Brede History

British Resistance / Auxiliary Units

I belong to a group (BRA/CART) who are researching the secret British Resistance Organisation named Auxiliary Units that were formed in 1940 to harass and delay the German invaders if they had come. Mountfield had a small group of about 7 men who were trained to act as guerillas and use explosives etc. I would … read more

11th May 2014

Bill Ashby
Solomon’s Garden Staplecross

My great great grandmother Mary Ann Watkins used to live at Solomon’s Garden in the very early twentieth century and I believe her daughter Ellen Streeter Pattenden ran a local village shop until she emigrated to Canada. I’d be very interested to know if anyone has local history information relating to my family and the … read more

31st March 2014

Carolyn Owen
1
Springfield Cottages, Cackle Street

Springfield (cottages) Cackle Street, Brede Hi, I am trying to find out when the properties now known as Springfield Cottages were given this name. They are a terrace of old houses possibly dating back to the 1700s. I have printed out all the census entries for Cackle Street but am trying to pin down the … read more

17th December 2013

Anonymous
6
War Memorial

I am a member of the History Group from the joint villages of Aston Upthorpe and Aston Tirrold in Oxfordshire (was Berkshire in WW1) We are just starting a project on our war dead of WW1 and one of the casualties named on our memorial and in St Michaels Church Aston Tirrold, is Lance Corporal … read more

2nd November 2013

Judy Barradell-Smith
Inskipp

Can anyone help me with the Inskipp family from Battle. My mother came from St Leonards but I recall there being graves in Battle churchyard for several Inskipp’s. We had many old documents at home relating to the Battle Poor Law or other alms and the Overseer was an Inskipp. My family gave them to … read more

20th October 2012

Hilary Beechey
2
Dr Park’s Surgery

Does anyone have, or could anyone refer me to, any known photographs of the interior of 112 High Street, Rye? For about a hundred years, I believe, this was the Dr’s surgery, so many thousands have passed through and worked here. I am in touch with the previous owners, but intending to restore the house … read more

10th October 2012

Guy Harris
Bus Routes of the Past

Researching two photographs I am unable to find what the route or service numbers are. 1) Southdown original livery ie pre 1969 number blind 1*2 so is this 152? as middle is obliterated. 2) 1915 single deck bus with board on front Beckley-Northiam-Bride-Westfield- Hastings and passing near to a pub at a junction, registration AP7319, … read more

12th August 2011

G Dinnage
3
St Mary’s Church Northiam History

I am an nearly retired architect undertaking a postgraduate course in building conservation. Our latest course work is to write an illustrated essay on a medieval church with Victorian alterations.I am looking for historical information on St Mary’s and should be glad someone could advise me where to start looking for information. Many Thanks. … read more

4th December 2010

Geoff Mules
Cattle Trough in Battle

I’m trying to track down all the cattle / horse troughs that were erected by an association called the Metropolitan Drinking Fountain and Cattle Trough Association. Once such trough was erected in Battle in 1911 near the old market. It has probably been moved during roadworks etc. Does anyone know what became of it? … read more

22nd March 2010

Alan Underwood
3
Battle Workhouse

Is anyone doing research on Battle workhouse around the 1840s or 1850’s? My great grandfather was born there in 1840 and lived there for at least ten years, maybe more. I’m trying to get as much information on conditions, etc, at the time as part of my research. I will be visiting Battle for 2 … read more

15th March 2010

Allan Millham
3