Map of the enclosure of Seaford Down

'Seaford Down Measured January the 27th 1759'

Plan of Down Furlong and Sandcliff, between Seaford Down and the sea, showing land in 28 strips (Down Furlong) and 10 strips (Sandcliff); shows survey-points and the distances between them

Ink and colour on paper, 9½" x 14½"; endorsed: elaborately written In, flanked by delicate drawings of flowers, perhaps a rose and a pink

On the right of the map are tables of reference to each furlong list number of strip, owner, the length of each boundary expressed in links, the strip-number repeated and the contents in acres and rods

On the left of the map are calculations, based on links, to determine the acreage

At the foot of the map are tables showing total acreages of each owner, expressed in both tenant-measure (124 or 126 rods to an acre) and land-measure (124 rods to an acre), and details of an exchange between Mr Farncomb and Mr Harison

As well as Church Land, the owners involved are [Thomas] Chown, [Lancelot] Harison, John Bean, John Bodle and [William] Farncomb

This map is possibly a final draft drawn up when Seaford Down was enclosed. The resulting allotments were subsequently exchanged, and by 1772 the entire area shown was owned by Lancelot Harison and John Bodle, 'according to the recent exchanges which have been thereof lately made' (AMS3430)

It is clear from the OS map of 1873 that it was already difficult to discern the boundaries of this map at that time, but they are clearly shown on a map of 1624 by John de Ward (SEA 688). That difficulty may already have existed in 1759: SEA 689, a copy of the 1624 map drawn in about 1750, may well have been prepared in preparation for the enclosure. De Ward's map shows a watch-house and 'host', perhaps a limekiln, on the cliffe-edge; by 1759 the area had been washed away by the sea

<p>For settlements of the Chowne manor of Seaford, 1703-1710 and 1720-1808, see AMS5717, 6454/48</p>

Document purchased 1 December 2000 (ACC 8248)