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BYGONE SUSSEX. |
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been that the martial spirit guarded a treasure placed in a chest and concealed in a recess of the wall. This hoard having been discovered by a steward of the estate the drummer felt relieved of his duty. But from another account it seems probable that the smugglers with whom Sussex abounded in the " good old times" made occasional use of portions of the castle as a hiding place for goods which had not paid duty. The beating of the drum was a signal used by these gentry to give information to each other and to frighten their superstitions neighbours from too close inquiry into these transactions. This is certainly a very rationalistic explanation. Herstmonceux is no longer haunted. The Drummer has fled and his drum has been silenced for ever. |
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