03/06/2026
ESCAPED FROM GAOL. 206 years ago !! Pevensey Court House and Gaol has had its share of escaped prisoners including Smuggler Thomas Maynard who according to the June 5th Sussex Weekly Advertiser
Whereas it has been represented to the commissioners of his Majesty’s Customs, that Thomas Maynard, a Wheelwright or Jobbing Carpeneter, lately residing at Ashburnham was on the 20th April last, was committed to the goal of Pevensey, in the County of Sussex for penalties incurred in smuggling transactions; and that he did, on the night of Thursday, the 27th of that month, make his escape out of the said Gaol, and is now at large.
The said commissioners, being desirous of bringing the said Thomas Maynard to Justice, are hereby pleased to offer a reward of £20 to any person or persons who shall cause the said Thomas Maynard to be retaken and safely lodged in the said Gaol od Pevensey, or some other of his Majesty’s Gaols in great Britain: to be paid by the collector of his majesty customs at the Port of Rye upon conviction. By order of the Commissioners G. Delavaud, Secretary. NB. The said Thomas Maynard is about five feet nine or ten inches high, has rather a long face, and is of a ruddy complexion, is slight made and round shouldered; and, at the time of his escape, is supposed to have been dressed in a loose white gaberdine, breeches and shoes.
