Author: Thomas Turner

In the morning got up about 6 o’clock and went down to Thomas Lewer’s in order for him to go to Uckfield to swear his parish, which he readily agreed to, assuring me he would be at my house by 8 o’clock, which he was; and then we both went together in order to call Mr John Vine and Elizabeth Day, the former for company and latter in order to remove to her parish of Waldron, and upon whom I served the summons I had of Mr Courthope the 24th January last. But she absolutely denied going, saying that she would not go for anyone. Whereupon going back to Mr John Vine’s (only Thomas Lewer being with me when I served the summons) we agreed to defer our journey till another day.

Mr Vine and I came down the street together; he stayed and drank a bottle of beer with me… In the afternoon I went down to Mr French’s in order to acquaint him with our proceedings. In the evening Master Hook and I went down again to take up Hyland. When we came to his house, and after patrolling some time about the house, we found the man to be at home by hearing him talk. We then went immediately to Mr Rabson, the headborough of Laughton, in order for him to serve the warrant, which he refused to do without more assistance, though there were two of us and the man we were a-going to take was a man with the use of one arm only. I then desired him to charge his son-in-law, who lived with him, to whom I offered 12d for his trouble, but he refused to charge him. I then proposed a 2nd person in our road to Hyland’s, but he refused him. I then entreated him to go with us alone but could not persuade him. I then proposed his next neighbor, [but he] still rejecting my choice, still continued protesting he would go and charge somebody, which he did; I was after him, entreating him to serve our warrant and not to use us ill, as I imagined he designed (and as I afterwards found true). For he went about a ½ a mile on the contrary road from which we were a-going under pretence to charge a man to go with him. But instead of doing that he went to one of the overseers and told him his business; viz., that he had got a warrant to serve on George Hyland and begged he would send word of it to the other overseer. And after staying at the overseer’s about 20 minutes, he at last told him he should be glad of his company if he liked to go, but he should do as he liked about going. So that one may plainly judge of the baseness of the poor creature’s principles. But we must, I think, say this of him; that he is a compound both of baseness and ignorance. However, we came back again by his house and called Master Hook where we had left him and then proceeded on our road to take the man (our company was Goad, the Laughton overseer; Rabson; myself and Hook.)

When we came to the house, the man and Ann Durrant were both in bed, but he soon came down and opened the door. And then we came away for Hoathly, leaving the poor old man so soon as we came into the park, and only G. Hyland, A. Durrant, R. Hook, Goad and myself came to Hoathly, where we arrived about 12 o’clock and sent for J. Watford. We went into Jones’s and stayed till past 2. We spent 3/2; viz., 3/- charged to the parish and 2d I paid, though for the parish. A. Durrant, myself, Hook, Watford and Hyland came up to our house where we supped, or rather breakfasted on the remains of yesterday’s dinner. We sat up all night. This day gave Mr Thomas Smith the carrier in cash £10 to pay in London for me.

In the morning went down to Mr French’s to inform him what I had done. Thomas Cornwell and Thomas Durrant watched the man all the morning. About 8:30 Mr Will Shoesmith and Mr Goad the Laughton overseers came and offered security for the child; viz, l8d a week and 40/- for the lying in. But our people; viz, Mr Porter, Mr French, Mr Vine and Jo Fuller, thought it proper to have the man before Mr Courthope before they took the security, thinking he might be persuaded to marry the girl, Mr Porter endeavering to persuade the man the justness of his so doing.

About 10:20 Mr French, Hyland and myself set out for Uckfield and when we came to Whyly, the man made some objection to going without a peace officer. We then sent for John Watford to go with us, who accordingly came. We then proceeded on our journey. We called at my mother’s but did not stay. When we came before Mr Courthope, he was that very worthy man as never to ask the man whether he liked to marry, nor so much as once to reprimand him for bringing so much trouble on both parishes, but told us we should send to Mr Shoesmith to let him be at Uckfield by tomorrow morning at 10 o’clock, and that we might leave the man in the care of our headborough till tomorrow (though he said the man must bear his own expense) and he would send the security by them. Spent 3d at the Maiden Head, and seeing Mr Thornton, he asked us to go to the King’s Head, which we did and spent 9d. In the meantime Master Watford, being loath (as I or anyone else should have been) to stay, went up to Mr Courthope and asked his consent to go home, who readily granted him the favor, provided he would see that the man was brought there again tomorrow.

As Mr French and I came home, we called at my mother’s but did not stay (Will Bennett being there). He also called at Whyly where was John Jones the Waldron overseer, who told us we should certainly have a certifcate with Elizabeth Day on Sunday next without fail. I came home about 6:10 where I found all the people at my house. I then sent down for Mr French, who came immediately and ordered them all down to Jones’s, we both going with them; but I did not stay, being at home and abed by 8:30. My family at home dined on the remains of yesterday’s dinner, but as for myself, I dined not anywhere. I think it is as near doing as I would be done unto if I charge the parish 6/- for the people’s eating etc. at my house. In the evening wrote a note to Mr Shoesmith to be at Uckfield tomorrow by 10 o’clock and agreed to give John Hesman 6d for carrying it, which he immediately did. My brother came over in the evening for the mare but did not stay.i

About 11:10 I was sent for down to Jones’s but did not go. Again about 12:30 I was sent for, when I arose and went and then found the man, instead of going to Uckfield today, in the mind of marrying the girl (for Mr French had agreed he should have £5, a ring value 10/-, a wedding dinner and married with a license). I stayed about 30 minutes (finding most of ’em drunk) and came home to bed. About 6 o’clock, I arose and went down to see if the man was in the same mind. When I found he was not, then I again went home to bed, and about 7:30 I again was sent for. I accordingly arose and went, and the man then declared if I would get the license, he would then be married. I then went up to Joseph Fuller and sent for Mr French, and they both agreed I should go to Lewes to get a license. I borrowed of Mr French 1.16.0. Joseph Fuller lent his horse to go upon, and we agreed I should meet the people at Laughton Church on account they must married there. So about 8:30 I set off for Lewes. (But first I desired to Mr French in my absence to send Mr Shoesmith word not to go to Uckfield). I arrived about 9:20 and applied for a license, but could get none on account the man was not there in presence. I breakfasted at the White Horse and then came away home by Laughton where I met Mr Porter, Mr French, Joseph Fuller, John Durrant, Thomas Cornwell, John Watford, Hyland and the girl, who all came away home again. I spent this journey as under:

To going through Peckham’s	0.0.1
Turnpike	0.0.2
Breakfast	0.0.6
¼ Pint wine	0.0.6
Horse and ostler	0.0.3
	0.1.6

We dined today on the remains of Tuesday’s dinner with the addition of some sausages. After dinner, the man being very sober and then in the mind of marrying, it was agreed we should go with him to Lewes to get a license. We accordingly set off, he on a horse of Mr French’s, John Watford on one of Mr Porter’s and myself on one of Joseph Fuller’s. We went very well till we came as far as Mr Spence’s, when the man declared he would go no farther, but would go in there and send for Mr Dicker to be bound for him, but we persuaded him to go back to Hoathly and send for the overseers of Laughton, go to Mr Courthope’s and have no more trouble. Well, he agreed to it and was got on our road home as far as the turnpike when his mind altered, and he would marry if we would advance 40/- more. We then turned again and went to Lewes where we met with Joseph Fuller Jr, who gave him a note of hand for 30/- and 5 stone of beef to be paid on the day he was married to Ann Durrant. He then made all the solemn vows etc. that he would then marry her if we would take out a license, which we did, and also bought a ring. After smoking a pipe with Feron, John and Joseph Fuller and Aldersey at the White Horse, we came home about 11:30. I spent this journey as under:

To going through Peckham’s	0.0.2
To the turnpike	0.0.6
Horses and ostler	0.1.1
Eating	0.0.6
Spent	0.2.0
License	1.4.0
Ring
	1.16.3

Borrowed of John Watford 12d. Balanced accounts with John Fuller and paid him 3/- in full…

In the morning arose to go with the man and woman to be married, but was soon disappointed by the man’s declaring he would not be married. We then concluded to go to Uckfield and put an end to so troublesome an affair. Our company was Mr French, Mr Vine, John Watford, Stephen Clinch, the man and myself. We called at Mr French’s and my mother’s in our road to Uckfield, but did not stay.

When we came before Mr Courthope, he discharged the man without examining him, but assured us he would take care that we should have proper security and that he would grant us some of our expenses since the man prevented our taking, the parish security on Thursday morning or rather on Wednesday night; that is, as to the superfluous expense he has put us to except the license and ring. We went to Mr Holland’s at the Maiden Head where we spent 18d… We called at my mother’s and Mr French’s as we came home, but did not stay. We came home thoroughly wet and fatigued about 6:20 and not a little overjoyed this troublesome affair is over. My family at home dined on the remains of Tuesday’s dinner, but I dined at my mother’s on some rice pie…

At home all day. Gave Dame Burrage 12d on the parish account… Dame Braizer and her daughter drank tea with us. In the evening read part of Homer’s Odyssey. Oh! a terrible time took but £5 this week. Dame Durrant’s maid lodged at our house tonight. Thomas Davy sat about an hour with us in the evening.

Sunday, Feb. 27: At home all day. My wife, maid and two boys at church in the morning, but not myself because I have wrung my heel and could not get my shoe up. While they were at church, Mr John Tucker came to see me, who dined with us on a piece of bacon, parsnips, turnips, greens and a currant batter pudding. My maid and nephew at church in the afternoon, Mr Tucker stayed and drank tea with us and vent away about 5:50. In the evening Mr Elless and Thomas Davy sat with us a while, to whom I read 2 of Tillotson’s sermons; viz., 18th and 19th…

Paid Mr French the 36/- borrowed of him the 24th; also paid him 9d which he spent on the parish account. About 9:30 George Hyland sent word to us that he would be married today if the parish stood to their agreement as before. Whereupon Mr French, Joseph Fuller and Mr Porter agreed to it. Whereupon I and Stephen Clinch and Thomas Fuller went to Laughton to get the parson ready, but he was not at home. Then Thomas Fuller went back for Mr Porter. Joseph Fuller walked to Laughton along with George Hyland and Ann Durrant, and Mr French went to call the clerk. After we had stayed at the church some time, Mr Porter came and married them in the presence of Mr French, Joseph Fuller, Robert Durrant, myself and several people as ringers in the belfry. Stephen Clinch was father to give her away. Stephen Clinch and Joseph Fuller signed the register. They were married by 11:35. I paid Mr Porter for Mr Shenton’s fees 0.10.6

do. the clerk	0.2.6
do. the ringers etc.	0.2.11

…Borrowed of Mr Porter in cash 6.10.0 and of Joseph Fuller 10/6. Lent John Jones 6.10.0. As we came back, we called at Mr Coates’s, but did not stay. We dined at Jones’s on a leg of mutton and bacon boiled with greens and turnips… We stayed till near 8 o’clock. My brother came over today, but did not stay. In the evening wrote my London letters…

In the morning Mr French, John Watford, George Hyland and myself set out for Uckfield in order for him to swear his parish. We called at Mr French’s, but did not stay. We then proceeded on our intended journey as far as my mother’s, where I took my mare and rode to Uckfield. There we all met again and went to Mr Courthope’s, who examined the man and he swore his parish was Laughton. Mr Courthope then granted us an order to carry him and Ann his wife home to their said parish of Laughton.

While I was at Mr George Courthope’s, Mr John Withington, Messrs Bancroft and Nixon’s rider, called there for me and went and stayed at the Maiden Head till we came back from Mr George Courthope’s. There he, I and Mr Jesse Attree drank 1 pint of white wine. He then promised to come and lodge at my house tonight; we then parted, Mr French, Hyland and Watford going to Hoathly, Withington on his journey, and I to Lewes to get the order signed, which I did by Luke Spence Esq. I paid Mr Ed Verral 1.9.0 in full. Bought 2 sheets treble starp paper for Mr Porter…

As soon as I had dined, I went away directly for Laughton where I arrived about 3:20, and after sitting at the Pound about 15 minutes, Mr French, Hyland and his wife, John Durrant and J. Watford came in. Then Mr French and I went and delivered Hyland and his wife to Master Goad, one of the overseers of Laughton, who received them without any sort of dispute, and went with us down to the Pound where we stayed an hour and a half. I then called as I came home at the Laughton headborough’s, my old friend, and told his wife if he would come up on Friday next and make up the affair of the 22nd instant, it might be done on easy terms. If not, the parish would prosecute him. I came home about 5:45 where I found Mr John Withington was just getting off from his horse at Jones’s. After going up to my house and staying about 45 minutes, we went down to Jones’s and spent the evening and supped there.

While we were at supper, we were alarmed by a quarrel which happened between Mr French, John Durrant, and Mr Smith and Thomas Starr, they being just come to Jones’s. Upon our hearing a great tumult we left our room and went into the kitchen where we found the two former abusing Mr Starr very much. We came home about 10:30. Mr Withington lodged at our house all night… Received of George Hyland 3/- in full.

In the morning Mr John Withington and I rode over to Framfield where I breakfasted at my mother’s. I paid Mr Withington by bill… 6.15.0 in full for Thomas Fuller’s account, due to Messrs Bancroft and Nixon. I and my mother both gave him an order. I stayed and dined at my mother’s on hog meat pudding… After dinner I walked up to Dr Stone’s in order to get his parish bill, but meeting him at the wheeler’s shop, I went no farther, he then assuring me I should have it tomorrow morning. I came home by Thomas Fuller’s, where I had not been long before Mr Rice, Thomas and Joseph Fuller came in, as did Master Durrant after some time. I stayed there till near 9 o’clock when we all came away together. Mr Rice stayed some time at my house. Thomas Davy sat with us in the evening.

In the morning went down to Whyly for Mr French’s account on the parish; breakfasted there. This day began to make the poor book. We dined on a leg of mutton boiled, a piece of pork, apple pudding, turnips and parsnips. My brother came over in the afternoon, but did not stay. In the evening went down to Whyly on account of a mistake Mr French had made in his account. I stayed there till about 8:20. This day received a certificate from Mr French, which was brought or sent him from Laughton, granted by the said pariah to Thomas Lewer and Sarah his wife and John his son, signed the 4th of May, 1754; by James Shoesmith, Robert Burfield, Robert Turner and Edmund Roffey, and allowed the 4th June by Luke Spence and John Bridger Esq and attested by E. Verral and George Willmot.