Publications
Notes for visitors to S. Peter's Church, Henfield, by H. de C., published 1945 (4 pp., Brighton: Pell)
The Story of Henfield, by H. H. de Candole, published 1947 (Hove: Combridges) accessible at: W.S.R.O. [Lib 9684][Lib 8249][Lib 2798] & West Sussex Libraries & East Sussex Libraries
Review by G. D. J. [G. D. Johnston] in Sussex Notes and Queries, May 1947:This book leaves the reader with a firm impression of the author's zeal and the large amount of work which has gone to his judicious blending of facts culled from published records with original investigation on the spot and careful sifting of unpublished parish documents. Praise is due to the proof-readers for the absence of misprints. The book is very readable and can be recommended to all interested in the locality who want something deeper and more stimulating than a guide-book.
There is however a distinct drawback in the absence of any general map; for the two inserted (for other purposes) do not mark nearly all the places referred to in the text.
The author puts the division between East and West Sussex as early as the Conquest. It seems that the age and nature of this division is overrated. Sussex is a geographical county with a single Sheriff and the Commission of Assize and Quarter Sessions remains in law (though not in practice) one for the County (see the County of Sussex Act 1865), and the division is only for purposes of administration.
The author does not describe the former Mockbridge (though its tablet is preserved in the present structure); one could wish for more information as to the origin of Eatons Bridge, and except for a passing reference to a ford for cattle, there is no mention of the Old Ferry Ford just above Bineham Bridge or to the Ford for Waggons just south of the parish boundary (both of which are shewn in 1805). Leland (who died in 1552) did not write in Elizabeth's reign (or is the quotation wrongly ascribed to him ?); and surely Stretham Manor did not exist in B.C.53? The Turnpike Act of 1777 from Henfield to Brighton is not mentioned (though those of 1771 to the Maypole from the north and of 1777 to Hurst are) and the road from Ansty to Billingshurst was made in 1825 - long after the Peninsular War. The statement that the Reeve was elected from among the villeins "as the best husbandman" is startling, and the author's view (p. 57) that tithe is now paid into a central fund through which "and not in any form through the State" Incumbents receive their stipends, hardly accords with the Tithe Act 1936, by which the Redemption Stock issued in exchange for Tithe Rent Charge is " charged by way of guarantee on the Consolidated Fund."
These are however merely matters of comment on unimportant detail and in no way detract from the great pleasure of reading the book.
There is however a distinct drawback in the absence of any general map; for the two inserted (for other purposes) do not mark nearly all the places referred to in the text.
The author puts the division between East and West Sussex as early as the Conquest. It seems that the age and nature of this division is overrated. Sussex is a geographical county with a single Sheriff and the Commission of Assize and Quarter Sessions remains in law (though not in practice) one for the County (see the County of Sussex Act 1865), and the division is only for purposes of administration.
The author does not describe the former Mockbridge (though its tablet is preserved in the present structure); one could wish for more information as to the origin of Eatons Bridge, and except for a passing reference to a ford for cattle, there is no mention of the Old Ferry Ford just above Bineham Bridge or to the Ford for Waggons just south of the parish boundary (both of which are shewn in 1805). Leland (who died in 1552) did not write in Elizabeth's reign (or is the quotation wrongly ascribed to him ?); and surely Stretham Manor did not exist in B.C.53? The Turnpike Act of 1777 from Henfield to Brighton is not mentioned (though those of 1771 to the Maypole from the north and of 1777 to Hurst are) and the road from Ansty to Billingshurst was made in 1825 - long after the Peninsular War. The statement that the Reeve was elected from among the villeins "as the best husbandman" is startling, and the author's view (p. 57) that tithe is now paid into a central fund through which "and not in any form through the State" Incumbents receive their stipends, hardly accords with the Tithe Act 1936, by which the Redemption Stock issued in exchange for Tithe Rent Charge is " charged by way of guarantee on the Consolidated Fund."
These are however merely matters of comment on unimportant detail and in no way detract from the great pleasure of reading the book.
Stonework near Wood's Mill, Henfield, by H. De C. [Henry de Candole], published August 1948 in Sussex Notes & Queries (vol. XII no. 3, note, p.62) accessible at: W.S.R.O. [Lib 8230] & The Keep [LIB/500214] & S.A.S. library
Thomas Stapleton, by Henry de Candole, published May 1950 in Sussex Notes & Queries (vol. XIII no. 2, note, p.42) accessible at: W.S.R.O. [Lib 8231] & The Keep [LIB/500215] & S.A.S. library