The Sussex Smuggler

  Book Review: Witches By Tracy Borman. "Witches" by Tracy Borman offers a captivating exploration into the mysterious and often misunderstood world of witches. Borman's meticulous research and engaging writing style bring to life a historical narrative that is both informative and entertaining. One of the strengths of the book lies in Borman's ability to blend historical facts with a narrative that keeps the reader eagerly turning the pages. Her detailed accounts of the lives of alleged witches from across the UK and Europe, the societal context in which they lived, and the trials they faced provide a rich tapestry of historical insight. The author's commitment to accuracy is evident throughout the book. Borman not only delves into the well-known witch trials but also sheds light on lesser-known cases, offering a comprehensive view of the phenomenon. The reader gains a nuanced understanding of the factors that contributed to the persecution of individuals accused

  Stand and Deliver. Money or your life ! Mail Coach Robbed outside of East Grinstead ! So the newspaper headline read in July 1801. Residents of East Grinstead will be familiar today with the road called Wall Hill Road, outside Ashurstwood village long before the current A22 road was built. There must have been absolute shock and horror of the incident through Sussex at the time. The singleton driver left with his cart from Lewes with the overnight mail on the 20th of July 1801 for East Grinstead. The route would take the cart up through Ashdown Forest through Forest Row and then up the steep incline to East Grinstead via Wall Hill road where the coach was stopped by two men "Stand and deliver. Money or your life." One cried out. The singleton driver pulled back on the reins and put the cart break on as pistols from two silhouettes were directed at him. No mail was worth  taking a shot. With the crime now committed We now learn the two silhouettes were in fact John Beatson,

The Hawkhurst Gang Season 1 Episode 5  The trio of Murders ! Following the Crown's humiliation of the raid on the Poole customs house, the authorities issued a reward of five hundred pounds (Approx ninety thousand pounds in today's money according to the Bank of England inflation calculator) for information leading to the conviction of those involved.  Daniel Chater saw his chance following his casual and unexpected meet with Diamond at Fordingbridge. Upon splitting up after the Poole raid some of the gang namely John 'Smoker' Mills and Jeremiah 'Butler' Curtis chose a different route via Slindon Common and stashed tea at a barn. On 13th of January 1748 they returned for their stash of tea and found the innocent Richard Hawkins working out of the barn thrashing corn. Mills and Curtis accused Hawkins of stealing their tea. Hawkins denied it. The Hawkhurst pair produced their pistols and forced Richard Hawkins to go with them to the Dog and Partridge pub at Slindo