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64 KIPLING'S SUSSEX
George and Joseph Weston, one of whom was actually appointed churchwarden of Winchelsea, and both brothers living here, under assumed names, on the plunder acquired in their daring excursions, were held in much repute. After robbing the Bristol mail they were detected, apprehended, and one of them was hung.
Thackeray's novel of " Denis Duval," is founded on their story, and they also figure in G. P. R. James's " Robber."
The New Inn in Church Square, I will gladly name to all my readers who are satisfied with an old-fashioned Georgian inn, a good bed and plain but good fare. One article alone is of uncertain quality I am told. I was warned not to drink the water here, for a proverb says : " He who drinks at St. Leonard's well (near Winchelsea) must always slake his thirst at its waters." The hostess of the inn, who quoted the proverb to me, " a mighty civil gentlewoman," pressed her plump hands to her plump sides and laughed silently for a space when I replied: " Water! I never drink water anywhere ! " The meal (which included a " Playz de Wynchelsee ") provided by the plump lady, made me think of that dinner at Mrs. Garrick's when Bos well whispered to his neighbour: " I believe this is as much as can be made of life." I |
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