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:

Brooker, William. 73. Bailiff to Lord Sheffield. Born at Splaynes Green, Fletching, 11 January 1806, and baptised at Fletching. When I was somewhere about 12 years old I was put out as a parish boy under Squire Hutchinson at Woodgate Farm, Fletching. I acted as carter boy for 12 months and during that time I went with the team onto the Forest and fetched in litter. I then went to Mr. John Wood at Chelwood 3 years as carter boy and I went each year on to the Forest with the team and fetch[ed] litter and turf. Mr. Wood turned out. I then went to Mr. Wetherden at Atherall Farm, Fletching, as carter boy for 6 1/2 years from Ladytide to Michaelmas year. I do not think he had any litter from the Forest while I was with him but I went with the team and brought home turf for fuel in the laborers' houses on the farm (and the neighbours' houses round). He used to assist in driving the Forest. When I left him I worked about where I could get employment; work was scarce then. During that time I cut litter for Mr. Crowhurst at Light Row. I married his daughter and lived there. [Then also cut for] Mr. William Wheeler at Homesdale and Mr. Henry Bolting at Wool Pack Farm, all in Fletching. I then went into the service of the Earl of Sheffield and remained in the service of him and his son and grandson down to the present time.

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