Bibliography - Edward John Colgate
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The Power and the Poverty: Life in a Sussex Village 1790-1850, by Edward J. Colgate, published 1 June 2008 (318 pp., George Mann Publications, ISBN-10: 0955241561 & ISBN-13: 9780955241567) accessible at: West Sussex Libraries & East Sussex Libraries

Written by a former Hurstpierpoint school teacher this is a book of interest to both present and former residents of the village and locality mentioning as it does local families, farms and properties the events which befell them as well as the harsh realities of day to day life. Drawn from many sources including the West Sussex Record Office, The County Archivist, Census Returns etc. The National and Parish events during the period covered are woven into the narrative to make interesting reading not only for those with a liking for history but also the general reader

Like his predecessor, Miss Grace Weekes, who (probably) penned "A slight sketch of a picture of Hurst" in 1825, the author's enthusiasm for his town has led him into print, and here he covers all levels of society. If you want to know about the workings of the Poor Law in Sussex, or have an interest in Hurstpierpoint itself, you will find much in this elaborately bound volume.
The author's experience as a teacher is evident as he communicates imaginatively and clearly, describing the reality of the treadmill and following beneficiaries of the Poor Rates into other counties, even other continents.
It shows painstaking research and illustrates well the town's development through the late Georgian and early Victorian eras. This is a book for dipping into with its short chapters, helpful index and plentiful illustrations.

Henfield's Wonderful Railway: The Brighton to Horsham Line 1861-1966, by Eddie J. Colgate, published 1 June 2015 (128 pp., George Mann Publications, ISBN-10: 1907640142 & ISBN-13: 9781907640148) accessible at: West Sussex Libraries

The story of a Sussex Branch Railway, steam hauled from 1861 until 1964: the people building it; the celebratory opening; the effect on village life; incidents and accidents; its development and demise.

Henfield Railway, by Eddie Colgate, published 2 March 2016 (DVD, Henfield Museum) accessible at: Henfield Museum

The DVD is based on Eddie's recently published book on the Horsham to Shoreham branch line, but contains some new photographs to illustrate the history of the line from its opening in 1861 to its closure under the Beeching Plan in 1966. The narration by Eddie is very informative, and light hearted in places, making it very entertaining and a must addition to your local history collection.