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1898: Mail coach collides with lamp post in the High Street

Updated: Sep 15, 2021


Sussex Agricultural Express - Saturday 14 May 1898


CUCKFIELD. ACCIDENT TO THE MAlL.

—Early Sunday morning an accident, happily unattended by any serious consequences, happened to the parcel mail coach while descending the steep declivity known as the Town-hill, in Cuckfield. The leader's reins snapped, and the coach came down at a tremendous pace.


The driver, with great presence of mind, kept the "wheelers" well under control, but when opposite the post-office they ran upon the pavement and collided with the lamp-post, breaking it off in two pieces.



19th century mail coach


Running into the gutter they were fortunately brought to a standstill, in dangerous proximity to Mr. Anscombe's house. The noise aroused several people, and assistance was speedily rendered, fresh harness being procured from the stables, and the mails proceeded after an hour or more delay.


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