John Ellman

He was born in1753 an ordinary man who was to become an extraordinary man. His father Richard was a farmer tenant in Hartfield who moved to Glynde to be become tenant and steward of the Trevor estates. The Trevor family were the owners of Glynde Place a wealthy aristocratic and political family dating back beyond the 16th century.

 In 1761 Richard became tenant of Place farm leasing 580 acres of land around Glynde village from the Trevor family who were a very old established aristocratic family and very big landowners in England and Wales. Richard instilled in his son good farm management and accounts yet felt further academic education would be of use to a farmer. His son however felt the need to develop his learning and took additional tutoring from the village vicar. Together they built the reputation for quality in their cattle and sheep; however it was when Richard died in 1780 and John became the new tenant that things were to escalate and make the name Ellman synonymous with the most successful breed of sheep in the world – the Southdown. 

John leased more land enlarging the farm to 700 acres. He extended his experiments of selective breeding and his flock began to produce much bigger fleeces and better quality meat leading to better income. He soon started winning prizes at events and fairs and drew the attention of great landowning gentry. The Duke of Bedford was a great admirer and became a firm friend.

However it was his communication skill and willingness to write about his procedures in farming journals, and the constancy of his winning competitions that were to be his greatest asset; in today’s vernacular – a great PR man.  The Earl of Sheffield and the Duke of Egremont both of whom admired John’s work and were good clients, soon brought his attention to the notice of the most respected author of farming journals; Rev. Arthur Young who produced the influential Annuls of Agriculture.

Not only was John winning prizes in virtually every competition he entered for sheep, he was also winning major prizes for his cattle. His main preoccupation though was the sheep flocks and most farmers were followers of his procedures because undoubtedly his methods produced the best wool.

To further the ideals of better farming management he decided to put to Lord Egremont the idea of a Sussex Agricultural Society. Once the proposal was formulated  the farmers flocked to join. John was also a founder member of the Smithfield Cattle Show and long time judge.

The Trevors had many highborn gentry visit Glynde Place, including royalty in the shape of George 111. There is an account that such was the renown of John Ellman’s sheep The Emperor of Russia asked King George to obtain for him two of the Glynde rams. John didn’t know what to charge and enlisted his friend the Duke of Bedford to adjudicate a price. They settled on 300 guineas and the Duke confirmed that he also would have two at the same price. By the end of the 18th century he could easily command 200 guineas just for a season’s ram rental.

During his time John never lost sight of his worker’s welfare; whenever one got married he would give them a home and sufficient land for a cow ,pig and some vegetables. A plaque with his initials can be seen on some of the cottages.

When food prices became very expensive causing them hardship he sold them food a low cost. The Annual Harvest party was a great event and he would invite eighty people to a feast at which they would consume a mere: -
 
16 stone of Beef
8 stone of mutton
A hundredweight of Plum Pudding
50 Gallons of strong Beer.

During his life he had so many accolades, too long to list here but to mention a few, the  wealthy landowners of Sussex presented him with a silver cup with their names inscribed, the Duke of Bedford gave a personal gift of, a silver vase for all his advice and help. The Agricultural society awarded him the Gold medal for the  Best Cultivated Frm in Sussex.

Apart from farming he was also a commissioner of taxes an Inspector of Militia, planning for the threatened Napoleonic invasion.  However it appears his best accolade was that everyone he met liked him and could only speak well of him.

He is buried in Glynde churchyard but I can’t understand  why there is no plaque in recognition of his achievements and his value to the village.

For those wishing to Know more about him try Googling John Ellman of Glynde and read the account by Sue Farrant.