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North End |
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Originally North End was a small farmhouse. It was once occupied by a Mr. Verrall and known as 'Verralls'. The land and barn on the opposite side of the road went with it. A few cows were kept whose milk was retailed locally (no sanitary regulations in those days). No doubt there would have been some poultry and perhaps a pig or two. Almost certainly Verrall would have taken part-time or seasonal work outside, as did most of this type of smallholder. I suspect Mrs Brett (of Bretts, Hamsey) was another such, as certainly was the occupant of Willmets, alias Ades, alias Highwell. My father related that the farmer here specialised in curing cattle suffering from Foot and Mouth Disease. Northend Cottage was a delightful spot when the garden was kept in good order. Old fashioned - but self contained. A larder with slate slab for curing bacon. A well in the house, the water drawn by a pump in the scullery. The water was once condemned by the Local Authority, but when Mr Day, the elderly occupant, pointed out how well he and his relatives had survived it was given a reprieve. Extract from: Our Parish; Tales of Offham, Hamsey and Cooksbridge. Jack Harmer 1991. Following the sale of the property in the late 1980s the original cottage was rebuilt on a much larger scale. The picture below shows the cottage prior to its renovation. |
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©2007 Sussex Archaeological Society
