The Ashdown Forest Dispute 1876-1882 |
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William Hobbs |
Hobbs, William. About 58. Living on the Forest near Brown's Brook. Was born in the lodge house at Oldlands. My Father was a laborer and worked on Oldlands and Puxty. When I was about 10 years old I went to work and have worked immediately round the neighbourhood all my life. I believe I first went to work for Mr. Benham at Puxty for 4 or 5 years; my Father was working for him then. I afterwards went as ploughboy to Edward Dadswell at Barnsgate Farm and after 2 or 3 years went to live in the house with him and lived there 4 1/2 years. Then I married and worked for Mr. Dadswell 2 or 3 years, then I worked at times in Mr. Wood's nursery and cut litter in the winter and have worked about ever since. I worked some 20 years ago for Sir John Shelley for about 4 1/2 years and I have worked off and on for Mr. Nesbitt for the last 9 years. I remember when Benjamin Minns (dead) farmed Oldlands on his own account. I used to work for him at times and I know he had litter off the Forest. I remember his son John Minns (witness) succeeding him. I worked a good [deal] for him and I know he used to have litter from the Forest and also for fuel in the old house. I know Mr. Nesbitt has also had litter there. I helped cut litter for all three. I know Cophall Farm. I remember when I was a boy John Page (dead) owned and used it. He had a great deal of litter. I helped cut some for him. He also turned out. He used to carry a great deal of turf for various people. He was succeeded by his son Thomas Page (dead). I know he had a good deal of litter. He also turned out. Tutor hired the farm after his death till about 3 years ago. He had litter and turned out. I remember the son Edward Page (dead) at the Workhouse. He had litter there. I know Claygates Farm. I remember Mr. Gilbert using it. I cut one load of litter for him. His successor Clifton had litter. I have seen his team after it on the Forest and have seen it in his yard. I know Perryman's Grove Farm. Henry Whitewood is now the tenant. He has had litter. I saw a wagon load of it standing in the yard the other day. |
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