Highbroom Farm High Broom Road Crowborough Common Crowborough |
Books and other documents | |
Published | Title, author and references |
1933 | The Story of Crowbrough ⇒ p. 60 |
Historical records | |||||
14th Apr 1744 | Inheritance | Highbroom | Pullein's Rotherfield | ||
Extract from James Burges Will: "To my daughter Sarah, wife of John Alchorne all my messuage, barn, farm and lands called Highbroom in occupation of James Salter, four pieces of land adjoining High Broom also in occupation of James Salter which I purchased of William Butcher for her natural life, and after her death to the lawful issue of my said daughter and my mind is that the eldest child be it son or daughter shall enjoy the same for ever. And if there be no such issue then to my son John Burges for ever Fifty pounds to my said daughter Sarah within twelve months after my decease ..."Proved 1744 | |||||
11th Aug 1790 | Inheritance | Highbroom | Pullein's Rotherfield | ||
Extract from John Burges Will: "My messuage farms lands tenements hereditaments and real estate I give and devise to my niece Jane Paige (late Bridger but now the wife of Edward Paige of Penshurst, Kent, butcher) for her natural life. My messuage barn and buildings in Rotherfield called Redbridge now in tenure of William Brown (save a certain parcel of wood land called Salter's Wood hereafter given to my nephew Robert Fry of Mayfield, gentleman) after the decease of my said niece Jane Paige I give to my nephew Robert Fry for ever in Trust as soon as conveniently may be after her decease to sell it by public or private sale and with the money arising therefrom pay over and divide among the children now begotten of said Jane and Edward Paige [Provision made for the death of any of such children] Also I give to the said Jane Paige one other messuage barn buildings etc called Highbroom in tenure of William Brown. And also that field of Plainland containing by estimation two and a half acres now laid to and used with Highbroom and heretofore bought by me, with a parcel of wood called Highbeech Wood alias Greenswood and after her decease to nephew Robert Fry in Trust for the said children ..." Proved 1790. | |||||
29th Dec 1829 | Birth | Sarah Field [Walter] | Highbroom Farm | Rotherfield Parish Registers | |
26th Feb 1839 | ![]() | William Barton (occupier) and William Thorpe (owner) | William Barton, farmer | Garden, House and Buildings (0 acres 1 roods 18 perches) plot 3864 | Rotherfield Tithe Map |
6th Jun 1841 | Census | William Barton, M, Head, age 47, born Sussex, occupation: farmer | William Barton, farmer | High Broom | 1841 Census Rotherfield, Sussex |
Mary Barton, F, [Wife], age 45 to 49, born Sussex | Mary Barton [Heasman] | ||||
George Barton, M, [Son], age 15, born Sussex | George Barton, farm labourer | ||||
Samuel Barton, M, [Son], age 13, born Sussex | Samuel Barton | ||||
Thomas Barton, M, [Son], age 12, born Sussex | Thomas Barton, gamekeeper | ||||
Frances Barton, F, [Daughter], age 10, born Sussex | Frances Barton | ||||
John Barton, M, [Son], age 7, born Sussex | John Barton | ||||
Amos Barton, M, [Son], age 6, born Sussex | Amos Barton, farm labourer | ||||
Ellen Barton, F, [Daughter], age 3, born Sussex | Helen Barton | ||||
1843 | Birth | Stephen Walters | Highbroom Farm | Fred Harman | |
1847 | Birth | John Walters | Highbroom Farm | Fred Harman | |
30th Mar 1851 | Census | Head, employs 4 people; occupation: farmer | Maria Manton, farmer | Highbroom Farm | 1851 Census Rotherfield, Sussex |
Servant; occupation: general servant | Phoebe Relf [Baker] | ||||
Servant; occupation: farm labourer | George Crittall | ||||
7th Apr 1861 | Census | Henry Hoadley, M, Head, widowed, age 55, born Rotherfield, Sussex; occupation: farm labourer | Henry Hoadley | High Broom | 1861 Census Rotherfield and Crowborough, Sussex |
Ann Hoadley, F, Daughter, single, age 17, born Rotherfield, Sussex; occupation: housekeeper | Ann Tester [Hoadley] | ||||
George T Tester, M, Grandson, age 10m, born Rotherfield, Sussex | George Thomas Tester | ||||
James Tester, M, Son-in-law, widowed, age 20, born Withyham, Sussex; occupation: farm labourer | James Tester, labourer | ||||
7th Apr 1861 | Census | James Bishop, M, Head, married, age 33, born Buxted, Sussex; occupation: farm labourer | James Bishop, farm labourer | High Broom | 1861 Census Rotherfield and Crowborough, Sussex |
Phebe Bishop, F, Wife, married, age 21, born Rotherfield, Sussex | Phoebe Bishop [Holmwood] | ||||
Emily A S Bishop, F, Daughter, age 3, born Rotherfield, Sussex | Emily Ann Selina Tester [Bishop] | ||||
1864 | Death | Samuel Walter | Highbroom Farm | Fred Harman | |
2nd Apr 1871 | Census | Leonard Brown, M, Head, married, age 34, born Buxted, Sussex; occupation: farm labourer | Leonard Brown | Highbroom | 1871 Census Rotherfield and Crowborough, Sussex |
Hannah Brown, F, Wife, married, age 33, born Fletching, Sussex | Hannah Brown | ||||
Jane Brown, F, Daughter, age 11, born Fletching, Sussex; occupation: scholar | Jane Brown | ||||
Harriett Brown, F, Daughter, age 8, born Deptford, Kent; occupation: scholar | Harriett Brown | ||||
Charles Brown, M, Son, age 6, born Maresfield, Sussex; occupation: scholar | Charles Brown | ||||
Ann Elizabeth Brown, F, Daughter, age 4, born Maresfield, Sussex; occupation: scholar | Ann Elizabeth Brown | ||||
William W Brown, M, Son, age 2, born Fletching, Sussex | William W. Brown | ||||
2nd Apr 1871 | Census | Richard Walter, M, Head, married, age 62, born Buxted, Sussex; occupation: farmer of 91 acres employing 2 men | Richard Walter, farmer | Highbroom | 1871 Census Rotherfield and Crowborough, Sussex |
Ann Walter, F, Wife, married, age 53, born Buxted, Sussex | Ann Walter | ||||
William Walter, M, Son, single, age 30, born Buxted, Sussex; occupation: farm labourer | William Walter | ||||
Stephen Walter, M, Son, single, age 27, born Buxted, Sussex; occupation: farm labourer | Stephen Walter | ||||
John Walter, M, Son, single, age 24, born Buxted, Sussex; occupation: farm labourer | John Walter | ||||
Margaret Walter, F, Daughter, single, age 21, born Buxted, Sussex | Margaret Walter | ||||
Reuben Walter, M, Son, age 8, born Buxted, Sussex; occupation: scholar | Reuben Walter | ||||
Addle Walter, F, Granddaughter, age 3, born Buxted, Sussex; occupation: scholar | Addle Walter | ||||
c 1875 | ![]() | Part of the 6 inch to 1 mile map of Sussex produced in 1875 by Ordnance Survey | High Broom Farm | ||
3rd Apr 1881 | Census | Ann Walter, F, Head, widowed, age 63, born Buxted, employs 2 men and 1 boy; occupation Farmer | Ann Walter [Watson] | Highbroom Farm | 1881 Census Rotherfield, Sussex |
Margaret Walter, F, Daughter, single, age 31, born Buxted | Margaret Brown [Walters] | ||||
Richard Walter, F, Grandson, age 13, born Buxted | Richard Walter | ||||
Ruben Walter, M, Son, single, age 18, born Buxted; occupation Farm Labourer | Reuben Walter | ||||
1890 | History | Broom Farm | Firmin's Guide | ||
There were no buildings on White Hill, which was then called Coldharbour, and the lower part of it was known by the name of the Bowling Alley. Along High Street, past South View to the Common on the left, stood only one building, Haircombe Farm House, belonging to Sir J. Shelley, Bart. On the opposite side was a long narrow thatched building, divided into compartments. This belonged to the parish, and was connected with the Poor House then existing at Rotherfield. It was used as a dwelling for the aged poor, and being built of slabs of wood, went by the name of Slab Castle. The ground around this building, consisting of several acres, also belonged to the parish. The next building on this side of the way was placed where there are several fine yew trees. These trees still thrive, and are magnificent specimens of their species. A very old thatched building yet remains near these trees. It marks the spot where the ancestor of one of the Crowborough families, between 200 and 300 years ago, first pitched his tent. He came from the North, and selecting this spot for his encampment, proceeded to cut down trees to build a wooden hut, which, on completing, he called Collier's Lodge. All around this spot was a thick wood, which, as he was a charcoal burner, supplied him with material for his work. The charcoal he sold to the ironmasters in the neighbourhood for their furnaces, and sometimes carried it to the London market. There seems to have been no objection made by the Lord of the Manor at this period to anyone using the wood or settling upon the Forest, but at certain times the bailiff came round and demanded a small quit-rent as an acknowledgement of the Lord's manorial rights from those who had established themselves on the forest land. Subsequently, however, settlers, whenever they attempted to locate themselves on this waste ground, were summarily dislodged. There appears to be little doubt that Crowborough Hill was well wooded at one period, and that the trees were all felled to make charcoal for the numerous furnaces in the vicinity. An old inhabitant recollects her father stating that he had seen seven furnaces at work at the same time around Crowborough, and that he remembered an oak tree being dug out of the Broom Bog, near Broom Farm, which was as black as the bog in which it was found. Her father was born in 1780, but there are also traditions from the grandfather and others going far back in time, and some of my statements are made from these traditions. | |||||
1890 | History | High Broom | Firmin's Guide | ||
There were farm-houses at High Broom and at Redbridge, both claiming to be of very old date, but the present buildings have been either extensively repaired, so as to leave little of the old building remaining, or have been altogether rebuilt. For many years the only place of worship at Crowborough was the chapel built by Sir H. Fermor, Bart. The Nonconformist chapels were built long after, the oldest being the one on the Lye Green Road, close to, but not in Crowborough parish, known as Forest Fold, which has been in existence between sixty and seventy years. Before the present building was erected, Worship was performed in a barn. The shop first established in the parish was on Chapel Green, in the building opposite to Mr. Turk's present grocery store. Here might be had a little drapery and grocery, but the stock and variety were very limited. The shops at the Cross were established long after, within the memory of persons now living. Carriers brought from Lewes and London the little that was required for the small community. A coach passed over the Beacon Hill in its journey from Brighton to London, via Tunbridge Wells. Another coach ran over the Duddleswell Road and Church Hill, past the Five Hundred Acres, from Brighton through Uckfield, Maresfield, and Tunbridge Wells to London. The postal arrangements of the period would be intolerable to us now. The nearest post office was at Rotherfield, and letters were not delivered, but were retained at the office till applied for. The postage, which was paid by the claimant, was never under 1s. 2d. Mr. Howis, who lived at the Warren, always sent for his letters to Forest Row, a distance of seven miles or more. Probably the postal service to that place was more frequent and regular than at Rotherfield. There was but one turnpike at Crowborough, and that was placed a little beyond the Crow and Gate Inn. It was done away with about sixteen or seventeen years ago. Few, if any, of the people of the place had learned to read or write, there being no opportunity of getting instruction until after the Fermor School was established in 1734, and then only a limited number of children could be received into the school. Neither were there any churches or chapels nearer than Rotherfield. A few of the farmers attended at Rotherfield Church, but none of the labouring population ever thought of entering a place of worship. Even after the Fermor Chapel was built very few persons attended it. | |||||
5th Apr 1891 | Census | David Peerless, M, Head, married, age 27, born Rotherfield, Sussex; occupation: carter | David Peerless, carter | Highbroom Cottage | 1891 Census Rotherfield, Sussex |
Julia Peerless, F, Wife, married, age 31, born Handley, Dorset | Julia Peerless | ||||
Selina Ne Peerless, F, Daughter, age 6, born Rotherfield, Sussex | Selina Ne Peerless | ||||
Elizabeth Kate Peerless, F, Daughter, age 9, born Rotherfield, Sussex | Elizabeth Kate Peerless | ||||
Louisa Peerless, F, Daughter, age 6 months, born Rotherfield, Sussex | Louisa Peerless | ||||
5th Apr 1891 | Census | Daniel Watson, M, Head, married, age 58, born Buxted, Sussex; occupation Farm Labourer | Daniel Watson | Highbroom Cottage | 1891 Census Rotherfield, Sussex |
Harriet Watson, F, Wife, married, age 59 | Harriet Watson | ||||
c 1899 | ![]() | Part of the 6 inch to 1 mile map of Sussex produced in 1899 by Ordnance Survey | Highbroom Farm | ||
2nd Apr 1911 | Census | Frederick Field Buss, M, Head, widow, age 44, born Rotherfield, Sussex; occupation: farm bailiff | Frederick Field Buss, farm bailiff | High Broom Farm, Jarvis Brook | 1911 Census Crowborough, Sussex |
Ellen Hemsley, F, Mother-in-Law, widow, age 67, born Rotherfield, Sussex | Ellen Hemsley | ||||
Bessie May Hemsley, F, Sister-in-Law, single, age 24, born Warbleton, Sussex | Bessie May Hemsley | ||||
2nd Apr 1911 | Census | Henry Taylor, M, Head, married, age 49, born Rotherfield, Sussex; occupation: gardener | Henry Taylor, gardener | High Brooms Farm, Jarvis Brook | 1911 Census Crowborough, Sussex |
Annie Taylor, F, Wife, married 27 years, age 47, born Rotherfield, Sussex | Annie Marian Taylor [Page Mitchell] | ||||
Reuben Taylor, M, Son, single, age 24, born Rotherfield, Sussex; occupation: carpenter | Reuben Taylor | ||||
Ethel Taylor, F, Daughter, single, age 22, born Rotherfield, Sussex | Ethel Taylor | ||||
James Taylor, M, Son, single, age 18, born Rotherfield, Sussex; occupation: solicitor's clerk | James Taylor | ||||
Elsie Taylor, F, Daughter, single, age 15, born Rotherfield, Sussex | Elsie Taylor | ||||
1928 | ![]() | Borowe or Manor of Alchorne in 1560 by Mr Chapman and Catherine Pullein | High Broom Farm | Pullein's Rotherfield | |
2001 | Today | High Broom |
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