My Memories of Burnt House Farm Alfriston Circa 1938
I remember being taken down to Alfriston in the 1930s before the Second World War. My great-aunt and great-uncle, Polly and Arthur Newell, had a smallholding on the downs, about half a mile from the village, where they kept chickens and ducks, and a few sheep. My mother told me that Aunty Polly helped a cousin, Jack Butland, to buy the farm, where he lived for many years with his wife, and children - but more details I cannot recall, as I was very young, and not long after, the Second World War started. Aunty Polly and Uncle Arthur had their property 'taken over' by the War Office and I understand Canadian soldiers were billeted there. After the war the property was an absolute ruin, and my uncle and aunt went to live in Eastbourne, in a Victorian house in Ceylon Place.
Many memories stay with me of our visits to Alfriston, where my young brother and I spent many many happy hours.
Memories Links
See more memories of Alfriston
Add a Memory for another place
Tips & Ideas
How has this scene changed?
Do you know who lived or worked here?
Why is this photo significant to you?
Particular points of interest - transport, architecture, fashions etc.
Comments
4 comments have been shared so far in response to the memory "My Memories of Burnt House Farm Alfriston Circa 1938".
Why not get involved and post your comments using the comment form below.
Comments
RE: RE: My Memories of Burnt House Farm, Alfriston Circa 1938
In the 1901 Census my great-grandfather Ebenezer Russell's residence was Burnt House, Alfriston.
Comment from Pat Brookshaw on Sunday, 13th September 2009.
RE: RE: My Memories of Burnt House Farm Alfriston Circa 1938
Before I married I was Janet Butland, my father was James, his brother was Jack whom you mention and he lived at Burnt House. Aunt Polly cannot remember the whole story there, but I know my brother would, as Burnt House was my grandparents' home and was left to Jack, the eldest son. How are you related to Burnt House?
Comment from Janet Unsted on Friday, 19th February 2010.
RE: RE: My Memories of Burnt House Farm Alfriston Circa 1938
Dear Janet, My 'connection' to Burnt House Farm is via my grandmother Emma Butland, Aunty Pollys sister. Her father was William Butland, the family were originally from Ashsprington in Devon. Does this help?
Comment from Margaret Mosley on Friday, 28th May 2010.
RE: RE: My Memories of Burnt House Farm Alfriston Circa 1938
I too have fond memories of Alfriston, however in my case it was after the Second World War. Polly was the aunt of my mother, Sarah, whose maiden name was Butland. My mother's father was a William Butland who (I think) was Pollly's brother. He had been a policeman in London and, on retirement, bought a small public house in High Barnet, Hertfordshire, "The Builders Arms". I am in possession of a magnificent, but sad, wedding photograph taken before the First World War (around 1910). It shows all the Butland sisters (including Polly and Emma). Should anyone be interested in expanding the branches of their family tree drop me an Email address and I'll forward it to you. Regards, Ray Taylor Gordonvale Far North Queensland
Comment from Raymond Taylor on Thursday, 21st April 2011.