This website,  created by Valerie Martin, contains scenes from her home village of Findon, West Sussex, U.K.

FREDERICK MUSTCHIN (1839/1915)

Cottages in Nepcote, pre 1922.

Text copyright Valerie Martin 1999

Original story line first published in Along The Furlong in July 1997.

Some villagers of the past are remembered because of a quirk of fate — one of these I have found was Frederick Mustchin who was born in the second quarter of 1839, I do not know exactly when. 

I have discovered that a Private Frederick Mustchin was in the 9th Lancers (The Queens Royals) and served in the Indian Mutiny during 1857-58.   As there was only one Frederick Mustchin in the British Isles around this time, I am pretty sure it must be our Findon man.  He received a medal for his services.  

Frederick had three wives in all.  His first was Elizabeth, known as Eliza (born in 1844). 

Their first child was Frederick Alfred (born 23rd January 1869 and died 24th February 1903). Frederick Senior was an agricultural worker and the couple resided at 111, East Street, Littlehampton in the early 1870s.  Their daughter, Agnes Minnie Bright (yes, this really was her name!) was born during the first quarter of 1871. Their last child was Clara (Naomi) (born 1874).   Eliza died soon after, around 1875.

In the third quarter of 1880, Frederick went on to marry Lucy Longland (born in 1862 in Oving, Sussex).  By this time he was a coachman and still lived in Littlehampton  but the address was now Winterton Cottage, East Street, with the three children from his first marriage.  The couple had a further ten children of their own  —

Lucy Mary (Daisy)  born 1881
Nellie born second quarter 1882
Mabel born third quarter 1886
Bessie born 21st July 1891
Dorothy born 14th May 1894 died 4th June 1907
Ethel Victoria born 13th September 1896 died third quarter 1914
Robert Martin born 16th July 1899 died 30th August 1984
Precilla
Winifred born 16th May 1901
Wilfred Gordon born 19th February 1905 died 11th October 1978

Frederick then lived with Mary Longland who was born in 1859 at Oving, Sussex (his second wife's sister).   Things now become a little confusing because her name is recorded as the mother of Frederick's last three children (above).   The Parish Registers, however, record that the mother of the last three children is Lucy!  

I think one story about him is worthy of record because it was considered newsworthy and important enough at the time to be reported in the newspaper for all to read.

A riot of autumn colour at the old cottages in Nepcote in November 2003.

By the early 1890s, Fred and Lucy had moved to live in Nepcote in a cottage owned by Mrs. Elizabeth Arthur of The Hollies.  Fred had changed his occupation once again and was Head Groom at the local racing stables.  Their daughters, Nellie and Mabel, were still living at home in 1891.

In June 1907 Fred was 68 years old and employed by Albert Short of Findon Farm.  This was an era when the Lord of the Manor at Findon Place was Colonel William George Margesson;  Bob Gore was the horse trainer at Downs Stables; Dennis Thirlwell was training horses at Nepcote Lodge Stables in Steep Lane; Thomas Winton ran the shop and post office; Edward Douglas the artist was living at Fox Down and there were a multitude of trades conducted in Findon including that of cycle maker, boot maker, baker, fly proprietor, tailor etc.

I have discovered that Fred met with an unfortunate fall in 1907 and it was recorded at the time that he was transferring milk churns in a cart, when he unluckily stumbled awkwardly over something and fell straight out of the back of the vehicle and landed on the road.

It was stated that Mr. F. W. Lee of Storrington was at once telegraphed for but as there is no further information, it is not known if he was a doctor or not.

Cottages in Nepcote and Ockenden's timber yard c. 1930.

Poor Fred, suffering from shock and badly shaken by his experience, was later conveyed by Albert Short’s horse and trap to his Nepcote cottage. He later recovered from his experience and it is assumed he continued his duties.

 I would stake my life on the fact that Fred would have know this Findon woodcutter when he had his photograph taken in 1907..... I wish Fred could tell us his name......

 He appears a kindly looking chap and he has stopped for a smoke and a well earned break.      I know it is a very remote chance but it would be great if someone can put a name to the face in 1907 for me.

Frederick Mustchin died eight years later in March 1915.

Continue if you would like to read about the end of Findon Farm in Winds of Change.

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E-mail: valeriemartin@findonvillage.com