Edward Brown, carpenter of Brede

The volume below spans most of the working life of Edward Brown, from 1719 to 1754. A more detailed analysis of the entries in the volume, prepared by the volume's seller, follows, but in general terms it is clear that he ran his own small carpentry business in Brede, working there and in the neighbouring villages of Udimore, Beckley, Guestling, Winchelsea, Peasmarsh and Northiam, and sometimes a little further afield. Many of the local estate owners employed him, including Spencer Compton, Earl of Wilmington (owner of the manor of Udimore until 1743), and Sir William Ashburnham. Brown's own employees included his cousin Edward Brown (son of Robert), who is mentioned from time to time

Many of the entries are in terms of labour costs, but there is often detail of work done on farm and domestic buildings, including oast houses. Other buildings included Westfield Forge and Conster Furnace, the churches at Brede, Udimore and Beckley, and a bridge. There is a year's accounts, 1728 - 29, for Brown's term as overseer of the poor at Brede

Volume purchased in April 1986 (ACC 4597)

Land Tax Assessments show Edward Brown as renting a house of the Bromley Family by 1720, of which he purchased the freehold between 1728 and 1733. From the Brede manor court book it would appear that he sold the business sometime in 1754 to John Ditch (or Duch), carpenter, but he retained the house, which passed after his death in Jul 1755 to his widow Ann. She remarried in Apr 1756 William Terry, wheeler, and they continued living there

Brown's will, dated 11 May 1754, describes him as a carpenter of Brede. It mentions his nephew William Brown, carpenter, and cousin Edward Brown, carpenter. The house was bequeathed to Brown's wife Ann, with reversion after her death to the cousin Edward (W/A59-246)