From my enquiries it will be noted that Thomas and his father were employed as Blacksmiths firstly in Southover, Lewes and then West Firle which is situated just east of Lewes. West Firle is the home of the Gage family who reside at Firle Place, most of the village was originally owned by the estate. Forge Cottage and the outbuildings behind the cottage which formed the forge but now in use as a Carpenters workshop are still within the ownership of the Firle Place Estate.