Publications
Mayfield: A history, by R. C. G. Foster, published 1964 (published by the author) accessible at: W.S.R.O. [Lib 15985] & The Keep [LIB/503472] & East Sussex Libraries
Review by G. D. J. [G. D. Johnston] in Sussex Notes and Queries, May 1965:In the introduction the Author says this book cannot claim to be a scholar's history and that all he has attempted to do is to combine in a consecutive story every item of interest about Mayfield which he has managed to discover in his reading. The Book can fairly claim to have carried this out and it would be unfair to criticise it for omissions (such as absence of any reference to the Mill or to any bridge except the tradition that the Devil paused at St. Dunstan's Bridge en route for Tunbridge Wells).
But there are inaccuracies which detract from the value of the Book. For instance Archbishop Warham died in 1532 (not 1530) and it was not Cranmer but Cromwell (as the King's Vicar General) who ordered Parish Registers to be kept. Justices of the Peace were not "self-elected" but appointed by the Crown and their administrative duties were transferred in 1888 to the newly formed County Council (not in 1894 to the District and Parish Councils). Their approval of Overseers and Surveyors of the Highways would (judging from other parishes) have been nominal, viz. confirming the nominees of the Parish Vestry (which is not referred to in the Book). Any defect in the roads was the subject of criminal proceedings at Quarter Sessions or the Assizes. Turnpike Roads were not controlled by the Justices but by a Body of Trustees named in the Act. It is surprising to hear that Medieval roads were maintained by the Lords of the Manors. The proof-reading is imperfect; for instance "buried for their faith" is presumably "burned;" Bibleham Forge was fed by a "leak" from the main river presumably "leat;" "the Committee of Counsillors" was presumably the Committee of the Privy Council on Education and we are told that a Headmaster reigned "with great recluse." There are several obvious misprints.
But there are inaccuracies which detract from the value of the Book. For instance Archbishop Warham died in 1532 (not 1530) and it was not Cranmer but Cromwell (as the King's Vicar General) who ordered Parish Registers to be kept. Justices of the Peace were not "self-elected" but appointed by the Crown and their administrative duties were transferred in 1888 to the newly formed County Council (not in 1894 to the District and Parish Councils). Their approval of Overseers and Surveyors of the Highways would (judging from other parishes) have been nominal, viz. confirming the nominees of the Parish Vestry (which is not referred to in the Book). Any defect in the roads was the subject of criminal proceedings at Quarter Sessions or the Assizes. Turnpike Roads were not controlled by the Justices but by a Body of Trustees named in the Act. It is surprising to hear that Medieval roads were maintained by the Lords of the Manors. The proof-reading is imperfect; for instance "buried for their faith" is presumably "burned;" Bibleham Forge was fed by a "leak" from the main river presumably "leat;" "the Committee of Counsillors" was presumably the Committee of the Privy Council on Education and we are told that a Headmaster reigned "with great recluse." There are several obvious misprints.