The Postman
The polymath T. B. Brett in addition to his Manuscript Histories and Historico-Biographies also wrote a number of columns in prose under the pseudonym 'The Postman'
A portion of one of these columns is below[1]:-
REMINISCENCES OF HASTINGS
[As by far the larger portion of the information contained in the History of St. Leonards and Reminiscences of Hastings is exclusively original, and the remainder obtained from out-of-the-way sources at considerable labour and expense, the right of re-publication is reserved.]
HIGH STREET — TORFIELD HOUSE (Continued)
Mrs. Collier, still surviving.
Horses, doubtless, kept for driving
Round about the town of Hastings, visiting her
Until Sev’nteen-sev’nty nearing, [lands,
When her name was disappearing,
When, as well, her property got into other hands.
Pasture lands and lands for tilling,
Bringing many a pound and shilling,
Some of which the widow held in parish Magdalene;
If you’d know them more precisely,
Such they were which now, more nicely,
Show themselves as portions of Bohemia demesne.
These a farm-house circumvend,
And by Samuel Cramp were rented,
All the time that Mrs. Collier owned the said estate;
Which a record showeth surely—
Such I tell you, quite demurely— [eight.
Was from Sev’nteen-sixty-one to Sev’nteen sixty-
Cramp was one of two good farmers,
Having wives as household charmers;
“Principal Inhabitants” and overseers were they;
One of whom might form a quorum,
Being thus sole “cuckalorum,” [pay.
Spending cash, and making rates for only three to
This said land in Mag’lene parish—
Then not viewed as over garish— [passed.
After Sev’nteen-sixty-eight from widow Collier
O’er to gallant Gen’ral Murray,
He won a site not very [cast.
Far from such late Collier’s land his residence had
Rent was paid to Murray, yearly,
Five-and-twenty years, or nearly,
First by Cramp and then by Foster at each Ladytide;
He or his the cash receiving,
Until he the world was leaving;
Namely, Sev’nteen-four-and-ninety, when the Gen’ral died.
General Murray’s first wife’s brother—
If not he I know no other— [lands;
Next took o’er the ownership of these Bohemia
William Greene, Esquire or Mister,
Wedded Mrs. Murray’s sister,
William Greene the rents received from tennant-
farmer’s hands.
Murray’s wealth had much expansion,
Which included “Ore Place” mansion,
Bought by Lucas Shadwell after Sev’nteen ninety-
House, with views around so charming, [four;
Grounds as well still used for farming,
After Gen’ral Murray, in existence was no more.
Torfield House and Tor-field, also,—
Less than Ore-Place near to Baldslow,—
Passed away to other hands at Gen’ral Murray’s
Edward Milward, his relation, [death;
These received some hesitation,
So, at least, your humble Postman (this deponent)
saith.
Now, as well, I may be saying,
Gen’ral Murray oft was staying
Either here at Torfield House or more remote Ore
Other times he would be letting [Place;
(As per typo’s undersetting)
Both these lands and tenements to others of his race.
“To be let, for 21 years (lot 1). A commodious mansion,
out-buildings, yard and walled-in garden, at the upper
part of Hastings. Also (lot 2) garden-ground, 1½ acres,
adjoining the mansion. Also (lot 3) two coach-houses
and stabling for 16 horses, and a hay-loft, adjoining lot
2. Also (lot 4) the Tor Field, about 12 acres, there ad-
joining, and all in the occupation of Edward Milward.
Proposals to be sent to the Hon. Gen. Jas. Murray, of
Beauport, or to Mr. Shadwell, attorney, Hastings.
Feb. 1789.”
“To be let, Ore Place, with six bed-rooms, dining-
room, drawing-room, parlour, servants’ hall, butler and
housekeeper’s room, stables, &c. Apply to the Hon.
Gen. James Murray, Beauport, or to Mr. Shadwell, at-
torney, Hastings.—March 1, 1790.”
Thus you see that Gen’ral Murray
Lived in Sussex—not in Surrey,
E’en at Beauport, on a site from Mr. Denham
Beauport, as the Gen’ral named it [bought;
(When the builders well had framed it)
After “Beauport,” Canada, where he had boldly
fought.
THE POSTMAN.
(To be continued.)
