During The Ashdown Forest Dispute 1876-1882 commoners and land owners were interviewed by the solicitor William Raper. Their comments were recorded in a series of notebooks:

Tester, George. 51. Living adjoining Old Land. Roadman to Maresfield parish. Born close to Duddleswell. My Father's name was Richard (dead). He used to cut litter for anyone who wanted it. When I was about 11 I used to go out helping him, raking up what he cut. He cut for Richardson of Blackham, for Horn at Stairs Farm, Hartfield, for Page at Cophall. When I was 13 I went to service under Mr. William Waters at Spring Garden Farm on the Forest belonging to Lady Shelley for 12 months. Then I went under Mr. John Turner at Millbrook Farm, 13 acres out on the Forest at Nutley (now occupied by Ridley) for 2 years, then I went under Mr. James Elliott at Fairplace Farm (26 acres) adjoining the Forest near Millbrook 3 years. Then I worked at Duddleswell and for 9 years past have been roadman.

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