A hundred years ago in Hailsham

As we move into 2021, local historian Paul Endersby has been flicking through the Sussex County Herald for 1921 to find some of the news stories and main issues affecting the people of Hailsham 100 years ago. 

I have been reading through the Sussex County Herald for 1921 to find some of the news stories and main issues affecting the people of Hailsham 100 years ago. 

The town’s water supply was an ongoing issue and resulted in one headline “Hailsham’s hoary problem.” and the supply was variously described as “constant” or “intermittent.” It was explained that the poor water supply was due to the fact that the water lev- el at the reservoir was too low and that some of the pipes were incrusted. Homes in North Street, the High Street and London Road were particularly affected making it impossible at times to flush the toilets. 

The Workhouse was subject to regular reports. It does seem that there was a very sympathetic attitude towards people forced to live in the Workhouse and this was reflected in the many gifts to residents throughout the year. In January gifts of fruit and cake were given to the residents by local people. 

There were further gifts in June and in October as part of the Harvest Festival celebrations. A garden par- ty was held in July for some of the residents of the Workhouse at Holly Lodge the home of Mr & Mrs Stanfield. Tea was served in a marquee and the Hailsham Brass Band played selections. 

Another local group which received much press attention was the Comrades of the Great War whose meeting place was “The Hut” located behind the War memorial. Regular social events were held there including Whist Drives, a New Year fancy dress carnival, a continental market and a floral fayre. In March the Comrades organised a Warriors Day which included a football match during the afternoon and an evening Whist Drive.The purpose of the Warriors Day was to raise funds for the benefit of ex-service- men and their dependants. 

One national issue which hit the headlines in January 1921 was the introduction of women jurors. In February the paper lead with the headline,“Women as jurors – what they think about it – local opinion.” The report went to include quotes from various local women. Mrs Campion Coles and Miss M Hampton viewed the placing of women on juries with “extreme disfavour.” 

Mrs Burtenshaw (secretary of the WI) felt that the move would be, “very useful in furthering the interests of justice. Many women however were quite unfitted to serve and there would have to be discrimination in selecting them.” Mrs Burtenshaw did not agree with women being empanelled for inquests and long murder trials where women were, “better left out.” She continued,“women as a whole were not able to withstand nervous tension as long as men.” 

Using a bike, car, motor cycle or horse and cart after dark with no, or faulty lights, were regular offences heard in the Hailsham Police Court. Fines were typically five shillings (25p). 

The question of driving, and road safety were regularly reported on. Two male pedestrians were knocked down by a car in South Road on 6 March. The conditions were described as, “dark and boisterous.“ On 10 March a 12 year old boy was knocked down in North Street.There were at least two other accidents in the town around this time. In 1921 there were no speed limits on the town roads and no one way system in the town centre. 

The A22 by pass had not been built so all traffic came through the town.The paper reported that the chief danger point was the junction of South Road with the railway bridge! There was further accident there when a car hit a lady motor cyclist who finished up in hospital. The car driver was fined £5.00 plus £7-19 shillings (£7.95).The newspaper report noted that the corners at North Street and the top of George Street were dangerous. The suggestion was that through traffic should be redirected down Summerheath Road. 

In April a car crashed as it turned right at the bottom of the High Street into George Street.The car hit the pavement outside White’s shop (now The Link) then hit a motor cyclist on the other side of the road.The driver later appeared before the magistrates where he was found guilty of “driving to the danger of the 

public,” and was fined £3.00 plus £1-12s, (£1.60p)) costs and had his licence endorsed. In July there was another accident at the same spot when a motor cyclist and side car, with a lady passenger, took the bend into George Street and came face to face with a charabanc parked outside White’s. The motor cycle somersaulted trapping the passenger. However the machine was righted, and apart from suffering from shock, the riders were unhurt. They continued on their way! 

There were three further accidents over one weekend in August.All took place within the area that Hailsham RDC had asked for speed limits to be imposed. The first accident took place at the junction beside the Terminus (Neptune). The second at the junction of Summerheath Road and London Road. The third was in George Street when a driver inquired as the way to Battle. However he did not stop whilst asking and ran into a lamp post!! By October the problem of traffic passing through the town had become so bad that consideration was being given to closing some roads to heavy vehicles. 

As a result of these accidents a petition was started to ask the County Council to impose speed limits on the town roads. The petition quickly amassed some 600 signatories. Hailsham RDC discussed the situation and there was a small majority in favour of send- ing a letter to the County Council asking for speed limits to be introduced. 

Even without accidents there were constant reports of heavy traffic.This was particularly the case during the Whitsun Bank holiday weekend.The paper reported that the traffic was “tremendous” and added that,“there was no pleasure in a roadside walk.” In the 2 July edition under the heading “Death or Glory,” was the Motto of a traveller about to cross the Hailsham to Polegate road! 

And finally, in January No. 3 Station Road was sold at auction for £660; later in the month the funeral of Charles Towler, first headmaster of Hailsham Boys School took place. In April the parish council discussed the question of shop blinds being too low which had resulted in a policeman having his helmet knocked off! 

To be continued. Paul Endersby.