John Butler (d 1722) of Burwash was a successful timber merchant whose business of felling, converting and selling timber, primarily oak, to such customers as H.M. Navy earned him a considerable fortune. He puchased numerous properties and woodlands in Brightling and Burwash including Hamplace, Dudwell Mill and Bateman's. He also constructed the timber framed building Rampyndene in the High Street, Burwash in 1699. On his death on 27^th October 1722 his two sons inherited his properties - Hamplace to John Butler born 1704, Bateman's to Thomas Butler (1706-1737) and Dudwell Mill to them both:-

Item I give and bequeath unto my son John Butler and to his heirs and assignees forever all that Messuage Barn Brewhouse Garden Oasthouse yard Stable buildings lands and premises called Hamplace and all the household goods and Stuff as it now stands in the said house
Item I give and bequeath unto my son John Butler and my son Thomas Butler and to their heirs or assignees forever all my Copyhold Messuages Lands and premises called Dudwell Mill and Lands with the appurtenants thereunto belonging which I lately bought of Mr John Wyatt and now in the occupation of Matthew Chittenden Miller
Item I give and bequeath unto my son Thomas Butler and to his heirs or assignees forever all those buildings Gardens Orchards Lands and premises now in the occupation of my sons John Butler and Thomas Butler called or known by the name of Lanebridge Meriham and Highland which I lately purchased of Joseph Newington Gentleman

ref: Will of John Butler, Burwash - probate July 1723; East Sussex Record Office - DUN 42/9A & AMS5982/1; and Sussex Record Society Window and House Tax Assessments 1747