26 April 1878

Richardson, Benjamin. Of Mudbrooke Hill on the Forest. Age between 60 and 70, does not know nearer. Born on Tompsetts Bank. The first place I went to service was Mr. Edward Heaver, Tablehurst farmer and miller, when I was about 12 or 13 where I remained 4 or 5 years. I then went as under carter to Broadstone under Lord De La Warr for 2 or 3 years, then to Hodore as under carter under Lord De La Warr a short time, a year or so.

Then I worked on my own account for pay 6 or 7 years till I married, when I went to live at Tompsetts Bank and worked for Robert Edwards of Lines Farm of a winter for over 20 years. I left him about 16 years ago this Michaelmas 1879.

When I lived with Mr. Edward Heaver he had litter every winter off the Forest in large quantities. I should think he had more than any man round the Forest. He was a good farmer, kept a great deal of stock. I used to go out with the team on the Forest to fetch it. I was carter boy and Alfrey (now dead) was carter. After I left Hodore, Mr. Heaver often employed me in the autumn to cut litter for him till his death. During the latter part of his time Heaver used Pigstyes Farm adjoining on the west side of Tablehurst. I have cut a great many loads for his successor Robert Turner. I am an old customer of Mr. Turner. I have sometimes worked out my account. I last cut for him about 4 or 5 years ago. Mr. Heaver used to have turf off the Forest and for his workmen. When I lived with him I used to fetch. Afterwards I have seen his teams of oxen and horses come to fetch it sometimes from the 3 points near Hind Leap Warren.

I remember Borrer was tenant at Wall Hill while I lived with Mr. Heaver. I believe Master found fault with him for going over some of his fields to Ashdown House. After I left Hodore I used to cut litter for Borrer and his sons came out to fetch it.

I cannot speak about Pixton Hill. I remember seeing Stephen Langridge of Upper Parrocks teams on the Forest carrying litter also his father's before him.

I knew Burnt House Farm. I have seen Glashier's cart coming up frequently for litter.

Since I have lived at Mudbrooke Hill I have repeatedly seen Edward Heaver of Leggs Heath, Maynard of Coldharbour and Harrison and Mr. Arbuthnot of Plaw Hatch regularly taking litter and brakes off the Forest. The last brakes I cut were 3 load for Colonel Moor in 1876 or 1877. I remember Mr. Augustus Elliott Fuller hunting on the Forest. I went out with him when I was a boy. I have a paper from Edwards authorising me to take at any time materials for repairs.

(Note. This man owns and occupies a house and about 2 acres part copyhold Duddleswell and part freehold opposite Leggs Heath, lying between the road and Mudbrooke. He has been a professional litter cutter for years and can say no more than the above noted.)