Rook shooting at Cuckfield Place

Cuckfield Place, the seat of Mr Sergison, of the Scots Guards, is about ten miles from Brighton. It is one of the most prolific resorts of the rooks in the South of England.

The Chase, a splendid avenue of lofty limes, which approaches the house from the main road towards the ancient gate-house, is the favourite nesting place. But of late years a clump of trees on the other side of the pond has become an equally favourite place, and one can imagine very enjoyable afternoons with the pea rifle bowling over the dusky birds.

The fine sheets of water and the romantic scenery around are graphically pictured in the late Mr Harrison Ainsworth's 'Rookwood'.

The Illustrated Sporting and Dramatic News, 31 May 1890

Photo: Wikimedia public domain image, from the Crossley ID Guide Britain and Ireland

Contributed by Malcolm Davison.