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:

Hudson, Charles. Living at the Red House near Holly Hill Farm. Labourer aged 69 years in August 1879. Born on the Forest in Hartfield. When I was about 5 years old I helped my Father cut on the Forest, I do no know for whom. When I was about 9 years old I went as ploughboy to Mr. Chart who occupied Suntings Farm, Hartfield. I remained there off and on till I believe I was 12 years old. Then I worked with my Father till his death in 1829. Then I went as laborer to Mr. Robert Edwards at Lines Farm I'2 year. Then I worked at odd jobs about 2 years, then I married in 1833. I continued odd work for 6 or 7 years. Then I worked for Mr. Home at Stairs Farm, Hartfield belonging to Lord De La Warr till 1851 when I entered the service of Mr. Bernard Hale and have remained with him till the present time.

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