St. Leonards Shoeing Forge

This blacksmiths/forge specialised in providing and fitting horse-shoes between 1851 and 1928. In 1913, a street directory has its address as 5 South Street with John Russell being the blacksmith. The property is described as having two spacious floors above the smiths in an advertisement for the property in October 1887.

Property History: 5–6 South Street, St Leonards

Early Ownership (1851)

In February 1851, the Eversfield Estate conveyed parts of Gensing Farm to Robert Deudney, who took over the running of the farm from his father. On 2 May 1851, Deudney sold a plot of building land (shown on a plan) to James Ranger, a blacksmith.

Ranger Family Period (1871–1885)

James Ranger died in 1871. His widow, Mary Ann Ranger, subsequently leased the blacksmith’s and wheeler’s shop and yard at the rear of the properties:

1872

Lease granted to William Thomas Chandler, farrier.

1882

Lease (including 5 South Street) granted to Francis James Ware, farrier.

Mary Ann Ranger died in 1885.

Transfer to the Ross Family (1886–1928)

In 1886, Ranger’s beneficiary and mortgagees sold the properties for £1460 to James Frederick Ross of St Leonards, chimney sweep. Ross died in 1898, and his widow Mary Ann Ross died in 1915.

In 1928, their grandson William James Penn conveyed the property to Edith Martha Bowerman‑Chibnall for £750.

1928 Property Description

An insurance policy from 1928 provides a detailed description of the premises, which included:

Blacksmith’s shop

Stable

Carpenter’s workshop

Signwriting workshop

Bowerman Family Transfer (1930)

In 1930, Edith Martha Bowerman‑Chibnall conveyed:

6–7 South Street

1–5 Crystal Square (earlier deeds referenced as ACC 12622/1)

to her daughter Elsie Edith Bowerman for £2000, financed by a loan from the vendor. There is, however no reference to the forge in this conveyance.

Housing Act Closing Order (1928)

All the properties were made subject to a Closing Order under the 1925 Housing Act, following a notice served on 12 June 1928.