Sussex Ramblers take on Nicholas Hoogstraten once more

10:00am Tuesday 9th October 2012 in News By Ben Parsons

Nicholas Hoogstraten Nicholas Hoogstraten

Ramblers have commemorated their clash with Nicholas Hoogstraten by producing a special route across his land.

Sussex Ramblers fought a 13-year battle with the notorious tycoon to use a footpath which crosses his palatial estate at Framfield. 

In 2003, they finally won and walkers can now use the route  - if they don't mind talk of "armed guards" on patrol.

The nine-mile walk takes in the “beautiful and changing countryside around Uckfield”. It rises 200 metres and includes “quite a few stiles”.

Sussex Ramblers have published the route of “Mr Van Hoogstraten’s Path” to give publicity to their fight for the right to roam.

The route includes a stretch which crosses the estate of Hamilton Palace, Nicholas Hoogstraten’s stately home-cum-folly-cum-mausoleum.

It took 13 years to force the notorious Hove tycoon to open the route. While that battle is long since won, until now no specific walk had been devised to include the fought-over stretch.

Ramblers spokesman Chris Smith, who came up with the walk, said: “Most landowners are not like Mr Hoogstraten.

“They keep their paths open. But this walk reminds us how important the work of the Ramblers is in maintaining our footpath network.”

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Mr Hoogstraten said he did not wish to give the Ramblers publicity, describing them as “the dirty mac brigade”.

He said: “We have got armed guards up there. Nobody has been across that land for a few years.”

Mr Smith’s guide reads: “Was it worth the battle? The path itself is not particularly special, although there are lovely distant views of the South Downs and a tranquil woodland walk to follow.

“But the impact has been tremendous. By taking on such a powerful adversary the Ramblers made it clear to others that they were prepared to defend the nation’s footpaths for everyone against anyone.

“Since the time of the case the state of footpaths in East Sussex has improved considerably. This is partly because of this case.”

Mr Hoogstraten said completing Hamilton Palace was not his top priority, with building work at 20 The Drive, at The Courtlands Hotel, also in The Drive, and Hovedene, in Cromwell Road, coming first.

He said: “We’re up to our neck at the moment in building works in Hove at The Drive. Then Courtlands has got to be finished, then Hovedene, then we’ll finish the palace.

“That is the sequence.”

In an interview with The Argus in 2008 he predicted the financial crisis would lead to the worst recession in history.

Speaking last week, he said he is benefiting from the current trading conditions. He said: “Because we are in a serious recession now, obviously it has worked in our favour.

“Construction labour costs have fallen dramatically. Simply because of the economic conditions everywhere, it puts us up front.

“We are secure, whereas most people are not. We have never needed to borrow money.”

Mr Hoogstraten said that while his priorities are in Zimbabwe, his business interests are very much alive in Sussex.

He said: “We are in a strong position. We are taking advantage of that.

"It is business as usual.”

Comments(52)

LB says...
10:11am Tue 9 Oct 12

So the police will be up there arresting these 'armed guards' now will they?

Or does he just mean they have guards with something between their shoulders and hands?

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MuammarQaddafi says...
10:13am Tue 9 Oct 12

It is also business as usual for ramblers, no thanks to old Adolf.

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hubby says...
10:48am Tue 9 Oct 12

What a wierd bloke.

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brightonian57 says...
11:22am Tue 9 Oct 12

hubby wrote:
What a wierd bloke.
That’s probably the nicest description he’s ever had

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Tailgaters Anonymous says...
11:40am Tue 9 Oct 12

Interesting old connections on the High Street!!

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BornInBrighton1968 says...
11:41am Tue 9 Oct 12

My uncle always used to tell me that if Hoogstraaten came round to your house for a little 'chat' with you, he would always act like a gentleman; he would always shake your hand and ask after your mum before getting 'stuck in'

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Nathan_Adler says...
11:44am Tue 9 Oct 12

Does anybody know where I can get a hand grenade from?

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Mr P Brown says...
12:47pm Tue 9 Oct 12

Nathan_Adler wrote:
Does anybody know where I can get a hand grenade from?
I think Mr Van H would be a good place to start your search

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Dirk Von Roden says...
12:50pm Tue 9 Oct 12

allegedly if you are a Judge and Jewish ! mr Hoogstraaten will supply you one for free!!!!

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rolivan says...
1:25pm Tue 9 Oct 12

I know people will always say it is the Principle but there are thousands of miles of pathways with far more to see than anything that Mr Hoogstratens land has to offer.Go up on the Downs or Cuckmere Haven a ramble around Slaugham or Barcombe the paths are endless.

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StyleCop says...
2:24pm Tue 9 Oct 12

I met a traveller from an antique land
Who said: `Two vast and trunkless legs of stone
Stand in the desert. Near them, on the sand,
Half sunk, a shattered visage lies, whose frown,
And wrinkled lip, and sneer of cold command,
Tell that its sculptor well those passions read
Which yet survive, stamped on these lifeless things,
The hand that mocked them and the heart that fed.
And on the pedestal these words appear --
"My name is Ozymandias, king of kings:
Look on my works, ye Mighty, and despair!"
Nothing beside remains. Round the decay
Of that colossal wreck, boundless and bare
The lone and level sands stretch far away.'

Report this post »

voiceofthescoombe says...
3:27pm Tue 9 Oct 12

Precisely but thats because the ramblers dont give an inch hoogstraten
Started the fight and had no idea or history of who the ramblers are.
Armed guards hes either lieing through his teeth or wants to go to jail again.

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lorrie1 says...
3:32pm Tue 9 Oct 12

This dispicable thug should be in prison! Ive seen some of the flats (if you can call them that) which he used to let and they were ALL filthy,discusting, overpriced holes. If the rent was late he would send in the heavy mob to collect rent. This man should not be allowed to do ANY buisness in this country.
He is a criminal and always will be, Does he have a home office licence to have ARMED gaurds on his property? probably not, Total scum always will be!

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Flippin Burghers says...
5:24pm Tue 9 Oct 12

Nasty old crook.

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F in L says...
5:42pm Tue 9 Oct 12

I would strongly advise any Ramblers to go in VERY large groups. the 'Security' is robust to say the least and dogs are shot if off the lead due to the 2 sheep kept there. trespassers are liable to be blamed for vandalism, theft from the site and criminal damage... You are dealing with someone with far more resources, a stronger will and a lot less scruples. I personally would walk somewhere prettier....and safer. Mr Hoogstraten is not to be crossed.

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gnarlychaos says...
6:03pm Tue 9 Oct 12

I had many a conversation with Nick as we rambled around the exercise yards of Belmarsh.
Contrary to the views spleened on here
i found him to be a likeable chap and good company too.
He is clearly providing much needed
employment to the building trade thus
financial input to the local economy,he
can not be held responsible for the terrible state his tenants allowed their
dwellings to turn into.
Consider the tory conference today was
told,people who break into houses can
expect to be met with reasonable violence from the owners,the same right should therefore be assumed of landowners.
Mr Hoogstraten would,considering the comments above, feel intimidated and threatened and in my opinion be entitled to the use of Grenades and/or whatever use of weaponry he thought needed at the time to put down these
vermin.
in the case of ramblers a bar of soap would be normally sufficient. If not then yes just shoot them.
I bk
lame the greens for all this ****

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westside says...
6:38pm Tue 9 Oct 12

it would be intresting to see a mass group all walk along the designated path and see what really happens if anything. make sure you take video evidence as this man was once charged with being involved with a murder. i would luv to get up his nose just like he has done to many.

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multiple personality moron with no life says...
6:38pm Tue 9 Oct 12

gnarlychaos wrote:
I had many a conversation with Nick as we rambled around the exercise yards of Belmarsh.
Contrary to the views spleened on here
i found him to be a likeable chap and good company too.
He is clearly providing much needed
employment to the building trade thus
financial input to the local economy,he
can not be held responsible for the terrible state his tenants allowed their
dwellings to turn into.
Consider the tory conference today was
told,people who break into houses can
expect to be met with reasonable violence from the owners,the same right should therefore be assumed of landowners.
Mr Hoogstraten would,considering the comments above, feel intimidated and threatened and in my opinion be entitled to the use of Grenades and/or whatever use of weaponry he thought needed at the time to put down these
vermin.
in the case of ramblers a bar of soap would be normally sufficient. If not then yes just shoot them.
I bk
lame the greens for all this ****
...of course you did. fantasist.

Report this post »

gnarlychaos says...
6:39pm Tue 9 Oct 12

Flippin Burghers wrote:
Nasty old crook.
Share your insight, thats if you have any

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gnarlychaos says...
6:55pm Tue 9 Oct 12

westside wrote:
it would be intresting to see a mass group all walk along the designated path and see what really happens if anything. make sure you take video evidence as this man was once charged with being involved with a murder. i would luv to get up his nose just like he has done to many.
Snuff movie

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John Steed says...
8:01pm Tue 9 Oct 12

some years ago he paid me in advance before i started a job, i can only speak as i find but i cant say a bad word against him, he never done me any harm

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F in L says...
9:17pm Tue 9 Oct 12

I think most of this is envy. He is an extremely successful self made business man and I promise you this, if you cross him, you will be very sorry indeed, I hope you enjoy your mass walks, keep your dogs on leads and never met him or security later when alone, or you will, like everyone else who crossed him including Sussex Plod, lose big time

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Eric Northman says...
10:16pm Tue 9 Oct 12

I must say I've done work for this gentleman and never had a problem at all, in fact we were quite similar in may ways, I like the bloke and would be happy to work for him again.

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Dr.Draconian says...
10:42pm Tue 9 Oct 12

I don't why people are scared of him, on his own he's a ****.
Typical school yard bully when he has his gang with him & hasn't the bottle to get his own hands dirty.

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Eric Northman says...
10:47pm Tue 9 Oct 12

Dr.Draconian wrote:
I don't why people are scared of him, on his own he's a ****.
Typical school yard bully when he has his gang with him & hasn't the bottle to get his own hands dirty.
You clearly don't know the man very well then.

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boblat says...
5:18am Wed 10 Oct 12

Personal insults seem to be the only answer the brainless, unwashed sheeple can come up with??

Just give up and walk the countryside. You have NO chance trying to win this one!!..Or just go home and suck in all the lying propaganda from your giant TVs??....Get a life Plebs, and leave others alone!!

Report this post »

timm says...
6:40am Wed 10 Oct 12

"notorious" and "notorious" - poor writing.

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lordenglandofsussex says...
7:37am Wed 10 Oct 12

F in L wrote:
I would strongly advise any Ramblers to go in VERY large groups. the 'Security' is robust to say the least and dogs are shot if off the lead due to the 2 sheep kept there. trespassers are liable to be blamed for vandalism, theft from the site and criminal damage... You are dealing with someone with far more resources, a stronger will and a lot less scruples. I personally would walk somewhere prettier....and safer. Mr Hoogstraten is not to be crossed.
Put it this way, after Hoogstraten is long gone, the footpaths will still be there.

Report this post »

lordenglandofsussex says...
7:44am Wed 10 Oct 12

boblat wrote:
Personal insults seem to be the only answer the brainless, unwashed sheeple can come up with??

Just give up and walk the countryside. You have NO chance trying to win this one!!..Or just go home and suck in all the lying propaganda from your giant TVs??....Get a life Plebs, and leave others alone!!
Most Ramblers are upper and middle class professionals rather than working class. They include Doctors, Engineers, Scientists, MP's, Police Chiefs, Judges and even members of the House of Lords.

If you don't believe me then check out your local Rambler's Association or walking group. The South Down's Association is mainly made up of these kinds of people.

Mr Hoogstraten should be careful who he threatens in his old age because he might just tread on the wrong toe of someone far more powerful than he.

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qm says...
9:10am Wed 10 Oct 12

Ah . . . . the great washed . . . . . .

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Tailgaters Anonymous says...
10:30am Wed 10 Oct 12

..clearly irony gets lost in the ether. Zimbabwe and E-bagum spring all too readily to mind!

Report this post »

AmboGuy says...
11:49am Wed 10 Oct 12

boblat wrote:
Personal insults seem to be the only answer the brainless, unwashed sheeple can come up with??

Just give up and walk the countryside. You have NO chance trying to win this one!!..Or just go home and suck in all the lying propaganda from your giant TVs??....Get a life Plebs, and leave others alone!!
Lying propaganda? Do you mean his previous convictions are lies or maybe his good chum Robert Mugabe isn't as bad as the lying TVs have made out?
Could you clarify please as right now you just look like a sad old forum troll who knows this vile man no more than the average guy in the street.

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BornInBrighton1968 says...
11:59am Wed 10 Oct 12

I was talking to my boss about Hoogstraaten a few weeks ago; he told me that back in the mid 1970's, Hoogstraaten would walk around town during the day in a black suit, a black cape and a silver cane (the resemblance to Jack The Ripper was apparently striking).

My boss came up against Hoogstraaten a couple of times back then, and said that Hoogstraaten isn't so tough when he doesn't have his lads around him...

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anonymous coward says...
12:13pm Wed 10 Oct 12

@F in L

Hello, Mr.Hoogstraten!

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Flippin Burghers says...
12:14pm Wed 10 Oct 12

He looks like Lionel Blair to me.

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BornInBrighton1968 says...
1:07pm Wed 10 Oct 12

Just because he wears a nice whistle, has plenty of money and is building a palace doesn't mean that people have forgotten that he used to sell smutty magazines from the boot of his car...

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StyleCop says...
4:31pm Wed 10 Oct 12

lordenglandofsussex wrote:
F in L wrote: I would strongly advise any Ramblers to go in VERY large groups. the 'Security' is robust to say the least and dogs are shot if off the lead due to the 2 sheep kept there. trespassers are liable to be blamed for vandalism, theft from the site and criminal damage... You are dealing with someone with far more resources, a stronger will and a lot less scruples. I personally would walk somewhere prettier....and safer. Mr Hoogstraten is not to be crossed.
Put it this way, after Hoogstraten is long gone, the footpaths will still be there.
as I said...

""My name is Ozymandias, king of kings:
Look on my works, ye Mighty, and despair!"
Nothing beside remains. Round the decay
Of that colossal wreck, boundless and bare
The lone and level sands stretch far away.'”


Just to bring a bit of culture to this otherwise acrimonius diatribe.

Report this post »

The Real Phil says...
7:32pm Wed 10 Oct 12

"Armed guards up here" just about says it all. Most older readers will remember the times when little nicky was a hard man (not nice - just hard) who would wield the gun himself, but not any more. A great knack for making money, though not always by right or honest means. The fact that he is rich enough or so embedded in corruption that he is able to evade justice just goes to show that sometimes there is no justice. The hiring of a gunman to carry out the last known murder, and the proclomation that there are armed guards around show that he is no longer a hard man but a rich little nobody who has to pay real (if not nice) men to do his dirty work for him.
Up the Ramblers!

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emma barnes says...
8:10pm Wed 10 Oct 12

If only he would apply to be the New Police Crime Commissioner.

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mictrix says...
10:18am Thu 11 Oct 12

i've always thought he was a decent enough chap,he always paid me on time never any problems.at least he contributes to the community and puts money into it. unlike the great unwashed on here making all the negative comments when they don't even know the man

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clarkebrighton says...
12:02pm Thu 11 Oct 12

I don't think NASTY NICK will be Missed
when he Departs from this World.
Even the Kray Twins had a few friends !!

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NeuroMuscle says...
12:55pm Thu 11 Oct 12

clarkebrighton wrote:
I don't think NASTY NICK will be Missed
when he Departs from this World.
Even the Kray Twins had a few friends !!
So you think "Nasty Nick" has upset more people than the Kray Twins?

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The Ramblers says...
6:07pm Thu 11 Oct 12

I'm afraid that the Argus has got the wrong end of the stick. The battle was won years ago and there have been no problems experienced by people using the path for many years. We simply thought people might enjoy a walk through the Uckfield countryside which shows you what all the fuss was about. You can find the walk at www.travelloglewes.c
o.uk in the walks section.

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rolivan says...
10:35pm Thu 11 Oct 12

The Ramblers wrote:
I'm afraid that the Argus has got the wrong end of the stick. The battle was won years ago and there have been no problems experienced by people using the path for many years. We simply thought people might enjoy a walk through the Uckfield countryside which shows you what all the fuss was about. You can find the walk at www.travelloglewes.c

o.uk in the walks section.
I notice that another has died whilst walking her dog.Please could you emphasise the danger.

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bruce_ says...
11:09am Sun 14 Oct 12

hubby is probably right -- though the word is usually spelt weird. (Actually, other words come to mind, but that one is more polite.)

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SuzieB says...
2:20pm Sun 14 Oct 12

What I would like to know is why the Ramblers had to battle for 13 years to get the authorities to act on making sure a footpath was open for public use. Would it have taken as long for the authorities to act against any of us?

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SuzieB says...
2:21pm Sun 14 Oct 12

What I would like to know is why the Ramblers had to battle for 13 years to get the authorities to act on making sure a footpath was open for public use. Would it have taken as long for the authorities to act against any of us?

Report this post »

plantwoman says...
5:16pm Sun 14 Oct 12

rolivan wrote:
The Ramblers wrote: I'm afraid that the Argus has got the wrong end of the stick. The battle was won years ago and there have been no problems experienced by people using the path for many years. We simply thought people might enjoy a walk through the Uckfield countryside which shows you what all the fuss was about. You can find the walk at www.travelloglewes.c o.uk in the walks section.
I notice that another has died whilst walking her dog.Please could you emphasise the danger.
'I notice that another has died whilst walking her dog.Please could you emphasise the danger.'

Rolivan, explain please!

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Juleyanne says...
8:49am Tue 16 Oct 12

The whole thing is a some kind of cat and mouse game to this man. So many more important things going on in this world than one inflated ego and his little empire!

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TES of Brighton says...
1:30pm Wed 17 Oct 12

The 'unwashed' reference appears here in a number of threads: a real Nick-ism. It isn't just the ramblers or the renters whose lives this man's made a misery. If you've ever 'owned' a flat and find out that NvH is the freeholder, just kiss goodbye to your property and all the money you've sunk into it. The man is a crook end-of!

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The Ex-Lands says...
11:39pm Thu 18 Oct 12

Goodness knows what the late Mary Whitehouse would have made of many of these remarks. Mr van Hoogstraten is 100% decent and apart from anything else provides employment to many people in and around our city. Anyone would think we were living in 1930s Chicago with some of these comments which are nonsense at best. What is wrong with these people?!

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TES of Brighton says...
2:26pm Thu 25 Oct 12

The Ex-Lands wrote:
Goodness knows what the late Mary Whitehouse would have made of many of these remarks. Mr van Hoogstraten is 100% decent and apart from anything else provides employment to many people in and around our city. Anyone would think we were living in 1930s Chicago with some of these comments which are nonsense at best. What is wrong with these people?!
What has Mary Whitehouse got to do with things? 'Decent'? You *are* joking! My comment was (to use your percentage quote) 100% fact. Have you lost out to this crook? I thought not...

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