During The Ashdown Forest Dispute 1876-1882 commoners and land owners were interviewed by the solicitor William Raper. Their comments were recorded in a series of notebooks:

Baldwin, William. Old man, rather feeble - seems reluctant. Living adjoining the Furnace Farm near New Bridge on his own property. Was born 13 January 1806 at Lamberhurst and when I was able to go to service at the age of about 12 (when people had to go back to their parishes to work) I went to service with Mr. Godly at Upper Parrock Farm (Miss Gervis' property) for 21/2 years and went with the ox team. Then I went to Mr. Waters at Hodore Farm (then Lord Whitworth's) for 2 years, then I went to a place at Withyham for 9 weeks and returned to Hodore for a short time.

I was then out of work for a time less than a year as work was scarce. My next place was with Mr. Histed at Chartness for about 2 years, then I went to Lower Tyes Farm to Mr. Philcox who also used Lower Parrock Farm for 2 years. I then married his daughter at Hartfield Church by Mr. Slade (query 1827-8). I continued at Lower Tyes till 1844 and then went to work for Mr. Richard Ratcliff at Hodore till 1862. Then I worked for Mr. Stephen Langridge about 6 years. I came to my present house about 1841.

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