Tingley, James. Of Courtlands, West Hoathly. Born 15 June 1803 near Twyford and baptised at West Hoathly. Just before my birth, I have heard my Father tell, after General Sewell's death in 1835 when he took Denman's Farm on Courtlands estate and used it for 10 years. Then he used Buss' Farm in the parish of West Hoathly away from the Forest. When I first recollect Captain Sewell was owner of Twyford estate. He died in 1832 and was succeeded by his nephew General Sewell who died in 1835. General Sewell's sons succeeded but all died.

I went to school at West Hoathly till about 14 years old. Then I went as post boy for Mr. Smith to East Grinstead for 4 years. About half the time I went across the Forest and filled up the time as odd boy about Twyford. Then I went to farm work on the estate as odd man for about 4 years. At 22 I went away to Lewes for 3 years and became a bricklayer and often came up home in the meantime. At 25 years I came back to Twyford and set up as a bricklayer and worked as such ever since. For 30 years I did the work, always at Twyford sometimes at Courtlands, and all about the neighbourhood. The first 5 years of that time I lived in the Lodge at Twyford. Then I moved to Denman's Farm with my father and when he left I went to live with him at Buss' for 2 years. Then I came back to work at Denmans and farmed it 30 years. Then I came back to Courtlands.

I have been constantly at Twyford all my life till 2 years ago. When I was a boy Captain Sewell let off 4 or 5 little lots of cottages and land and farmed the rest himself.

I was often about with my father on the land as a boy and recollect as far back as 5 or 6 years of age. Captain Sewell and his tenants and successors down to the present time always had brakes and litter from the Forest. I call litter anything that comes to the scythe. I used to help carry the litter in as boy and man and since I left working for Twyford I have seen it in their yards. Captain Sewell did not burn turf but all the cottagers on the estate did and I often helped carry it in for them from the Forest with Captain Sewell's team, the Captain having the ashes for carrying it. General Sewell had litter off the Forest to my knowledge. I used to see it brought in. Captain Sewell always turned tout] his cattle and sheep on Stumblewood Common which was close to his place and adjoined the Forest and from there they always found their way on to the Forest. He was always very particular to maintain his rights and if he heard the Forest was being driven he would be very particular to have all his stock turned out. I have heard my father say that the parties who drove were always very particular when they sorted the cattle out at Wych Cross to turn Captain Sewell's bullocks and sheep back, but on one occasion they drove two of his sheep by mistake to Nutley and when they found out where they were they sent Captain Sewell word to say he could have them back. He did not send for them and after about 3 weeks they told him they were out to keep at Masketts and they would send them on to Chelwood Common. They however did not do so and my father got them from Masketts but never paid any poundage or anything for their keep. My Father told me this. I have seen the Forest driven or knew who drove it. In 1830 Captain Sewell heard they were going to drive the Forest and sent me to Wych Cross to ascertain who they were and by what right they did it but I got [there] too late. This was the last time the Forest was driven.