New book from a local author. This is the story of an American loyalist who fled to Sussex after the American War of Independence.

Eastbourne: Ahead of the 250th anniversary in 2026 of the Declaration of Independence of the USA from Great Britain, Sussex historian and author Stephen Le Vine offers a different twist on the period with his latest book “For King or Country, Major Philip Van Cortlandt 1739-1814, A Memoir.”

Stephen leVine, said, "Philip's story in this new book drawing on local archives in England and America sheds a light on the destruction of one family's settled life and dreams.

It's not well known that thousands of Americans remained loyal to Britain in the War of Independence and fought for the King. Many, like Philip, paid a high price for their loyalty. Philip narrowly escaped arrest and he and his family had to flee to sanctuary in England, finding a home in Sussex."

The book tells the story of an American descended from a well-known aristocratic family who took up arms and fought for England and the King during the American War of Independence. Philip and his family fled to England and settled in Sussex. He became the Barrack master at Hailsham barracks during the French revolutionary wars with England and the house he occupied in George Street, Hailsham was later named “Cortlandt” in his honour.

Synopsis

War had been raging between the American Patriots and the British Army since the opening battles of Lexington and Concord on 19 April 1775. The 13 colonies in North America were at war with Great Britain.

The Americans (Rebels) demanded independence and the release from the severe restrictions imposed by the British government and the high taxes imposed on the colonies.

Major Philip Van Cortlandt and his immediate family are the focus of our story. He came from a wealthy and educated background, with ancestors who were the founding fathers of New York. We examine the pressure and challenging decisions they faced during these turbulent times. Philip joined the New Jersey Volunteers who were part of the Loyalists’ Provincial Corps, which fought for the King.

Like many other citizens, he fought against his fellow countrymen and cousins. Because of his actions, he lost his home and lands in New Jersey and New York and the right to live in America.

Philip, with his wife and large family, had to find a new life in a foreign land. This is his story.

Notes to Editors

Media for more information, please contact Stephen LeVine at email: loncastlesouth@yahoo.co.uk         website: https://www.stephenlevine.co.uk

The book is available on Amazon and retails at £14.50

visit the Amazon site.     https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/0993544177 ISBN: 978-0-993544170

Background

Stephen Le Vine has published books on the history of Sussex’s town halls and Sussex army barracks, together with the history of Eastbourne’s Fire Brigade. He has also written articles for the Eastbourne Local History Society.

Stephen was born in London and educated in Hove and London. He moved in 1985 to Hailsham, Sussex, and became a resident of Eastbourne in 1987. Now retired, he has become an author of local history books.