James, born c.1822, and Mark, born c.1829, were the sons of James Lansdell of Battle, Builder and Carpenter, and his wife Martha nee Breeds, of Hastings. They are buried at St Mary Church in Battle, with two other of their children.
The Lansdell Estate consisted of property in the High Street, Mount Street, Parks Yard and Whatlington Street in Battle, and Breeds Place, Castle Gardens, Castle Hill Road, Pelham Crescent and Wellington Square in Hastings.
The estate was developed by James Landsell and let to tenants. His sons James Henry (a solicitor) and Mark James Lansdell (a surveyor) continued to administer the estate after his death.
Article in The Times, Saturday, 23rd June 1866
GENTLEMAN MISSING. - TEN POUNDS REWARD.
- To Hotelkeepers, Police Officers, and others. - MISSING, since the evening of the 14th inst., from 15, Wellington-square, Hastings, Mr JAMES LANSDELL, 44 years of age, 5ft 2 or 3 in. high, stout, dark hair (turning gray) cut rather short, a little bald on the top of the head, small, dark whiskers worn on the chin (also turning gray), a small wart on the left temple. Dressed in a black cloth morning coat, black vest and trousers, black merino scarf with small mourning pin, black cloth overcoat, red flannel shirt, and black hat with mourning band. Had a large sum of money in his possession, and a large silver watch, maker Moore and Sons, No.28989, also several account books. Linen marked "J. Lansdell" in ink. The above reward will be paid to any person who will give such information as will lead to the discovery of the said Mr. James Lansdell to Mr. Glenister, Chief of Police, Hastings, Sussex. - 19th June, 1866.
Article in The Caledonian Mercury, Monday, 25 June, 1866
General Intelligence.
Mysterious Disappearance of a Gentleman.
- The Hastings and St Leonard's Chronicle states that a feeling of gloom has prevailed among many of the inhabitants of Hastings during the past few days in consequence of it becoming known that Mr James Lansdell, of Wellington Square, had been missing since the evening of Thursday last. It appears that on the evening in question Mr Lansdell took a walk to St Leonards with his wife and another member of his family, and leaving them near the Subscription Gardens said he should extend his walk a little further westward. They expected to meet him on leaving the gardens, but did not do so, and although strict inquiry has been made, it appears that he has not yet been heard of. The general impression is that he has met with an untimely end. Mr Lansdell had a large sum of money in his possession and a large silver watch, also several account books. Linen marked "J. Lansdell" in ink. The deepest sympathy is felt for the family.
Sussex Advertiser East Sussex, 1 Aug 1866
HASTINGS
HASTINGS. Return of Mr. James Lansdell.—ln reference to the announcement recently made in all the local public organs as to the sudden departure and mysterious absence of Mr. James Lansdell from his home, we are happy to be able now to state that he has………..
