During The Ashdown Forest Dispute 1876-1882 commoners and land owners were interviewed by the solicitor William Raper. Their comments were recorded in a series of notebooks:

Baker, James. Living at New Lodge, Hartfield. Formerly farmed it, now his son in law farms (acreage 125). Was born in the Lower Pest house in Hartfield. Does not know his age but he was baptised on the 27th November 1804 at Hartfield Church. When I was very young, not more than 10 years old, I went for about a year to work at Fincham Farm, Hartfield, belonging to and used by Thomas Young at 6d. a day and all my grub. Flour was then 3s. 4d. a gallon. Thomas Young died soon after and was succeeded by Henry Young after a dispute with his cousin William Young who claimed the property. I then went to carry for Colonel Young's at Holly Hill for about 1,/2 years Then for Mr. Bradford at Pippingford about a year. Then at the age of about 14 in April 1818 I came to work for Captain Hall at New Lodge and for Captain Kidd after him. Captain Kidd died about 1831. I continued with Captain Hall who managed it for his sister Miss Kidd till 1833 when I took the farm on my own account and have lived here ever since. New Lodge is on the hill in sight of Holly Hill and Hartfield Grove. I have served the offices of Surveyor of Highways and Overseer of the poor of this parish of Hartfield.

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