It is thought that Howard Dudley moved to Easebourne when aged around seven after the death of his father.
 
Whilst still a pupil at the Grammar School in Midhurst he took a great interest in printing and publishing. At the age of 15 he produced his first book - 'Juvenile Researches' which was published in 1835. Not only did he write the book he also illustrated it with his own woodcuts and supervised the construction of a small printing press with which to print it. He meticulously printed the book, himself, one page at a time until done. It also contained poems written by his younger sister.
The book contained 126 pages of text and woodcuts featuring the Sussex towns of Chichester, Midhurst, Easebourne, Petersfield, Petworth and Horsham
So well did the first copy sell, that a second edition, incorporating improvements on the first, was printed and sold.
 
In 1836, at the age of 16, no doubt encouraged by the reception given to the first book, he wrote, illustrated and printed his second book; 'The History and Antiquities of Horsham'. It was Horsham's first history book and includes a wealth of information in the text, backed up by his own lithographic and wood-cut illustrations, some of which are shown on this page.
 
A reader from France, 'JWD' who is researching him, asks "if some record might exist of his address and possible burial at Easebourne".

Below is a review of his books as published in the 'Gentlemans Magazine' c.1838

 
 
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related or associated :-
Easebourne index
 
Easebourne Vintage images gallery