Why the Tortoise?
One of Ringmer's most celebrated visitors was the pioneering naturalist Gilbert White (1720 - 1793). His letters have been published under the title of The Natural History of Selbourne and are world famous for the detail in which he observed the creatures and plants around the village of Selbourne in Hampshire where he was curate. White wrote in his letter from Ringmer dated 8th October 1770 " A land tortoise, which has been kept for thirty years in a little walled court belonging to the house where I am now visiting, retires under ground about the middle of November , and comes forth again about the middle of April. When it first appears in the spring it discovers very little inclination towards food; but in the the height of summer grows voracious: Milky plants such as lettuces, dandelions, sowthistles, are its favourite dish." With such a famous reptile as a former inhabitant the village of Ringmer has adopted the tortoise as it's symbol.
