Is a borough by prescription, of great antiquity, consisting of a bailiff and about thirty-five burgage-holders, who elect two members of parliament. The bailiff is the returning officer, and is chosen by the burgage-holders, at the annual court of the lord of the borough, who is the duke of Dorset; the present bailiff is Mr. John Collins. The member for the borough are, Nathaniel Dance, and William Nisbett, Esqrs. The right of voting formerly was allowed to be, by a resolution in the house of commons, in the inhabitants as well as burgage holders; but, by a subsequent one, it is confined to the latter description of persons only. The burgage-holds here are in number thirty-six; twenty nine of which are the property of the duke of Dorset; and the remaining seven belong to persons residing in the place. This minority is so inconsiderable, that no opposition can be made to the duke’s interest. If indeed the last resolution of the house of commons were recinded, and the right of election left where it was, previous to that determination, an attempt to shake off the aristocratic yoke might then be as successful as it would be commendable; but it would be, in the present state of things, both ridiculous and impolitic to attempt it. The first return of this borough is anno : Edward II.
East Grinstead is a market-town, pleasantly situated on a hill, near the borders of Surrey, thirty miles from London, commanding a beautiful prospect all around. The parish is one of the largest in the county; it had a large handsome church, the spire of which was destroyed by lightening in the year 1685: a very beautiful lofty tower was then built, but, owing to the badness of the materials and the manner of building it, on November 12, 1785, having stood only one hundred years, it fell on the body of the church, and damaged it in such a manner that the whole was obliged to be taken down, and another is now re-building, which, when completed, will be one of the most elegant and beautiful churches in the county.
The Lent assizes for Sussex are always held here; the county goal is at Horsham (about eighteen miles distant), from whence prisoners are brought for trial.
Here is a weekly corn market on Thursdays, and three annual fairs, namely, April 21, July 13, and December 11; the first and last of which are as large fairs for all kinds of calle, &c. as any in the county. There are also two fairs at Forest Row, in this parish, about three miles from the town, viz. June 25, and November 8; the latter is a large one for cattle, pedlar’s ware, &c. &c.
At the east end of the town is a large handsome stone building, erected in the form of a square, called Sackville College, founded by James Sackville, earl of Dorset, in the reign of James I. about the year 1616: he endowed it with 330l. a-year. Here 24 aged persons of both sexes are accommodated each with a comfortable room, and an allowance of 8l. per annum to each person. This college is governed by a warden and two gentleman-assistants (Edward Bodle Esq. and John Collins, Gent.); the present warden in Mr. George Knight. The duck of Dorset has a suite of rooms in the college, but, as they are seldom occupied by his grace, the judges of the circuit are accommodated with them, during the assizes. There is in this college a very neat chapel for the use of the pensioners, where the warden reads prayers every morning, and which has been used for divine service since the fall of the parish church.
Here is a charity school for twelve boys, founded by Robert and Edward Payne, Esqrs, in the year 1708, and endowed with a farm called Surries, now let at 24l. per annum, but improvable. Thomas Palmer, who is also post master, is master of this school.
The town is a great thoroughfare, being the direct post-road from London to East Bourn, Lewes, and Brighthelmstone.
The two principal inns are, the Dorset Arms, kept by William Barwick, and the Crown, by William Payn.
This is a post-town, the letters are received at the post office from London every morning early (Monday excepted), and are ready for delivery at eight o’clock. The London mail is dispatched from hence every evening, except Saturday. The office is open for the reception of letter till nine o’clock in the evening in summer, and eight in the winter. A bye-post goes from this town to Cuckfield, Lindfield, West Hoathly, Horsted Keynes, Ardingly, and Crawley, every Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday, mornings early, and returns with letters the same days. Also another bye-post to Forest Row, Hartfield, and Withyham, every Tuesday morning. The postage of a single letter to this town from London is four pence. A mail coach conveyed the mail through this town to Lewes and Brighton in the summer of 1791, which is now discontinued.
There are several common-carriers pass through this town to and from London; the principal of whom are Jarratt and Kenward, who put up at the Catherine Wheel inn, in the Borough, from whence they set out every Tuesday and Saturday about noon; the former arrives here Wednesday evenings, and the latter Monday mornings. Carriage of heavy goods, 1s 6d. per cwt.
This town (as before observed) is thirty miles from London, and its distance from the adjacent towns and villages is as follows: from Godstone ten, Croydon twenty, Lingfield four, Edenbridge seven, Westerham twelve, Cowden four, Hartfield eight, Withyham ten, Tunbridge Wells fifteen, Maresfield eleven, Uckfield thirteen, Lewes twenty-one, Brighton twenty-nine, West Hoathly four, Horsted Keynes six, Lindfield ten, Cuckfield fifteen, Crawley ten, and from Horsham eighteen miles distant.
The following are the principal inhabitants:
GENTRY, &c.
Cranston Edward, Esq. (F.)
Cranston Mrs.
Cranston Gibbs, Esq. M. P. (F.)
Fuller John Trayton, Esq. (F.)
Firminger Mr. Nicholas, (F.)
Gatland Mrs.
Huggett Mr. Benjamin, (F.)
Hamlin Mrs.
Jones Mr. Evan
Knight Mr. George
Lobb William, Esq.
Lowdell Isaac, Esq. (F.)
Lewes Mrs.
Morphett Mr. Robert, (F.)
Payne Mr. William, (F.)
Snelling Mrs.
Sperling John, Esq. (F.)
Tubb Mr. Joseph, (F.)
Walter Mr. Thomas, (F.)
West Mr. Edward
CLERGY.
Bostock Rev. Stileman, (F.) Vicar
McKenstry Rev. William
Walker Rev. Thomas
PHYSIC.
Carman Charles, Apothecary
Fulcher Thomas, Surgeon and Man-midwife
Roberts John, (F.) Surgeon
LAW.
Bankin George, Attorney
Collins John, Attorney
Wakeham Thomas, Attorney
TRADERS, &c.
Allwork William, Cooper
Adams Thomas, Farmer
Awcock Robert, Husbandman
Austen John, Carpenter
Austen Richard, (F.) Grazier and Butcher
Allcock Richard, (F.) Butcher
Ayshford Robert, (F.) Excise Officer
Ayshford Mrs. Milliner, &c.
Akehurst Steph. Victualler, (3 Crowns)
Batchelor, ditto, (Witch Cross)
Bridgeland Thomas, Butcher
Barwick Wm. Innkeeper, (Dorset Arms)
Brown John, (F.) Farmer
Baily John, Farmer
Bannister Edward, Farmer
Budgen John, Farmer
Betchley James, Farmer
Bond James, (F.) Farmer
Baldock Miss, Ladies Boarding School
Beard Benjamin, Hatter
Best Thomas, Farmer
Bish Henry, Victualler (Ship)
Bowrah Motes, Farmer
Burfield John, Farmer
Brooker Cuff, Farmer
Brooker William, Farmer
Bromley Michael, Farmer
Bromley Thomas, Farmer
Boorman John H. Grover, Draper, &c.
Ballad Thomas, Farmer
Blackstone Thomas, Farmer
Burr Thomas, Blacksmith
Chatfield Henry, Farmer
Camfield Henrietta, Mantua-maker
Comber William, Farmer
Chapman Thomas, (F.) Farmer
Chantler John, (F.) Miller
Cox John, Husbandman
Dumsday Wm. Staymaker and Taylor
Durrant William, Miller
Dodsell Thomas, Clocksmith
Davey Joseph, Gardener
Denton Thomas, Husbandman
Doubel Thomas, Currier
Ellis G. and W. Poulterers & Higlers
Everst Mrs. widow, Farmer
Evershed Richard, Tallow Chandler
Evemy James, Sackmaker
Edwards Richard, (F.) Salesman
Edwards Richard, (F.) Farmer
Fowle Thomas, (F.) Silversmith and Watchmaker
Foster Thomas, (F.) Farmer
Foster Thomas, jun. Farmer
Firminger Nicholas, Sawyer
Field Robert, Bricklayer
Fairhall John, Farmer
Fry William, Farmer
Finch Edw. (F.) Blacksmith & Farrier
Fuller Thomas, Wheelwright
Goldsmith John, Patten-wood-maker and Town-crier
Gourd Stephen, (F.) Farmer
Green William, Farmer
Garland William, Baker
Gilbert William, Farmer
Goodjar Gideon, Taylor & Habit-maker
Gasson John, Miller
Gardner William, (F.) Sadler and Harness-maker
Hall Russell, Gardener
Huggett John, (F.) Farmer
Holden Rober, (F.) Farmer
Hall Elizabeth, Schoolmistress
Holman Mrs. widow, Farmer
Holman Mrs. Schoolmistree
Heath Robert, Farmer
Hider John, Farmer
Hart George, Farmer
Hazelgrove Thomas, Taylor
Heaver Edward, Miller
Head William, Parish-clerk and Inn-keeper (Swan)
Head Robert, Farmer
Hoadly John, Farmer
Harman William, (F.) Common-brewer and Victualler, (Green Dragon)
Humphrey John, Farmer
Humphrey Mrs. widow, Farmer
Hounsome Abraham, Farmer
Holmes Richard, Cordwainer
Holmes Joseph, Hawker and Pedlar
Hoath Martin, (F.) Victualler, (Rose)
Hoath Martin, (F.) Farmer
Hayward Eliz. Sadler & Collar-maker
Haycock John, Supervisor of Excise
Hills William, Farmer
Isted Henry, (F.) Farmer
Isted James, Farmer
Isted Mrs. widow, Farmer
Isard William, (F.) Glover, Fellmonger, and Wool-dealer
Isard John, Fellmonger
Jenner John, Glazier and painter
Jenner Edward, Cooper
Jenner Richard, Miller
Jordan Henry, sen. (F.) Carpenter
Jordan Henry, jun. Carpenter and Iron-monger
Jordan Edward, (F.) Carpenter and Iron-monger
Jordan John, Carpenter
Knight Jonas, Blacksmith and Farrier
Kember John, Farmer
Langridge William, Victualler, (Swan)#
Langridge John, (F.) Farmer
Langridge George, (F.) Farmer
Lambert Edward, Hair-dresser
Lampton Thomas, (F.) Farmer
Lynn John and James, Bricklayers and Stone-masons
Lucas James, (F.) Farmer
Lucas William, (F.) Farmer
Lucas John, Farmer
Meades Francis, Baker
Moon Thomas, Cordwainer
Middleton Christopher,Cabinet-maker
Mitchell Richard, Husbandman
Martin Benjamin, Farmer
Martin George, Blacksmith
Martin Thomas, Farmer
Martin William, Farmer
Martin Elizabeth, Shopkeeper
Martin Richard, (F.) Farmer
Morphew Mrs. widow, Weaver and Flax-dresser
Morphew Robert, Schoolmaster
Nichols Sarah, Farmer
Nichols George, Farmer
Payne William, sen. (F.) Cordwainer
Payne William, Inn and Excise-office-keeper, (Crown)
Payne John, sen. Cordwainer & Sexton
Payne John, jun. Cordwainer
Payne Robert, Cordwainer
Page John, Farmer
Pritchett Thomas, Cordwainer
Prevet Thomas, Farmer
Pobjee William, (F.) Currier and Leather-cutter
Pinion Thomas, Husbandman
Palmer Thomas, Bookseller, Stationer, Printer, Post-master, Master of the Free-School and Agent to the Phœnix Fire Office.
Parker John, Basket maker
Ready J. and S. (F.) Butchers and Salesmen
Rice John, Miller
Reaves John, (F.) Victualler
Riddle Francis, Farmer
Reeves Susannah, Fruiterer
Sawyer George, Grocer, Mercer, &c.
Sawyer Elizabeth, Glazier, Plumber, and Painter
Smith C. and T. Builders & Auctioneers
Smith William, (F.) Carpenter
Smith John, Farmer
Smith Samuel, Farmer
Smith Elizabeth, Schoolmistress
Streeter William, Farmer
Stone Mar. Mantua-maker and Milliner
Stone Mrs. widow, Farmer
Sanders James, Farmer
Shepperd Isaac, Taylor
Sturt John, Farmer
Stephens Samuel, Sheriff’s-officer
Simmons John, Wheeler
Simmons Thomas, (F.) Bricklayer
Simmons Thomas, Gardener
Searles William, Taylor and Salesman
Sisslet Michael, Farmer
Sanderson James, Surveyor and Builder
Swaysland Stephen, School-master
Turner Rob. (F.) Grocer, Draper, &c.
Turner James, Farmer
Turner John, Victualler, (Chequers)
Turley Robert, (F.) Maltster and Victualler, (Bull)
Turley Edward, Farmer
Turley John, (F.) Farmer
Tooth William, (F.) Hatmaker
Taylor Joseph, Weaver and Flatman
Thomas Richard, Victualler, (George)
Terry Isaac, Farmer
Terry Joseph, Timber-merchant
Trice William, Turner
Urage Thomas, (F.) Millwright
Woodman James, (F.) Farmer
Walls Martin, (F.) Farmer
West Thomas, (F.) Farmer
Weller Samuel, Farmer
Weller Henry, Peruke-maker and Hair-dresser
Walder William, Blacksmith
Wells James, Wheeler
White Sarah, Farmer
Wood Thomas, Glover
Wallis John, Stone-mason
Weaire John, Farmer
Wickenden Edward, Husbandman
Wickersham Abraham, Farmer
Wickersham John, Ironmonger
The following are the seats of the nobility and gentry in the vicinity of East Grinstead, viz. Stoneland, the seat of his grace the duke of Dorset, eight miles distant. – Saint Hill, the beautiful new-built mansion of Gibbs Crauford, Esq. justice of the Peace, member of parliament for Queenborough, and clerk of the ordnance, two miles distant. – Kidbrook, a seat of the earl of Abergavenny, but now the residence of John Trayton Fuller, Esq. a worthy active magistrate, three miles distant. – East Court, the seat of Edward Cranston, Esq. – Felbridge, the seat of James Evelyn Esq. two miles. – Wilderwick, the seat of captain Farquarson, two miles. – Rowfant, the seat of the Rev. Dr. Bethune, five miles. – The Grange, the seat of the Rev. Johnson Towers, four miles. Holty, the seat of Mrs Whatley, four miles. - Forest House, the seat of Thomas Orde, Esq. five miles. – Gravetye, the seat of John Manship, Esq. three miles. – Hoathly Hill, the seat of William Clifford, Esq. four miles. Apsly’s Town, the seat of Robert Bostock, Esq. three miles. – Harborough Castle, the seat of Robert Burrows, Esq. five miles. – Barnet’s Place, the seat of Fasham Nairn, Esq. four miles. – Hammerwood Lodge, the seat of John Sperling, Esq. threee miles. – Wakehurst Place, the seat of Admiral Peyton, six miles. – Frame Post, the residence of William Lobb, Esq. – Kenes Grove, the seat of Thomas Wyatt, Esq. six miles. – Freeman’s, the seat of Richard Wyatt, Esq. late high-sheriff of Sussex, seven miles distant.
23/02/2005 | Transcribed by Mark Collins; Transcription © Mark Collins |
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