the Clerk was directed to write to Colonel Wilson, the


new tenant of Shepherds Well, drawing his attention to the Bye Law and requesting him to see that no refuse from his premises be deposited on the Forest. Henry Harding Tompsetts Bank deposit The Committee observed that a new boundary wall in front of the property occupied and it is believed owned by Henry Harding at Tompsetts Bank had been rebuilt, that building material had been laid on the Forest outside and that some sand still remained there. The Clerk was directed to write to Mr. Harding informing him that in future permission to deposit on the Forest must be first obtained from the Board and calling on him to remove the heap that remains. Driving over Forest Complaints were made that persons still continue to drive across the Forest other than by regular tracks and as the Bye Laws do not appear to deal with this matter the Committee recommend to the Board that the Bye Laws be amended in this respect and that any other amendments found necessary be dealt with at the same time. T.J. Ridley road materials Mr. T.J. Ridley or Gurr having applied for permission to repair the road near Cripps Corner with hard material the Committee authorised the Clerk to give permission, the work to be done to the satisfaction of the Ranger. Golf Club swamp The Committee then viewed the swamp below the Golf Club house on both sides the path to the bridge over the stream and ***** the Club to drain the same. Miss Hutchinson entrances The Committee then visited Water Farm (late Mr. Grieves) and found that the carriage bridge across the stream had now been completed and that this entrance as well as the old one were being used. The Clerk was directed to look into Mr. Grieves’ licence to see whether the old entrance should not now be closed up. Hartfield Grove back road The Committee then reviewed the back road out of Hartfield Grove as to which Sir Spencer Walpole had written that he had instructed his men to repair the road with metal and fill up the ruts made. They found that whereas this had formerly been a green track the whole breadth was now covered with sandstone, also that traffic coming from the direction of Colemans Hatch appeared to be still passing over the green sward between the cart track and Sir Spencer’s lodge. The Committee instructed the Clerk to write to Sir Spencer requesting him to put some temporary obstruction across the green sward from the corner of his hedge so as to stop this traffic. Revd. Darling pathway deposits The Committee than viewed the Forest outside The Ridge, Hartfield, and found the soil taken from Mr. Darling’s boundary ditch and from the ditch he had cut across the Forest still lying there in heaps. The ditch cut across the Forest was in their opinion the reopening of a previously existing ditch. The drain pipes appeared to have effectively drained the footpath outside Mr. Darling’s boundary which is used by people going to and from The Ridge Chapel and school. They also observed a quantity of rubbish deposited in a pit on the north west side of the hedge and were informed by Mr. Darling’s old gardener that the rubbish was brought and deposited there from Mr. McAndrew’s and other premises near Holly Hill as well as Mr. Darling’s. The Committee also found deposited on other parts of the Forest a quantity of prunings, which the gardener admitted had come from Mr. Darling’s garden. The Committee cautioned him that these must be removed and no further deposits made and authorised the removal of the earth taken the ditches to be filled in the pit. The Clerk to inform Mr. Darling of their decision. The Committee then viewed the tracks out from the pit on the north side of the road from Colemans Hatch to High Beeches, near the latter and found that a long cart track led from the quarry due east to the high road and that


several news routes were made near this track when it had got out of order and that there was also another cart track branching from it and joining the high road further up. The Committee considers that one definite track only from this pit to the high road should be used and all divergences from it prohibited, but they instructed the Clerk first to ascertain from Mr. Nicholson what if any rights of way were granted to the Reeve with the pit. Golf Club regulations for work The Committee have proposed and given to the Gentlemens’ Golf Club, Forest Row, a series of instructions for the carrying out of the authorised repairs and improvements, a copy of their instructions accompanies this report, and the Committee suggest the propriety of adopting them as permanent instructions to apply to any future work that way be authorised. Chas. H. Corbett Thomas Hyde Edward Martin Llewellyn Midgley It was resolved that the action of the Committee be approved and confirmed. Isaac Waters & Sons deposit The Clerk reported that Messrs. Isaac Waters & Sons had since written to him returning the undertaking signed and stamped and explaining that it had been mislaid among other papers and forgotten. A.H. Clough footpaths The Clerk reported that he wrote Mr A.H. Clough pointing out that the wicket gate opened some time ago in the middle of his front hedge and the raised footpath cut from it over the Forest were both still used that he was directed to request that no one has a right to make use of a new exit on the Forest or to cut or interfere with the surface of the Forest and enquiring whether he was prepared to remove the raised path and restore the surface of the Forest as it was before. Explaining that if he proposed to create a gate instead of a fixed fence it did not concern the Conservators so long as the gate is not used. He also stated that on the 26th March the Committee viewed the routeway on the plan which accompanied his letter of the 20th February last asking permission to make a new footpath across the Forest from the right hand corner of his property and were surprised to find that a footpath had already been made over the route shown on the plan and a good deal of old gorse had been cut and rooted up, the Forest banks cut through and the hollow filled up, all three acts being breaches of the Forest Bye Laws and enquiring whether Charles Martin and Jacob Heasman who did the work were authorised by him to do it. The Clerk read a reply from Mr. Clough that he could not admin that an owner of land adjacent to the Forest had not a right to pass on to the Forest at any point where his boundary is continuous. That as regards the track outside his gate he believed the surface of the Forest had been restored by removal of hard material but he was ready to consider any further definite suggestion. With regard to the 2nd path he thought the Committee referred to work done by Mr. Freshfield in exercise of his rights. It was resolved that Mr. Clough be called on to do away with the first named path and the path made from points A to B on the plan submitted by him, both paths having been made without authority and that he level and restore the surface of both to the satisfaction of the Forest Row Committee and that on his giving an undertaking to do this he be authorised to make a path from the corner where the fences of fields No. 362 and 368 on the Ordnance map 2nd edition 1899 meet and carry it parallel to the hedge of No. 368 to the track near point B on his plan.


Colonel Wilson deposit The Clerk read a reply received from Colonel Wilson of The Cottage, Shepherds Well, regretting that rubbish from his premises had been deposited in the adjacent pit and thanking the Clerk for calling his attention to it. Henry Harding deposit The Clerk read a letter from Mr. Henry Harding of Tompsetts Bank denying that he had deposited the building material on the Forest in front of his premises. Complaining that not long ago the Ladies Golf Club were allowed to cut turf before his house to put on their greens and that the Gentleman’s Golf Club were allowed to put any filth on their greens and stating that there is one law for the rich and another for the poor. The Ranger subsequently ascertained that the building material was deposited on the Forest by Mr. Luxford. The Clerk in reply pointed out that if the building was done for him the person who carried out the work was his servant. Expressing surprise that turf had been cut in front of his house and that the matter would be enquired into. That the Board endeavour to treat rich and poor exactly alike and that the Golf Club were permitted to use the Forest because it is understood that the money they bring to Forest Row tends to the general prosperity especially of the working classes. And that if he would at any time point out any abuse it should at once be enquired into. The Ranger reported that the building material had since from removed by Mr. Luxford. Turf digging in front of Harding It was resolved that the Ranger see Harding and make inquiry about the illegal cutting of turf in front. Bye Laws amendment It was resolved that the Committee considering of Messrs. Corbett, Maryon-Wilson and Sandford with the addition of Mr. Martin be requested to go through the Bye Laws and to bring up a draft of such amendment and addition as they may think advisable for the consideration of the Board at its next meeting and especially to give effect to the recommendation of the Forest Row Committee with regard to driving over the Forest. Miss Hutchinson entrances The Clerk reported that the licence which authorised Mr. Grieve to make the carriage exit from Water Farm over the bridge did not provide for closing the old exit. Hartfield Grove back road A reply was read from Sir Spencer Walpole that he thought any temporary obstruction put to stop the traffic over the green sward between the back road and his hedge ought he be placed by the Conservators and not by a private individual. Also enquiring whether the Board are now satisfied that he was within his right in filling with metal the ruts. The Committee pointed out that whereas the road was formerly a charming green way the whole width of it was covered with sand stone and not the ruts merely filled in. It was resolved that the Ranger have a shallow grip from the corner of Sir Spencer’s hedge to the track in order to stop the traffic over the green sward. Revd. F. Darling deposits The Clerk read a reply from the Revd. F. Darling doubting the wisdom of stopping the adjacent inhabitants filling up the old pits and stating that he was much annoyed to find his gardener had deposited prunings again on the Forest contrary to his order also asking whether the Board could not employ a man or two to go about and keep in order such places as the path adjoining his garden also pointing out that many of the old cart tracks are in places impassable and that the Board could not reasonably complain of people not using them and making fresh tracks and that to meet these matters the rates might be increased. Pit near Broadstone Farm Letters were read from Mr. Nicholson that Mr. Luxford hires the pits on the Forest under an agreement which says nothing as to roads, that he always gave instructions for all carting to be kept round the road and the *****


distinctly understood that they were to keep to the old track and further that he was through that way the other day and did not notice that they had been out of it but he would visit the pit again and write. Golf Club regulations for work The Clerk read the “General directions” given by the Forest Row Golf Club for the execution of the work they had been authorised to carry out and on the proposition of Mr. Sandford seconded by Mr. Turner it was resolved that their general directions be entered on the minutes and that they be applied to all future licences given to the Club to carry out works unless other directions were given. General directions When permission is given to repair or alter Greens or Tees soil may be taken from neighbouring hummocks on condition that no hollows be left and the surface is restored as it was before. When permission is given to make or repair drains grips or paths the waste soil shall if suitable be spread so as to improve the herbage but if unsuitable shall be used to fill up holes and hollows. Before filling holes or hollows with waste the turf should be removed and sufficient soil with it to ensure the turf growing when it is replaced. Where possible all good or fair soil should be removed before the waste is put in and the good soil replaced on the top of the waste or spread on the surface. Before breaking the surface of the Forest the Ground Superintendent should consult with the Ranger and agree with him whence soil should be taken or where waste should be dumped. The surface of the Forest should be restored in each case to the satisfaction of the Ranger. Return of animals on Forest The Ranger presented a list of animals geese etc. turned on the Forest during the last three months so far as he had been able to get at the facts from observation and inquiry. It was resolved that the Clerk go through the list and mark on it those who are Commoners and the acreage in respect of which each pays Forest rate and that the same be considered at the next meeting. Wm. Moorcock Messrs. Sandford & Turner reported that the footpath to the Mission Hall near Fords Green has been completed to their satisfaction Road authorities applications to dig materials The following applications from the under mentioned road authorities to dig and carry away road materials from the Forest during the year ending 25th March 1905 were considered namely: The East Sussex County Council (West Road District H.W. Bowen, Surveyor)

240 gravel near Kingstanding and near Greenwood Gate (Central Road District A.G. Tucker, Surveyor)

70 Stone & gravel Millbrook Hall pit near Pippingford 20 Stone & gravel Isle of Thorns pit near Chelwood Gate 75 gravel Kingstanding

The total quantity granted last year was 410 yards. East Grinstead Rural District Council

50 gravel Near St. John’s Church, Crowborough 100 gravel Between South side of 500 & Greenwood Gate 50 gravel Near guide post, north side of Goat Farm 200 gravel Kings Standing


The total quantity granted last year was 190 yards. The Clerk wrote drawing attention to the arrangement made at the conferences at Lewes on the 21st November 1899 and those received in reply reducing their application to 200 yards. Uckfield Rural District Council

45 gravel Isle of Thorns 55 gravel Stone Hill 45 gravel Barns Gate 45 gravel Braziers Bank 45 gravel Fairwarp

The total quantity granted last year was 260 yards The Ranger reported that during the past year the Authorities had complied with the terms of their licence It was resolved that the first item of 240 yards of gravel applied for by the East Sussex County Council be reduced to 200 yards That the total quantity of 200 asked by the East Grinstead Rural District Council be reduced to 180 to be taken from such of the places and in such quantities as they notify the Clerk beforehand. That subject to those reductions the Board consent to the applications on the same terms and conditions as those contained in the licences granted to the authorities on 16th December 1899 & that the Clerk remind the authorities that those terms and conditions must be strictly observed. Fredk. Link application to make carriage road Mr. Frederick Link the tenant of “The Prelude” near Coleman’s Hatch applied for permission at his own expense to make a continuation of the road passing Mr. Wheatley’s property to his house so that vehicles may drive up to and turn round at his gate. It was resolved that the application be referred to the Forest Row Committee to consider and report on. F. Pilbeam application to widen footpath Mr. F. Pilbeam of Greenhill Nursery, Nutley, having applied for permission to make 2 feet wider the footpath leading from the high road at Dodds Hill (west corner of enclosure No. 599 Ordnance Map second edition 1899) to his nursery so that he might run a hand cart over it. The length is about 66 yards. It was resolved that the application be granted, the work to be done to the satisfaction of the Ranger, the width not to exceed 4 feet. Fires The Ranger reported that numerous fires had occurred on the Forest. The Clerk stated they commenced earlier this year namely about a fortnight before Good Friday and acting on a resolution passed at the meeting of the 26th June last he at once saw the Chief Constable and arranged for 2 plain clothes Constables to be employed for four weeks in order to try and detect the incendiaries. The Chief Constable also specially instructed the police round the Forest to use every effort to detect the perpetrators Arrests On the 10th instant one of the plain clothes men apprehended Joseph Welfare of Nutley in the act of setting fire to the gorse near the Fox Coffee Tavern, Duddleswell. The man was rescued by a crowd but re-arrested on the following evening and remanded in custody to the Uckfield Petty Sessions yesterday. As the Clerk thought it would have more effect if the police instead of the Conservators prosecuted he saw the Chief Constable who agreed to instruct Mr. Lawson Lewis. At the Petty Sessions yesterday the case was heard and Joseph Welfare was committed for trial at the ensuing assizes, bail being allowed prisoner in £10 with two sureties


of £5 each. At the same Court Jesse Ridley of Horney Common was convicted of obstructing the police where apprehending Joseph Welfare and was fined £3 & 8/- costs which he paid, and Albert Ridley of Horney Common was charged with refusing to assist the police when called on to do so at the time of Welfare’s rescue and was committed for trial at the ensuring assizes, bail being allowed. The Clerk stated that the 4 weeks for which the 2 plain clothes men were employed expired on Monday last and acting on the authority of the Chairman he had instructed the men to continue watching for another week. It was resolved that the services of the two men be continued as long as the Chairman considers expedient and that the Chief Constable be requested to put on in addition two more plain clothes men who must be entire changes to the district to be employed as long as the Chairman considers expedient. It was resolved that the whole subject of dealing with the gorse be considered at the autumn meeting of the Board Maresfield Parish Council application to repair roads The Clerk read an application from the Maresfield Parish Council that the Conservators should assist in repairing some of the must important roads on the Forest and within the parish of Maresfield which are not repaired by the local authority and regard that the contribution of the Royal Ashdown Forest Golf Club be devoted to that purpose Mr. Joseph Ridley of Horney Common also attended at the request of the Council and explained their views. He also pointed out that while the north side of the Forest had equally benefited by the Golf Club the south side had derived no benefit. He stated that some time since the Surveyor of the Rural District Council examined the roads in question within the parish of Maresfield and estimated it would require £750 to put them into repair before the authority could take them over. It was resolved that after carefully considering the matter the Board regrets that it cannot see its way to comply with the application. James Card claim to rights admitted Mr. James Card attended to claim rights in respect of his properties namely house & buildings & land being that part of inclosure no. 576 in the Map of the Ordnance Survey xvi.3 2nd edition 1898 which is on the east side of the stream at Shalesbrook, late Miles, containing about 1a.3r.0p. The Clerk reported that he had examined the documents of title and found the property was copyhold of the Manor of Duddleswell as far back as 1785. George Mitchell of Yew Tree Cottage nearly 70 years age who was born and had lived all his life near the property in question having given evidence that the successive occupiers for over 60 years last past had regularly turned out cattle on the Forest and taken brakes and litter it was resolved that the Board is satisfied that Mr. Card has established the user and that the property be entered in the schedule of these entitled to rights and thereupon Mr. Card paid to the Clerk 1/- for the current Forest rate in respect of the property. Sylvanus Ridley removing earth The Ranger reported that on the 1st March last he saw Sylvanus Ridley of Crown Nest digging and loading a cart with mould from the bank (part of the Forest) by the side of the road which crosses the Forest from Minepits Nutley near its junction with the Duddleswell main road who stated that the road men had given him permission to take it. It was resolved that the Clerk enquire of Mr. Vater the Surveyor to the Uckfield Rural District Council whether any such permission was given to Mr. Ridley and if so by what authority. George Weeks cutting furze The Ranger reported that on the 22nd March last hearing that George Weeks of near Fords Green had cut a quantity of furze by the side of the high road there he called and saw Weeks’ mother who said she thought they had a right to cut it as she was the tenant of Count Munster, a Commoner. It was suggested that the real reason why they cut it was to protect their premises from the fires which have been raging on the Forest and under these conditions it was resolved that the Clerk write and warn Weeks that no one has a right to cut furze and that he must not do so again without permission.


A. Turner permission to cut birch wood Mr. A. Turner stated that in case of any further fires on the Forest there was great danger of his stacks of fagots which were stacked at his brickyard adjoining the Forest being burnt and he asked for permission to cut away so much of the adjacent brushwood as might be necessary to protect the stacks from any such fire. It was resolved that the Board has no objection to his doing so if he obtain the Lord’s authority. C. Wilson manure heap The Ranger reported that Mr. Charles Wilson had removed the manure heap from the Forest outside his holding Aaron Arnold camping & lighting fire The Ranger reported that on the 14th March near Legs Heath he found Aaron Arnold with a tent on the Forest and a fire he at once summoned him before the East Grinstead Bench on the 28th March. The man did not appear and in his absence he was fired 10/- & 8/- costs and 7 days imprisonment in default of distress. A distress warrant was issued. Charles Martin digging for gravel The Ranger reported that on the 29th March he found Charles Martin of Lines Farm Hartfield digging for gravel. He stated he was put to work by Mr. Leslie White of White Croft, Chapel Lane, Forest Row. The Clerk having ascertained that the Lord’s Reeve had not authorised either party he wrote to Mr. White enquiring whether he had authorised Martin who replied that he had done so by Mr. Freshfield’s authority. Mr. Freshfield stated that he was at the time under the impression he was entitled to open ground and dig gravel by virtue of the conveyance from Lord De La Warr to him of his life interest in this part of the Forest but that having regard to the terms of the judgement in Hale v. De La Warr and the arrangement made with Mr. Nicholson that new ground should not be opened for gravel he was quite willing to abide by that arrangement. Ranger bicycle The Ranger having stated that it had become necessary for him to obtain a new bicycle which he required for and almost exclusively used in the service of the Conservators and that he could obtain a new one for £10 of which £3 would be allowed for the old bicycle it was resolved that the Board give him the £7 for the purpose. Stiller alleged encroachment The Ranger that Mr. Nicholson having stated that the encroachment which he alleged Henry Stiller had made near Fryars Gate consisted of levelling a bank, filling up the ditch and putting a palisade fence around it and enclosing about half a rod – he (the Ranger) saw Stiller who informed him it was done about 20 years ago by his landlord Henry Welfare who purchased it from the Land Commissioners under the Regulation Award The Clerk informed Mr. Nicholson of this statement and sent him a tracing of the encroachment which Henry Welfare did purchase under the Award and he yesterday saw with the Ranger Mr. William Hudson the Reeve who pointed out that the encroachment in question was at another part of the frontage and the Ranger would see Mr. Stiller about it. Edward Dadswell Junior litter The Ranger reported that on the 1st April instant being close time at Pound Gate he saw Edward Dadswell Junr. who is tenant of a Mr. Baker of that place loading a cart with litter on the Forest. It was resolved that the Clerk write and enquire for whom and by what authority Dadswell was taking the litter. Wm. Morphew letter The Ranger reported that on the 18th April instant being close time at Duddleswell he saw William Morphew Junr. taking home a load of litter from the Forest for his father William Morphew of Barns Gate a tenant of Mr. Streatfeild. It was resolved that the Clerk write and demand an explanation.


Quabrook gate A petition was read from a number of persons at Quabrook complaining that tradesmen and others use the Quabrook gate and leave it continually open and also damage the gate so that it is useless for keeping the Commoners cattle and sheep on the Forest and requesting that their grievance may be recorded. The Clerk stated that some of the signatures did not appear to be Commoners. It was resolved that he draw the attention of Messrs. Barron & Methuen to the resolution of the 18th October 1901 and request them to see that the gate was made to close of itself and that he reply to the Petitioners as he may deem necessary. Cheques It was resolved that a cheque be drawn in favour of the Ranger 11 weeks salary and house rent to 25th £13.15.0 Ditto for bicycle £7.0.0 Jenner for cutting grips £1.9.3 Waters & Sons for hitching posts £1.4.0 £9.13.3 D.W Freshfield repairs to footpaths £5.0.0 It was resolved that the meeting be held on Friday the 24th June next or each earlier date as the Chairman may deem necessary The meeting terminated at 3.50 p.m. George M. Maryon-Wilson chairman

A Meeting of the Conservators of Ashdown Forest duty convened and held at the Nutley Inn Nutley on Saturday the 11th day June 1904 at 11 a.m. Present Mr. George M. Maryon-Wilson in the Chair Mr. E.A. Nicholson representing the Lord Mr. C.H. Corbett Mr. D.W. Freshfield Mr. Thomas Hyde Mr. Robert Kenward Mr. Edward Martin Mr. Ll. Midgley Mr. Mark Sandford Mr. Albert Turner The Chairman stated that it had become necessary to convene this meeting at earlier date than anticipated in consequence of complaints received with reference to a telephone line which the Post Master General is carrying across the Forest from Colemans Hatch to Fairwarp. The minutes of the last meeting were produced and signed. The Clerk produced the Bank Pass Book which showed a balance to the credit of the Conservators of $136.14.3. F.R. Lucas licence for road The Clerk reported that since the last meeting Mr. F.R. Lucas had agreed to the clause which at the last meeting the Board decided must be retained in the proposed licence and that it had been completed and he laid the Counterpart of it on the table.


A.H. Clough footpaths The Forest Row Committee reported that Mr. A.H. Clough has closed the gate originally opened in his fence with wooden railings but has not yet levelled down the raised pathway from it and that the gate and footpath authorised by the Board has now been made. It was resolved that the Committee view the first mentioned footway again and if necessary instruct the Clerk with a view to ensuring that it is properly levelled and that the surface is restored to its former condition. A.H. Clough claim to rights The Clerk stated that Mr. A.H. Clough claims rights of common in respect of this property which is an old encroachment made since the decree of 1693 and that prima facie it has no rights unless they can be established by proof of user for 60 years last past. That he had pointed this out to Mr. Clough who had replied that it was for the Board to show that it had not rights. It was resolved that Mr. Clough be informed that if he desire to claim rights he must establish them in the usual way. H. Harding Thompsetts bank deposit The Ranger reported he had seen Mr. Harding who stated that the cutting of the turf he complained of had been done several years ago. T.J. Ridley road materials Also that Mr. T.J. Ridley or Gurr is now repairing the road near Cripps Corner with hard material as authorised by the Board Golf Club swamp Also that the Royal Ashdown Forest Golf Club has nearly completed the drainage of the swamp below the club house. Hartfield Grove back road Also that Sir Spencer Walpole objected to a grip being cut from the corner of his hedge to the back road as directed at the last meeting on the ground that a drainage man might break his leg and that he had consequently deferred cutting it. It was resolved that the Ranger cut a grip as directed of a hedge shape 1 foot across at the top and 9 inches deep. Revd. F. Darling deposits The Ranger reported that the Revd. Darling has had removed the prunings from the Forest and that the lumps of earth had been spread and levelled over the Forest surface instead of being deposited in an adjacent hollow. It was resolved that as the soil will improve the surface no further action will be taken in the matter. Pit near Broadstone Warren The Clerk reported that he had learnt from Mr. Nicholson that [in] the agreement by which the pit near High Beeches was let to Mr. Job Luxford nothing was said as to roads, that Mr. Luxford stated he always gave his men particular instructions to keep to the proper track but that he would visit the place shortly and inspect it. Mr. Nicholson also stated that Mr. Hudson the Reeve had visited the spot and reported that Mr. Luxford had filled in all the ruts and is now keeping to the old road from the pit to the main road. Return of animals on the forest The Clerk reported that he had gone through the list of animals etc. on the Forest and their owners which the Ranger had prepared and had marked those owners who are Commoners and the acreage in respect of which they pay rates, but he found there were only a few Commoners who turned out and that he would require further time to ascertain whether the remainder were tenants of land entitled to rights. Road authorities application to dig materials The Clerk read a correspondence with the East Grinstead Rural District Council which objected to the Board’s reduction in the quantity of road materials for which they had applied and disputed the terms of the arrangement arrived at at the Conference in November 1899. They stated that they would take the quantity authorised and would make a further application later on.


F. Link application to make carriage road The Forest Row Committee reported that they had not yet been able to inspect the route of the road which Mr. F. Link had applied for permission to make. It was resolved that the Committee be empowered to grant the application or not as they might think fit and report to the next meeting. Hitching posts They further reported that the 3 hitching posts which they were authorised to erect on the Forest near Forest Row had now been fixed in spots they considered convenient. Rifle Butts, Forest Row, alterations Also that the work at the Forest Row Rifle Butts has now been completed to their satisfaction. F. Pilbeam widen footpath The Ranger reported that Mr. F. Pilbeam has completed the widening of the path from his premises to his satisfaction but that as a width of 4 feet was found insufficient to take Mr. Pilbeam’s hand cart he had after conferring with Mr. Albert Turner permitted Mr. Pilbeam to make the path 5 feet wide. It was resolved that the extra width be approved. Fires The Clerk stated that on the 29th April last the Police reported that two boys aged about 10 years boarded out by Dr. Barnardo at Crowborough when playing with matches on the Forest had set fire to the gorse and asking instructions as to prosecuting. As it appeared on enquiry that the fire was not caused intentionally and having regard to the age of the boys the Clerk after consulting with the Chairman recommended the police not to proceed against them The Chairman reported that as the Forest fires appeared to have ceased for the season he found it unnecessary to employ more plain clothes constables and gave instructions on the 14th May to take off the 2 men previously employed. The Clerk produced the claim sent in by the Chief Constable for the services of the 2 plain clothes men amounting to £81.5.11. It was resolved that the Chairman of the Board assisted by the Clerk be requested to attend the next meeting of the Standing Joint Committee with a view to obtaining a material reduction in the charges. Sylvanus Ridley removing earth The Clerk stated that Mr. Vater the road surveyor reported that Sylvanus Ridley had by permission removed a few lumps of earth thrown by the road men from the water table when siding the road and had not interfered with the material of the Forest. H. Stiller alleged encroachment The Clerk reported that there was some uncertainly as to the exact extent and position of the encroachment at Fryars Gate alleged to have been made by Henry Stiller or his landlady Mrs. Welfare to which Mr. Nicholson had drawn the attention of the Board and that Mrs. Welfare alleged that no encroachment had been made for years. It was resolved that it be referred to the Forest Row Committee to inspect the spot and report. Edward Dadswell Jnr. litter The Clerk reported that Edward Dadswell had written stating that he had removed the litter on 1st April as reported at the last meeting without knowing that it was close time and that his landlady Mrs. Parker of the Crow and Gate claimed rights of common which she said were shewn by the Deeds. It was resolved that the Clerk draw his attention to the terms of the Bye Law and warn him he must not remove litter in future after 31st March. Mrs. Parker claim to rights admitted Mr. Jesse Parker of the Crow & Gate, Buxted, attended on behalf of his wife Mrs. Emily Parker to claim rights in respect of her freehold cottage and land near Crow & Gate, Buxted comprising Nos. 181, 182 & 185 on the Ordnance Map 2nd edition (1898) containing altogether 3a :2r :14p. Of this it appeared that about 0a :1r :8p formed


part of encroachment No. 99 sold under the Regulation Award to her predecessors in title Thomas Heath Gatling and the remainder was formerly a Copyhold tenement of the Manor of Duddleswell. Evidence of continuous user as of right for 60 years last past having been given by Edward Forest of Buxted. It was resolved that the Board being satisfied with the evidence admits the claim in respect of the whole of the property except as regards the 0a :1r :8p part of encroachment No. 99 sold as aforesaid and directs the Clerk to insert it in the Schedule of properties entitled to rights and thereupon Mrs. Parker paid the current rate in respect of the cottage and 3a :1r :6p of land. William Morphew litter The Clerk reported that he wrote William Morphew on 25th April demanding an explanation why he had removed litter in the close time but had received no reply. It was resolved that the Clerk write to Morphew warning him that he must in future observe the Bye Law. Quaybrook Gate The Clerk reported he wrote to Mr. Barron on the 29th April with reference to the condition of the Forest Gate at Quaybrook who understood to see to it and the Ranger reported that a new gate had now put press up. J. Burgess deposit of bricks The Ranger reported that J. Burgess to whom permission was granted on 29th July last to deposit bricks on the Forest during the erection of a cottage for Mr. Barchard at Duddleswell had completed his work and had now removed all materials. Major Darwin, gates, road Also that Major Darwin completed the closing up of one gate and the opening of another at Hospital Farm as authorised by the Board and had completed the short length of substituted road from the new gate. Telephone line The Clerk reported that in consequence of complaints made by residents that the line of telephone posts which the Post Master General is erecting along the main road from Colemans Hatch to Fairwarp occupies a prominent position on the sky line and spoils the Post Master General asking him to stop further work and send a representative to confer with the Board and that Captain Boys K.E. was in consequence authorised to attend and the Chairman had convened the Board at an earlier date. The Clerk had also heard from Mr. J.F. Hope M.P. who had very kindly seconded his representation to the Post Master General and was also in attendance. The Board then conferred with Mr. Hope and with Captain Boys who stated that the Post Master General desired if he could to see his way to meet the views of the Board, and it was ultimately resolved that a Committee consisting of the Chairman, Mr. Sandford and Mr. Turner view the locality with Captain Boys and arrange a route for the line. That Mr. Nicholson be asked to attend on behalf of the Lord and that the Committee confer if necessary with Mr. F. Barchard, one of the complaints. The Committee were able to arrange to inspect that afternoon in conjunction with Mr. Nicholson on behalf of the Lord and Captain Boys representing the Postal Authorities. Bye Law amendment The Committee appointed at the last meeting to draft amendments and additions to the Bye Laws submitted their draft and it was resolved that it be considered at the next meeting. Pound Gate gypsies The Headmistress at the Poundgate Schools having complained of the intolerable nuisance arising from gypsies camping on the Forest close to the School House, the Clerk reported he had instructed the Ranger to taken immediate action against any gypsies camping there.


James Watson digging grip The Ranger reported that on the 7th May last he saw James Watson of Highgate digging a gutter adjoining the footpath from his house to that of Mr. Clough. It was resolved that it to referred to the Forest Row Committee to inquire into the matter. Job Luxford carting The Ranger reported that on the 25th May last he saw one of Mr. Job Luxford’s men driving a cart across the green sward opposite the Gents’ Golf Club House. The man refused his name and the Ranger saw Mr. Luxford who promised to speak to him. Spencer Ridley taking litter The Ranger reported that a few days since Spencer Ridley of Millbrook offered to sell to Mr. Simeon Wickens of Chelwood Common some litter lying on the Forest. The Clerk wrote to Ridley requiring him to attend before the Conservators today but he was not in attendance. The Ranger stated that he had no evidence that Ridley had cut any letter and the Clerk stated that under those circumstances he was not at present in a position to being home to Ridley a breach of any Bye Law. Poundgate School disposal of sewage An application was considered from the Headmistress of Poundgate School for permission to bury on the Forest at the back of the schools the contents of the buckets used in the School lavatories. It was resolved that the Clerk inform the Mistress that the Board cannot consent to the application. Sylvanus Ridley notice board The Ranger reported that on the 9th May he found that Sylvanus Ridley had erected a post and notice board on the Forest near his property at Crows Nest stating that it was to be let or sold. It was resolved that the Clerk require Ridley to remove it at once. R.E. camping Mr. Midgley stated that a few days ago he was applied to by an Officer of the Royal Engineers which are encamped at Plumpton for permission for a detachment to camp on the Forest and that he had explained that he had no power to grant any permission It was resolved that the Clerk inform the Officer commanding the Royal Engineers at Plumpton immediately that it he desires to make use of the Forest for any military purpose and he will make application to the Clerk it shall receive immediate attention. That in case any such application is made the Chairman be empowered on behalf of the Board to give consent for as far as the Conservators are concerned. That in the meantime should any such application be made to any Conservator in the course of the next 2 or 3 days, such Conservator be authorised to give permission in the same terms. Cheques It was resolved that he following cheques be drawn: The Ranger 7 weeks salary & house rent to the 13th instant £8:15:0 The Clerk ½ years salary to the 30th instant £50:0:0 It was resolved that the next meeting be held on Friday 26th August next or such earlier as the Chairman may deem necessary. The meeting terminated at 3 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 26th day of August 1904 at 11 a.m. Present Mr. George Mr. Maryon-Wilson in the Chair Mr. C.H. Corbett Mr. Douglas W. Freshfield Mr. Edward Martin Mr. Mark Sandford Mr. Albert Turner The Honble H.B. Portman The minutes of the last meeting were passed and signed. The Bank Pass Book is produced showing a balance to the credit of the Conservators of £125:6:2. Guy C. Hardy deceased A letter is read from Mrs. Hardy thanking the Conservators for their kind expression of their sympathy on the death of Mr. Guy Hardy and explaining the delay acknowledging it. R.E. use of forest The Clerk reports that immediately after the last meeting he communicated with the Officers commanding the Royal Engineers at Plumpton as directed by the Board and received an acknowledgement, but that no application was since made for the use of the Forest. Fires The Clerk reports that Joseph Welfare whom the police arrested for firing the gorse on the Forest on 10th April last was tried at the recent Summer Assizes and having pleased guilty, the Judge administered a serious caution and released him on his entering into a recognisance in £5 to appear when called upon for judgement. The prosecution of Albert Ridley for refusing to assist the Police when Welfare was rescued was then withdrawn. The Chairman reports that the Clerk having been informed by the Clerk to the County Council that the Standing Joint Committee is not in the habit of receiving deputations and that it was uncertain whether they would give audience to him (the Chairman) if he attended, he considered it better to put the views of the Board before the Committee in the form of a letter which is read and is as follows: Searles Fletching 10.7.1904 Dear Sir, Ashdown Forest Fires At the last meeting of the Board of Conservators of Ashdown Forest I was requested as its Chairman to attend in conjunction with Mr. Raper the Clerk the next meting of the Standing Joint Committee with the view of urging the Committee to see their way if they could possibly do so to make same reduction in the charge for the services of two police constables in plain clothes in connection with the outbreak of fires on the Forest this spring. The charge dates from the 22nd March to May 15th last and amounts to £81:5:11. As I understand that the more regular course to submit a written statement than attend in person before the Committee though I should have preferred the latter should be adopted. I would briefly put these facts before the Committee for their careful consideration (1) That this is not in any sense a private matter but that the Conservators in engaging the services of these constable are only carrying out a public duty in the interests of the Commoners and also the public at large by taking measures to prevent injury and danger to the Forest and surrounding district through the repetition of these fires. (2) That they have found by experience that the employment of plain clothes constables is the only method of checking them & detecting the offenders and they therefore have no option but to adopt these measures though the cost may be considerable.


The Board however feel very strongly that the charge in this case in the circumstances is an excessive one, though they do not question its regularity according to scale (which I understand has been altered once) and that this being essentially a public question, the Committee should treat it as such and make a substantial reduction in the amount on the grounds which I have stated. I shall be much obliged by your kindly bringing this letter before the Committee and I would ask them to be so good as to give it their most careful consideration. Believe me Yours faithfully George M. Maryon Wilson Chairman Ashdown Forest Board of Conservators H. Merrifield Esq. The Chairman further reports that after considering the matter the Joint Committee declined to made any reduction in the charges, but as the matter was dealt with in a very hurried manner near the close of the meeting, Mr. Streatfeild who supported the Board’s application intimated that he should bring the matter before the Committee again at its meet meeting on the 11th October next. Telephone line The Committee appointed at the last meeting to view the route of the telephone line from Colemans Hatch to Fairwarp and arrange a route that immediately after the last meeting they viewed the route with Capt. Boys the Representative of the Post Master General report that immediately after the last meeting they viewed the route with Capt. Boys and unanimously decided that these was not sufficient reason shown to justify them in recommending any alternation in or diversion of the proposed route along main road, either from (1) the owner of the road leading from above Duddleswell House to Old Lodge or (2) from that point to Fairwarp school. Mr. Nicholson accompanied the Committee over Route no. 1 and concurred in the Committee’s view with regard to it. By direction of the Committee the Clerk communicated their decision to the Post Master General. The Chairman further reports that on behalf of the Board he subsequently on the application of Lady De La Warr consented to a line of telephone posts being erected by the Post Master General over the Forest from near the Nutley Windmill to Old Lodge, by a route shown on a plan which he produces and which is deposited with the Clerk. It was resolved that the action of the Committee and of the Chairman respectively in the above matters be confirmed. Bye Laws amendments The Committee appointed to draft amendments and additions to the Bye Laws report that they have held several meetings and carefully considered the whole matter and recommended that the Bye Laws be amended as shown in a full print thereof which they have deposited with the Clerk and which is submitted to the Board, the proposed additions being shown in italics and the words and paragraphs proposed to be omitted being enclosed in brackets. The Board having gone very carefully though them and having made certain modifications it is proposed by Mr. Corbett, seconded by Mr. Freshfield and resolved the Board approve the amendments as shown by the print subject to the addition of a clause reserving the rights of the Lord of the Manor of Duddleswell if he desires to have such a clause inserted and that the Clerk communicate with Mr. Nicholson on the subject. Forest Row Golf Club works An application is read from the Forest Row Golf Club asking permission to execute works during the coming winter, which the Clerk stated he had placed before the Forest Row Committee


St. John Smith trespass The Ranger reported that on 28th June he found that Mr. St. John Smith of Browns Brook was making a pathway from his house 4 or 5 feet wide and over 100 yards along, raising depressions and lowering rises and where it passed over a stream he had made a rustic bridge to carry it. The Clerk reported he at once wrote Mr. Smith pointing out that he had seriously interfered with the surface of the Forest that it was a breach of the Forest Bye Laws for which he was liable to a penalty and requiring an immediate understanding that he would not further interfere with the Forest pending the consideration of the Board, which undertaking he received. Mr. Ramsbotham alleged trespass The Ranger reported that on 12th July last he found that the trackway leading from the southern end of Crowborough Warren to Pound Gate had been widened and otherwise made into a road of about 15 feet in width and that he understood the work had done by direction of Mr. Ramsbotham. The Clerk at once wrote to Mr. Herwald Ramsbotham, enquiring whether he had authorised the work pointing out that it was a breach of the Forest Bye Laws and that no one had a right to interfere with the surface of the Forest without the consent of the Lord and Conservators and asking for an assurance that he would not further interfere with the surface without such consent. A reply was read from Mr. Ramsbotham that the road was an exit from Crowborough Warren, denying that it had been widened and stating that he had merely had it put into repair by cutting the furze and heath which had overgrown the road and water tabling that the water should not run down the centre. The letter contained no undertaking not to interface in future. Mr. A. Turner states that this track was formerly used in connection with the old water mill in Crowborough Warren which has not been used for 10 or 15 years, and with Crowborough Farm and he never knew it to be cut or formed up. Forest Row drainage The Clerk produced a notice served on him by the East Grinstead Rural District Council of its intention to carry certain drains across the Forest in connection with the Forest Row drainage scheme, accompanied by a plan, and stated that a similar notice had been served on Earl De La Warr as owner of the soil. Hartfield Grove road The Ranger reports that he cut the grip near Sir Spencer Walpole’s as directed at the last meeting. The Forest Row Committee present the following reports which are read and it was resolved that they be entered on the minutes: Report of Forest Row Committee Tuesday August 9th 1904 Present Mr. Corbett, Mr. Martin, Mr. Midgley Application by Golf Club for alterations and repairs Your Committee went over the Course with Mr. Shute the secretary of the Club and with Mr. Burns and Mr. Gordon, members of the Green Committee of the Club. Your Committee recommend that the Golf Club be allowed to carry out the following repairs and alterations: 1st hole Drain upper portion of SE side beyond grass level and improve present (temporarily) lower green.

Materials to be taken from old working above green to west from **** spots only. Make pipe drain on NE side by roadway. Cover and pipe existing open drain if necessary.

2nd hole Improve drainage of slope in front of tee. Trial grips may be made. 3rd hole Power to drain the sloping bank near Guide Flag on the way to the third green. 4th hole Lower hummocks. Fill in hollow below green. 5th hole Level out cart tracks above green. Lower steep ridge to W of bunker. Continue levelling of green,

the portion below to left of upper table. 6th hole Clean out old drain and make good near ****** spring.


7th hole New middle tee. Improve drainage. Trial grips to be allowed. If present narrow grips are deepened, stones should be put in to avoid accidents to cattle.

8th hole Improve drainage as for 7th hole. Hummocks may be removed and hollows and ruts filled in. 9th hole Extend tee back. 10th hole Restore green to former size. 11th hole See end. 12th hole Construct new tees if new green for 11th hole is allowed. Level and repair green to its full extent. 13th hole Level big centre hummock. 14th hole Remove and slope bank on S side sufficiently to fill in hollow on N side. 16th hole Join up bunkers in front of green. 17th hole Construct additional tee near last new one. Permission given to try a “Mat” Tee here. 18th hole Partially fill in hollow reached by long drive from tee opposite S of Mr. Ogle’s house. Open trial grip

in swamp. The above applications your Committee recommended be granted There was besides, an application which your Committee refer to the Board relating to the 11th hole, which was to revive permission given some years ago for construction of new green (30 yards square) beyond “rusty pond” about 70 to 80 yards from 11th green. Your Committee had not the old permission before them. If re-granted your Committee think that the Golf Club should get the necessary turf from elsewhere than on the Forest and should give up as much “mowing” as the new green will entail. Your Committee understand that the Club are willing to agree to these conditions. Your Committee noticed that the Forest at the Forest Row end and by Colemans Hatch is getting very bare and they were glad to hear that the Golf Club propose to curtail their authorised mowings. It may be necessary to curtail the cutting by Foresters under Bye Law 11. Ladies Golf Club Your Committee next visited the Ladies’ Course in company with Mr. & Mrs. Gordon and approve the following applications: 2nd hole Substitute new “mowing” further from tee and give up present mowing. Make a small bank on S

side of green. Material to be taken from hummocks. 4th hole Level green by taking from ** or (and) W sides of fill hollow on E side and level generally. Make 3 new tees at 2nd 6th and 9th holes or extend any present ones under Mr. Martin’s direction. Your Committee are glad to learn that the Ladies’ Club also propose to curtail their authorised mowings. Forest Row drainage scheme Your Committee inspected the drainage scheme. The scheme as far as it affects the Forest confines its sewers to well defined tracks expect in two places, viz. 1. Near the ‘a’ in the word “Highgate” on the plan. 2. Near Mr. Walsham’s house, where it crosses the Forest from the E to the west track. No objection can be taken if the District Council undertakes to restore the surface. Your Committee doubt if the plan shows all the sewers proposed to be put on the Forest e.g., the drainage of Mr. Lucas’ house. Mr. Freshfield’s Ashdown Place is not shown, and other houses would seem to require access to the Forest for their drains. Other points - your Committee report: A. That Mr. Freshfield s gravel digging has ceased and the pit has been levelled but not covered with soil. B. That Mr. Clough’s authorised path been made and use of the unauthorised path is discontinued.


C. Mr. Clough’s footpath. The gate has been replaced by a fence, but the pathway is as it was and has not been restored.

D. Stiller’s encroachment. The Committee were not able to visit here, Withyham is rather off their beat. Forest Row Committee Aug. 17th 1904 Present Mr. Corbett & Mr. Martin

Mr. St. John Smith near Browns Brook. The path is about 100 yards long and 3 1/2 feet wide. The path is made by cutting through banks and filling in hollows. For about half the length the path follows what appears to be a little used footpath and the remainder is cut through the Forest where there was no track of any kind before. There is no occasion for Mr. Smith’s encroachment, for an east track passes by his entrance Your Committee recommend that Mr. Smith be called upon to make good and restore the Forest as it was before. He ought also to remove the bridge he has put over a small stream. Mr. Ramsbotham. Your Committee have viewed the encroachment at King’s Standing but make no recommendation. The matter is so serious that the whole Board should view and form their own opinion. The facts are as follows: A track, probably a timber track, leads from S side of the Warren to the main road near the Crow & Gate passing east of the King’s Standing Rifle Butts. The track is about ½ a mile long. This track Mr. Ramsbotham has made into a 15 feet roadway throughout. On each side of the track the surface of the Forest has been removed for about 4 feet in a downward slope to a straight edge of about 1 foot deep forming a water table. The soil removed from the slope has been spread over the track and the crown of the track has been rounded. Grips have been cut in the sides and cross stops placed below the grips to drain the water table. No road metal has been used, but except in this respect the old track has became a 15 ft roadway. Your Committee call the Board’s attention to 3 points: 1. That, assuming there is as right of way for timber over this track, there is no right to repair except perhaps when the track is being used for hauling timber. 2. That given a right to repair there is no right to take the materials for repairing from off the Forest. 3. That given a right to repair with Forest materials there is no right to take material in such a way as to turn an old cart or timber track into a 15 ft roadway with a properly drained water table on each side. Sir Spencer Walpole, grip. Your Committee next viewed the grip cut near Sir S. Walpole’s and directed the Ranger to spread or remove the soil taken from the grip Mr. Link’s application. Your Committee recommend that Mr. Link’s application for leave to make a road be not granted. The proposed road would be about 230 yards long of which 200 yards are grass without any sign of a track for about 150 yards. Royal Ashdown Golf Club repairs It is proposed by Mr. Corbett seconded by Mr. Sandford and simultaneously resolved that the report and recommendations of the Committee with report to the application of the Royal Ashdown Forest Golf Club for leave to make repairs and alterations be approved and that the Clerk inform the Clerk that the Board has no objection to the works being executed including the construction of the new green beyond “rusty pond” subject as regards this green to compliance with the conditions recommended by the Committee and as regards the whole of the works with the general conditions settled by the Board sometime since. Ladies Gold Club works Also that the report and recommendations of the Committee with regards to the application of the Ladies Golf Club be approved and that the Clerk inform the Club that the Board has no objection to the proposed works being


executed under the direction as regard the *** of Mr. Edward Martin and subject as regards the whole to the General Conditions above mentioned. Also that the report with regards to the Forest Row drainage be approved. Mr. Freshfield states that he is under the impression the pit from which he dug gravel has been covered with soil but if it has not been done he undertakes that it shall be so covered. It is resolved that the report of the Committee with reference to Mr. St. John Smith’s trespass be approved and that he be required to restore the surface of the Forest to its former conditions and to remove the bridge. It is resolved that the report of the Committee with reference to the work done by Mr. Ramsbotham to the track out of Crowborough Warren be approved and that the Clerk write Mr. Ramsbotham stating that the track has been inspected by a Committee of the Conservators and that the Board are satisfied that what was formerly a mere cart track across the Forest of same 7 feet in width has now been made fully double the width, the soil of the Forest having been dug up and a regular roadway of at least 15 feet in width having been formed and rounded up with water tables on each side and side drains, stops and grips made to turn the surface water on to the Forest that the Clerk require Mr. Ramsbotham to at once take steps to restore the surface of the Forest so distributed to its former conditions by filling in the water tables to the former level and returfing on both sides to the edges of the old track and call upon him to give the Board an undertaking that he will comply with these requirements and complete the works within 3 calendar months. That Mr. Ansell of Messrs. Drawbridge & Ansell, Haywards Heath, be engaged to at once make a very careful survey and plan of the road side drains as they now are and all measurements and full notes of the depth of the sides all along and other physical features, his expenses to be paid out of the Protection and Improvements Fund and that the Clerk inform Mr. Ramsbotham that the Board are going to have the survey made by Mr. Ansell and invite him to be present at it. It is resolved that the report of the Committee with regard to Mr. Link’s application be approved and that the Clerks write him accordingly. Lady De La Warr alteration of road from Old Lodge An application is read from Muriel, Countess De La Warr for permission to alter the road from Old Lodge where it joins the main road from Newbridge to Duddleswell in accordance with a plan submitted. It is resolved that the Board regret that they cannot see their way to consent to such extensive alterations as are shown are the plan. They are willing to consent to the proposed northern exit and to a short southern exit which they have marked on the plan in lieu of the proposed southern exit on the understanding that the triangle between the two exits is filled up and restored to the Forest. Complaint A letter dated 3rd instant was read from Mr. J. Lawrence Hamilton of Forest Row complaining that children playing and shouting on the Forest outside his house seriously interfered with his literary work and that they should play on the Recreation Ground. The Ranger saw the parents of the children and all stated that it would be no use to tell their children to go to the Recreation Ground as the man employed on the ground always ordered them off. The Clerk reported that the wrote the Superintendent of the Ground on the 13th pointing out that the children were entitled to play on it and requesting him to see that they are not interfaced with so long as they do not play on any part set apart and marked off for special purposes. The Superintendent stated in reply that the children were only ordered off the cricket pitch. Hitching posts It was resolved that Mr. Edward Martin be authorised to have the three hitching posts lately erected on the Forest at Tompsetts Bank painted white, the cost to be charged to the Protection and Improvement Fund.


Cheque It was resolved that a cheque be drawn for: The Ranger eleven weeks salary and house rent to the 29th inst. £13:15:0 It was resolved that the next meeting be held on Friday the 4th November next or such earlier date as the Chairman may deem necessary. The meeting terminated at 3:10 p.m. George M. Maryon-Wilson.Chairman

A special meeting of the Conservators of Ashdown Forest duly convened and held at the Nutley Inn, Nutley on Saturday the 10th day of September 1904 at 2:30 p.m. Present Mr. M. Maryon-Wilson in the Chair The Honble H.B. Portman Mr. C.H. Corbett Mr. D.W. Freshfield Mr. Thomas Hyde Mr. Edward Martin Mr. Mark Sandford Mr. A. Turner The Chairman explained that this meeting is convened in consequences of the Ranger having resigned his office and Mr. Ansell’s report on that Mr. Ramsbotham’s road having been received. The minutes of the last meeting are passed and signed Ranger’s resignation A letter received from the Ranger to the Chairman dated the 29th August last in which the Ranger gave notice in consequences of family affairs to terminate his service on the 26th inst. And thanking the Board for the kindly consideration shown to him during the thirteen years he had served under them. The Ranger states that he shall be glad to do all he can to instruct his successor in his duties and to point out everything that appears necessary on the Forest. On the proposition of Mr. Corbett seconded by the Mr. Sandford it is resolved that the Board accept Mr. S. Sopers resignation of the office of Forest Ranger with great regret and to record their thorough appreciation of the tactful, intelligent and conscientious manner in which he has discharged his duties during the thirteen years he has held the office. They also accept with thanks his offer to instruct his successor when appointed in his duties. On the preposition of Mr. Corbett seconded by Mr. Martin it is resolved that the Honble H.B. Portman, Mr. Sandford and Mr. Turner be appointed a Committee to fill up the office of Ranger, on such terms as they shall consider advisable, and to retain the services of the present Ranger to instruct his successor in his duties for as long and on such terms as they deem expedient. Mr. Ramsbotham’s alleged trespass The Clerk reports that pursuant to the resolution of the last meeting he instructed Mr. Ansell to survey and make a plan with measurements, etc., of the road out of Crowborough Warren which Mr. Herwald Ramsbotham recently made up, and to report fully to the Board on the matter, that Mr. Ansell visited the spot on Friday the 2nd inst. Messrs. Freshfield, Hyde, Kenward, Midgley and Sandford, with the Clerk and Ranger met him there and with him viewed the road throughout and Mr. Herwald Ramsbotham also attended.


The Clerk subsequently received the following reports from Mr. Ansell, which are read and it resolved that they be entered on the minutes. Auction & Estate Agency Offices Haywards Heath Sussex 3rd September 1904 Dear Sir, Ashdown Forest Re. Roadway into Crowborough Warren Present to our meeting on the spot yesterday I worked late and completed my survey of the roadway which I found about 860 yards in length and ranges in width from about 12 ft 3 inches to 21 feet 6 inches. There are nine pinnocks [penstocks?]under the roadway as follows: Proceeding from the main road along the roadway in question, viz. 1st pinnock 18ft 6in in length with small outlet drain 2nd pinnock 23ft 0in in length with 17’ 4” outlet ditch (not recently cleaned out) 3rd pinnock 21ft 0in in length - with 23’6” outlet ditch 4th pinnock 25ft 0in in length - with 27’9” outlet ditch 5th pinnock 24ft 5in in length - with 20’0” outlet ditch 6th pinnock 21ft 2in in length - with 22’0” outlet ditch 7th pinnock 20ft 4in in length - with 19’0” outlet ditch 8th pinnock 19ft 0in in length - with 28’0” outlet ditch 9th pinnock or three-barrel culvert, stone & brick about 16ft by 20ft with retaining walls, extra stated to have been erected by Mr. Howes. All the pinnocks with the exception also of course of the three-barrelled culvert are made of stone. There are 25 outlets or grips cut in order to take the water from the roadway, most of same being small, but one measures 20ft 5in in length, another 13ft 2in and another 10ft, the others being less. You will I daresay require a plan of the roadway and I surveyed it sufficiently to be able to prepare same. I am dear sir Yours faithfully W. Geo. Ansell W.A. Raper Solicitor Battle Auction & Estate Agency Offices Haywards Heath Sussex 6th September 1904 Dear Sir, Ashdown Forest Roadway into Crowborough Warren


On arriving on the ground on the 2nd inst. one of the employees on the Crowborough Warren estate, Williams Welfare, came forward and gave us a series of information with respect to the roadway. He stated he was 46 years of age, was born on the estate had lived there all his life, and would speak of his knowledge for some forty years back. He informed us that the old stone & brick built three barrelled culvert, just outside the gate from Crowborough Warren, was constructed about 70 years ago by a Mr. Hours or Hawes, the there owner, and that witnesses are living who could prove that fact. That 20 years ago last winter the road was widened to 20 feet and made up with sandstone by authority of the Lord of the Manor, and that Mr. Hudson the Lord’s Reeve he believed was there to help it out. That the other stone drains or pinnocks across the road were then constructed, stone for them being taken from the Warren and that some 200 yards of stone were those laid upon the road, which was quarried by a man named Trayton Walter from a quarry situate at a spot called the Twitten on the Forest that he, Welfare, helped put on the stone and that work had been done on the road by the proprietors of Crowborough Warren every year since. Mr. Herwald Ramsbotham afterwards joined us and confirmed what Welfare had stated and also said that the work recently done had been by his order, simply and for the purpose of repairing the road and making it passable as tradesman especially had made complaints that it was almost impossible to get along there being such very deep ruts, and that it was not done with any view to the development of the Crowborough Warren for building purposes. That he was away from home some years until his return about 8 years ago and did not know very much about what had taken place during his absence but that he had found an entry in their Estate Books of payment for the 200 yards of stone put on. That he will remembered the road before it was improved twenty years ago, that it was always a regular road out from Crowborough Warren for all the houses on the Estate, and when a boy he was always driven over that road to and from Uckfield on his way to and from school. Both Mr. Ramsbotham and Welfare also stated that years ago there was a flour mill upon the Estate where an extensive business was done and that this was the road to the mill also. The result of my inspection and survey of the road I consider bears out the statements made by Mr. Ramsbotham and Welfare as on the upper side of the road the bank which I should say was cut twenty years ago is distinctly traceable practically the whole length of the road, while on the lower side there are in places indications of the old margin made at that time in addition to which there are the stone culverts or pinnocks. As desired I herewith enclose my a/c which I trust will prove quite satisfactory. Yours faithfully W. Geo. Ansell W.A. Raper Solicitor Battle Clerk to the Conservators of Ashdown Forest The Clerk states he wrote to Mr. Nicholson on the 3rd inst. with full particulars of the statements made by Mr. Herwald Ramsbotham and Wm. Welfare and asking him to ascertain what Mr. Hudson the Reeve remembers about the road, what it was like before the alterations twenty years ago, whether he had anything to do with the widening of it and if so what was then sanctioned and done, and asking Mr. Nicholson to attend this meeting, and that he received the following reply: Lewes 8th Sept. 1904 Dear Mr. Raper I have seen Mr. Hudson’s son today in reference to your letter of the 3rd inst. and it seems clear that there is a great misapprehension of facts on the part of Mr. Ramsbotham and his witness Welfare. Mr. Hudson says that he did not help in setting out the road as suggested about 20 years since but it has existed as a cart track for as long as he can remember but he never saw any substantial repairs to it and certainly no annual ones.


He never sold to Mr. Ramsbotham or any one on his behalf 200 yards of stone and our books confirm this as there is no entry in them between 1875 (which is long before his time as Reeve) to 1895 which covers fully Mr. Ramsbotham’s period within which he paid for the stone. I can only account for his buying stone by the supposition that it was used within his fence & was acquired if from the Forest from a person who stole it. He does not of a quarry named “Twitten”. The barrel arch exists and may have been put in as suggested. He does not know Welfare but there have been Welfares connected with the Warren for many years. Wm. Welfare’s statement savours rather of the long Bow. Yours very truly E.A. Nicholson W.A. Raper, Esq. He also reads the following letter he had since received: Hornlea Cross in hand Sussex 8th September 1904 Dear Sir, My brother, Mr. H. Ramsbotham laid your letter to him of the 30th ulto. before his brothers yesterday, as promised in his letter to you of the 31st ulto. and I have been requested to write to you on the matter. It appears to my brothers and myself that the Conservators have not understood the particular position of the Crowborough Warren Estate. Until the Forest enclosure on the beacon side of the Estate, about 1863, the Warren was practically surrounded by Forest land, and the road from the present entrance lodge on the Beacon to Heavegate, our previous entrance was over the Forest. Exactly the same thing, you will observe occurs at other points round the Estate, for instance, at the New Mill, where we have a road across the Forest maintained by the Estate, and from Ocklye to St. John’s church, Heasmans Lodge, Greenwood Gate, etc. The road in question from the New Pond across the Forest to the high road to Uckfield is precisely similar to the others, though owing to circumstances it has not been so much used. It was, years ago, the direct route from that portion of the country to the New Mill on the estate, which though now derelict, it is well known was the larger mill in this part of Sussex. The embankment and archway 20ft wide over the watercourse outside the gate at New Pond, which was a lodge gate with two cottages, was built by the owners of the Estate for the purpose of the roadway and traffic to and from the mill, which served this side of the country. The road was a recognised outlet for traffic, in every way similar to the other roads I have spoken of, and was used by us to drive to Uckfield when Uckfield was the terminus of the railway from Brighton. With the passing away of the mill, and the continuation of the railway, very little traffic went over this road, and it got into an almost impassable state. To remedy this state of things, in or about 1883, we repaired the road and the drains to enable the road to be used us it always had been. The road having again got into very bad state, the extreme wet of last year having washed out all the centre of the roadway, stopped up the drains, etc. and I may here state, owing a good deal to litter carting, and to a pathway to the new rifle bulls having turned the water all down the road, it became necessary for the traffic of our tenants and tradesmen coming to them, to again put it in a sufficient state of repair. We have done this and no more. The road now is not so wide as it was. The average width is about 16 feet, whilst the pinnocks or drains are 18ft to 20ft wide.


We have only done what our predecessors and ourselves have done before without question, and what we have a perfect right to do Writing now without prejudice to what we believe to be our undoubted right to keep up the road in thorough repair, in like manner as other roads referred to, we are nevertheless most desirous to meet, what we understand to be the views of the Conservators, and only maintain this road as a passable way for our tenants and tradesman, and ordinary necessities of the Estate. I, am dear sir Yours faithfully G. Geoffrey Ramsbotham W.A. Raper Clerk to the Conservators of Ashdown Forest Battle, Sussex. After a lengthy discussion on the proposition of Mr. Corbett seconded by Mr. Portman it is resolved that the Clerk write to Mr. G.G. Ramsbotham inquiring whether his claim is to maintain a road of 16ft in width for the use of the Warren property as it now stands and to repair it from time to time in the manner recently done, with material taken within the 16ft and to keep open the 8 stone pinnocks which cross under the road at intervals. That if he replies assenting there of and not claiming anything more, the Clerk inform him that the Board do not propose to take any further action in the matter but that if he raises any other points the Clerk inform him that it will if he referred to the next meeting of the Board. Bye Laws amendment The Clerk reports he saw Mr. Nicholson with reference to the proposed amendment of the Bye Laws who wished to have a clause inserted saving the Lords rights, which being done he concluded it unnecessary to suggest any alternations. The Clerk also attended at the Home Office and had a long conference with an official, who suggested that the proposed amendments should be submitted to the Home Secretary for consideration before they are deposited and advertised for inspection. He therefore on the 6th inst sent to the Home Office prints of the Bye Laws showing the proposed amendments and a long letter of explanation, and offered to attend if any further information or explanations are required and he suggests that in case the Home Secretary desires an interview, one or two of the Bye Law Amendment Committee should attend with him. It is resolved that the Chairman and Messrs. Corbett and Sandford or such of them as are willing to do so be required to attend with the Clerk at any such interview. Mr. St. John Smith trespass The Clerk reports he wrote Mr. St. John Smith as directed at the last meeting, and received the following reply High Street: Uckfield 5th September 1904 W.A. Raper Solicitors Battle Dear Sir, Ashdown Forest I am obliged by your letter of the 30th ulto. re. pathway at Browns Brook. I have to ask for the Conservators to reconsider before removing that if I have to take away the sides of the bridge which were placed there for protection and to prevent the cattle heading it again with the stream, I shall do it. I am quite willing to remove the sides, but the path or bridge over the brook has always existed and I only replaced it as cattle had trod it in and


diverted the course of the stream into a quagmire. I added nothing except to make it passable, there being always a small bridge over. The footpath has I am told been over 20 years there with the bridge and there is no remainder where no footpath existed. It is a way right through used, to the dwellings above mine. And long before I improved or made up the path I have noticed the public use of it and also the occupiers of Old Lands Estate & others making use of it. Not a spade full of earth has been taken from it, but used to level & fill up holes. In many parts it has been cut through for years as the heather growth shows. I do not know how to restore it to its former condition or levels but I will do what I can to sow the surface with grass seeds at the suitable season. And if it must be the rustic bridge fence shall come away, but the crossing itself I will be no party to as the bridge has always been there & should keep the water contained by cattle. They will always be there. Yours truly St. John Smith It is resolved that the Clerk write to Mr. Smith pointing out the impropriety of his interference with the Common without authority and state that under the circumstances the Board will not require him to re-ad -just the surface of the Forest, provided he seeds down effectually that which has been disturbed, but that as regards the bridge the Board can only consent to its remaining on the terms of a written licence to be prepared by the Clerk and the payment of a small yearly acknowledgement during its continuance in force. Lady De La Warr alternation of road from Old Lodge The Clerk reports that he sent Lady De La Warr a plan showing the alterations to the road out of Old Lodge which the Board sanctioned at the last meeting and he reads a reply from her Ladyship thanking the Board and stating that what they sanctioned is quite satisfactory to her. D.W. Freshfield stone digging The Ranger reports that on the 27th August he found the man who recently dug gravel on the Forest near Mr. Clough’s were digging gravel on the Forest on the north side of Mr. Lucas’ property for making a road where Mr. Clough has been building. The Clerk stated that Mr. Freshfield wrote him on the 4th inst. “I am quarrying some road stone near Lucas’ I have found an old and out of the way quarry (one of my labourers dug it in before) so that no question can possibly arise”. And subsequently wrote that his previous letter was merely a friendly intimation to the Board and must not in any way be treated as an application. Lord’s right of digging The Clerk stated that in his opinion the undertaking given by the Defendant in the judgement in Hale De La Warr imposes a restriction on the Lord’s right of digging. Fires The Ranger reports that a large fire occurred on the Forest near Stone Hill on the 20th August extending over from 8 to 10 acres and that a smaller fire occurred on the evening of the 29th August behind Boring Wheel Mill burning about ¼ of an acre and was extinguished by the Fairwarp policeman. It is resolved that the consideration of what means shall be employed for dealing for Forest fires be placed on the agenda of the next meeting. Cheques It is resolved that cheques be drawn for: Messrs. Drawbridge & Ansell for survey and report on road out of Crowborough Warren £4:14:0 Mr. E. Banister printing draft Bye Laws £2:3:0 It is resolved that the annual meeting of the Commoners be convened for Friday the 16th December next and that the Board meet immediately thereafter or on such earlier date as the Chairman may deem necessary.


The meeting terminated at 4:25 p.m. George M. Maryon-Wilson Chairman

A meeting of the Conservators of Ashdown Forest duty convened and held at the Nutley Inn, Nutley on Friday the 4th day of November at 3 p.m. Present Mr. George M. Maryon-Wilson in the Chair The Honble H.B. Porter Mr. C.H. Corbett Mr. D.W. Freshfield Mr. Robert Kenward Mr. Edward Martin Mr. Ll. Midgley Mr. Mark Sandford Mr. Albert Turner The Chairman explains that this meeting is convened in consequences (among other matters) of the East Grinstead Rural District Council having applied for consent to take a further quality of stone from the Forest and having pressed for an early reply. The minutes of the last meeting are passed and signed. Mr. Sandford gives notice that he would move at the next meeting of the Board that in future the minutes of the Board meetings be read before being put for confirmation, or that some arrangement be made in the future to enable Members to have printed copies of the minutes previous to the next meeting. The Bank Pass Book is produced and it appears that there is a balance in hand of £133:11:5 Licence for road materials The Clerk reminds the Board that in April last the East Grinstead Rural District Council applied for consent to take 400 yards of gravel from the Forest for repair of roads. He reminds the Board that in consequence of disputes as to the quantity of materials that the Road Authorities should take from the Forest for repair of their roads a conference was held on the 21st November 1899 at the County Hall Lewes between representatives of the Board, the County Council, the East Grinstead Rural District Council and the Uckfield Rural District Council at which, after considerable discussion an understanding was arrived at that the Road Authorities would in future either abstain from taking materials from the Forest or gradually reduce the quantity. Subsequent to this conference each authority gradually reduced the quantities applied for and in March 1903 the quantities applied for by the East Grinstead Rural District Council and for which a consent was given was 190 yards but in April last that Council applied for 600 yards of gravel, a very considerable increase. The Clerk pointed this out to them and reminded them of the understanding and they then reduced their application to 200 yards. On 22nd April last this Board considered and having regard to the understanding made a small reduction in the quantity granted in 1903, and granted a consent to take 180 yards which the Council elected to take: 30 yards from between south side of 500 and Greenwood Gate 30 yards near Guide post near Goat Farm 120 yards at Kings Standing [total] 180 yards


The Council intimated that they should require and would apply for a further quantity later on in the year. On 16th September an application was received from the Council for consent to take additional hard gravel, 20 yards, from between south side of 500 and Greenwood Gate and 60 yards from Kings Standing and in a subsequent letter stated that the stone is urgently and immediately required. The Board having carefully considered the matter on the proposition of Mr. Corbett seconded by Mr. Martin it was unanimously resolved that the Board regret that they cannot consent to the application as being contrary to the understanding arrived at at the conference held at Lewes on the 21st November 1899 which understanding has ever since been acted upon and is still in existence until terminated by due notice. And that apart from this understanding the Board regret that they must also refuse the application on the ground that their consent to it would in their opinion be prejudicial to the interest of the Forest. And that the Clerk send to the Council a copy of the foregoing resolution. And further that in case the Council applies to the Justices in Petty Sessions for a consent to take road materials a Committee consisting of the Chairman, Messrs. Corbett, Freshfield, Martin and Sandford be and are hereby empowered to take such steps as they may deem expedient to support the Conservators’ case before the Bench. Forest Row drainage Mr. Midgley states that in connection with the Forest Row drainage, the East Grinstead Rural District Council contemplate erecting ventilating shafts on the Forest in positions in which they may cause considerable disfigurement to the Forest. It was resolved that the Forest Row Committee be and are hereby empowered to enquire into the matter and to came to such arrangement and take such action in relation thereto as they may deem expedient. Road corners, improvements of Mr. Midgley points out that in consequence of the heights of the banks and of the gorse growing on them on both sides of the road from West Hoathly by where it joins the Wych Cross road it is impossible to see vehicles coming and there is considerable danger of an accident happening in consequence, and he suggests that the gorse should be cut down and it this proves insufficient that the banks should be lowered. He also points out that the turning of the West Hoathly road into the road by the Priory to Forest Row forms so sharp an angle that accidents have happened to vehicles going round it and he suggests that the angles should be cut back It is resolved that these matters be referred to the Forest Row Committee with power to take such action as they think necessary. Mr. Freshfield. in whom the soil vested where the West Hoathly road joins the road expresses his readiness to consent to such improvements as the Committee may desire to take. Ranger appointment of The Committee appointed at the last meeting to fill up the office of Ranger present the following report which is read and it is resolved that it be entered on the minutes namely: Report of the Committee appointed for the selection and election of new Ranger Your Committee interviewed a young man named Frederick Collingham who produced very favourable testimonials. He was appointed for a month on trial & would doubtless have proved a very desirable officer but unfortunately it was discovered he was suffering from a spinal affliction which rendered him unfit for the work.


The Committee therefore to avoid waste of time cancelled his appointment and paid him one month’s wages £5 which the Board is now asked to repay. They have since appointed on probation for one month Alfred James Pilbeam of Hollington near Hastings at a salary of £1 per week, till Soper leaves at Christmas when his salary will be raised to 25/- if he proves satisfactory. Dated 2nd November 1904 Hy. B. Portman Mark Sandford Albert Turner It is resolved that the action of the Committee be approved and confirmed. It is also resolved that a warm note of thanks be accorded to the Honble H.B. Postman for having presented to the Conservators a bicycle for the use of the new Ranger. The Board decided to interview the new Ranger who was in attendance and he was accordingly summoned and some questions were addressed to him by the Chairman and other members. Fires – plain clothes Constables A letter is read from the Clerk to the Joint Standing Committee stating that at their meeting on the 11th October it was decided to reduce their claim for the services of the two plain clothes Constables between 22nd March and 15th May last to £63:10:0. Bonfires The Clerk reports that he has granted the following licences to have bonfires on the Forest on the 5th. Inst. on the usual conditions to: Mr. Joseph Martin near Chelwood Gate Mr. Thomas Faulkner near Misbourne Audit Committee It is resolved that Messrs. Portman, Sandford & Turner be appointed a Committee to audit the accounts for the current year and report to the meeting on the 16th December next. Cheques It is resolved that cheques be drawn for: Mr. S. Soper 4 weeks salary and house rent as Ranger to 26th September last £5:0:0 6 weeks ditto as Assistant Ranger to 7th inst. £7:10:0

£12:10:0 The Clerk, wages paid to new Rangers £12:15:0 The meeting terminated at 4:45 p.m. George M. Maryon-Wilson Chairman

The Annual Meeting of the Commoners interested in the Forest duly convened by the Clerk by notice in the church door of each of the parishes or ecclesiastical districts into which the Forest extends and 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 held on Saturday the 16th day of December 1904 at 11 o’clock in the forenoon at the Nutley Inn, Nutley. Present The Count Alexander Munster in the Chair The Rt. Honble Muriel Countess De La Warr


The Rt. Honble Lord Brassey K.C.B. The Rt. Honble Sybil De Vere, Lady Brassey The Revd. H.F. Peckham The Revd. L.J. Ogle Mr. George M. Maryon-Wilson Mr. Edward Martin Mr. Ll. Midgley Mr. C.H. Corbett Mr. Thomas Hyde Mr. Mark Sandford Mr. A. Turner Mr. J.G. Gordon Mr. Robert Kenward Count Alexander Munster was unanimously chosen Chairman and having taken the Chair The Clerk read the notice convening the meeting and reported the due publication there of as above mentioned. The minutes of the last annual meeting of Conservators was then read and confirmed. The Clerk read a letter from Mr. Colgate who had served the office of Conservators continuously since the 1st January 1893 tendering his resignation at the end of the current year. On the proposition of Mr. Midgley seconded by Mr. Corbett it was resolved that Mr. Thomas Colgate’s resignation be accepted with much regret and that the thanks of the Commoners be accorded to his valuable services as a Conservators of Ashdown Forest during the part twelve years. The Clerk reported that the Conservators retiring by rotation on the 31st inst were Mr. Maryon-Wilson, Mr. Albert Turner and Mr. Robert Kenward, that a fourth vacancy had occurred during the year by the death of Guy Hardy who would have retired at the same time and that a fifth vacancy was occasioned by the resignation of Mr. Colgate whose term of office would have expired on 31st December 1906 The Chairman stated that he would proceed first with the election of four Conservators of till the first named four vacancies and to serve for the three years ensuing. It was proposed by Mr. Albert Turner and seconded by Mr. Thomas Hyde that Mr. Maryon-Wilson be re-elected as a Conservator. It was proposed by the Mr. Peckham and seconded by Mr. Mark Sandford that Mr. Albert Turner be re-elected a Conservator. It was proposed by Mr. Mark Sandford and seconded by Mr. C.H. Corbett that Mr. Robert Kenward be re-elected as a Conservator. It was proposed by Mr. Maryon-Wilson and seconded by Mr. Albert Turner that the Mr. Honble Thomas Barron Brassey of Berkeley K.C.B. be elected a Conservator. No other communications being made the Chairman declared the above named four Commoners duty elected as Conservators for the ensuring three years. The above four Conservators being prevent at the meeting informed their acceptance of the office. The Chairman their stated to would processed to the election of a Conservators of fill the vacancy occasional by Colgate’s resignation and asked for nominations


It was proposed by Mr. Midgley and seemed by Mr. Albert Turner that Mr. John Edward Eggleton of Fletching be elected a Conservator in place of Mr. Thomas Colgate. Mr. Sandford supported Mr. Eggleton’s nomination. No other nominations being made the Chairman declared Mr. Eggleton duly elected in place of Mr. Thomas Colgate for the remainder of his term ending 31st December 1906. The meeting terminated with a cordial note of thanks to the Chairman Chairman

A meeting of the Conservators of Ashdown Forest duty convened and held at the Nutley Inn Nutley on Friday the 16th day of December 1904 at 11.20 a.m. Present Mr. Geo. M. Maryon-Wilson in the Chair Mr. C.H. Corbett Mr. D.W. Freshfield Mr. Thos. Hyde Mr. Robt. Kenward Mr. Ll. Midgley Mr. Mark Sandford Mr. Albert Turner The minutes of the last meeting are passed and signed. Election of Conservators The Clerk produced and reads the following certificate and it is resolved that it be entered on the minutes namely: 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 propose of electing five Conservators of hereby intimate to you that at such meeting the following were elected namely Mr. George Maryon-Wilson, Mr. Albert Turner, Mr. Robert Kenward and the Right Honourable Thomas Baron Brassey of Berkeley K.C.B. in the place of the 7 Conservators who retire by rotation on the 31st instant, and of the late Mr. Guy Charles Hardy deceased and Mr. John Edward Eggleton in the place of Mr. Thomas Colgate who has resigned and whose term of office would have expired on the 31st day of December 1906. Dated this 16th day of December 1904. A. Munster Chairman The Bank Pass Book is produced showing a balance to the credit of the Conservators of £219:1:1 Upon the motion of the Chairman seconded by Mr. Kenward it is unanimously resolved that in future the meetings of this Board be held at 2 p.m. instead of 11 a.m. On the motion of Mr. Sandford seconded by Mr. Midgley it is unanimously [resolved] that in future the minutes of the Board meetings be provided and copies supplied to each member as early as possible after each meeting.


Ranger appointment of The Committee appointed to select a Forest Ranger present the following report which is read. It is as follows: The Committee to elect a Forest Ranger report that they after giving Alfred James Pilbeam one month trial with S. Soper the retiring Ranger whose report was very favourable, instructed the Clerk to appoint him and this Mr. Raper has done. A.J. Pilbeam whose age is 26 is to give his whole time to the Ranger’s work, his salary to be one pound per week up to 26th December after which it will be twenty five shillings per week to include house rent. His engagement to be terminable on any Monday by either party giving to the other four weeks previous notice in writing. Henry Portman Chairman Mark Sandford Albert Turner The Clerk lays on the table the agreement signed by Pilbeam defining his duties and embodying the terms of his engagement. It is resolved that the action of the Committee be and is hereby confirmed and that the Chairman sign the agreement in token of confirmation. Rangers expenses of removal On the motion of Mr. Sandford seconded by the Mr. Freshfield it is resolved that the Ranger Pilbeam’s expenses of removing into the district amounting to £1:15:0 be paid by the Board. Cottingham’s medical examination; bicycle Also that the Board pay the fee of Dr. Sydenham for examining Cottingham the late candidate for the post of Ranger and the necessary expenses of repair to he Ranger’s bicycle. Bye Laws amendment The Bye Laws Committee report as follows: To the Conservators of Ashdown Forest The Bye Laws Amendment Committee report that the Home Office having submitted a number of points for consideration on the draft amended Bye Laws including amendments of some of the original Bye Laws suggested by experience gained in the working of Bye Laws since our Forest Bye Laws were originally sanctioned, your Committee met an carefully considered all the points raised, and by their request Mr. Martin accompanied by the Clerk attended at the Home Office on the 24th November last and submitted the views of the Committee on the various points, to Mr. Delavingue the gentleman in charge of the matter. Consequent upon the interview the Committee have made certain alterations in and now present an amended draft of the Bye Laws, which they recommend the Board to approve. It should be observed that the alterations refer largely to the old Bye Laws which were purposely left untouched by the Committee. Dated the 16th December 1904. George M. Maryon-Wilson C.H. Corbett Edward Martin Mark Sandford On the motion of Mr. Midgley recommended by Mr. Hyde it is resolved that the report of the Committee and the draft laws which accompany it, be and are hereby approved and adopted and that they be entered on the minutes and that the Committee be instructed to take the necessary steps to procure the confirmation of the amended Bye Laws by the Home Secretary. On the motion of Mr. Midgley seconded by Mr. Turner it is also resolved that the cordial thanks of the Board be tendered to the Committee for the admirable manner in which they have discharged their arduous duties.


Forest Row drainage The Forest Row Committee report that since the last meeting they met Mr. Bailey Fenton’s representative near Mr. Smee’s house and arranged that the proposed ventilation shaft should be placed by the side of a tree in Mr. Smee’s outer garden and the Committee consented so far as the Conservators are concerned to such work being done on the Forest as is necessary for connecting the ventilating shaft with the sewer and impressed on Mr. Bailey Fenton’s representative that the Conservators particularly desire that the shaft may be made as little conspicuous as possible. Road corners improvement The Committee also report that pursuant to the resolution of the last meeting they have caused the gorse to be cut away on both suites of the road from West Hoathly where it joins the Wych Cross road and they think this will prove sufficient without cutting down the bank. Also that the improvement of the turning of the West Hoathly road into the road by the Priory to Forest Row will be dealt with later on. East Grinstead road materials Mr. John Waters and the Mr. Nelson Miles attend as a deputation from the East Grinstead R.D.C. accompanied by Mr J.S. White their Clerk. They submit that at the conference held at Lewes on 21st November 1899 the understanding arrived at was that the Authorities would limit their requirements in future to the smallest possible quantities and was not to the effort (as asserted by the Board ) that the quantity should be gradually reduced, but they admit that as a fact they have accepted but the admit gradually reduction in quantity. They state that Forest stone costs under 5/- a yard and is quick good enough for roads which lie high and dry and without hedges as while other stone costs more than 10/- a yard at the railway. Also that on Kidds Hill forest stone is more suitable than other stone and that on certain other roads Forest stone is as suitable as other stone. The deputation having withdrawn and the matter having been discussed, it is resolved that the Council be asked to define the parts of roads in their district (1) where Forest stone is more suitable than other stone for repairing (2) whole it is equally suitable having regard to prime cost and durability. Also that all future applications indicate for which of these roads the Forest stone is required and what quantity is required for each. The deputation having returned to the Board room the above statements and resolutions are read to them and the Clerk is directed to forward to the Clerk to the Council and to require that particulars of the two classes of roadways of their respective appropriate ****** may be furnished to the Board at an early date. D.W. Freshfield claim to rights Mr. Freshfield claims that the following property belonging to him at Highgate at Forest Row comprising the enclosures nos. 352a, 353, 354, 355, 356, 357, 358, 359, 360, 362, 363, 387 and part 367 on the Ordnance Map second edition 1899 containing together 15½ acres and on behalf of Mr. A.H. Clough. Mr. A.H. Clough claim to rights That the following property belongs to him; that the part at Highgate being no. 316 on the same Ordnance Map and containing 1a :0r :25p are entitled to rights, turn out cattle levant and couchant on the Forest and to take brakes and litter therefrom and desires to have the properties registered as so entitled. The Board having heard the evidence of Michael Mitchell aged 65 years, born at Ashurst Wood and who resided at or in the vicinity of Forest Row all his life it is resolved that the Board is satisfied with the evidence of user and subject to the Clerk enquiring into the properties they admit the claims in respect of the whole or so much of the properties as have been held freehold or copyhold for 60 years last part. Mr. D.W. Freshfield application to lay drain under Forest Mr. D.W. Freshfield draws attention to a very wet portion of the Forest between the north boundary of Prestridge Warren and the high road from Plaw Hatch to Wych Cross near the Ordnance bench mark on the road marked 622.5 and asks permission to drain the same by underground pipes into a water course inside Prestridge Warren. It is resolved that Mr. Freshfield’s application be granted, the work to be carried out subject to the approval of the Forest Row Committee.


Rowbotham road The Clerk reports that immediately after the Board meeting of the 10th September last he wrote to Mr. G.G. Rowbotham as directed at the meeting and he received a reply from that gentleman dated the 21st September which he reads and which states “our wish is only to maintain the road for the use of the Warren property. The width of the road averages about 16’ 0’’ which is ample for our requirements. It is obvious that it would not always be possible to keep the road passable with material taken within the 16’0’’ and we may have occasions to cart materials to fill up bad places, but of course we should not infringe on the Forest for this purpose. It is also equally obvious that if the stone pinnocks are not kept in order the road would soon become impassable”. It is resolved that Mr. Rowbotham be informed that if his reply of the 21st September last refers to user by the Warren property as it now stands the Board are satisfied with the explanation. Rev. J.L. Ogle The Rev. J.L. Ogle attends and applies for permission to drain a portion of the Forest opposite Mr. S.J. Gordon’s house near Stone House bank. It is resolved that the matter be referred to the Forest Row Committee with full power to act. Mr. St. John Smith trespass The Clerk reports that intermediately after the meeting of the 10th September last he wrote to Mr. St. John Smith on the 13th September as directed at the meeting and he reads a reply dated the 15th September stating that he is willing to sow grass seeds at the proper season over the ground disturbed and to pay the yearly acknowledgements of 2/6 each to the Lord and to the Board for permission to retain the bridge over the water course so long as his tenancy of the cottage continues but declined to pay any fee for the licence. It is resolved that if he is not prepared to comply with all the terms mentioned in the Clerk’s letter to him of the 13th September last the bridge must be removed. Forest fires means of dealing with It is resolved that it be referred to a Committee consisting of Messrs. Portman, Kenward, Sandford and Turner to consider the best means of dealing with the problem of fires on the Forest and of limiting as far as possible the areas devastated by them and to make such recommendations as they may think expedient to the next meeting of the Board. Audit of year’s accounts The Committee appointed at the last meeting to audit the accounts for the current year report that they have examined the accounts and compared them with the vouchers and find them correct except that through a clerical error the Clerk has paid into the bank 1/- more than he received, also that the balance shown by the accounts agree with the Bank Pass Book subject to the following payments being made namely: Cheques Mr. S. Soper assistant Ranger 7 weeks salary and house rent to 26th instant £8:15:0 His petty disbursements during the year £1:11:6 The Clerks Disbursements for the year as per vouchers £14:19:5 Postage and receipt stamps do. £3:13:1 Travelling expenses and telegrams do. £7:18:6 Half years salary to 31st instant £50:0:0 And they recommended that cheques be drawn accordingly On the motion of Mr. Kenward seconded by Mr. Ll. Midgley it is resolved that cheques be drawn as recommended, that the accounts be approved and signed by the Chairman and that the usual summary be sent to every Commoner.


Resume It is resolved that the Clerk prepare a summary of the year’s work and on its being approved by the Chairman it be printed and a copy be sent to each Commoners with the summary of accounts. Muriel Countess De La Warr repair of road A letter is read from the Rt. Honble Muriel Countess De La Warr pointing out that the road over the Forest from Old Lodge to Nutley by the Nutley windmill has fallen into disrepair and is now impassable for any traffic other than heavy carts and stating that Lady Brassey and she are desirous of putting it into suitable repair as a road for carriages. Mr. Albert Turner states that he has known the road all his life and that is used to be a carriage road by the residents of Old Lodge and was in kept in repair fit for that propose. It is resolved that subject to the assent of the Lord being obtained the permission of the Board be and is hereby granted to Lady De La Warr and Lady Brassey to repair the road accordingly. Ladies Golf Club A letter is read from the Honble Secretary of the Ladies Golf Club at Forest Row asking for permission to put a few stands round the top side of the 4th green on the Ladies ******* which has just been relaid in order to keep off the cattle which seriously damage it by going over it this **** weather. It is resolved that as far as the Board is concerned the application be granted to put up the fence and maintain it till 1st May next if necessary Hartfield Grove pit fence defective The Ranger reports that the pit near Hartfield Grove from which Mr. Rowbotham obtained materials to make up the road authorised by the Board on the 29th June 1903 is in a dangerous condition, part of ht fence having fallen in. It is resolved the Clerk write to the Lord’s representative requesting that the fence be repaired. Broadstone Farm litter cut for The Ranger reports that on the 7th October he found Albert Gammon of Broadstone Warren cutting litter on the Forest who states he was employed to do so by Mr. J. Claude Johnstone of Broadstone Farm. It is resolved that the Clerk inquires of the Mr Johnstone whether he employs Gammon for the propose and if so warn him that Broadstone Farm has no right on the Forest and that he must not trespass again. Hendal Farm Withyham Lord De La Warr’s litter cut for The Ranger reports that on the 3rd November near St John’s he saw Ernest Killick of Mardens Hill cutting litter on the Forest who stated he was employed to do so by Mr. C. Hall the tenant of Hendal Farm, Withyham, belonging to Earl De La Warr. It was resolved that the Clerk look in to the matter. Next meeting It is resolved that the next meeting he held on Nutley the 10th day of February next or on such earlier date as the present Chairman may deem necessary. Chairman vote of thanks A cordial vote of thanks is accorded to the Chairman for his service during the past year. The meeting terminated at 4.20 p.m. George M. Maryon-Wilson Chairman

A meeting of the Conservators of Ashdown Forest duty convened and held at the Nutley Inn, Nutley on Friday the 10th day of February 1905 at 2 p.m. Present Mr. George M. Maryon-Wilson in the Chair The Honble H.B. Portman


Mr. J.C. Eggleton Mr. D.W. Freshfield Mr. Thomas Hyde Mr. Robert Kenward Mr. Edward Martin Mr. Llewellyn Midgley Mr. Mark Sandford Chairman temporary This being the first meeting of the year the first business was the election of Chairman of the Board for the current year. Mr. Freshfield was temporarily voted to the Chair. Chairman election On the proposition resolved that Mr. Geo. Maryon Maryon-Wilson be the Chairman of the Board for the current year. Mr. Maryon-Wilson having taken the Chair thanked the meeting for their confidence and briefly commented upon the most important features of the work carried out by the Board during the past year. Forest Row Committee It is resolved that Messrs. Corbett Freshfield Hyde Martin and Midgley be appointed the Forest Row Committee for the current year. Freshfield Committee Also that the Honble Portman, Lord Brassey and Messrs. Turner Kenward Sandford and Eggleton be appointed the Freshfield Committee of the current year. Minutes The Minutes of the last meeting are passed and signed. The Clerk reports that Mr. Banister is prepared to print 15 copies of the minutes of each meeting in the same manner as the minutes of the last meeting were printed at a charge of 5/- for 15 copies of each page. A full half page to be charged as a page and less than half a page not to be charged for. It is resolved that his tender be accepted for the current year. Bank pass book The Bank Pass Book is produced showing that a balance in the bank of £141:18:11. Resume & balance sheet Prints of the resume and abstract of accounts for 1904 are laid on the table and the Clerk reports that copies were sent to every commoner. Alteration of Bye Laws The Clerk reports that after the last meeting he attended at the Home Office and submitted the further amendments made at the last Board meeting and that Mr. Delavingne approved them, expect that in Bye Law now numbered 18 he submitted the word “or” for “and “ and in Byelaw now numbered 19, he objected to the addition at the end of he words “no authorised person shall at any time place or suffer to remain upon the common any wheeled convenience whatever” and required the restoration in the first line of the words “or place or suffer to remain” notwithstanding the reason given by the Board for the alteration. Also that he struck out the latter part of the repeating clause as being provided for by Statute. Subject to these amendments he stated that the Home Secretary would be prepared to confirm the Bye Laws, but that before the notices are issued under the Commons Act 1876 the Board must adopt the Bye Laws as finally altered. The Clerk produces a copy of the laws as finally altered and it is resolved that they be entered on the minutes. They are as follows:


ASHDOWN FOREST BYE–LAWS. 1. In the construction of these Bye-Laws The word “Common” means Ashdown Forest, referred to in the Commons Regulation (Ashdown Forest) Provisional Order confirmation Act, 1885, and as delineated and coloured green and red in the map (part 1) annexed to the Award dated the 28th March, 1887 of WILLIAM AUGUSTUS RAPER, the Valuer appointed in the matter of the said Regulation, or any part of the said common. The term the “Conservators” means the Conservators for the time being appointed by or under the said Award. The term “Recreation Ground” means any part of the common reserved under the provisions of the said act for the purpose of playing cricket and other games, and coloured red on the said map(part 1). The term “Authorised person” in these Bye–Laws means and includes (a) Any person acting by virtue and in due pursuance and under the authority of some provision of the said act,

or of some estate, interest, or right of a profitable of beneficial nature, in, over, or affecting the common of some part thereof, and legally entitled so the act.

(b) Any servant of any authorised person expressly employed by him for any purpose within his rights. But a servant employed by an authorised person to cut brakes or litter of this clause, unless he shall produce, if demanded, to a Conservator or any officer of the Conservators, an authority in writing, signed by his employer, and dated not more than twenty-one days previously.

(c) Any person for the time being duly authorised by the Conservators or their officer in writing. (d) The term “unauthorised person” means and includes any person other than an authorised person as above

defined. 2. No unauthorised person shall erect or place of suffer to remain upon the common any hut, booth, tent,

stall, post, hurdle, or other erection. (3). No unauthorised person shall shoot, chase, trap, snare, or take any wild animal or bird, or any egg or nest of

any wild bird upon any part of the common or shall have in his possession upon the common any gun or part of a gun, or any trap, snare, net or other instrument commonly used for any of these purposes.

(4) No person, unless expressly authorised by the Conservators or their officer in writing, shall light any fire

upon the common or set fire to any gorse, furze, broom, brakes, fern, heather, rushes, grass, litter, herbage, under wood or other growth upon the common; or place, throw or let fall thereon any substance, article or thing which may cause or be likely to cause damage by fire to anything growing or being upon the common.

(5) No unauthorised person shall turn out, or keep, or remain on the common, any animal (whether of a

common able nature or not) or any turkeys, geese, ducks or fowls, for pasturage or any other purpose. (6) The Conservators may from time to time fix the number of common able animals which each authorised

person may turn out on the common and after notice thereof, no authorised person shall turn out or suffer to remain on the common a greater number of common able animals than the number so fixed as his proportion.

(7) No unauthorised person shall cut, dig, take or remove any sods, turf, peat, bog earth, brick earth, sand,

gravel, stone or other substance, on from any part of the common, or otherwise dig upon or in, or break up or disturb the surface of the common.

(8) Any authorised person who shall dig stone or other substance on the common, shall do as little damage to

the surface as reasonably may be he shall carefully preserve the top spit of soil, and, as soon as reasonably


may be, he shall re-place and level the soil and re-spread the top spit thereon, so the restore the surface as nearly as may be to its former condition, and so long as any excavation likely to be dangerous to man or beast shall remain open, he shall keep it securely fenced.

(9) No authorised person shall cut, dig, take or remove any peat, bog earth, or turf, for fuel or any other

purpose, except on or from such parts of the common as shall from time be set apart by the Conservators for the purpose.

(10) No unauthorised person shall cut, take, remove, or destroy any gorse, furze, broom, brakes, fern, heather,

rushes, grass, litter or herbage on or from the common. (11) No authorised person shall cut, take, or remove brakes or litter, on or from the common, except for use on

land having common appending or appurtenant thereto over the said common. No person shall cut, take or remove any brakes or litter, upon or from any part of the common which the Conservators may from time to time reserve, for the preservation or improvement of the brakes and litter growing thereon, provided that the boundaries of the part or parts so reserved be sufficiently marked by posts, or defined by other sufficient boundaries, and that notice of such reservation be published in not less than one local newspaper, and by printed notices posted up and, as far as possible, continuous maintained in the vicinity of the part or parts so to be reserved, not less than fourteen days before the date when such reservation shall commence. No person shall cut or remove any brakes upon or from any part or the common, between the 1st day of February and the 1st day of August both inclusive. No person shall cut, take or remove any litter upon or from any part of the common, between the 1st day of April and the 30th of September both inclusive. (12) No unauthorised person shall cut, fell, take, remove, damage or destroy any tree, sapling, teller, shrub,

brush, underwood or brushwood upon or from any part of the common. (13) No person shall injure, destroy damage, deface, or, except by the authority of the Conservators, remove any

notice board, notice post or mark which may from time to time be erected or placed upon the common by or by the authority of the Conservators.

No person shall pull down, destroy, damage, or except by the authority of the Conservators, remove any building, fence, post, rail, chain, barrier, gate or other erection, of a similar kind, or any mound, bank or prepared sward which may from time to time be erected, placed, raised or made upon the common by or by the authority of the Conservators. (14) No person, except by the authority of the Conservators, shall post, or fix up any bill, placard, notice or

advertisement upon the common or upon any tree, bank fence building or other erection thereon. (15) No person by the authority of the Conservators shall deposit or leave any building or trade materials,

timber, faggots, soil, manure, refuse or rubbish whatsoever upon the common. (16) No person shall pollute the water in any pond, pool, spring, stream, or watercourse on the common and no

person except by the authority of the Conservators, shall obstruct or divert any such pond, pool, spring, stream or watercourse.

(17) The Superintendent of each Recreation Ground appointed by the Conservators shall have the management

and general control of such ground, and shall have the power to set apart and either fence in or mark out in a conspicuous manner a portion thereof for the purpose of cricket matches or any other special purposes of recreation; and no person shall play any game on or drive or ride or pass over the portion of any recreation ground so set apart as aforesaid, or over any other portion of any recreation ground, which may be from time to time enclosed by the Conservators or by their authority, without the permission of such


Superintendent or some person duly authorised by him in writing. No person shall obstruct or interfere with any person playing or who shall have made preparations for playing at civet or any other lawful game upon any recreation ground.

(18) No person shall brawl or fight or use violent or indecent or obscene language or commit any nuisance

contrary to public decency or propriety or act in an indecent or disorderly manner upon the common. (19) No unauthorised person shall at any time use the common for the purpose of exercising horse, or drive,

take or use or place or suffer to remain any wheeled conveyance whatever upon or over the common, except upon the roads or cart tracks over which the public have a right to ride or drive as the case may be.

(20) Except as provided by any Bye-Law no person shall enclose any part of the common. Any unauthorised

enclosure, building or other obstruction on the common shall forthwith be removed by the Conservators or their Officer.

(21) Every person acting in, taking part in, aiding or abetting the violation of any of the foregoing Bye-Laws,

shall for every offence be liable to a penalty not exceeding the sum of 40/-. (22). Nothing in these Bye-Laws shall be construed to take away, abridge or prejudicially affect the rights of the

Lord of the Manor of Duddleswell, in or over the common. (23). Nothing in these Bye-Laws shall take away, abridge or prejudicially affect any right, power or authority

vested otherwise than by these Bye-Laws in the Conservators, or in any police constable, or any other legally existing authority, to prevent or punish the offences hereinbefore specified.

The Bye-Laws made for the protection of Ashdown Forest, and confirmed by one of Her late Majesty’s principal Secretaries of State, on the 8th day of August, 1887, are hereby repealed. On the proposition of Mr. Freshfield seconded by Mr. Midgley it was unanimously resolved that the present Bye-Law nos. 2 & 19 be and are hereby revoked. That the present Bye-Law nos. 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18 & 20 be and are hereby altered as set forth above and that the additional Bye-Laws numbered 10 & 22 be and are hereby made. That Bye-Laws Nos. 3, 4, 5 and 6 so altered be renumbered respectively 2, 3, 4 and 5. That Bye-Laws 7, 8 and 9 which are not altered be renumbered respectively 6,7 & 8. That Bye-Law 11 so altered and divided into two as aforesaid and be renumbered 10 & 11 and that Bye-Law 22 which is not altered be renumbered 20. Also that the Board take the steps required by section 17 of the Commons Act 1876, and in due course apply to the Home Secretary to confirm the revocation of the Bye–Laws so revoked as aforesaid and the alteration of the Bye-Laws so altered as aforesaid and to confirm the additional Bye-Law made as aforesaid. And the Clerk be and is hereby authorised to take the necessary steps on behalf of the Board. East Grinstead R.D.C. list of roads The Clerk reads the following particulars received from the East Grinstead Rural District Council pursuant to the arrangement made at the last meeting: Roads for the repair of which Forest stone is more suitable than other stone. Road Length Average quantity of stone required for

repairs From Coleman’s Hatch to the top of Kidd’s Hill 1 ½ miles 100 yards Whitehouse Road 1 mile 50 yards

Roads for the repair of which Forest stone is equally suitable having regard to prime cost and durability.


Road Length Average quantity of stone required for repairs

From Newbridge Water to Jumpers Town 1 ¼ miles 80 yards From Harts Lane Bridge to Chuck Hatch 1 ¼ miles 100 yards Step Lane ½ mile 30 yards Hoadleys Lane 1 mile 40 yards same stone From the Goat to ***** also Bridge 2 miles 40 yards same stone

Total 440 yards Application for materials The Council also applies for licence to dig the average quantities marked against each road for the year ending 25th March 1906. It is resolved that it be referred to the Forest Row Committee (except Mr. Midgley who is a member of the Council but with the addition of Mr. Kenward to view the roads mentioned and instruct the Clerk what reply to make to the Council. Mr. Freshfield application to drain part of Forest The Forest Row Committee present the following report which is read and it is resolved that it be adopted and entered on the minutes. Report of Forest Row Committee Mr. Ogle’s Application The Committee met Mr. Ogle on the Forest by Chapel Lane & viewed the place Mr. Ogle wished to drain. Mr. Ogle’s demands seemed reasonable & advantageous to the Forest & the Committee gave him the desired permission. The Committee understands that the work has been done. At the same time the Committee availed themselves of the offer of the Contractor of the Forest Row Drainage works to supply material & remake a footpath & improve an inconvenient corner at the top of Chapel Lane. Mr. Martin kindly undertook to superintend the work & the Committee now ask the Board to sanction the expense it incurred which is not likely to exceed five pounds. The Committee could not wait to obtain the Board's express sanction as if they had waited the Contractor would have removed the materials. Mr. Freshfield s Application The Committees are of opinion that the proposed drainage would improve the Forest & should be allowed. C H Corbett Chairman Feb 9/05 It is also resolved that the action of the Committee with reference to the footpath and improvement at the corned of Chapel Lane be confirmed and that the cost be paid out of the Protection and Improvement Fund. Shalesbrook road repair It is also resolved that it be referred to the Forest Row Committee to inspect the condition of the road crossing the Forest from Chapel Lane to Shalesbrook and make such recommendations as they may think fit. Ramsbotham’s Road The Clerk reports that he wrote to Mr. Ramsbotham in terms of the resolution passed at the last meeting and received a reply dated 22nd December 1904: the reply stating “I beg to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 19th inst. for which I am much obliged”. It is resolved that as this is not a reply and the question whether his letter of the 21st September last refers and user of the road by the Warren property as it now stands the Clerk write to him again requesting a definite reply on that point.


Mr. St. John Smith licence for bridge The Clerk produces the licence to Mr. St. John Smith to maintain a bridge, sanctioned at the meeting of the 10th September last and since completed, and reports that Mr. St John Smith has paid the acknowledgement thereby reserved. Forest fires means of dealing with The Committee appointed at the last meeting to consider the best means of dealing with the problem of fires on the Forest and of limiting as far as possible the areas devastated present their report which is read and considered and it is resolved that it be entered on the minutes. It is as follows: Ashdown Forest Conservators Report of Committee appointed to advise as to Forest fires. This Committee met at Buxted Park on the 26th January. The Ranger attended and reported that several fires occurred on Sunday 15th January last. The Committee are unanimously of opinion that the Conservators should themselves employ labour at once to cut and burn selected portions of the Forest. The following resolutions were unanimously passed: 1st That it is desirable that the furze and underwood in the more dangerous places near houses, hedges and fences should be cut by men employed by the Conservators and that the more central portions of tall furze and heather should be blocked out by out rides and then burned at stated times by men employed by the Board. 2nd That two small Committees be formed from the whole body of Conservators to assist the Ranger to set out year by year the portions to be cut and burned and also to help in the regulation of the works. Henry Portman Chairman. It is resolved that the Clerk apply to Mr. Nicholson and obtain the Lord’s permission for the Conservators to cut and burn gorse, furze and undergrowth where they may deem it necessary for preventing the spread of fires on the Forest, for protecting property from injury by such fires, and for the improvement of the Forest. It is resolved that in the event of the Lord's consent being obtained to the foregoing application the Chairman be authorised to obtain the advice of an expert as to carrying out the cutting and burning and that the Forest Row Committee and the Maresfield Committee in their respective districts be and are hereby authorised to cut and burn the gorse, furze and undergrowth as they may deem expedient for effecting the above purposes, the expenditure to be charged to the Protection and Improvement Fund. Broadstone Farm litter for The Clerk reports that in accordance with the resolution passed at the last meeting he wrote to Mr. J. Claude Johnson, the purchaser of Broadstone Farm who replied he was informed that the tenants of the farm had without interference taken litter from the Forest for at any rate 10 years and he believed from time immemorial and he enquired whether it was within the Clerk’s knowledge whether Lord De La Warr the late owner of Broadstone Farm was debarred from the Forest rights. The Clerk replied that the fact the farm had only recently ceased to belong to Lord De La Warr who was also owner of the soil of the Forest was conclusion that no right of common can be established for Broadstone Farm as no man can have a profit a prendre in his own soil Mr. Johnson replied that he must get further information from Lord De La Warr. It is resolved that the Clerk await his reply. Hendall Farm litter cut for The Clerk reports that after the last meeting he wrote to Mr. Hall enquiring whether Killick had cut the litter by his instructions and Mr. Hall replied that it was not correct as he had given up possession of Hendall Farm on 26th October last to Mr. Lambe of Cloughmere, Crowborough. As the farm belongs to Lord De La Warr a number of whose tenants have been already admitted to cut litter under the reservation in the judgement in Hale v De La


Warr, far in excess of the number represented at the time, and on the faith of which the reservation was agreed to, the Clerk desires instructions before moving further in the matter. It is resolved that he write to Mr. Lambe requiring him to desist from cutting in future. Mr. W.H. Cowan’s roads The Clerk reports that Mr. Sylvanus Ridley had recently sold the cottage and four fields lying out on the Forest to the east of Duddleswell and known as Crows Nest to Mr. W.H. Coward who has commenced building a residence for himself some distance from the cottage and that as building materials were being carted over the Forest land by the constructors Messrs. Strange & sons of Tunbridge Wells, the Clerk wrote them that they were committing an illegal act and they replied proposing to lay down a sleeper road. The Clerk also received from Mr. Cowan’s solicitors, Messrs. Nicholl Manisty & Co. a letter dated 30th December last stating that Mr. Cowan had directed the builder to take the materials over his own road. On 9th January they wrote asking permission for Mr. Cowan to make a new and permanent road direct from the highway to his new house in addition to the cartway already leading to the old premises. The Clerk replied he would lay the applications before the Board but pointed out that the existing right of way over the Forest could only be used for the same purposes and to the same extent as heretofore and that without the consent of the Lord and the Conservators the increased traffic could not legally be carried over the existing track which statement of law Mr. Cowan’s Solicitors dispute. Subsequently a modified application was made accompanied by the plan which the Clerk produces that while retaining and metalling the existing track Mr. Cowan may make and maintain a permanent carriage road branching from it across the Forest to his new house retaining also the use of grass tract, leading to a field gate as shown on the plan. The Clerk referred the correspondence to the Chairman who reports that in conjunction with Mr. Portman he inspected the road on 23rd January and they present a report which is read and it is resolved that it be approved and entered on the minutes: Buxted Park Uckfield Sussex 23/1/1905 My dear Sir, Cowan’s application I have inspected this road very carefully with Mr. Portman this morning in connection with the plan received from you yesterday although the plan as drawn does not enable us to judge very accurately at what distance from the high road Mr. Cowan proposes to branch off out of the existing road “A” to make his new drive across the Forest to the house when built we are both agreed that his application for this new road as such should be refused by the Conservators and that he should be confined to the existing road A for his approach to the house. This restriction is a real hardship on Mr. Cowan although it will entail possessions by his ***** shed on his way to the house an objection which the new drive is presumably intended to avoid but to sanction this (new drive) would in our opinion of setting a precedent which the Board should certainly oppose. As it is, it will entail permission to ultimately metal the grass track from the point where it now leaves road A to the nearest gate so as to complete this access to the house but in the circumstance we think this should be given with regard to the question of carting building materials over this track it is a matter which does not admit of delay but must be dealt with at once. We are strongly of opinion that in all the circumstances the carting should be allowed to proceed on the express conditions that sleepers should now be laid down all the way from the point where the track leaves the metalled road (A) to the nearest gate as the entrance to the builders site and that permission should be given on these terms - it being clearly pointed out to Mr. Cowan that in as much as the carting of building materials over this track hitherto has been an illegal user of it, this permission is granted now as a matter of favour and not conceded as a right Believe me Yours faithfully


George M. Maryon-Wilson Henry B Portman W. Aug. Raper In pursuance of the Chairman’s instruction the Clerk wrote Messrs. Nicholl, Manisty on the 24th January that so far as the Conservators are concerned they will not object to the cartage of building materials proceeding partly over the existing road and then across the Forest land to a gate near the new house on the express conditions that sleepers be at once laid down all the way from the metalled road to the gate. That as the cartage has been an illegal user of the track the consent of the Conservators in given as a matter of favour and is not conceded as a right; and that as the soil of the Forest belongs to Earl De La Warr the Conservators can only assent and that permission must also be obtained from his Lordship; and that the other parts of the application would be delta with by the Board at their next meeting. It is resolved that the Clerk reply to Messrs. Nicholl, Manisty & Co. informing them that the Conservators cannot consent to the making of the proposed new road. Tompsetts Bank Sandpit The Clerk reports that the fencing of the sandpit near Mr. Russell’s house, having become unsafe, he wrote to Mr. Joseph Luxford lesser of the pit, who undertook to have the fence put in order and the Ranger reports it has since been done. James Waters carting materials The Clerk reports that Mr. James Waters builder of Forest Row who was erecting a building on Sir Spencer Walpole’s property near Coleman’s Hatch carted materials over the Forest and put them over the hedge. The Clerk wrote Mr. Waters pointing out that no one has a rights to cast over the Forest, except by regular rights of way and called upon him to make good the damage done by his carts forthwith, and warned him that if he should repeat the offence, proceedings would be taken against him. The Clerk received no reply but the Ranger reports that Mr. Waters ceased to cart materials over the Forest land. Forest Row Golf Club repairs Applications having been made by the Royal Ashdown Forest Golf Club, for permission to remove 10 square yards of turf from the Forest below the Club House for returfing the first green, the club undertakings to specially prepare the surface pared and relay it with other turf. It is resolved that the application be granted. Ridley removing mud from Forest The Ranger reports that on the 23rd December last Sylvanus Ridley now residing near Stone Hill had scraped up several heaps of slush on the Forest outside his premises and was carting it into his field. It is resolved that the Clerk inform him he has no right to do so. Fires The Ranger reports that fires have occurred on the Forest since the last meeting namely on 15th January near Spring Gardens burning 5 or 6 acres and near Wren’s Warren burning about 60 acres and on 4th February near Duddleswell house burning about 4 acres. Cheque It is resolved that a cheque be drawn as follows: The Ranger seven weeks salary & house rent to the 13th instant ₤8.15.0. It is resolved that the next meeting be held on Friday the 7th April next unless the Chairman deem it expedient to convene it earlier. The meeting terminated at 4.15 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 day of April 1905 at 2 p.m. Present George M. Maryon-Wilson in the Chair. Mr. E.A. Nicholson representing the Lord The Honble H.B. Portman Mr. C.H. Corbett Mr. J.E. Eggleton Mr. D.W. Freshfield Mr. Edward Martin Mr. Ll. Midgley Mr. M. Sandford Mr. A. Turner The minutes of the last meeting are confirmed and signed. The Bank Pass Book is produced showing a balance in the bank of ₤134:3:10. Ranger’s presence at meetings On the proposition of Mr. Sandford seconded by Mr. Midgley it is resolved that with a view to the Ranger informing himself thoroughly as to his work he be present in the room at the meetings of the Board except at such times as the Chairman considers it expedient that he should withdraw. Bye-Laws, alterations of objections thereto A letter is read from the Home Secretary submitting for the consideration and observation of the Board a notice of objections to the proposed new Bye-Laws submitted by a Committee elected at a meeting stated to be of Commoners and Foresters held at Nutley on the 16th March last. The notice of objections is also read and they are taken ******** and carefully considered, the replies thereto are settled and the Clerk is directed to communicate them to the Home Office. Foresters’ claim’ Mr. Corbett stated that it has been represented to him that there are a number of Foresters who thinks they have been deprived of rights on the Forest because their 60 years user has not been recognised. It is resolved that the Clerk apply to Mr. Jesse Ridley of Horney common the secretary of the Foresters’ Protection Association, to provide him with the names and addresses of any such Foresters and particulars of the holdings in respect of which they think they ought to have rights. East Grinstead R.D.C. List of roads The Forest Row Committee (Mr. Midgley and Mr. Freshfield excepted) report that they have surveyed the roads mentioned in the particulars submitted last meeting by the East Grinstead Rural District Council and considered at the last meeting and report that in their opinion Forest stone is more suitable than other stone for the repair of the two first mentioned roads and recommend that the application of the Council for consent to take stone from the Forest for their repair during the year ending 25th March 1906 be granted namely: Road Length Average quantity of stone

required for repairs

From Coleman’s Hatch to the top of Kidd’s Hill

1 ½ miles 100 yards To be taken from near Kingstanding

Whitehouse Road 1 mile 50 yards To be taken from between 500 & Greenwood Gate

As regards the remaining roads for the repair of which the Council state that stone is equally suitable having regard to prime cost and durability the Committee report that having regard to the unavoidable damage that must be done


to the Forest by digging and the absence of any compensating advantage to the public they consider that the application to take stone from the Forest for their repair should not be granted. Road authority’s licences to take materials It is resolved that the report of the report of the Committee be approved and adopted that the Clerk issue a licence to the Council to take the above mentioned quantities for repair of the two above named roads, subject to the usual conditions and that the Council be informed of the Board’s decision with regard to the application to take materials for the repair of the other roads. The East Sussex County Council having applied for the consent of the Board to take the undermentioned materials during the year ending 25th March 1906 for repair of the undermentioned roads. West Road District Kingstanding Forest gravel 120 Council gate Forest gravel 120 Central Road district Isle of Thorns pit near Chelwood gate Forest gravel 120 Pippingford pit hardstone & sandstone dug

in finding the hard stone 50 Kingstanding pit Forest gravel 100 It is resolved that the Clerk issue a licence to take the same subject to the usual conditions pointing out to the County Clerk that they observe that the quantity applied for is 5 yards in excess of the quantity granted last year but that as the increase is so small the Board while adhering to the arrangement arrived at the conference of the 21st November 1899 have not thought it necessary to reduce it. Chapel lane improvement The Forest Row Committee submits the bill of Messrs. Isaac Waters & Sons amounting to ₤3:6:0 for improvements made at the corner of Chapel Lane and recommend payment thereof. It is resolved that the amount be paid out of the Protection and Improvement Fund. Shalesbrook road repair of The Committee state they are not yet ready to report as to repairing the road from Chapel Lane to Shalesbrook. Ramsbotham road The Clerk reports that be wrote to Mr. E.G. Ramsbotham as directed at the last meeting asking whether his letter of 21st September last refers to user of the road by the Warren property as it understands and received a reply from Mr. Ramsbotham stating that he could not understand what the Conservators were referring to. It is resolved that as the letter already sent to Mr. Ramsbotham sufficiently shows the views of the Board with regard to the road it is unnecessary to continue the correspondence. Forest fires report of Committee The Committee appointed to consider the last means of dealing with fires on the Forest present the following report which is read and considered and it is resolved that it the entered on the minutes. It is as follows: Ashdown Forest Report of the Committee appointed by the Conservators on the 16th December to consider the best means of dealing with the problem of fires on the Forest, and if limiting, as far as possible, the areas devastated by them.


Your Committee report that they met at Nutley on the 24th February 1905 as a meeting specially convened by the Chairman to consider proposals submitted by him with reference to this question. Present Mr. G.M. Maryon-Wilson in the Chair The Honble H.B. Postman Mr. E. Martin Mr. R. Kenward Mr. M. Sandford As regards burning, Mr. Nicholson wrote that he thought it better not for the present to trouble Lord De La Warr further, as the Conservators already have authority to cut, subject to the Reeve's approval and probably there may be over little necessity to burn. The Chairman read two letters which he had received from Mr. Freshfield to the effect that fires are dangerous to the fir trees and birches and that he objects to burning on that part of the Forest of which he is Lord, particularly as no cases of incendiarism have occurred there, and he advocates spending more money, if necessary, on cutting. The Chairman then submitted his proposals which were two and it was unanimously resolved to adopt the first namely: That before the Conservators take any steps to burn any part of the Forest growth, an appeal be issued to the Commoners, pointing out the injury caused by incendiary fires, and appealing for their co-operation to stop them. Also that if the appeal is not effectual, the Board be recommended to issue a notice to the Commoners, stating what course the Conservators intend to take. The appeal which the Chairman had drafted was then considered and settled in the form annexed to this report, and your Committee directed the Clerk to have 100 copies printed as posters, and a sufficient number printed as handbills, and send two copies of the handbill by post to each commoner, and instruct the Ranger to deliver copies at all the cottages on and around the Forest. Also that the Ranger leave copies of the posters at all the public houses and beer shops, on and around the Forest, and put up copies in conspicuous places round the Forest. The Ranger to consult the Conservators locally, as to distributing the handbills and posting the posters. The Committee also directed the Clerk to communicate with owners of properties adjoining the Forest which might he damaged by fires on the Forest informing them that if desire to cut strips of gorse bushes (as distinguished from litter) of definite width on the Forest, immediately outside their properties, and will apply to and obtain the written consent of the Lord’s Reeve, and produce it to the Clerk, the Conservators will give their sanction, and that the Committee authorise the Clerk to give such sanction accordingly. Dated this 24th February 1905. H.B. Portman Mark Sandford Robt. Kenward Edward Martin Ashdown Forest In consequence of the repeated outbreaks of fires upon the Forest in the course of the last few years, the Conservators who are responsible for its preservation and control, find themselves obliged to take measures with a view of putting a stop to them, not only in the interests of the Commoners themselves, but of the public at large as there fires constitute a very serious danger to buildings and property generally, irrespective of the injury which they are causing to the Forest as a whole.


They therefore, after full consideration, have decided that in the event of there being a repetition of these fires this spring, they will have no alternative but to adopt a scheme which will take the form of cutting the furze and underwood on all dangerous portions of the Forest with special regard to the proximity of buildings, etc., while on the more central portions of its area tall furze and heather will be cut into Clerks and burnt. The whole of this work will be carried out in sections under the directions of an expert who will be specially engaged by the Conservators for the purpose. The Conservators however trust that the Commoners will by every means in their power, take steps to prevent a repetition of these fires this year, and they used earnestly appeal to them to do so and thus render it unnecessary for the Conservators to put in force the scheme which has been described, with the consequent expense which it will entail. G.M. Maryon–Wilson, Chairman of the Conservators of Ashdown Forest February 1905. The Clerk reports that by direction of the Committee he caused two copies of the appeal to be sent to every Commoner and handed about 300 copies to the Ranger to distribute round the Forest and had 100 copies printed as posters, which the Ranger distributed and posted up as directed by the Committee. It is resolved that the report of the Committee and the action taken by them, be and is hereby approved and confirmed. Hendall Farm, Withyham litter cut for A letter is read from Mr. Lambe the tenant of Hendall Farm Withyham, stating he had litter cut on the Forest under the impression he had a right to do so but that he will give orders that no more shall be cut for him in the future. Mr. W.H. Cowan’s roads The Clerk reports he wrote to Mr. Cowan’s Solicitors as directed at the last meeting, who expressed surprise at the Board’s decision, and asked the reasons to which the Clerk replied that reasons of the Board were not recorded and pointing out: (1) That Mr. Cowan’s property was originally an encroachment taken from the Forest. (2) That it already has a sufficient roadway to it for all purposes. (3) That the Conservators have the duly imposed on them by Parliament of protecting the Forest from encroachments and trespasses, its preservation in its natural condition and the prevention of all acts leading to damage its surface. The Clerk stated he kept Mr. Nicholson acquainted with all that transpired and he fully approved of what had been done. A.G. Jones encroachments The Ranger having reported that Mr. A G Jones of Mount Pleasant, Fairwarp, had made an encroachment on the Forest on the west side of his property, by putting out his bank some 16 inches along a distance of 12 or 14 yards. Mr. Jones attends before the Board and states that just beyond his farm gate a horse got into the field, and broke the bank down last summer, and he put it up again with bushes and states, as near as he could tell on the same line as before, and he protested that he had not encroached. He stated that the bank has fallen down two or these times and can put up again and he asks permission to use a heap of earth, which lay close to the neighbouring pond on the Forest, for the purpose of making up the bank in a more substantial manner. It is resolved that the Chairman, the Honble H.B. Portman and Mr. Sandford be requested to meet Mr. Jones on the spot to decide whether he may use the earth or not, and if he be allowed to use it, then the exact position of the bank and of the outside boundary of Mr. Jones’ property at that point.


Mr. Jones also applies for permission to make a good road to his property. It is resolved that when the Committee visits the spot they consider this application and report. Vetchery roads Mr. E.A. Nicholson stated that Lord De La Warr’s property the Vetchery is about to be offered by Auction, and that it appears that there are at least 2 tracks from the Vetchery across he Forest at spots nearly opposite the entrance to Pippingford on the Nutley to Wych Cross road, and that enquiries may be made at the Auction whether the purchaser might make 1 metalled road in lieu of these tracks and he is desirous of ascertaining the views of the Board on the subject. On the proposition of Mr. Sandford, seconded by Mr. Turner, it is resolved that in case of a sale, the Board will be disposed to consider an application from the purchaser, for permission to make and maintain one metalled road, from the Vetchery to the Wych Cross road in lieu of all existing tracks between the Vetchery and that road. E. Reed complaint The Clerk reads a letter from Mr. Reed of Bank Cottage near Broad stone, dated 8th March last, complaining that the Royal Ashdown Forest Golf Club have fenced in Forest Land and stated he replied that the Board authorised the temporary fencing in of a green, till the turf was established and suggested that having regard to the money circulated in the neighbourhood by the members of the Club, it was not an unreasonable privilege to grant them. Royal Ashdown Forest Golf Club application to cut heather A letter from the Royal Ashdown Forest Golf Club dated 14th March last is read asking permission to cut some heather on the Forest to lay over drain pipes which are being laid on the course. It is resolved that the Clerk inform the Club that the Board is unable to grant permission. Forest fires charge for plain clothes Constables The Chief Constable having applied for payment of the bill of the Standing Joint Committee for ₤63:10:0 being the charge for the services of plain clothes constables last spring, in connection with the Forest fires. It is resolved that ₤30 on account be paid to the Chief Constable out of the Protection and Improvement Fund. W Watson complaint A complaint is made by Mr. W Watson of Nutley Cottage, Forest Row with reference to cattle standing in front of his house. It is resolved that it be referred to the Forest Row Committee to enquire into the matters. Cheque It is resolved that the following cheques be drawn namely: Messrs. Isaac Waters & Sons for improvements at the corner of Chapel Lane ₤3:6:0 The Ranger 8 weeks salary and house rent to 10th instant ₤10:0:0 It is resolved that the next meeting of the Board be held on Friday the 30th June next or such earlier date as the Chairman may deem it necessary to fix. The meeting terminated at 5.30 p.m. George M. Maryon-Wilson Chairman

A meeting of the Conservators of Ashdown Forest convened by the direction of the Chairman and held at the Nutley Inn Nutley on Saturday the 20th day of May 1905 at 2.30 p.m.


Present Mr. George M Maryon-Wilson in the Chair The Honble H.B. Portman Mr. C.H. Corbett Mr. J.E. Eggleton Mr. Edward Martin Mr. Robert Kenward Mr. M. Sandford The minutes of the last meeting are confirmed and signed. Fires The Chairman stated that he has been compelled to convene the Board at an earlier date then was contemplated in consequence of the Conservators and very serious fires that have occurred on the Forest. Letters are read from Mr. Freshfield and Mr. Midgley, expressing at their inability to attend and stating their views on the subject. The Chairman reads a letter which he had written to Col. Campion C.B. the Chairman of the Joint Standing Committee urging that a special meeting of that Committee be convened as soon as possible, to assist the Conservators to stop these incendiary fires, by authorising all possible police protection in the matter and the reply is read stating that Col. Campion his referred the matter to Mr. Merrifield for his advice. The Chairman stated that he has considered the position very care*** and feels that the only proper course is for Board to address to the Foresters’ Protection Association, a letter in the terms which he has drafted and that copies of it he sent to the local press. He must urge must strongly the acceptance of this letter by the Board. The draft letter been read and the position fully discussed; the proposition of Mr. Sandford, seconded by Mr. Portman it is unanimously resolved that the Clerk write to the Secretary of the Association in the terms of the draft letter and send copies thereof to the local press.

A meeting of the Conservators of Ashdown Forest duly convened and held at the Nutley Inn, Nutley on Friday the 30th day of June 1905 at 2 p.m. Present Mr. Geo. M Maryon-Wilson (in the Chair) Mr. C H Corbett Mr. D W Freshfield Mr. Thomas Hyde Mr. Robert Kenward Mr. Edward Martin Mr. Llewellyn Midgley Mr. Mark Sandford Mr. Albert Turner The minutes of the last meeting are confirmed and signed. The Bank Pass Book is produced showing a balance in the bank of ₤121:16:1. Mr. Eggleton resignation A letter is read from Mr. J.E. Eggleton stating that as Lord Sheffield has accepted the position of President of the Ashdown Forest Commoners and Foresters’ Protection Association he feels as his Lordship’s Steward his remaining on the Board would be inconsistent with the views taken by his Lordship and he therefore resigns his seat as a Conservator.


It is resolved that Mr. Eggleton’s resignation be accepted with regret. Fires The Clerk reports that on the 22nd he wrote as directed at the last meeting to the Ashdown Forest Commoners and Foresters Protection Association requesting their co-operation in putting a stop to Forest fires and that no fires on the Forest had occurred since. Lord Sheffield He also reads a telegram he received from Lord Sheffield dated 25th May asserting that the above mentioned latter contained a grave imputation of organised incarnadined against the Association and his reply thereto repudiating his Lordship’s interpretation of the letter. Fires A letter is read from Muriel Countess De La Warr with reference to the fires that occurred close to Old Lodge before the last meeting and placed her property in great danger and the Clerk stated that he replied thereof detailing the action the Board had taken in the matter. Commoners & Foresters Protection Association Conference Mr. Joseph Ridley (Horney Common) Chairman, Mr. William Carr, Turner, Mr. Jesse Ridley, Honorary Secretary and Messrs. Avis, James Card, M. Edwards, F. Funnell, H. Harding, Alfred Hoath, H Hobbs, W. Izzard, F. Jenner, G. Mitchell, W. Mitchell, J. Osborne, Sylvanus, Ridley, L. Tyla and William Watson members of the Committee of the Ashdown Forest Commoners and Foresters Protection Association attend as a deputation from that Association with Mr. J.C. Buckwell their Solicitor to lay before the Board their representations and proposals. The Chairman welcomes the deputation on behalf of the Board explains the procedure to be followed and states that the different points submitted would be most carefully considered by the Board and their decision subsequently conveyed by the Clerk. Mr. Buckwell then submits the following representations and proposals: 1. That the old Bye-Laws as they stand are satisfactory and that no alteration or new ones are required and that

without considering their specific objections the Board should withdraw the new Bye-Laws altogether and revert to the old ones. If the Board is not prepared to take this view then they press their specific objections submitted to the Home Secretary.

2. 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 before the Board, and they ask the Board:

(a) To reconsider all claims by Foresters to be admitted at Commoners as of legal right based on 60 years user

in respect of property held as freehold or copyhold for 60 years past. (b) To consider applications to be admitted as Commoners as an act of 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.

(c) 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 in freehold or copyhold and during the remainder of the time on tenancy at will.

3. They point out that many of the roads and cart tracks on the Forest are in a very bad state and they ask the

Board to take money from the Protection and Improvement Fund for the repair of: Public roads not repairable by the Highway Authorities. Rights of way common to two or more properties. Tracks used by Commoners for carrying away litter.


They state that Commoners interested in these roads or tracks would be willing to do the cartage or some of it and that the labour should be provided out of the Fund. They do not ask the Board to expend the whole of the fund but as much as they reasonably may. In the alternative they ask the Board to cause work to be done to these roads and tracks under the supervision of the Ranger, without charging the expense to the Forest rate. 4. They complain that when roads or tracks have become impassable, persons using them are not allowed to

**** in the ruts and repair these and they suggest that any one Conservator should be empowered on application to authorise such work to be done.

5. They appeal as of grace for a bigger voice in the management of the Forest and that the present method of

voting should be altered so that the small Commoners should have an increased power of voting failing which that some smaller Commoners should by arrangement be put on the Board to represent their class.

6. They represent that the area covered with big gorse and undergrowth too large to cut for litter has

considerably increased in the last few years and they ask that such big gorse and undergrowth should be cut down.

7. They point out that the proceedings at Conservators meetings are not reported in the press and they ask

that reporters be admitted to the meetings in future. 8. They point out that the Bye-Laws prohibit not only the cutting but also the carrying away of litter from the

Forest after the 31st March they state that it would be a great convenience if the time for carrying away (but not for cutting) were extended say 21 days and they ask that such extension be granted.

The Board having heard all that the deputation had to say the Chairman thanked the deputation for their attendance and informed them that their representations would receive the careful consideration of the Board and that their answers to the points raised would be communicated to them in due course by the Clerk. Bye-Laws amendment The deputation having left a letter is read from the Home Secretary enclosing copy of a letter he had received from Messrs. J.C. Buckwell on behalf of the Association replying to the memorandum submitted by the Board on the objections of the Association to the amended Bye Laws. Messrs. Buckwell’s letter is as follows: Copy 121855/9 North Gate House Pavilion Brighton 7th June 1905 The Under Secretary Of State Home Office London S W Sir, Ashdown Forest Bye-Law’s 121855/7 The Committee of Commoners and Foresters has considered your letter of the 10th May and have instructed us to make the following observations: Bye-Law 1


The Committee still consider written authorities wholly unnecessary. They deny that large quantities of brakes and litter are cut by persons who are not Commoners or employed by Commoners and are sold to persons having no right of common. The subject was discussed at a recent Committee meeting when 19 members from all the different parts of the Forest were present and with one exception not one member had in all his experience met with a case of sale and the circumstances above mentioned. The exception was that one member knows a man who paid 1/- a year for a licence and thought that he was thereby entitled to sell the litter cut by him. The cutters arc well known to the Ranger who would only have to make enquiries in the cases of strange men. Bye-Law 3 The Committee still thinks the old Bye Law sufficient and object to any alteration. Bye-Law 11 The proposed curtailment of the time for cutting is still objected to. All the cutting is done by hand and not much bracken can be cut during the period from 1st to 13th August. The small quantity that is cut is however very useful indeed for the purpose mentioned in the original objections (topping haystacks) and the Committee still urge that no alteration in the time should be allowed. With regard to the reservation of parts of the Common the acreage proposed is much too large. The number of acres suggested (300) represents the bulk of the land upon which brakes are accessible for cutting and the Committee earnestly submit that not more than 100 acres should be reserved at one time So far as regards the litter there is really no need for any reservation at all. The letter is invariably cut by litter cutters who are paid so much per load and if it is not sufficiently grown it does not pay the men to cut it. Bye-Law 13 The Committee will be glad to have the word “wilfully” inserted before the words “injure destroy etc.” and as you suggest. Dealing with the third paragraph will the Conservators also undertake to fill up such of the ditches already made as cause inconvenience to authorised persons. Bye-Law 16: The substitution of the words “divert or permanently obstruct” for the words “obstruct or divert” will be satisfactory. With regard to the Bye Laws generally we are instructed to repeat that the old ones as they stand are satisfactory and that no alterations or new ones are required. In conclusion, the Committee desire as to call your attention to the system of voting at the annual meeting of Commoners when Conservators are elected. The voted are calculated according to the average of the properties in respect of which the Commoners have rights. Under this system the numerous small Commoners are easily out voted by a few of the large land holders and thus the Commoners represented by the Committee can never hope to be properly represented on the Board. We are sir, Your obedient servants J Buckwell & Co. The Home Secretary in his letter stated as follows: With regard to the Committee’s comment on Bye Law 13 I am to say that the Secretary of State in his letter to the Committee suggested that if the word “wilfully” were inserted before the words “injure destroy, etc.” their objection to this Bye–Law might be removed.


The Secretary of State will be glad to hear any further observation the Conservators may wish to make especially with regard to the objections raised to Bye-Law 11. He thinks that possibly a settlement might most easily be arrived at if representations from the Conservators and from the Committee were to meet at this office and discussed the points still outstanding and I am to ask if the Conservators would be willing to agree to this. The Board consider these letters and it is resolved that the Home Secretary be informed that having carefully considered the letters and having also had the advantage of a long conference with a deputation from the Ashdown Forest Commoners and Foresters Protection Association, the Board direct the Clerk to reply as follows: Bye-Law 1. That the litter cutters are well known but that they have cut for persons not having rights and therefore a written authority is necessary in the interest of the Commoners. That no charge is made for these licences. Bye-Law 3. The Conservators adhere to this amendment for the reasons already given. Bye-Law 11. As the deputation from the Association has shown that there is a considerable difference of opinion as to the utility of the proposed change the Board is prepared to abandon the proposed curtailment of the time for cutting brakes. With regard to the proposed power to reserve parts of the common the Board while not admitting the statement contained in Messrs. Buckwell’s letter that 300 acres represent the bulk of the lands available for litter cutting are prepared to withdraw the proposed reservation and revert to the old Bye-Law. Bye-Law 13. The Board sees no objection to the addition to the word wilfully as proposed. The question of voting is outside the power of the Board to deal with and has nothing to do with the Bye-Laws. Having regard to the long conferences which the Conservators have had with the deputation and the additional amendments agreed to, the Board do not think that any good purpose would be served by a further conference but if the Home Secretary still wishes it the Board will be prepared to send representatives. It is further resolved that in case the Home Secretary should still desire the proposed conference the Chairman and Messrs. Freshfield and Martin accompanied by the Clerk be deputed to represent the Board at such conference with power to act. Commoners Protection Association replies to The Board then proceeds to consider the representations made by the deputation and it is resolved as regard the representations above noted as follows, the numbers given below having reference to the representations as numbered above: (1) That the Board cannot withdraw the new and amended Bye-Laws altogether as they have been framed after

most careful consideration in the interests of the Commoners as a whole. (2) (a) That the Board are prepared to reconsider these claims.

(b) & (c) That so far as the Board is concerned they are favourable but that such claims could only be admitted with the consent of the Lord’s and the Commoners.

(3) The Board is willing to hand over to the Association as an experiment for one year the sum of ₤35 to be expended in labour for repairs of roads to be approved by the Board.

(4) With regard to repair of Forest roads for the purpose of restoring them to their best condition without altering their character the Board will empower each Conservator to give the necessary consent in relation to the roads nearest to his residence.


(5) The Board are advised that they have no power to alter the mode of voting, it can only be done by an amended Provisional Order or a Special Act, it is not quite clear which.

With regard to the representation of smaller Commoners on the Board the election rests with the Commoners. The Conservators have always welcomed the presence of small Commoners on the Board and will always be glad to do so and the Board are not aware of a single case in which a small commoner who has been nominated for the office of Conservator has not been elected by the Commoners.

(6) The Board are quite prepared to communicate with the Lords of the Manor with a view to obtaining then

consent to keeping down the large gorse and undergrowth. (7) The Board are quite prepared to allow the presence of representatives of the press at their meetings. (8) The Board would not be disposed to enforce the Bye Laws in cases where litter cut before the 1st April is

removed within 21 days. It is resolved that the Clerk communicate the foregoing resolution to the Association through their Secretary. Conservators empowered to authorise repair of roads It is also resolved that for giving effect to resolution 4 each Conservator be and is hereby impaired on behalf of the Board to give permission for repairs to any Forest road in the vicinity of his residence to the extent indicated in the said resolution. G.H. Stephens accidental fire A letter dated 13th May last written by Mr. G.H. Stephens of Oaklea Warren Newick to the Chief Constable and forwarded by the latter to the Clerk is read in which Mr. Stephens expressed his regrets that when he and a friend were having tea the day before on the Forest the heather was accidentally ignited from the sprit lamps they were using and an area of 300 paces by 30 was burn and offering to make compensation. It is resolved that as the occurrence appears to have been accidental and Mr. Stephens at once gave information the Board does not propose to take any action in the matter. Foresters claim to rights The Clerk reports that immediately after the meeting of the 7th April last he wrote to the Honorary Secretary of the Ashdown Forest Commoners and Foresters Protection Association asking to be furnished with the names and addresses of any Foresters who think they have been deprived of rights on the Forest because their 60 years user has not been recognised and reads a reply from the Honorary Secretary stating it will take some months before the Association will be in a position to furnish the particulars. E. Wilson claim to right Mr. Edward Wilson of Mount Pleasant applies by letter to have his application to be recognised as a Commoner, in respect of his property be considered. The Clerk states his application was considered on 10th February 1894 and was refused on the ground that the property was held on a tenancy at will down to 1890. James Card claim to rights Mr. James Card of Broadstone attends and asks to have his application to be recognised as a Commoner in respect of his properly called “The Birches” near Coleman’s Hatch re-considered. The Clerk states that his application was considered on 22nd April 1904 and was rejected on the ground that the properly was a grant of waste of the manner made in 1851. It is resolved that the Board is not in a position to consider the applications at present. Recreation ground altering position With reference to an application to alter the position of the Fairwarp Recreation Ground a letter is read from the Board of Agriculture confirming the view expressed by the Clerk that the area being defined by the Award cannot legally be altered by a subsequent Award but adding that unless considerable expenditure is required an informal arrangement would probably meet the cause and be consistent with the Scheme of the Provisional Order. The


Clerk points out that it is very doubtful whether the Bye Law relating to a recreation ground can be enforced in relation to a substituted ground. Uckfield R.D.C. road siftings A letter is read from the Surveyor to the Uckfield Rural District Council stating that Mr. George Tester had sifted materials excavated by the Council workmen under the licence to take road materials and had removed such siftings stating he had been authorised by the Lord’s Reeve to do so. It is resolved that he be thanked for writing and he informed that is so long as he is satisfied that the Reeve has given authority to take the siftings the Board cannot interfere. East Grinstead R D C application for further road materials The East Grinstead Rural District Council applies for permission to take 80 yards of sandstone for helping to form foundations for soft patches of road before putting harder metal on the top and their Surveyor Mr. Alfred Heath being present stated that it is desired to take it partly from the part near the Goat and the next from the quarry at St John’s Crowborough. It is resolved that a licence be granted accordingly subject to the usual conditions. Sylvanus Ridley altering fence The Maresfield Committee presents the following report Conservators of Ashdown Forest Report of Maresfield Committee as to Sylvanus Ridley’s application to alter a fence on this property near Nutley windmill. The Committee visited this property on Friday June 2nd 1905: Present Hon. H.B. Portman, Messrs. M. Sandford and A. Turner. The Committee inspected the Hedge which surrounds Mr. Ridley’s property at Birch View and also the posts which he has erected on the south side for stretching a wire fence which is intended to take the place of the hedge with the ultimate object of planning inside the said wire fence a quick set hedge to form a straight boundary. The Committee are of opinion that the present Holly hedge is quite sufficient and certainly better than the wire fence which it is proposed to erect in its place. They suggest however that the Conservators should allow the wire fence to be erected in a straight line with the posts already put up which will be a give and take **** and form a straight boundary for the property in question. H.B. Portman Chairman M. Sandford A. Turner. Mr. Sandford states that Mr. Ridley who met the Committee promised not to do anything till after this meeting but has since put up the wires and is now taking down the bank. After hearing Mr. Ridley who attends the meeting it is resolved that the report be approved and entered on the minutes and that permission be given to Mr. Ridley to complete the wire fence on his giving a written acknowledgment and undertaking to be prepared by the Clerk; that the fence forms the boundary of his property and that he will not hereafter remove it without the consent of the Board. Old Lodge drainage Mr. Sylvanus Ridley complains that the Threeward stream from which the Commoners’ cattle drink is being seriously polluted by sewage discharged into it from Old Lodge.


It is resolved that it to be referred to the Maresfield Committee to enquire into the matter with power to act. J. Burgess application to deposit material Mr. J. Burgess of Fairwarp having applied for permission to put building materials on the Forest outside his property at Fairwarp for the purpose of adding two rooms to his house. It is resolved that the application be referred to the Maresfield Committee with power to give permission. Job Luxford fence at Stone Hill pit insufficient The Ranger reports that the fencing of the pit at Stone Hill worked by Job Luxford is insufficient and is dangerous to man and beast. It is resolved that Mr. Luxford be requested to make it secure. William Norman clothes posts Also that Mr. William Norman has erected three clothes line posts in front of his house at Tompsetts Bank which he alleges replace posts he had always had there but which were removed n connection with the laying of the public sewer. It is resolved that it be referred to the Forest Row Committee for enquiry with power to act. Cheques It is resolved that the following cheques be drawn namely: The Ranger 12 weeks salary and house rent to the 3rd July next ₤15:0:0 The Clerk half year’s salary to this date ₤50:0:0. Rate The Clerk reports that the funds in hand will not cover the expenses of the Conservators beyond October next. It is resolved that he give notice on the agenda for the next meeting to make a rate and prepare the necessary documents for the purpose. It is resolved that the next meeting of the Board be held on Friday the 25th August next or such earlier date as the Chairman may deem it necessary to fix. The meeting terminated at 7.20 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 25th day of August 1905 at 2 p.m. Present Mr. Geo. M. Maryon-Wilson in the Chair. Mr. C.H. Corbett Mr. Edward Martin Mr. Llewellyn Midgley Mr. Mark Sandford Mr. Albert Turner


Representatives of the press attend. A letter is read from the Honble H.B. Portman regretting his inability to attend this meeting. The minutes of the last meeting are confirmed and signed. The Bank Pass Book was produced showing a balance in the bank of ₤57.19.6. Commoners Protection Association The Clerk reports that he wrote to the Hon. Secretary of the Protection Association with a copy of the representations made by the deputation at the last meeting as recorded in the minutes and of the resolutions of the Board thereon and had this morning received reply stating: (1) That the Committee had decided to press on the House Secretary their objections to the proposed new

Bye-Law. (2) That having regards to the large area over which the sum of ₤35 would have to be expended and the many

years of neglect it would be impossible to do enough to give general satisfaction and the Committee would like the Board to undertake to use the ₤35 in improving the roads and no doubt it would be an incentive to further improvement.

(3) That the Committee was satisfied with the decision to admit the press to their meetings in future. (4) That the other points will be considered when the Committee have their next meeting. Mr. Sandford points out that the meetings of the Boards have always been open to the press and that the reporters discontinued attending of their own account. Bye Law amendment The Clerk reports that on the 22nd July last he forwarded to the Home Secretary a copy of the resolutions passed at their last meeting with reference to the amendment of the Bye Laws. After considering the letters received from the Home Secretary and hearing the views of the deputation from the Protection Association and a reply from the Home Secretary dated the 3rd August instant is read stating that if the amendments proposed in the Clerk’s letters of the 13th April and the 22nd July last made he will be prepared to confirm the Bye-Laws, that the Bye-Laws after they have been formally adopted by the Board and notice of intention to apply for their confirmation has been published as required by Sec. 17 of the Commons Acts 1876 has been advertised in one or two newspapers. And the Home Secretary having desired to see the draft Bye-Law when finally amended before they are formally adopted the Clerk amended and forwarded to him 2 copies one of which he had returned approved which is now produced and considered by the Board and on he proposition of Mr. Sandford seconded by Mr. Midgley it is resolved that they be entered on the minutes. They are set out below in the resolution making new Bye–Laws. Bye-Law amendment resolution of the February 1905 On the proposition of Mr. Turner seconded by Mr. Corbett it is unanimously resolved that the whole of the resolution passed on the 30th February last revoking certain Bye-Laws, altering certain other Bye-Laws, making certain new Bye-Laws and renumbering the whole, be and is hereby resolved. On the proposition of Mr. Sandford seconded by Mr. Corbett it is unanimously resolved that the Bye-Laws made for the protection of Ashdown Forest and confirmed by one of Her late Majesty’s principal Secretaries of State on the 6th day of August 1987 be repealed on the coming into *** of the new Bye-Laws which the Board are about to make. Making new Bye-Law In the proposition of Mr. Turner by Mr. Midgley it is unanimously resolved that the following Bye-Laws and regulations for the prevention and protection from nuisances and for keeping order on the Common known as Ashdown Forest and for the general management occupation and enjoyment thereof be and are hereby made and that they be signed by the Chairman of the Board.


ASHDOWN FOREST BYE – LAWS. 1. In the construction of these Bye-Laws The word “Common” means Ashdown Forest, referred to in the Commons Regulation (Ashdown Forest) Provisional order confirmation Act, 1885 and as delineated and coloured green and red in the map (part 1) annexed to the Award dated the 28th march, 1887 of WILLIAM AUGUSTUS RAPER, the Value appointed in the matter of the said Regulation, or any part of the said Common. The term the “Conservators” means the Conservators for the time being appointed by or under the said Award. The term “Recreation Ground” means any part of the Common reserved under the provisions of the said act for the purpose of playing cricket and other games, and coloured red on the said map(part 1). The term “Authorised person” in these Bye–Laws means and includes (a) Any person acting by virtue and in due pursuance and under the authority of some provision of the said act,

or of some estate, interest, or right of a profitable of beneficial nature, in, over, or affecting the Common of some part thereof, and legally entitled so the act.

(b) Any servant of any authorised person expressly employed by him for any purpose within his rights. But a servant employed by an authorised person to cut brakes or litter of this clause, unless he shall produce, if demanded, to a Conservator or any officer of the Conservators, an authority in writing, signed by his employer, and dated not more than twenty-one days previously.

(c) Any person for the time being duly authorised by the Conservators or their officer in writing. (d) The term “unauthorised person” means and includes any person other than an authorised person as above

defined. 2. No unauthorised person shall erect or place of suffer to remain upon the Common any hut, booth, tent, s stall, post, hurdle, or other erection. 3. No unauthorised person shall shoot, chase, trap, snare, or take any wild animal or bird, or any egg or nest of

any wild bird upon any part of the Common or shall have in his possession upon the Common any gun or part of a gun, or any trap, snare, net or other instrument commonly used for any of these purposes.

4. No person, unless expressly authorised by the Conservators or their officer in writing, shall light any fire

upon the Common or set fire to any gorse, furze, broom, brakes, fern, heather, rushes, grass, litter, herbage, under wood or other growth upon the Common; or place, throw or let fall thereon any substance, article or thing which may cause or be likely to cause damage by fire to anything growing or being upon the Common.

5. No unauthorised person shall turn out, or keep, or remain on the Common, any animal (whether of a

Common able nature or not) or any turkeys, geese, ducks or fowls, for pasturage or any other purpose. and the owner of every animal found on the Common, other than such as are authorised to feed or remain there, shall upon being required to do so by any Common keeper or other officer of the Conservators, immediately withdraw and remove the same.

6. The Conservators may from time to time fix the number of Common able animals which each authorised

person may turn out on the Common and after notice thereof, no authorised person shall turn out or suffer to remain on the Common a greater number of commonable animals than the number so fixed as his proportion.


7. No unauthorised person shall cut, dig, take or remove any sods, turf, peat, bog earth, brick earth, sand, gravel, stone or other substance, on from any part of the Common, or otherwise dig upon or in, or break up or disturb the surface of the Common.

8. Any authorised person who shall dig stone or other substance on the Common, shall do as little damage to

the surface as reasonably may be he shall carefully preserve the top spit of soil, and, as soon as reasonably may be, he shall re-place and level the soil and re-spread the top spit thereon, so the restore the surface as nearly as may be to its former condition, and so long as any excavation likely to be dangerous to man or beast shall remain open, he shall keep it securely fenced.

9. No authorised person shall cut, dig, take or remove any peat, bog earth, or turf, for fuel or any other

purpose, except on or from such parts of the Common as shall be from time to time set apart by the Conservators for the purpose.

10. No unauthorised person shall cut, take, remove, or destroy any gorse, furze, broom, brakes, fern, heather,

rushes, grass, litter or herbage on or from the Common. 11. (a) No authorised person shall cut, take, or remove brakes or litter, on or from the Common, except for use

on land having Common appending or appurtenant thereto over the said Common.

(b) No person authorised shall cut, take or remove any brakes for users aforesaid upon or from any part of the Common in any of the following motion namely February, March, April, May, June and July.

(c) No authorised person shall cut, take or remove any litter for as a formed in any Common between the 1st day of April and the 30th day of September both inclusive. Of the following months namely April, May, June and September not on or from any part of the Common **** such parts as shall be from time to time set apart by the Conservators for the ****.

12. No unauthorised person shall cut, fell, take, remove, damage or destroy any tree, sapling, teller, and shrub,

brush, under wood or brushwood upon or from any part of the Common. 13 .(a) No person shall wilfully injure, destroy damage, deface, or, except by the authority of the Conservators,

remove any notice board, notice post or mark which may from time to time be erected or placed upon the Common by or by the authority of the Conservators.

(b) No person shall, wilfully pull down, destroy, damage, or except by the authority of the Conservators, remove any building, fence, post, rail, chain, barrier, gate or other erection, of a similar kind, or any mound, bank or prepared sward which may from time to time be erected, placed, raised or made upon the Common by or by the authority of the Conservators.

(c) No person except by the authority of the Conservators, shall fill up or damage any ditch, drain or grip upon the Common, cut or made by or by the authority of the Conservators.

14. No person, except by the authority of the Conservators, shall post, or fix up any bill, placard, notice or

advertisement upon the Common or upon any tree, bank fence building or other erection thereon. 15. No person by the authority of the Conservators shall deposit or leave any building or trade materials,

timber, faggots, soil, manure, refuse or rubbish whatsoever upon the Common. 16. No person shall pollute the water in any pond, pool, spring, stream, or watercourse on the Common and no

person except by the authority of the Conservators, shall or permanently obstruct divert any such pond, pool, spring, stream or watercourse.

17. The Superintendent of each Recreation Ground appointed by the Conservators shall have the management

and general control of such ground, and shall have the power to set apart and either fence in or mark out in


a conspicuous manner a portion thereof for the purpose of cricket matches or any otter special purposes of recreation; and no person shall play any game on or drive or ride or pass over the portion of any Recreation Ground so set apart as aforesaid, or over any other portion of any Recreation Ground, which may be from time to time enclosed by the Conservators or by their authority, without the permission of such superintendent or some person duly authorised by him in writing. No person shall obstruct or interfere with any person playing or who shall have made preparations for playing at civet or any other lawful game upon any Recreation Ground.

18. No person shall brawl or fight or use violent or indecent or obscene language or commit any nuisance

contrary to public decency or propriety or act in an indecent or disorderly manner upon the Common. 19. No unauthorised person shall at any time use the Common for the purpose of exercising horses, or drive,

take or use or place or suffer to remain any wheeled conveyance whatever upon or over the Common, except upon the roads or cart tracks over which the public have a right to ride or drive as the case may be.

20. Except as provided by any Bye-Law no person shall enclose any part of the Common. Any unauthorised

enclosure, building or other obstruction on the Common shall forthwith be removed by the Conservators or their officer.

21. Every person acting in, taking part in, aiding or abetting the violation of any of the foregoing Bye-Laws,

shall for every offence be liable to a penalty not exceeding the sum of 40/-. 22. Nothing in these Bye-Laws shall be construed to take away, abridge or prejudicially affect the rights of the

Lord of the Manor of Duddleswell, in or over the Common. 23. Nothing in these Bye-Laws shall take away, abridge or prejudicially affect any right, power or authority

vested otherwise than by these Bye-Laws in the Conservators, or in any police constable, or any other legally existing authority, to prevent or punish the offences hereinbefore specified.

The Bye-Laws made for the protection of Ashdown Forest, and confirmed by one of her late Majesty’s principal Secretaries of State, on the 8th day of August, 1887, are hereby repealed. George M. Maryon-Wilson Chairman. Apply for confirmation of new Bye-Laws On the proposition of Mr. Midgley seconded by Mr. Turner it is unanimously resolved, that application be made by the Board under the hand of their Clerk to His Majesty’s principal Secretary Of State for the Home Department on or after the 4th day of October next to confirm the said newly made Bye Laws and Regulations one calendar month’s notice of the intention to apply being first published in the Sussex Daily News and the Sussex Express. Repair of roads It is resolved that the Board in accordance with the request of the Association undertake the repair of the roads to the extent of the ₤35 and that the Clerk request the Protection Association to indicate the particular roads on which they suggest that the ₤35 should be expended. Keeping down large gorse Also that the Clerk apply to the Lords of the Manor for their consent to keeping down the large gorse and undergrowth. G.H. Stephens’s accidental fire A letter is read from Mr. G.H. Stephens thanking the Board for the decision arrived at their last meeting.


Old Lodge damage 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 To the Conservators of Ashdown Forest 1. We the undersigned members of the Maresfield Committee visited Old Lodge on 12 July to inspect the

pollution of the Threeward stream complained of by Mr. Sylvanus Ridley. We found that the overflow of the sewage from Old Lodge was discharged through a three inch land drain pipe in to an open ditch not less than 200 yards from the Threeward stream. The ditch itself was very nearly dry and was not at all offensive and at the time of our visit the stream was not being polluted. We suggested to Lady De La Warr that the drain should be taken beyond the ditch and emptied on to the surface of the rough field beyond called the Galloway, which would render the pollution of the stream impossible.

John Burgess deposit 2. We gave Mr. Burgess of Fairwarp permission to deposit on the Forest temporarily near his house building

materials during the alterations, such materials to be cleared away by the middle of August. Sylvanus Ridley altering fence 3. We inspected the fence being erected at Birch View by Mr. Sylvanus Ridley. Very little has done at present

but the bank that has been moved is put out to the very extreme boundary; as to making a plan of the fence that should not be done until the alterations are complete.

H.B. Portman Mark Sandford 15 July 1905 Old lodge drainage Mr. Sandford reports that Lady De La Warr has promised to have the matter of the drainage of Old Lodge attended to. Sylvanus Ridley altering fence Mr. Sandford states that Mr. Sylvanus Ridley intimated that he did not propose to do anything further at present with reference to carrying out the sanctioned alteration of his boundaries and that some members of the Committee visited the property this morning and found that the alteration had not been completed. J. Burgess building materials It is resolved that the Ranger ascertains and report to the Clerk whether all building materials have been removed by Mr. J Burgess. Sylvanus Ridley boundary And that he watch and report at once to the Clerk if Mr. Sylvanus Ridley does anything further with regard to his boundary. Job Luxford fence The Ranger reports that Mr. Luxford has put in order the fence round the pit at Stone hill referred to at the last meeting. Post Office pillar letter box The Clerk reads a letter from the Post Master at East Grinstead asking the consent of the Board to the erection of a pillar letter box on the Forest near the finger post on the road from Tyes Cross to Wych Cross close by the crossways at Hindleap which letter he handed to the Forest Row Committee for consideration. The Forest Row Committee present a report which is read and considered and it is resolved that it be approved and entered on the minutes. It is as follows


Board meeting 25 August 1905 Golf Club mowing Resolved that the Conservators would not object to the Club’s mowing between the Tees and at the approaches to the greens, provided: 1) That no more grass be move than was mown last year. 2) That no litter or herbage in the nature of litter (if any) be mown before October 1st, the date fixed by the

Byelaws. Norman’s clothes posts The Committee does not advise the Board to take any steps in this matter. The claim that the present posts are only replacing old posts is probably correct. In any case the posts are doing no harm to the Commoners. Mr. Watson’s application The application by Mr. Watson that the new made path by his house should be diverted seems unreasonable and is only made for the case and comfort of one particular cow. East Grinstead Post Office The Committee recommends that the application by the Post Master at East Grinstead dated August 15th 1905 for leave to fix a pillar box in the Forest between Tyes Cross and Wych Cross be granted. The exact spot might be arranged by Mr. Midgley and the P.O. Officer. C.H. Corbett Edward Martin Golf Club works It is resolved that a copy of so much of the report as relates to the Golf Clubs be furnished to the Ranger. Post officer pillar letter box Also that the application of the Post Master at East Grinstead be acceded to subject to the exact position and other details being approved by Mr. Midgley on behalf of the Board. Mr. James Robinson application to clear out pond Mr. James Robinson of the Ashdown Forest Hotel, Forest Row, having applied for leave to clean out the pond on the Forest opposite the hotel. It is resolved that the Board has no objection to his clearing it out provided that if he desired to deposit the mud and refuse taken out of it on the Forest the plan of deposit be first approved by Mr. Edward Martin on behalf of the Board. John Martin cutting brakes The Ranger reports that on the 5th instant he saw John Hazelden of Fairwarp cutting brakes on the Forest who stated he was cutting for himself that Hazelden lives with his father who occupies a cottage and garden belonging to Mr. Walter Walters and that the brakes have not been carried away. It is resolved that the Clerk ascertain whether the property occupied by Hazelden’s father is entitled to rights, that the Ranger ascertain to what property the brakes are carried and that if he turn out that John Hazelden’s was cutting illegally the Clerk warn him that he will be prosecuted if he repeats the offence. Licences to take brakes and letter In reply to Mr. Edward Martin the Clerk reports that the arrangement under which licences are granted to small occupiers to cut a limited quantity of brakes and litter for use on their holding is limited to holding within the pale of the Forest. Samuel Fox cutting letter The Ranger reports that early in the present month Samuel Fox of Dodds Bank cut some litter on the Forest at Dodd’s Bottom unlawfully the time being a close time and Fox not being Commoners and having no licence.


James Pilbeam burning growth That James Pilbeam of Dodd’s bank had a dispute with Fox in relation to the cutting, that an assault took place and that Pilbeam set fire to the litter cut where about 2 rods of Forest growth was also burnt and that the parties appeared before the Uckfield Bench in connection with the assault. It is resolved that having regard to the decision of the Uckfield Bench the Board does not think it necessary to take further action in the matter. Licence Board encroachment The Ranger reports he has just learnt that shortly before he became Ranger, Lewis Card of Dodds Bottom made an encroachment adjoining his holding there by enclosing about 3 rods of the Forest. It is resolved that the Maresfield Committee enquires into the matter and takes such steps in the matter as they deem necessary. Earl De La Warr’s tenants It is resolved that at the next meeting the Clerk furnish particulars of the lands belonging to Earl De La Warr the occupiers of which have satisfied the Board that they are entitled to take brakes fern heather and litter from the Forest in the terms of the judgement in Hale v De La Warr. Rate The Clerk having reported that the funds in hand will be exhausted by payment of the current liabilities and having produces an estimate of the annual expenses it was proposed by Mr. Mark Sandford seconded by Mr. Albert Turner and unanimously resolved that a rate be made for defraying the expense of the Conservators in the execution of the duties under the Award made under the previous of the Enclosure 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 6d per acre in respect of the acreage of their respective land to which such rights attach which Commoners and their respective acreages aforesaid and the respective sums payable by them are hereafter out namely: TABLE which Commoners and their respective acreage aforesaid and the respective sums payable by them are hereinafter set out namely: Name Address Acreage Amount

£ s

d


Adams, Mr. William Moss Cottage, Newbridge, Colemans Hatch

2 0 1 0



Appleby Mr. Isaac, Trustees of


1/2 0 0 6

Arbuthnot W.R. Esq. Plaw Hatch East Grinstead 200 5 0 0 Avis, Mrs Sarah A.


3 0 1 6

Baker Mr. Matthias Chelwood Common Dane Hill Uckfield 2 0 1 0 Baker Mr. William Chelwood Common Dane Hill Uckfield 2 0 1 0 Ballard & Co. Messrs. Brewers, Lewes 2 ½ 0 1 6 Banister F.D. Esq., The Devisees of


58 1 9 0

Barchard, Mrs. K.L.S. Duddleswell Uckfield 12 0 6 Barralet, Mrs. Phoebe The Laurels, Nutley (late Variolet) ¾ 0 0 6 Barron, J.W. Esq. Yew Tree Hall, Forest Row 4 ½ 0 2 6 Bashford, Mr. John Forest Row East Grinstead 16 0 7 6 Bailey, Abe Yewhurst, Forest Row 180 4 10 0 Betchley, Mr. A. Forest Row 1 0 0 6 Bennett, Mrs. Mary 49 Wellesley Road, East Croydon 2 0 1 0


Ann Birch, Fredk. Peregrine Decd. Repres. Of


3:3:12 0 2 0

Birch, Francis Esq. The Red House, Offord, Woodbridge, Suffolk

44 1 2 0

Box Mr. Richard

********* 3 0 1 6


Chapel Wood Manor, Nutley, Uckfield (late Lady Brassey)

11-1-23 95:2:14

Browning Mr. William Chelwood Common Dane Hill Uckfield

9½

0 5 0



146 3 12 6

Burns, L.B. Esq. Pannock Bank, Colemans Hatch 15 0 7 6 Card, Mr. James Forest Row

Ditto near Shalesbrook altd. 22 April 190*) 0:1:0 1:3:0

0 1 0

Chatterton, Geo. J. Bridge Wharf, Caledonian Road, London 6 0 3 0 Clarke Stephenson, Mrs.


133:3:15 3 7 0

Clarke


56:2:0 1 0 0

Clough, A.H. Esq. Castletop, Burnley, Ringwood, Hants (late ***** Wood)

498 12 9 0


c/o ***** Hughes & ***** 213 5 6 6



Sold Tompsetts Bank, Forest Row, East Grinstead

2 0 1 0

Corbett, Charles Esq. Woodgate, Dane Hill Park Uckfield Ditto (part B**** Farm, late J.H. ******)

233 15:1:24

5 0

16 8

6 0

Cowan, W.H. Crows Nest, Buxted (late Sylvanus Ridley) 3:1:14 0 2 0 Dadswell, Alfred Barchards Hill ******* 1 0 0 6 Darling The Rev. F The Ridge Hartfield 4 0 2 0 De La Warr, Countess Old Lodge, Uckfield 9:0:4 0 5 0 Darwin, Major Leonard Rob.

Hospital Farm, Forest Row 30 ½

0 15 6

Du Croz Mrs Margaret Court Lands West Hoathly E. Grinstead 80 2 0 0 Eason, Edward Henry Physick Esq.


1:1:8 0 1 0

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


Faber, Alfred Esq. Forest Row, East Grinstead (late Banister) 3:0:16 0 2 0 Fleet Mr. George Grislings Common Piltdown

Uckfield 2½

0 1 3

Freshfield, Douglas Wych Cross House, Forest Ro 219 ¼ 5 10 0 Fuller Miss Millicent


Gardiner. Mrs. M. 71 Eccles Road, Lavender Hill, London SW 2 0 1 0 Gasson Mr. Humphrey


3 ½

0 2 0


C/o Messrs. Norton Trist & Gilbert, 79 Queen St.,

40 1 0 0


Cheapside E.C. Goard Mrs. Phillipa. Philcox


0 1 6

Goldsmiths’ Company Goldsmith’s Hall London E.C. 100 2 10 0 Gordon, Granville Shalesbrook, Forest Row 5 ½ 0 3 0 Gordon, John F. Domaha, Forest Row East Grinstead 5:1:36 0 3 0

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

Danehurst, Fletching 311 ½

7 16 0

Head, F.H. Goldstrow, Piltdown, Uckfield 10 0 5 0 Heasman Mrs. Eliza



Grubbs Farm, Withyham, Tunbridge Wells 2 ½

0 1 6

Hewitt, H.B. Hereward, Chertsey Park Road, Purley, Surrey (late Simeon Wickens)

8:0:36 0 4 6


Withyham Tunbridge Wells

4 0 2 0

Hoath, Mr. Amos The Platt, Crowborough 3 0 1 6

Hope, James F. Herons Ghyll, Buxted, Uckfield Ditto (Shadwell Farm admitted 11 Dec 190*)

430 ½ 90 ¼

13 0 6

Hounsom Wm. Allin Esq.

Cleveland, New Church Road, Brighton 28 0 13 0


Shepherds Gate, Hartfield 5 ¼

0 3 0

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

Inns, Mr. Alfred George


Jones Dr. St. John Rutherford

103 Oakwood Court, Newington, London W (late Noble)

16:1:5 0 8 6

Keeys, Mr. Richard Hartfield, Tunbridge Wells 10:1:15 0 5 6 Kenward, Mr. Robert Fletching, Uckfield 74 1 17 0 Knight, Mr. J. Railway Inn, Forest Row, East Grinstead 0:2:2 0 0 6 Larking, Capt. Regd. N.W.

C/o Messrs. Powell & Co. Lewes 58:0:37 1 9 6


C/o Joseph Farmer Esq., East Grinstead 500 12 10 0


0 1 0



0 3 0

Longley, Mr. C. Oakhurst, Chapel Lane, Forest Row 0:1:1 0 0 6 Mc Lord, Addison Esq.






5 0 2 6





57 ½

1 9 0


3 ½

0 2 0

Martin, Edward Woodcote, Forest Row 1:1:28 0 1 0 Martin, Mr. William Coach & Horses, Dane Hill, Uckfield 7 ½

0 4 0

Martin, Mr. Henry Cullingfords, Dane Hill, Uckfield 5 ½ 0 3 0 May, Mr. Frank Dane Hill, Uckfield 12 0 6 0 Maynard, Mr. George Cold Harbour Farm, Forest Row, E.

Grinstead 5 0 2 6

Methuen, David Esq. Holly Croft, Forest Row 3 ¾

0 4 4

Midgley, Llewellyn Birch Grove Lodge, near East Grinstead 13 0 6 6 McAndrew, John Esq. J.P.

Holly Hill, Hartfield, Tunbridge Wells 196 4 18 0

Mira, W. Pablo Esq. Old Lands, Buxted, Uckfield (late Larking) 270:2:16 6 15 6 Mitchell, Mr. William Nutley Road, Nutley (late W. Ridley) 3 ¼ 0 2 0 Munster, Count Alexander


Needham, Colonel The Priory, Forest Row 58 1 9 0 Norman, Mr. 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, Mr. William and Elizabeth his wife


7 0 3 6


The Old Brickyard, Nutley 17 0 8 6

Osborne, Mr. Thomas The Old Brickyard, Nutley 7 0 3 6 Parker, Mrs Emily Crow & Gate, Buxted 3:1:6 0 2 0 Page, Messrs. Thomas & James


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

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

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 Millbrook, Nutley, Uckfield 12 ½ 0 6 6 Ridley, Mr. Joseph Horney Common, Nutley, Uckfield 14 0 7 0 Ridley, Mr. Sylvanus Forest Farm, Danehill, Uckfield 11 ½

0 7 6

Ridley (or Gurr), Mr. Cripps Corner, Ashdown Forest, E. 3 ¼ 0 2 0


Timothy John Grinstead Ridley, Mrs. Lucy Rose (H.J.)


19:2:26 0 10 0

Sadlier, Mrs. C/o Joseph Turner Esq. East Grinstead

185 4 12 6

Sandford, Mark Maresfield, Uckfield 1 ¾ 0 1 0 Sayers, Mr. Forest Row, East Grinstead ¼ 0 0 1 ½ Seymour, Mr. Mark Forest Row (late W. Miles) ¼

0 0 6



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

Nutley, Uckfield 11:0:37 0 6 0




Lewes

4:2:30

0 2 6

Stenning, J.C. Esq. C/o Messrs. Turner, Rudge & Turner, East Grinstead

5:1:4 0 3 0

Stevenson, Mr. Joseph near Windmill, Nutley, Uckfield 1 ¾ 0 1 0 Streatfeild, R.J. Esq. c/o Messrs. Powell & Co.

Lewes 240 6 0 0


Phoenix Brewery, Brighton ½ 0 0 6



925 23 2 6

Taylor Mr. William Darvell Beech Farm, Battle 2 0 1 0 Tomsett, Mr. Jesse Chelwood Common, Dane Hill, Uckfield 3 0 1 6

********* C/0 Messrs. Cope & Co., 15 Victoria Street, Westminster SW

5 0 2 6

Turner Albert Esq. The Limes, Nutley, Uckfield 80 2 0 0 Turner Mr. James Hugletts Pit Farm, Maresfield 15 0 7 6 Tyler Mr. Enoch Horney Common, Uckfield 5 ¾ 0 3 0 Wallace Mrs Reginald. Railway Inn, Town Row, Rotherfield

2 0 1 0

Walpole, Sir Spencer Hartfield 61:2:26 1 11 0 Walters, Mr. Walter Coal merchant, Uckfield 34 ½

0 17 6

Waters, Mr. Henry Shepherds Well, Tompsetts Bank, Forest Row

1 ¾ 0 1 0

Waters Mr. James Forest Row, East Grinstead 0:2:8 0 0 6 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 (late Edwards) 0:1:15 0 0 6

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

Wickens Mr. J. H

Dane Hill, Uckfield Ditto (late Elias Turner)

14:2:8 7 ¾

0 11 6

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




Wilson Mr. Edward Mount Pleasant 1 0 0 6 Wilson Geo. M. Maryon Esq

Searles, Fletching, Uckfield 1660 41 10 0

Wood, Mr. Jesse Blacklands Farm, Forest Row (late Keys) 8 ½ 0 4 6 Wood John Edgar *********** 4 0 2 0 Wood, Mr. Thomas Daynes

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



Newland L**** Spring, Gardens Farm, Maresfield 27:2:39 0 14 0 Young Mr. William Fincham, Hartfield,


It is resolved that the Clerk pay: Maynard & Hunnisett for repair to the ranger’s bicycle £1.1.0 Also that a cheque be drawn for: The Ranger 8 weeks salary and rent to The 28th instant £10.0.0. It is resolved that the next meeting of the Board be held on Friday the 20th October next or such earlier date as the Chairman may deem necessary to fix. The meeting terminated at 4 p.m. George M. Maryon-Wilson Chairman

A meeting of the Conservators of Ashdown Forest duty convened and held at the Nutley Inn, Nutley on Friday the 20th day of October 1905 at 2 p.m. Present Mr. George M. Maryon-Wilson in the Chair Mr. Thomas Hyde Mr. R. Kenward Mr. Edward Martin Mr. Llewellyn Midgley Mr. Mark Sandford Mr. Albert Turner The minutes of the last meeting are confirmed and signed. The Bank Pass Book is produced showing a balance in the bank of £140-9-9. Bye Laws amendment The Clerk reports that a month’s notices of intention to apply to the Home Secretary to confirm the amended Bye Laws was duly advertised in the newspapers and that, at the expiration of the notice on the 4th instant he furnished the Home Office with the necessary evidence and, in accordance with the resolution passed at the last meeting, made formal application to the Home Secretary to confirm the amended Bye Laws and he daily expects to receive the confirmed Bye Laws.


Repair of roads A letter is read from the Honorary Secretary of the Ashdown Forest Commoners & Foresters Protection Association stating that the Committee of the Association have divided the Forest into 7 districts and propose that £5 more or less should be expended in each district and that provided the Board approved, the Committee have appointed eight of their members to show to the Conservators the different places where improvements should be effected as it impossible satisfactorily to satisfy them otherwise; that as the work could only be satisfactorily carried out in the spring the Committee would like the Board to employ one man for fourteen days more or less in each district to do work on the roads that most need repair, as can be satisfactorily done in the winter season and that the neighbouring Commoners would, no doubt gladly, co-operate. The Committee also propose that they should be allowed to select the labourers required at wages not exceeding 3/- per day. The Hon. Secretary Mr. H. Jesse Ridley also attends the meeting and states that the Association has mapped out the Forest roughly into the following seven districts and appointed for each district one member as undermentioned to show to the representatives of the Board what the Association wants done: Broadstone & High Beeches James Card Newbridge & Colemans Hatch H. Harding Twyford, Plawhatch & Kidbrook Fredk. Funnell, Gosses Farm Fryars Gate to Duddleswell Albert Hoath Fairwarp to Boring Wheel Mill Fred Jenner Boring Wheel Mill to Stone Hill Joseph Ridley, Horney Common and part of Half Moon Hill Sylvanus Ridley Millbrook to Wych Cross William Carr, Prichetts Hatch He represents that the brakes and letter cannot be removed [from] considerable areas of the Forest in the winter and it is for that reason not cut, owing to the condition of he cart tracks and that this is the reason why they are not cut. He also makes representations as to various other details. The Board having considered in detail the representations made it is resolved that the Association be requested to furnish a written statement setting out in detail the position of the particular parts of roads they consider require repair with an estimate of the number of days labour and the amount of materials likely to be required in each case and distinguishing the works that they consider most urgent. Also to furnish the names of the farmers willing to help with cartage in each case. Also that as soon as the particulars are received they be submitted to the five Forest Committees to consider the same and view the various areas and that they be hereby empowered if they deem it expedient seem to expend out of the Protection and Improvements fund a sum not exceeding £5 in the each of the above mentioned districts. Keeping down large gorse The Clerk reports that he wrote to Mr. Nicholson representing Earl De La Warr and to Mr. Douglas W. Freshfield in whom Earl De La Warr's life interest in the north west portion of the Forest is vested for their consent to keeping down the large gorse and undergrowth, he reports that Mr. Freshfield who had gone to Africa before the last meeting will not return home till Christmas and therefore no reply has been received from him but he reads the following reply from Mr. Nicholson: Lewes 1st September 1905 Dear Mr. Raper In consequence of your letter of the 1st instant I have communicated with Mr. Hudson on the subject of the large gorse and undergrowth alleged to have increased on the Forest and he tells me that there is no large gorse on the Manor but than are several small patches of fine gorse in different places all over the Manor and it would cost more than it is worth to cut it, and as regards undergrowth there are several patches, but buyers will only give a trifle it as it is so scrubby to be up and they can they buy underwood in inclosed lands so cheaply and so much better. I have suggested to Mr. Hudson that in view of the fires it would be well to cut as much as possible but you must admit that it is too much to expect the Lord to spend wrong for the benefit of the so called Foresters who are practically trespassers although they derive the most benefit from the waste. As regards the undergrowth as long as


I have known the Manor we have cut it at proper intervals when the **** have not in some instances forestalled us and cut it for us but then we have then taken possession of the wood. In view of what Mr. Hudson says what more can I do yours very truly (signed) E.A. Nicholson Old Lodge drainage The Ranger report that he visited Old Lodge on the 17th instant and found that no sewage is now beings discharged into the Threeward stream. J. Burgess building materials The Ranger reports that Mr. J. Burgess has not yet cleared away all the materials for which permission was given him to deposit on the Forest till the middle of August. It is resolved that the Clerk require him to remove the same at once. Sylvanus Ridley boundary The Ranger reports that the Mr. Sylvanus Ridley has done nothing further to the boundary of his property. Post office pillar letter box Mr. Midgley reports that he met the Post Master of East Grinstead at the cross reads by the Goat and on behalf of the Board authorised the erection of the brick pillar letter box in the angle between the roads from Wych Cross and Forest Row and that it has since been erected there to his satisfaction. John Hazelden The Clerk reports that he ascertained that the property occupied by John Hazleden’s father at Fairwarp is not entitled to rights and wrote to John Hazelden warning him that if he again cuts brakes on the Forest without authority he will be prosecuted. Earl De La Warr’s tenants The Clerk produces as directed at the last meeting particulars of the lands belonging to Earl De La Warr, the occupiers of which have satisfied the Board that they are entitled to take brakes, fern, heather and litter from the Forest on the terms of the judgement of Hale v De La Warr. They are as follows: Name of farm Parish Tenant who claimed Particulars of farm Newnham Park Farm Buxted Wm. Bingham 87 ½ acres Bolbrook Farm Hartfield Rob. Baines 280 acres Hodore Farm Hartfield Nick Wright 280 acres Newbridge Farm Hartfield Edwin Weston 11 acres Waters Farm Hartfield Tho. Huggett 106 acres Cherry Garden Farm Withyham Wm. Obbard 6 acres Grubbs Farm Withyham Wm. Heasman 50 acres Hale Farm Withyham Hy. Hale 228 acres Hoadley Farm Withyham Sam Heasman 30 acres Hunts Farm Withyham Geo. Hudson 170 acres Whitehouse Farm Withyham A. Hoath Junr. 95 acres

These acreages are exclusive of the woodlands. Can Lords tenants take brakes etc. after property sold It is resolved that the Clerk take the opinion of Mr. Guy Lushington on a case to be approved by the Chairman whether having regard to the terms of the judgement in Hale v De La Warr the tenants and occupiers of a property ***** fare belonging to the Lord who have been admittedly entitled to take breaks fern heather and litter from the Forest for use on the property pursuant to the Plaintiffs undertaking contained in the judgement will continue to be


entitled to the benefit of the undertaking after the Lord has sold the property or whether such undertaking only applied so long as they remain tenants of the Lord. Rate The Clerk reports that the rate made at the last meeting was confirmed by the Board of Agriculture on the 7th day of September last, he produces the sealed copy and states that the rate is now being collected. A. Mepham deposit The Clerk reports that Mr. A Mepham of Roslyn, ****** Road, Crowborough, having applied for permission to deposit building materials on the Forest near St John church, he informed Mr. Mepham that the Board would not object to his making the deposit adjoining his fence provided they were cleared away by the 7th October and that he then made good any damage to the surface of the Forest and that Mr. Mepham had since applied for an extension of time to the 17th instant. W.H. Cowan application to make metalled road An application is read from Mr. W.H. Cowan of Crows Nest, Buxted, applying for permission to make a metalled carriage drive over the Forest from the present road to the property to a gate close to his new house as shown on an accompanying plan and regretting that illness prevented his attending in person to support the application. The Board having considered the matter and referred to a previous similar application from him it is resolved that the Board regret that they cannot sanction the application. Volunteer Brigade camp A letter is read from Colonel Cafo commanding the Cinque Ports Rifle Vol. Battn. stating that the Vol. Brigade Camp will probably be held in August next at Crowborough and asking permission for the Brigade to work over the Forest. The Chairman states that Colonel Cafo has also written to him on the subject mentioning that it is desired to have the Camp on the Forest near St. John’s Crowborough. It is resolved that the application be brought before the Commoners at their meeting in December next with a recommendation of this Board that the application be favourably considered. Foresters claiming rights A letter is read from Messrs. Buckwell Solicitors of Brighton dated 6th instant stating that about 20 Foresters desire to apply at this meeting to be admitted as Commoners. The Clerk pointed out in reply that they had not indicated to which of the three Classes referred to in his representation made to the meeting on 30th June last the applicants belong, that it would be necessary to ascertain and record the exact areas in respect of which each applicant claims and to examine his documents to title in order to ascertain under which class he comes and as this will occupy several hours the Clerk offered to hold a sitting at the Nutley Inn to go into those matters and have everything in readiness for the Board as regards claimants coming within class A the Board could then hear evidence of user, but as regards B and C they would need to ascertain the views of the Lord and Commoners before they could deal with them. Mr. Buckwell replied that there would not be time to prepare the materials before this meeting and that it must stand over for the next meeting. It is resolved that the Clerk be authorised to held a sitting and prepare the necessary materials for the Board as he proposed. Lewes Carr encroachment The Maresfield Committee report that since the last meeting they viewed the property of Lewis Carr oat Dodds Bottom and found it necessary to have the property measured by Messrs. Powell and they produce the plan which Messrs. Powell prepared and point out that the enclosures which originally contained only 29 parcels now contains 45 parcels and they directed that Mr. Carr should now be summonsed to attend this meeting, that he has since thrown out the encroachments and as he is a very old man they dispense him from attending this meeting. Water Farm ford near A letter is read from Mr. James Card of Broadstone complaining that the cart road which crosses the stream between Water Farm and Broadstone was sometime raised by Messrs. I. Waters & Son when building a house for


Mr. Grieve on Water Farm by laying down old sleepers that they have now removed the sleepers and left the ford in so bad a state that it will be difficult for carts or wagons loaded with litter to pass over. It is resolved that the matter be referred to the Forest Row Committee with power to act. Henry Constable cutting brakes The Ranger reports that in the 31st August last he found Henry Constable of Forge Bank, Fairwarp, an unauthorised person cutting brakes for his own use without a licence. Constable stated he had taken licences in other years, but that the Ridleys told him not to apply for a licence this year but that he had since applied for and received a licence to take litter. T.J. Ridley or Gurr filling up grips The Ranger reports that on 2nd September last he found that T.J. Ridley or Gurr had filled in one of the grips cut by the Conservators some since near Major Darwin's for the purpose of defining the east track. The Clerk states he wrote to Mr. Ridley inquiring why he had done this and has received no reply It is resolved that the matter be referred to the Forest Row Committee to deal with when the new Bye Laws have been confirmed. Walsham congestion with sewer The Clerk reports that on 10th instant he granted Mr. Job Luxford permission so far as the Board is concerned to open a short ***** on the Forest for the purpose of connecting the cottage recently built by Mr. Walsham at Tompsetts Bank with the new public sewer provided the work is done expeditiously, by that he takes all necessary precautions to guard against accident, that he restores the surface to the same condition as before and makes good any subsequent sinkage all of which Mr. Luxford has undertaken to do. Gypsies It is resolved that as the number of gypsies camping on the Forest has increased of late the Ranger be authorised to issue summonses directly he finds any person camping on the Forest without first giving them notice to remove. Cheques It is resolved that a cheque be drawn for Ranger 8 weeks salary house rent to 29th instant £10-0-0 Audit Committee It is resolved that Messrs. Portman, Sandford & Turner be appointed a Committee to audit the accounts for the current year. Commoners annual meetings Also that the annual general meeting of Commoners be held at the Nutley Inn on Friday the 15th December next at 11 a.m. Also that the next meeting of the Board be held at 10 am on the same day or on such earlier date as the Chairman may consider necessary. The meeting terminated at 4.35 p.m. George M. Maryon-Wilson Chairman

The Annual Meeting of the Commoners interested in the Forest duly convened by the Clerk by notice in the church door of each of the parishes or ecclesiastical districts into which the Forest extends and 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 held on Friday the 15th day of December 1905 at 11 o’clock in the forenoon at the Nutley Inn, Nutley.


Present Mr. George M. Maryon-Wilson in the Chair The Right Honble Muriel Countess De La Warr The Right Honble Lord Brassey K.C.B. The Right Honble Lady Brassey The Honble H.B. Portman Mr. J.W. Barron Mr. James Card Mr. William Carr Mr. C.H. Corbett Mr. A. Faber Mr. Frederick Funnell Mr. James Gillham Mr. W.A. Hounsom Mr. Thomas Hyde Dr. St. J. Rutherford Jones Mr. Robert Kenward Mr. S. Larnach The Rector of Maresfield Mr. Edward Martin Mr. Llewellyn Midgley Mr. John McAndrew Mr. V. Pablo Misa Mr. W. Mitchell [pages 459, 460 missing from the original] a r p Mr. Thomas Hyde 1600 3 2 Mr. Mark Sandford 1553 3 10 Mr. William Carr 1083 2 2 Mr. James Card 787 3 19 Mr. Sylvanus Ridley 537 0 28 Mr. Joseph Ridley (Horney Common) 455 2 1 The Chairman then declared the four first named Commoners duly elected Conservators for the ensuring 3 years and they being presents thank the meeting for their election and intimate their acceptance of the Office. The Chairman then states he will proceed to the election of a Conservator to fill the vacancy occasioned by Mr. Eggleton’s resignation. It is proposed by Mr. Barron and seconded by Mr. Joseph Ridley of Horney Common that James Card be elected to fill the vacancy. It is proposed by The Reverend H.J. Peckham and seconded by Mr. William Carr that Mr. Joseph Ridley of Horney Common be elected to fill the vacancy. The voting on these nominations in then taken with the result that he voting of Commoners present owning properties entitled to rights of common on the Forest according to the acreage of such properties was as follows: Mr. Joseph Ridley Horney Common 702a :1r :10p Mr. James Card 579a :1r :27p


The Chairman then declares the first named Commoner duty elected in the place of Mr. J.E. Eggleton for the residue of his term ending 31st December 1906. Volunteer Brigade camp The Chairman then informs the meeting that the Conservators have received applications from the Colonel commanding the 4th Cinque Ports Rifle Volunteer Corps for permissions is hold a brigade camp on Ashdown Forest either about Whitsuntide in August next and the Board desire to ascertain whether the Commoners are in favour of the application being granted. On the preposition of Mr. Sandford seconded by Mr. Turner and supported by Mr. Joseph Ridley (Horney Common) it was unanimously resolved that the proposal be approved of and the Board be authorised to make the necessary arrangements. Foresters claim to rights The Chairman states that the Board had received an application from the Ashdown Forest Commoners and Foresters Protection Association to consider applications to recognise Commoners owners of property which either had not been held in freehold or copyhold for the full period of 60 years last part or who could not prove the exercise of rights for the full period of 60 years. That the Board had pointed out that the claims of such persons could only be admitted with the consent of the Lord and the Commoners and that the Board were willing to consult the Lord and the Commoners as soon as they had particulars with regards to the parties so claiming and the properties in respect to which they claim. That communications on the subject had passed between the Clerk and Messrs J.C. Bushwell & Co. the Solicitors of the Association but that complete particulars had not yet been supplied and the Board is therefore not yet in a position to consult the Commoners on the subject. The proceedings then terminated with a vote thanks to the Chairman for the admirable manner in which he has conducted the business of the meeting. George M. Maryon-WilsonChairman

A meeting of the Conservators of Ashdown Forest duty convened and held at the Nutley Inn Nutley on Friday the 15th day of December 1905 at 10 a.m. Present Mr. George M. Maryon-Wilson in the Chair The Right Honble Lord Brassey K.C.B. The Honble H.B. Portman Mr. E.A. Nicholson representing the Lord Mr. C.H. Corbett Mr. Thomas Hyde Mr. R. Kenward Mr. Edward Martin Mr. Mark Sandford Mr. A. Turner Mr. Llewellyn Midgley The minutes of the last meeting are explained and signed Election of Conservators The Clerk produces and reads the following certificate and it is resolved that it be entered on the minutes: To Mr. William Augustus Raper Clerk to the Conservators of Ashdown Forest


As Chairman of the meetings of Commoners on Ashdown Forest duty convened and held this days at the Nutley Inn Nutley for he purpose of electing five Conservators I hereby intimate to you that at he said meeting the followings four Commoners were duty elected Conservators namely: Mr. Llewellyn Midgley, Mr. Thomas Hyde, Mr. Mark Sandford and Mr. William Carr in the place of the four Conservators who retire by rotation on the 21st instant and that Mr. Joseph Ridley of Horney Common, a Commoner, was elected to take the place of Mr. Edward Eggleton who has retired and whose term of office would have expired on the 31st day of December 1906. Dated this 15th day of December 1905 George M. Maryon-Wilson Chairman The Bank Pass Book is produced showing a balance to the credit of the Conservators of £176:2:4. Amended Bye-Laws confirmed The Clerk reports that the Home Secretary confirmed the amended Bye Laws on the 30th October last and produces the original signed copy. The Ranger reports that J. Burgess and A. Mepham have removed their building materials from the Forest Commoners Protection Association The Clerk reports that on the 1st November had he received from the Ashdown Forest Commoners and Forestry Protection Association an invitation for the Conservators to attend the first annual meeting of the Association on 11th November at 7 p.m. and sent a notification thereof to each Conservator Forest roads repair Also that after the last Board meeting he wrote asking by the Association to furnish the particulars required by the Board. On the 9th instant received a reply that the Committee of the Association did not consider it necessary to supply estimates nor did they furnish the names of any farmers willing to assist with cartage but stated they had confidence that if Board meets them in them in the right spirit there will be no difficulty on that account. Districts of Committee The following joint report of the Forest Row and Maresfield Committees is presented and read and it is resolved that it be entered in the minutes viz. Ashdown Forest Conservators Minutes of meeting of the Forest Row and Maresfield Committees held at the Nutley Inn on Monday 20th November 1905 to define respective portions of Ashdown Forest over which each Committee should act. Present: The Hon. H.B. Portman in the Chair, Messrs Corbett, Hyde, Midgley, Sandford and Turner. It was resolved unanimously that the Forest Row Committee take that part of Ashdown Forest lying west and north of the roads leading to Pippingford Lodge from Nutley and north of approach to Old Lodge from Kings Standing and the enclosure called Kings Standing, and Crowborough Warren and the Five Hundred. The Maresfield Committee to take the remainder of Ashdown Forest to include also St. John’s common, Crowborough. Henry Portman Chairman It is resolved that the report be approved and adopted and that the thanks of the Board be given to the Committee for their services in this matter.


Volunteer Brigade camp The Chairman reports that the Commoners at their meeting today approved the proposal to taken a hold a Brigade camp on the Forest either about Whitsuntide or August and authorised the Board to make the necessary the necessary arrangements. It is resolved that the Clerk inform the Colonel commanding the Battalion Cinque Ports Volunteer Rifle Corps that the Board approve the proposal subject to the arrangements being submitted to and approved by well in advance of the date of the Camp. Mrs. Read’s complaint A letter is read from Mrs. Emma Read of Bank Cottage near Forest Row complaining that the Golf Club is cutting the Commoners pasturage. After reference to the Forest Row Committee it is resolved that the Clerk he instructed to reply that in the opinion of the Board the pasturage is not being impaired. Protection Association asking information A letter is read dated 8th November last from the secretary of he Ashdown Forest Commoners and Foresters Protection Association asking how many cattle etc. ever entered as being turned out by the Commoners, when the Ranger took the census the year before last, also whether the Board consider a Commoner would be acting in due pursuance of same beneficial right or interest if he carry *** etc. on the Forest. It is resolved that the Association be informed that in so much as the census was not completed it could not furnish the information required. Also that the sporting rights belong to the Lord of the manor and that the Association be referred to Bye Law 3. Foresters claim to rights The Clerk reports that he has had a long correspondence with Messrs. Buckwell with reference to claims of persons to rights of common referred to at the conference June last and divided into classes (a) (b) & (c) That 5 or so claims under class (a) had been submitted and the Clerk had offered to meet the parties at Nutley to ascertain the precise properties and examine the title deeds so as to have everything ready for the Board to hear the witnesses as to user at this meeting but that at the last moment Messrs. Buckwell write to say they were instructed not be present with the claims today. That Messrs. Buckwell had also put forward 12 claims coming under class (c) but had not supplied full particulars of them and were not in a position as yet to declare whether they constituted the whole or whether there were more to bring forward. Ford at Water Farm The Forest Row Committee report that they viewed the ford in the stream between Water Farm and Broadstone and recommended that if desired the sleepers may be replaced subject to the approval of the Forest Row Committee. It is resolved that their report be approved and adopted and that the Clerk reply to Mr. James Card accordingly. Golf Club drain to road An application having been made by the Royal Ashdown Forest Golf Club for permission to put two catchpits and gratings in the road leading to the Club House and to conduct the water by an iron pipe from one side to the other. It is resolved that the Club be informed that the Board has no objection to the work being carried out. Mr. W.H. Cowan application for metalled road A letter from Mr. W.H. Cowan is read renewing his application for permission to make a short branch metalled road over the Forest from the present hard road to Crows Nest to the gates next his new house and the plan of the proposed branch read submitted at the last meeting is produced. It is resolved (with the assent of Mr. Nicholson on behalf of the Lord) that a licence be granted to Mr. Cowan to make and metal the proposed branch road on condition that so long as the licence contains in force the owners of the Crows Nest property abandon all rights of road (if any) over the Forest other than rights of road(if any) over


the Forest belonging to the Crows Nest property other than the existing straight metalled road from the highway to the property and the proposed branch road and binds himself to maintain the branch road in good repair and he pays yearly acknowledgements of 5/- each to the Lord and to the Conservators, that he pay the expense of the licence and counterpart, and that such licence contains all other provisions usually inserted in similar licences granted on the Forest. Vetchery application for metalled road Mr. Samuel M.P. the owner of the Vetchery having applied for permission to substitute a hard metalled road (of which he submitted a plan) from the Vetchery to the Wych Cross road in lieu of the existing tracks over the Forest. The application was considered by the Maresfield Committee who present the following report which is read and it resolved that it be entered on the minutes, viz. Ashdown Forest Conservators The Maresfield Committee reports that they have inspected the Forest between Pippingford Park and the Vetchery Wood with reference to the application from Mr. Samuel M.P. to be allowed to metal and straighten an existing track to the Vetchery Wood. The Committee recommend that permission be granted to straighten and metal the track them the Vetchery to the **** road opposite the first wood gate into Pippingford Park woods on the north side of Pippingford Lodge and that it be a special condition that this road shall be properly made up before any building material is carted to the Vetchery and that only the new road be used for carting the materials. The Committee do not recommend that permission be granted to metal the track shown on plan submitted to the Conservators. Henry B. Portman Chairman 20th November 1905 It is resolved (with the assent of the Mr. Nicholson on behalf of the Lord) that a licence be granted to Mr. Samuel to make and metal and use a road from the Vetchery to the Wych Cross road not in the position applied for but in the position indicated by the Committee on the following conditions: 1. That the exact line of the road be settled with the Maresfield Committee and a plan thereof furnished to the

Clerk 2. That so long as the licence continues in force the owner of the Vetchery (a) abandons all other rights of

road over the Forest belonging to the Vetchery between it and the Wych Cross road (b) maintains the proposed metalled road in good repair (c) pays yearly an acknowledgement of £2 each to the Lord and to the Conservators.

3. The he pays the expense of the licence and a counterpart there of and 4. That the licence contains all other provisions usually inserted in similar licence granted on the Forest. Lord’s tenants taking brakes The Clerk produces the case laid before Mr. Guy Lushington after it had received the Chairman's approval and his opinion thereon which he reads, the question and answers are read and considered, and the Clerk is authorised to send the case and opinion to Mr. Nicholson for perusal. Mr. C.H. Corbett’s retirement As Mr. Corbett’s term of office will expire on the 31st instant and he has not sought re-election, on the proposition of Mr. Midgley seconded by the Chairman it is unanimously resolved that the Board desire to record their sincere regret at his retirement and to thank him for the valuable service he has rendered during the 8 years he has served on the Board. Repair of road near Fairwarp The Maresfield Committee present the following report which is read and it is resolved that it be entered on the minutes viz.


Application having been made to the Maresfield Committee to inspect a road from Fairwarp village to Woodlands Nursery with a view to repairing the same it being one of the seven district named by the Commons Preservation Society. The Committee inspected the road in question and recommended that it be put in order as far as the fund will admit. It appears to be a very important road, as many as 20 to 30 men at work in the Nursery pass over it daily going to and from their work. It is resolved that the Board has no objection to the road in question being put into repair, provided notice is given beforehand to the Board and the work is carried out of the satisfaction of the Maresfield Committee. Shalesbrook pit The attention of the Board having been drawn to the condition of the fencing round the deep quarry at Shalesbrook it is resolved that the Clerk call on Mr. Job Luxford to strengthen the fence where necessary and to set it back close to the brink. Resume It is resolved that, as representatives of the press have resumed their attendance at the meetings of the Board, it is unnecessary to issue a resume of the year’s work. John Fuller camping The Clerk reports that on 26th October last John Fuller was convicted by the Uckfield Bench for camping and was fined 12/- including costs Arthur Stiller camping And on the 9th November last Arthur Stiller was convinced by the same Bench of the same offence and was fined 7/- including costs. And on the 1st December instant the following were convicted by the same Bench of the same offence and each fined as follows: Charlie Johnson and Richard Johnson each 7/- including costs, and William Arnold 8/- including costs. H. Scott litter The Ranger reports that on 13th November he was informed that H. Scott greengrocer of Crowborough had taken litter off the Forest and having now obtained particulars it is resolved that the Clerk deal with the matter. Bonfire The Clerk reports that he granted a licence to Mr. Ellis Venn of Stone House Chelwood Gate to have a bonfire on the Forest on 4th November last subject to the usual conditions. Minutes printing Mr. Sandford gives notice that at the next meeting he will move that, having regard to the expense involved in printing the minutes of the Board meetings, the practice be discontinued. Audit Committee report The Finance Committee appointed at the last meeting to audit the accounts for the current year report that they have examined the accounts and compared then with the vouchers and find them correct and the balances shown by the account agree with the Bank Pass Book. They report that the Clerk’s charges in connection with the amendment of the Bye Laws amount to £31-10-4 and, in submitting the bill to the Committee he intimated his readiness to accept 20 guineas in discharge. The Committee recommend the acceptance of this proposal, also that in future to simply the system of accounts the Cash account of the Protection and Improvement Fund be kept in the Post Office Savings Bank in the joint names of the Chairman and the Clerk and that the undermentioned cheques be drawn to close to close the accounts for the year, namely: Mr. A.J. Pilbeam 10 weeks salary as Ranger


and house rent to 1st prox. £12:10:0 His postages etc. for the year £0:6:9 £12:16:9 The Clerk ½ years salary to 31st instant £50:0:0 Postages receipts stamps £4:9:7 Telegrams carriage hire, etc. £6:17:9 Cash disbursements for the Board during the year £42:10:8 Costs as above £21:0:0

£124:18:0 Protection & Improvement Fund Cash balance to be passed into the Post Office Savings Bank £2:17:0 It is resolved that the report of the Committee be approved and that they be thanked for their services and that the above mentioned cheques be drawn accordingly. It is resolved that the next meeting of the Board be held on Friday the 16th February next at 2 p.m. or such earlier date as the present Chairman may consider necessary. Chairman note of thanks to It is also resolved that a hearty vote of thanks be accorded to the Chairman for his admirable conduct of the business of the Board during an unusually arduous year. The meeting terminated at 4 p.m. George M. Maryon-Wilson Chairman

A meeting of the Conservators of Ashdown Forest duty convened and held at the Nutley Inn Nutley on Friday the 16th February 1906 at 2 p.m. Present Mr. George M. Maryon-Wilson in the chair Mr. William Carr Mr. D. Freshfield Mr. Thomas Hyde Mr. Robert Kenward Mr. Edward Martin Mr. Llewellyn Midgley Mr. Joseph Ridley (Horney Common) Mr. Mark Sandford Chairman temporary This being the first meeting of the year the first business is the election of Chairman of the Board for the current year Mr. Sandford is temporary voted to the Chair. Chairman election of In proposing the re-election of Mr. George M. Maryon-Wilson as Chairman of the Board for the current year Mr. Edward Martin reminds the Board of the courteous, firm and impartial manner in which Mr. Maryon-Wilson has hitherto discharged the duties of the office. The motion having been seconded by Mr. Hyde it was carried by unanimous vote.


Mr. Maryon-Wilson having taken the Chair expressed his sincere thanks for the mark of confidence implied in the vote and appealed to the members of he Board to give him while he occupied the position of their Chairman their best support and co-operation to enable him to discharge efficiently the duties attaching to it. He then proceeded to refer briefly to the work of the Board during the past year pointing out that it most prominent feature was the amendment of the Bye Laws duly confirmed last October. They had given rise to considered discussion but having been framed in the interests of the Forest as a whole and not any one section of it and having now become law he asked the members with confidence to carry out the administration of the Forest under those Bye Laws to the best effect. The minutes of the last meetings are confirmed and signed. The Bank Pass Book is proposed showing a balance to the credit of the Conservators of £52:8:7. Forest Row Committee It is resolved that Messrs. Freshfield (Chairman) Hyde, Martin and Midgley be appointed the Forest Row Committee for the current year. Maresfield Committee Also that the Honble Portman (Chairman) and Messrs. Carr, Kenward Sandford and Turner be appointed the Maresfield Committee for the current year. Minutes printing Pursuant to notice Mr. Sandford moved that in consequences of the expenses attending the printing of the minutes of the Board’s meetings and of the fact that the press now attend the meetings the practice of printing the minutes and circulating copies thereof among the members of the Board be discontinued and that the Board revert to the former practice of reading and confirming at each meeting the minutes of the previous meeting. Mr. Midgley having seconded the motion it was carried unanimously. Mrs. Read complaint The Clerk reports that he replied to Mrs. Emma Read as directed at the last meeting and received a reply which he reads, reiterating her complaint. W.H. Cowan application for metalled road The Clerk reports that persuant to resolution passed at the last meeting he prepared a draft of the proposed licence to Mr. W.H. Cowen containing the special provisions decided on and the other permissions usually inserted in similar licences and submitted the draft to Mr. Cowan who returned it altered in red ink. The Clerk produces the draft and points out that Mr. Cowan has struck out the clause reserving to the Lord and Conservators the right to revoke the licence and also the provision for filling in and seeding the adjacent cart tracks. He also reads a letter from Mr. Cowan stating he cannot accept the licence in the form drafted and that he made his position quite clear to the Clerk at an interview some weeks previously which position the Clerk states was that while he (Mr. Cowan) desires to work amicably with the Conservators if they decline to comply with his requirements he shall made the road and leave the Board to take their own course. The Clerk further states that he submitted the attached draft licence and the correspondence to the Maresfield Committee who present the following report which is read and it is resolved that it be enclosed on the minutes. It is as follows: The Maresfield Committee met on Monday January 29th 1906 to consider the matter of Mr. Cowan’s licence as corrected by his Solicitor. Present Honble H.B. Portman in the Chair Mr. Turner Mr. Sandford


1. It was agreed that the width of the new road was stated by Mr. Cowan’s solicitor in corrected licence “as being of same width as said straight road”.

2. They recommend that the Board do not insist on Mr. Cowan levelling the numerous adjacent cart tracks. 3. They strongly recommended that if possible the Revocation clauses in licence should be omitted all

together. H.B. Portman Chairman The Clerk points out that these licences can only granted by the consent or sufferance of the Commoners and that any Commoner is entitled to object and that the licence always contain provisions enabling the Lord or Conservators to terminate same on giving certain notice and enabling either to terminate immediately by notice in case any Commoners object. He points out that while the Board dispense with the power to terminate the notice of their own motion they ought not to omit the power to terminate in the event of any Commoners objecting and that if a Commoner objects and this power to revoke is not reserved by the licence the Board would be placed in a false position. After considering the matter on the proposition of Mr. Martin seconded by Mr. Midgley it is resolved that the Board approve the paragraphs 1 and 2 of the Committee’s report that the Board is willing to wave the power for the Lord an Conservators to terminate the licence on giving three calendar months previous notice, but that the power to terminate it in case any Commoner objects must be retained and that the width of the road must be specified in the licence. Vetchery application for metalled road The following report is read from the Maresfield and Forest Row joint Committees and it resolved that it be entered on the minutes. It is as follows: The Maresfield Forest Row Joint Committee met Mr. Hackhart architect for Mr. Stuart Samuel at the Vetchery on January 26th 1906. Present Mr. Midgley, Mr. Turner Mr. Sandford and Mr. Portman. The Committee agreed and recommended the granting of an 18 ft wide road on position sanctioned by Board and shown to Architect and Surveyor. Tracing of same from Ordnance to be sent to you 9th February to be produced to Board meetings February 16th. Henry Portman Chairman of Joint Committee The Fairwarp road is in course of repair and has been sanctioned and approved by Maresfield Committee. H.B.P. Chairman A letter is also read from Mr. Nicholson on behalf of Mr. Stuart Samuel the purchaser of the Vetchery enclosing the plan of the proposed road prepared by Mr. Samuel’s architect and asking that the licence include power to lay pipes under the proposed road for telephone, electric light and water and for widening the road in three places as indicated on the plan for crossing places. The Board having examined the plan and considered the whole matter it is resolved the recommendation of the Committee to grant a road of 18 ft in width be approved but the Board cannot permit any passing places to be made as shown on the plan, that permission be given to lay under the road pipes for telephone and electric light and for water, that it be a condition of the licence that proper provisions be made for the drainage of the road and the carrying away of any water accumulating on the adjacent surface of the Forest by reason of the making of the road, and for enabling Commoners to cross the road with their carts and wages carrying brakes or litter. That the approval of the Maresfield Committee be obtained to all details the Clerk and the work be carried out in all respects to their satisfaction. Hannah Scott claim to rights Mr. J.C. Buckwell then attends before the Board on behalf of certain persons claiming Forest rights, the first claimant being Hannah Scott of Mount Pleasant near Fairwarp - married women who attends to claim rights of common on the Forest in respect to a cottage and plot situate adjoining on the east side of Putlands Farm Duddleswell being no. 663 on the Ordnance Map 1899 and containing half an acre.


The Clerk reports that he has examined Mrs. Scott’s title which shows that the property which was originally described as a triangular piece of land containing 33 perches was granted by the Lord of the Manor of Duddleswell to William Junks, as copyhold on 3rd June 1842. The claimant and other witness our evidence that successive occupiers have for 60 years last part turned out stock and taken litter. Ephraim Wood claim to rights Ephraim Wood of Duddleswell attends to claim rights of common on the Forest in respect of a shop cottages and garden facing the Duddleswell road and a cottage and garden at the rear situate and adjoining to the north of Putlands Farm Duddleswell being the western portion of no. 660 on the Ordnance Map 1899 and containing about half an acre. The Clerk reports that he has examined Mr. Wood’s title which shows that the property which was originally described as containing about 39 perches granted by the Lord of the Manor of Duddleswell to William Junks as copyhold on 8th June 1842. Witnesses attend and give evidence that the successive occupies have for 60 years past turned out stock and taken litter. Mary Ann Osborne claim to rights Mary Ann Osborne of Duddleswell, Widow of Thomas Osborne claims rights to Common on the Forest in respect of a cottage and garden being the eastern portion of no. 660 on the Ordnance Map 1899 and 2 adjoining fields nos. 661 & 644 on the same map situate in the north east side of Putlands Farm Duddleswell and containing together about 4a :0r :11p. The Clerk reports that he has examined Mrs. Osborne’s title which shows that the property was originally described as comprising 4 acres of land with 4 cottages, was granted by the Lord of the Manor of Duddleswell to William Tunks as copyhold on 3rd June 1842. Witnesses attend and give evidence that the successive occupiers have for 60 years last past turned out stock and taken letter. James Card claim to rights James Card of Broadstone Farm Forest Row attends to claim rights in respect of a cottage and 2a:1r:30p of land called The Birches situate by itself on the Forest, to the east of Foxbury Wood being Nos. 1538, 1543 & 1544 on the Ordnance Map 18908. The Clerk reports that he has examined Mr. Card’s title which shows that the property which was originally described as a cottage and about 2a :0r :15p of land was granted by the Lord of the Manor of Duddleswell to John Card as copyhold on 3rd July 1854 and that the greater part of it had been enclosed from the waste some 35 years before. The Claimant and other witnesses give evidence that the successive occupiers have for 60 years last past turned out stock and taken litter. Lucy S. Constable claim to rights Mrs. Lucy Susannah Constable of Forge Bank near Old Forge in the parish of Maresfield attends to claim rights of Common on the Forest in respect of a cottage buildings and 2a :3r :3p of land called Forge Bank near Old Forge being nos. 828, 829 & 830 on the Ordnance Map 1899. The Clerk reports he has examined Mrs. Constable’s title which shows that the property was granted by the Lord of the Manor of Duddleswell to William Best as copyhold on 31 March 1847 and was stated to have been in the possession of himself and of his father before him for 40 years before.


The claimant and other witnesses give evidence that the successive occupiers have for 60 years last part turned out stock and taken litter. George Mitchell claim to rights George Mitchell of Yew Tree Cottage Forest Row attends to claim rights of Common on the Forest in respect of a cottage buildings and 0a :3r :20p of land known as Yew Tree Cottage on the Forest immediately north of Broadstone Farm being the southern portion of inclosure no. 523 on the Ordnance Map 1898. The Clerk reports that he has examined Mr. Mitchell’s title which shows that the property which was originally 0a :2r :31p was granted by the Lord of the Manor of Duddleswell on the 17th November 1852 to claimant’s grandfather Michael Mitchell as copyhold who occupied it before that date Evidence is given that the successive occupiers have for 60 years last past turned out stock and taken litter. It resolved that before the Board can approach the Lord on the subject of admitting persons whose properties have not been freehold or copyhold for 60 years last part to the privileges of Commoners, the Protection Association must furnish them with a complete list of all the persons intending to apply and a description of the properties in respect of which they propose to apply and also the dates when each ceased to be held on tenancy at will so that both the Board and the Lord may know how many and what average of land are involved. Repair of road near Fairwarp The Maresfield Committee report that they have authorised the work of repairing the road from Fairwarp village to Woodlands nursery being put in hand that it is being carried out be private subscription and is likely to be completed in about a month. Shalesbrook Pit Mr. Martin reports that Mr. Job Luxford has strengthened and set back the fence at the Shalesbrook Quarry but he pointed out that deep excavations at this quarry are being carried dangerously near the road to Shalesbrook. It is resolved that the matter be referred to the Forest Row Committee with full power to act. Protection & Development Fund savings bank account The Clerk reports that the Comptroller of the Post Office Savings Bank has sanctioned the opening of an account in the names of the Chairman and Clerk, as Trustees of the Ashdown Forest Conservators Protection & Improvement Fund with power to deposit up to £100 in any one year and £300 in all that the account has been opened that he has paid into it the balance from last year £2:17:0 and that he has also collected and paid into the account the acknowledgements payable to the Board on 1st January last amounting to £41:6:5 and he produces the deposit book. Sylvanus Ridley deposits Complaints having been made that Mr. Sylvanus Ridley has several lumps of stone timber and other property deposited on the Forest near Crows Nest the Clerk reports he wrote to Mr. Ridley calling on him to remove the same and received a reply from Mr. Ridley that he did not intend to remove the deposits and claims the land on which they are laid as his property having occupied it over 14 years and bought the right from his predecessor and that he did include these pieces of land in his rate to Mr. Cowan. The Clerk pointed out to Mr. Ridley in reply that he can have no title to the land and cannot be permitted to enclose it and that if he has acquired an easement to deposit (which the Clerk did not ****) it would attach to the Crows Nest property and would pass with the Conveyance of it to Mr. Cowan. The Ranger reports that two of these spots are inclosed and were so enclosed at the time he took up with duties of Ranger. It is resolved that enquires be made of the late Ranger when these spots were first inclosed. Mr. Faber application Letters are read from Mr. A. Faber of Forest Row reminding the Board that objection was taken two years ago to the Sanitary cart crossing the Forest to his back gate for the purpose of emptying cesspools and the Board refused to allow him to make a road about 25 yards long for the purpose and enquiring on what pretext Mrs. Reed is allowed twice daily to plough up the Forest for nearly a mile with her milk cart constantly making new tracks. It is


resolved that the Clerk point out to Mr. Faber that there is no analogy between the two cases as Mrs. Reed has a right of way from her property and Mr. Faber’s back gate is of comparatively recent date and there is no right of way from it. Mr. Faber also asks whether the Board object to his keeping a cart on the Forest outside his back gate as Mr. Reed keeps her milk cart also on the Forest. It is resolved that the Clerk write to the Mr. Faber thanking him for drawing attention to Mrs. Reed’s cart and that the Ranger warn Mrs. Reed that it must not be left on the Forest. Forest Row Golf Club application for works An application is considered from the Royal Ashdown Forest Golf Club for permission to carry out the following works: Drainage 1st hole approach to the Lower Green 2nd hole ground in front and beyond hazard guarding the green 3rd hole ground between green and semi-circular ditch 4th hole ground between tees and mown course 5th hole lower side of green and approach to the 6th tees 7th hole left side of course beyond the rough ground 8th hole track on the right after leavings tees 12th hole put a drain in bank above recently altered green and divert surface water finding its way on to green

from the left 15th hole improve footpath from tees to ditch 18th hole divert surface water coming on to green from disused track 20 yards above ditto. General work To lift “feads” and replace rough turf near existing tees. It is resolved that Board has no objection to the drainage work beings executed to the approval of the Forest Row Committee. Ladies Golf Club application for works An application is considered from the Ladies Golf Club: To take up the turf on the 2nd and 6th greens and level and replace the turf To raise up the turfs with a fork and roll down an old green used sometime ago as a relief to the 4th green To cut back a small space for heather on the approach side To remove a little heather from the 1st green to the 2nd tee To remove an old tee never used and level it with the adjacent ground It is resolved that both applications be referred to the Forest Row Committee with full power to act and with the permission to authorise the drainage work desired by the former Club subject to its being carried out to the satisfaction of the Committee. Keeping down large gorse etc. The Clerk reports that Mr. Freshfield who has new recently returned from South Africa has written to him stating that as regards that part of the Forest in which he is interested he is willing from time to time to consider any application from the Conservators as to cutting large gorse and undergrowth but that there is every little large gorse and that he had the most dangerous furze cut last year. John Cooper Albert Ridley Henry Smith convictions The Clerk reports that on 22nd January last John Cooper, Albert Ridley and Henry Smith were severally convicted at the East Grinstead Petty Sessions of camping on the Forest and were respectively fined included costs 18/6, 18/- & 18/-.


T.J. Ridley or Gurr filling up grip It is resolved that the Forest Row Committee be now requested to deal with the matter of the filling up a grip by Timothy J. Ridley or Gurr as referred to at the meetings on the 20th October last. Fires The Ranger reports that time two small fires occurred on the Forest near Fairwarp on Sunday the 14th instant. Burnt trees and old gorse Mr. Freshfield draws attention to the quantity of stems of old gorse and fir trees killed by fire in the vicinity of the road from Pippingford to Millbrook and suggests that steps should to taken for their removal. It is resolved that the Clerk communicate with Mr. Nicholson on the subject. Road near Boring Mill Pond A letter is read from the Protection Association stating that they have taken in hand the repair of the road leading on to the Forest near Boring Mill Pond at an estimated cost of £25:6:6. It is resolved that it be referred to the Maresfield Committee to view the road and if they are of opinion that the work has been satisfactory done a contribution of £5 be made to the cost out of the Protection and Improvements Fund and that the Clerk be authorised to get a cheque for the amount signed to pay to over to the Association. Engineers Camp It is resolved that in the event of an application beings received from the Engineers to camp and manoeuvre on the Forest or either the Chairman be empowered to grant permissions if he think left fit subject to such conditions (if any) as he may consider necessary. Ranger’s new bicycle The Ranger having reported that his bicycle has broken down and is worn out and an estimate having been submitted by Mr. W.A. Lockyer of Uckfield to supply a strong serviceable bicycle with all necessary accessories for the sum of £4:0:0 and to allow for the old bicycle. It is resolved that his tender be accepted and that he be instructed to supply the bicycle at once. Cheques It is resolved that a cheque be drawn for: Mr. A.J. Pilbeam 7 weeks salary as Ranger and house rent to 19th inst. £8:15:0 It is resolved that the next meeting of the Board be held on Friday the 6th day of April next at 2 p.m. or on such earlier date as the Chairman may consider necessary. The meeting terminated at 5.45 pm George M. Maryon-Wilson Chairman

A meeting of the Conservators of Ashdown Forest duty convened and held at the Nutley Inn Nutley on Friday the 6th day of April at 2 p.m. Present Mr. George M. Maryon-Wilson in the Chair Mr. William Carr Mr. Thomas Hyde Mr. Robert Kenward Mr. Edward Martin


Mr. Llewellyn Midgley Mr. Joseph Ridley (Horney Common) Mr. Mark Sandford The minutes of the last meeting are read and confirmed. The Bank Pass Book is produced showing a balance in hand of £43:13:7. W.H. Cowan application for installed road The Clerk reports that on the 21st February last he wrote to Mr. W.H. Cowan’s solicitors as directed by resolution of last meeting, a letter which he reads to the Board, and wrote them again on the 20th and 29th March last reminding them he received no answer, but beyond acknowledging his letters, they have not, as yet, replied. Mr. Sandford states that Mr. Cowan forwarded him a copy of what he termed the Clerk’s “curious” letter of 21st February and stated he must, of course, maintain his position, which is that a revocable licence is of no use whatever, and that he cannot accept it, but asking whether, before sending a formal answer to it there is in Mr. Sandford’s opinion, any possibility of the Clerk’s withdrawing this reservation. The Ranger reports that on Tuesday last, a gang of man were set to work to re-construct the straight road that leads to Crows Nest, removing a considerable depth of soil from the surface, which was carried on to Mr. Cowan’s premises, and raising a bank on each side of the road making it impossible for any Commoners’ wagon or cart to cross it. Mr. Sandford and the Clerk state that they this morning visited Crows Nest and found the men still at work on this road. It is resolved that it be referred to the Board in Committee to visit the spot and consider what action should be taken in the matter and at the same time to view the two inclosures made by Mr. Sylvanus Ridley near Crows Nest which the late Ranger states were inclosed about 9 years ago. Vetchery application for metalled road The Clerk reports that a draft of the proposed Licence to Mr. Samuel M.P. prepared in the terms of the resolution of last meeting was forwarded to Mr. Nicholson for approval, that Mr. Samuel’s solicitors had approved it, but that Mr. Nicholson on behalf of the Lord objects to clause 3 namely “that the road shall be so constructed as not to cause any obstruction or inconvenience to the carts and wagons of the Commoners passing across it in the lawful exercise of their rights” and denies that the Commoners have any right to go over the waste with carts or wagons, and states that the Lord’s consent to the Licence must be qualified by adding that it is not to be taken as admitting that the Commoners have any right to go over the wastes with carts, other than on the accustomed highways. The Clerk states he replied to Mr. Nicholson pointing out that the Commoners have always taken their vehicles over the Forest to carry away the breaks and litter. It is proposed by Mr. Martin seconded by the Mr. Kenward and unanimously resolved that the Licence be completed, the Clerk to remind Mr. Nicholson if he adds the clause he proposes that the Conservators do not admit his contention. Fairwarp application golf links A letter from the Secretary to the Protection Association dated 20th March 1906 is read stating that their Committee think there is a good opening for golf links on the Forest, between Fairwarp and Nutley, and are confident the Association would welcome its establishment. Foresters claims to be admitted A letter from the Secretary of the Protection Association dated the 31st March last is read enclosing a list of about 100 persons desiring to be admitted to the position of Commoners in respect to small holdings within the Forest pale and giving some rough particulars of the properties in respect of which they apply, but not sufficient to enable


the Clerk to identify the properties and giving no particulars of their tenures or titles and stating that there were other properties within the pale in respect of which similar claims may be made. On the proposition of Mr. Kenward seconded by the Mr. Midgley it is resolved that the Clerk inform the Association that the Board cannot deal with the matter until they are furnished with (1) a complete list of all persons who are likely to apply (2) such particulars as will enable the Clerk to identify the properties on the Ordnance Map (3) particulars of the tenure of and title to each holding, and (4) the length of user each applicant can prove. That as soon as such particulars are furnished, they are referred to a Committee, consisting of the Chairman and Messrs. Freshfield, Martin, Ridley, Sandford and Turner to consider the whole subject, make such enquires as they deem necessary and advise the Board what action, in their opinion, should be taken in the matter. T.J. Ridley on Gurr filling up grip With reference to the grip which T.J. Ridley or Gurr filled up some months ago the Forest Row Committee report that the hill side is now in good condition and the traffic confused to the track which Ridley lately metalled at his even cost and that the object of the grips had therefore been altered Burnt trees and old gorse A reply is read from Mr. Nicholson that is necessary to move with caution with reference to authorising persons to remove the charred items of trees and old gorse, otherwise there is danger of promoting the objects of the incendiaries, but he promised to see what can be done. Road near Boringmill Farm The Maresfield Committee report they met on the 24th February, and inspected the cart track on to the Forest by Boringwheel Mill and resolved to recommended a grant of £5 towards making faggots for forming a foundation, when the work should have been completed. But that, as Mr. Nicholson subsequently denies the right of the Commoners to drive carts or wagons over the Forest, otherwise than on the high road, the Committee on 19th March last decided to refuse sanction to any future work being done till they had on opportunity of putting the matter before the Board at this meeting. It is resolved that a donation of £2:14:0 out of the Protection and Improvement Fund be given to the Treasurers of the Protection Association on account of expenditure incurred by them in mending the road, and that the Clerk be authorised to pay a further donation of £2:6:0 as the balance of the grant out of the said fund to the said Treasurer when the Maresfield Committee report that the work has been satisfactorily completed. Mr. St. John Smith fill up ruts The Maresfield Committee further report that Mr. St. John Smith has applied for permission to fill in the ruts in the road leading to his cottage at Brown’s Brook and they recommended that Mr. Smith be informed the Board have no objection to his carrying out the work provided it be completed to the satisfaction of the Ranger, and that the obtain the consent of the Lord. It is resolved that this recommendation be confirmed. Ranger new bicycle The Ranger reports that he has had in use for some time the new bicycle and accessories supplied by Mr. Lockyer and that they are satisfactory. Shalesbrook pit The Forest Row Committee reports that they have viewed the pit at Shalesbrook worked by Mr. Luxford, that the excavations have not yet been carried sufficiently near the road to justify interference but that they will keep it under observation. Forest Row Golf Club works Also that the drainage work which the Royal Ashdown Forest Golf Club were authorised to carry out has been satisfactory completed.


Also that the other works that the Club was authorised to execute are being carried out under the supervision of the Committee, and they have required one or two alterations which the Club are complying with. Ladies Golf Club works Also that the works which the Ladies Golf Club was authorised to execute is being carried out satisfactorily, but that the Club has recently cut the litter from two spots for the purpose of making two new teeing grounds, for driving from at the 2nd and 5th holes, for which permission has not been applied for or obtained. It is resolved that the Clerk write to the Honorary Secretary for an explanation and caution her that works must not be executed without the consent of the Board. Proposed Volunteer Brigade camp A letter is read from the Brigade Major, Sussex & Kent Volunteer Brigade stating that it proposed to hold the camp on the Forest near St. John’s church Crowborough from 4th to 11th August next for probably 1700 to 1800 men and asking the Board to indicate what portions of the Forest may to used for manoeuvres and training. It is resolved that it be referred to the Maresfield Committee to arrange all details with the Brigade. Mr. J.W. Amps claim to rights Mr. James William Amps attends to claim right of Common on the Forest in respect of his freehold property known as Chelwood Farm containing 74a :3r :24p exclusive of woods and comprising enclosures Nos. 172, 173, 174 and 175 on the map of the Ordnance Survey of 1875 in the parish of Maresfield and inclosures no. 239, 277, 278, 278a, 279, 279a, 364, 391, 421 and 455 on map of the same Ordnance Survey in the parish of Dane Hill. Evidence of continuous user as of right for 60 years last past having been heard. It is resolved that the Board being satisfied with the evidence admits the claim and directs the Clerk to insert the property in the Schedule of these entitled to rights Edward James carrying entrails on Forest The Ranger having reported that Edward James, living on Inn’s Land Fairwarp who had a horse die there had with the assistance of William Russell buried the entrails in the Forest, both men were summoned to attend before the Board and James having attended, the Chairman points out to him that he has committed a breach of the Bye-Lewes and cautions him that should he commit any further breach he will be prosecuted. Road authorities licences for materials The following applications from the undermentioned Road Authorities for licence to dig & carry away road materials from the Forest during the year ending 25th March 1907 were considered, namely: The East Sussex County Council West Road District

Cubic yards materials locality 120 Forest gravel Kingstanding 120 Forest gravel Greenwood Gate

Central Road District

20 Forest gravel Isle of Thorns 40 Hardstone & sandstone Pippingford Pit 90 Forest gravel Kingstanding pit

East Grinstead Rural District Council

130 Hard gravel Near Kingstanding 30 Sandstone St John’s Crowborough 30 Sandstone Near Leggs Heath


Uckfield Rural District Council

50 Forest gravel Stone Hill 40 Forest gravel Barns Gate 40 Forest gravel Braziers Bank 40 Forest gravel Fairwarp

It is resolved that licence be granted accordingly subject to the same terms and conditions as the licence granted to the Road Authorities on 16th December 1899 Fires The Ranger reports that fires occurred on the Forest as follows: March 9th between Lisburn and Fairwarp and at Crows Nest March 10th between Camp Hill and Kings Standing March 30th near Pippingford, about 15 acres burnt April 1st near Crows Nest about 3 acres April 4th near Old Coffee Tavern, Fairwarp about 2 acres Camping Also that on 29th March the following were convinced and each fined 10/- including costs at the Uckfield Petty Sessions namely Henry Frost for having a tent on the Forest, Tom Smith for a van and Priscilla Scamp for a van. Job Luxford deposit Also that on 3rd last he found that Mr. Job Luxford, Builders of Forest Row, has placed a quantity of building materials on the Forest adjoining Green Hall, Mr. F.R. Lucas’ property. It is resolved that Mr. Luxford be called on to remove the materials and be warned that the next time he deposits any materials on the Forest without having obtained the permission of the Board he will be prosecuted for a breach of the Bye Laws. Mr. F.R. Lucas deposit The Ranger reports that Mr. F.R. Lucas of Green Hall has a number of hen coops and rubbish deposited on the Forest outside his premises. It is resolved that notice to given to him that everything must be removed within a month and that in case any coops or other things are again deposited on the Forest he will have to be prosecuted against under the Bye-Laws. Cheques It is resolved that cheques be drawn for: Mr. W.A. Lockyer ranger’s bicycle £9:10:0 Mr. A.J. Pilbeam 7 weeks salary as Ranger & house rent to 9th instant £8:15:0 Mr. William Carr. Treasurer, Protection Association as above £2:14:0 It is resolved that the next meeting be held on Friday the 8th June next or on such earlier date as the Chairman may consider necessary. The meeting terminated at 4.15 p.m. Douglas W. Freshfield Chairman

A meeting of the Conservators of Ashdown Forest duty convened and held at the Nutley Inn Nutley on Monday the 7th day of May 1906 at 3 p.m.


Present Mr. Douglas Freshfield in the Chair The Honble H.B. Portman Mr. William Carr Mr. Thomas Hyde Mr. Robert Kenward Mr. Edward Martin Mr. Llewellyn Midgley Mr. Joseph Ridley (Horney Common) Mr. Mark Sandford Mr. Albert Turner The Clerk reads a telegram from Mr. Maryon-Wilson from Charlton House starting he was prevented attending by the serious illness of his brother Sir Spencer Wilson Bart. It is resolved that the Board drive to convey to Mr. Maryon-Wilson their great regret at the cause of his absence and their sincere hope that Sir Spencer will speedily be returned to health. The minutes of the last meeting are read and confirmed. It is resolved that Mr. Freshfield to take the Chair. Forest Row Golf Club application for works The Forest Row Committee report that they had considered the following application from the Royal Ashdown Golf Club which was referred to them, namely, for permission to carry out the undermentioned works: 1. To lay seven more Tee mats on spots to be selected from 6 to 7 feet squares close to but not on existing

tees. Note Were such a course pursued it would prevent both players and caddies from treading down the grass in wet weather.

2. To continue present line of pipes through wet places on the left going to 3rd hole. 3. To deepen and pipe if necessary cross drain between 7th green and 8th tees.

The Committee report that they look upon themselves to sanction nos. 2 and 3 and also authorised the Club to join together two tees at the 9th hole, but ******* the opinion of the Board as to application no. 1. It is resolved that the action of the Committee be confirmed and that the Club be informed the Conservators have no objection to their carrying out no. 1.

Motor cars on Forest The attention of the Board having been drawn to the fact that persons visiting the Royal Ashdown Forest Golf Club House are adopting the practice of leaving their motor cars standing on the Forest in breach of Bye Law no 19. It is resolved that the Clerk write to the Secretary of the Club requiring him to warn members and their friends that this practice must be discontinued. It is also resolved that the Ranger are that this warning is acted upon and in case he hereafter finds any motor car left on the Forest he take the number of the car and obtain the name and address of the owner, warn the person in charge to remove the car at once and report to the Clerk. Carts driven over Forest Also that as tradesmen’s and other carts are being driven over the Forest and not on the regular tracks the Ranger warn the drivers that they will be prosecuted it found doing so again, and report any such warning to the Clerk with the name and address of the owner of the cart and the name of the driver.


Mr. W.H. Cowan licence for road The Clerk reports the correspondence which had passed with Mr. Cowan on the 19th April last with reference to the proposed licence to make a branch road to Crows Nest and he submits to the Board the draft licence as finally altered by Mr. Cowan’s solicitors. After considering the same it is resolved that draft be approved and the licence completed subject to the substitution to the word “footpath” for “path” and that the Clerk be authorised to sign it. Fires The Ranger reports a serious of fires that had taken place on the Forest since the last meeting. The Clerk reports that at the above at the interview Mr. Cowan complained of the fires in the Forest and particularly that on the 9th April a fire occurred which extended to his boundary injuring his hedge and endangering his horses. He stated that the incendiaries could easily be detected and the complained that the Conservators are not taking action to stop the fires and bringing the incendiaries to justice. The Clerk also reports that Mr. Cowan asked a question in Parliament of the President of the Board of Agriculture on the subject and was informed that the Board had no jurisdiction and that the control of the forest was vested in the Conservators who had ample power under the Awards to make Bye Laws for the prevention of incendiary fires. The Clerk calls attention to the fact that in as much as the control of the Forest by the Board is subject to the rights of the Lord the reply given by the President of the Board of Agriculture was inaccurate and that the maximum penalty for breach of a Bye Law being 40/- is no adequate deterrent. The Clerk also states that evidence apparently conclusive has been obtained against Thomas Walters and Lawrie Tester of Bains Gate Farm of setting fire to the gorse on the Forest on Good Friday night last, that the evidence has been submitted to the Chief Constable and he undertaken the prosecution of the parties. The Maresfield Committee remind the Board of their report of 26th January 1905 by them to the Board on the subject of dealing in Forest fires. The Chairman states he organized a gang of his own employees to deal with Forest fires who during April put out 9 fires on the Forest and two on Stumblewood Common some of which were undoubtedly incendiary fires and he suggested that there other large Commoners should follow the same plan and organize bodies of men who could be called out at any moment to extinguish fires. He urged further that it was most important to create a public opinion against these outrages which were not only dangerous to the Forest but also very prejudicial to the whole neighbourhood. It is resolved that it is most desirable with the object of preventing serious fires and the consequent danger and injury to the Forest and adjacent properties that the Board should obtain permission from the Lord to divide up into blocks the gorse and course heather which are too large for the Commoners to cut for litter by cutting rides or lanes through the same and when desirable to burn portions at stated times as recommended in the reports of the Maresfield Committee of 26th January 1905 Also that on much permission being obtained the Committee should instruct with the assistance of the Lord’s Reeve to supervise the Ranger in setting out year by year the portions to be cut or burnt. Improvement & Protection Fund Also that the expense of any such cutting and burnings be paid out of the Protection and Improvement Fund. It is also resolved that the Clerk be instructed to appear on behalf of the Conservators upon the prosecution of Thomas Walters and Lawrie Tester at the Petty Sessions and Assizes and to give such assistance as may be necessary to the police in connection with the prosecution. Ranger honorarium The Ranger having during the past two months remained out on the Forest for many nights till 12 p.m. or 4 a.m. in his endeavour to detect incendiaries it is resolved that an honorarium of two guineas be given to him out of the


Protection and Improvement Fund. Clothes payment for An application having been received from the Chief Constable for payment of the balance of £33:40:0 due to the Standing Joint Committee for services of plain clothes Constables in the spring of 1904 in connection with the Forest fires. It is resolved that the balance be taken out of the Protection and Improvement Fund Telegraphs objected It is resolved that having regard to the serious disfigurement caused to the scenery of the Forest by the erection of overhead telegraphs and telephone wires the Conservators are strongly of opinion that any wires here after carried across the Forest, whether on the high road or otherwise should be laid underground and that when the opportunity arises, all overhead wires now crossing the Forest should be put underground. Also that a copy of the above resolution be forwarded to the Postmaster General. Royal engineers An application having been received from the Royal Engineers Telegraph Section to camp and exercise in the Forest for six weeks between 1st June and 12th July next it is resolved that the application be referred to the Committee in whose district they propose to camp with power to act. Cheques It is resolved that cheques be drawn for Mr. A.J. Pilbeam 4 weeks salary as Ranger and hence rent to this day £5.0.0 Ditto honorarium as above £2.2.0 It is resolved that the next Meeting be held on Friday the 8th day of June next or on such earlier or later date as the Chairman may consider necessary. The meeting terminated at 5 p.m. George M. Maryon-Wilson Chairman.

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