Wilmshurst, Thomas. 76. Born at Highhurst Wood, Buxted 27 May 1803. Baptised at Buxted. I had an uncle named Mr. Dadswell who occupied Parkhurst Farm (A. H. Hills) and Maypole Farm in Buxted (John Allchorn's property) and when I was about 14 (not older), I went to service with him as Carter boy for 6 months. Then I went to Mr. Dray who had a little farm belonging to the beershop by Cherry Garden (Minns property) and also Greenhurst Farm (John Goring's property) [fort 6 months. Then to Barns Gate (Mr. Robert Wilson's property) under Mr. Edward Dadswell 2 years, then to Perryman's Farm (A. H. Hills property) under Mr. John Paris for 6 months, then back to Parkhurst under W. Dadswell 6 months, then to Chillies (Mr. Saundas') under Mr. John Paris 6 months, then back to Barns Gate under Edward Dadswell for 1 1/2 years. Then I worked about the immediate neighbourhood for about 3 or 4 years, then I went to the Rocks Farm at Buxted (Mr. Strulins' property) under Mr. Mabbott 1 year. He then left and was succeeded by Mr. Joseph Martin and I remained with him 3 years. I left his service to get married and have worked about the immediate neighbourhood ever since, frequently cutting litter in the winter. The last 17 1/2 years I have been regularly employed in the Buxted parish roads. When I was in Mr. W. Dadswell's employ both times we went on to the Forest several times for turf for fuel for the labourers on both farms and also for some of his neighbours. I believe Mr. Dadswell has litter from the Forest, but I cannot recollect precisely. Manktelow was tenant of Parkhurst Farm for about 7 years till Michaelmas 1878. I know he used to have litter off the Forest and (I believe) occasionally turf. I used to see teams carrying it home off the Forest while at work on the road.

During both the times I worked for Mr. Edward Dadswell at Barnsgate I know he had a great deal of litter off the Forest and turf for fuel for his own house and for his one labourer. He used also to turn out his cows, young bullocks, pigs, sheep and sometimes horses. I do not remember whether Paris had litter when I was at Perryman's Grove. Chapman subsequently used the farm and after him Ned Scott. Scott had litter off the Forest. I saw him bringing it in.

When I was with Mr. Paris at Chillies we fetched both litter and turf off the Forest. I have frequently since cut litter for Chillies and have also seen it in the yards at different times when I have been working there.

Some years after I was married, pretty handy to 30 years ago, I worked 3 years for Obediah Waters who used Stroods Farm and every winter I went on the Forest to cut litter for him. Mr. John Smith succeeded him and I used to see Forest litter in the yard in his time. Mr. Robert Wilson has owned and used it for over 17 years. I have seen his team carrying in litter in several different years.

I also cut for Mr. Hart at Grovehurst Lane End and Mabbs about 19 years ago. Also for his successor Joseph Martin (present tenant) more than once.