Notes on deeds of Bunkers Hill (OS 1909 plots 1499-1500), purchased by Cecil John...

For the earlier title, 1836-1865, see AMS 6779/2. By her will of 18 March 1898, Louisa Combs of Burwash, widow, bequeathed her estate in Burwash, including Bunkers Hill, partly occupied by Isaac Richardson, to the Revd Albert Hughes of Woodford Rectory in Essex and Charles Albert Brook of Burwash, solicitor's clerk, in trust. Mrs Combs died on 8 February 1902, the trustees proved the will at Lewes on 30 June 1902 and on 29 September 1902 (joined by the beneficiary, Louisa's cousin Angela Louisa Hughes of Woodford Rectory) sold part of the estate for £3250 to Margaret Elizabeth Cecil of Oakdown in Burwash, spinster: a messuage, cottage and 181a 2r 14p called Goodsoal Farm and Swingate Wood; Bunkers Hill, described as a cottage and land (1a 0r 7p) called Swingate Hill; a cottage called Swingate Toll House. Lady Margaret Cecil died on 11 March 1919 and her will of 8 March was proved by her executors, Miss Henrietta Halder (formerly residing with her) and Captain Archibald Macdonald of 93 Grosvenor Road, London, on 15 July 1919. On 20 October 1919 the executors sold Bunkers Hill and land (OS 1499 and 1500) to the occupier, George Letts, schoolmaster, for £620, of which £300 was advanced by Luke Daw of Warbleton. George Letts discharged the mortgage and sold the estate, a house and 3r 4p, to Herbert William Shipman of 18 The Park, Newark on Trent, bank manager, for £900 on 13 October 1928. He died on 1 September 1943 and on 30 June 1944 his son Thomas Lionel Shipman sold Bunkers Hill to Col Edward Massy Birch of Forest Row, CB, CMG, DSO for £1850. On 26 February 1945 Col Birch sold Bunkers Hill to Cecil John Miles of Idens Place Farm, Heathfield, for £1900.