The line of the Osborne family is difficult to trace during this period as very few records give continuity of descent. Edward Osborne is a shadowy figure who appears in the 1705 Poll Book of Cuckfield (SRS. Vol.2). His father obtained a settlement order to move from Cuckfield to Lindfield in 1666 and son Edward was born the following year, the eldest of three children. He appears to have married Ellene in due course and probably had three or more children.