Brewery Tap, Tontine Street Before 1870 - c2009

Brewery Tap, undated. Credit Linda Cox (from http://www.dover-kent.com/Brewery-Tap-Folkestone.html)

Brewery Tap, undated. Credit Chris Excell (from http://www.dover-kent.com/Brewery-Tap-Folkestone.html)

Brewery Tap, 2009. Credit Paul Skelton (from http://www.dover-kent.com/Brewery-Tap-Folkestone.html)

Brewery Tap 1999. Credit Martin Easdown

Brewery Tap, 1960s. Credit Eamonn Rooney

Brewery Tap, 1978

 

Licensees

James Powell c 1870 1873

William Summers 1873 1875 Also Raglan 1873-78
Frederick Wallis 1875

William James Watson 1875 1878 To Victoria

Arthur Langton 1878 1879

Richard Knott 1879 1900

William Thomasson 1900 1906

Albert Taylor 1906 1943 Licence suspended 1943-45
R.P. Rawlings 1943 1945
Albert Taylor 1945 1947

Albert G. Taylor 1947 1970

John Knight 1970 1976 To Valiant Sailor

Michael McNelly and Stuart Constable 1976 1978

Gordon Knight and Brian Evans 1978 1982 Brian Evans to Valiant Sailor

Edwin Gales 1982 1985

Steven Steinberg 1985 1990

Doreen Everson 1990 1991

Martin Foulkes 1991 2000 From Clarendon Hotel

Martin Foulkes and Julie Jenkins 2000 2003

Richard Reid 2003 2004

Richard Reid and Darren Reid 2004 2004 +

Folkestone Observer 17-2-1870

Tuesday, February 15^th: Before The Mayor and R.W. Boarer Esq.

James Wilson was charged with stealing two fowls, the property of C. and A. Dickenson, brewers, on the 14^th instant.

John Hobday, in the employ of Messrs. Dickenson, brewers, said: I know the prisoner by sight. I saw him on the prosecutor`s premises yesterday about six o`clock in the evening, at the back of the cart house in the brewery yard. Prisoner had no business there. I was in the stable at the time, and heard the fowls making a noise. The fowls were kept at the back of the cart house, near the stable. When I rushed out, prisoner was at the back of the lodge, holding a brown hen in his hands, which he dropped on seeing me. I asked him what he was doing there, and he said “The old hen has bit my thumb”. I said “Oh, all right”, and I let him go. Prisoner then went into the tap. After he was gone, I, in company with Mr. Poole`s man, went to the fowl house and found the bird produced lying dead, with it`s neck broken. The hen bird was lying down on the floor of the cart lodge. I gave information of the robbery to my master, and the prisoner was taken into custody. The value of the fowl was 4s.

P.C. Ovenden said: I apprehended the prisoner in front of the Brewery Tap about half past 10 o`clock last night. I cautioned him. He said he went to the cart house to relieve nature, and that the cock flew at him and bit his thumb. On searching him at the police station I found no marks on either thumb. Prisoner, at the police station, said he was innocent.

Prisoner, in defence, said he had been during the day filling the ice house at the Pavilion Hotel, and afterwards went into the Brewery Tap to have something to drink. He went to the cart lodge of necessity and the cock flew at him, but he did not have the fowl in his house. It was daylight at the time, and he was not absent from the tap more than three minutes. He had worked for Mr. Peden for seven or eight years, and he had also worked at the Gas Works for five years.

The Mayor sentenced the prisoner to a month`s hard labour, and told him that had he been convicted before he would have been sent to jail for three months. He had known the prisoner all his lifetime, and had he been in difficulties, he (the Mayor) would have relieved him. (Applause)

Folkestone Chronicle 19-2-1870

Tuesday February 15^th: Before the Mayor and R.W. Boarer Esq.

James Wilson, of Foord, was brought up in custody, charged with entering the premises of Messrs. Dickenson, brewers, of Tontine Street, and stealing therein two fowls, value 4s.

John Hobday deposed: I am in the employ of Messrs. Dickenson. I know the prisoner by sight. Last evening about six o`clock I saw him on the prosecutor`s premises at the back of the cart lodge in the brewery yard. He had no business there. I was in the stable without a light. Fowls are kept at the back of the cart lodge, and hearing a noise I went to see, and found [prisoner wit a brown hen in his hand. He dropped it and turned round saying”The old hen flew at me and has bit my thumb”. I said “Oh, all right”. I then went into the brewery, and the prisoner went into the Tap. Afterwards I found the cock produced lying dead with his neck broken., just where the prisoner had been standing. The hen was also on the ground, instead of being on the roost about ten feet high. I gave information of the robbery to my masters, and prisoner was given into custody at the Tap about ten o`clock. The value of the birds is about 4s.

Cross-examined: You had no business in the cart house.

Re-examined: The last time I saw the cock alive was about one o`clock, before I went to the Camp.

P.C. Ovenden deposed that from information received he apprehended prisoner in front of the Brewery Tap about a quarter past ten yesterday evening, cautioned him and charged him with attempting to steal two fowls belonging to Messrs. C. and A. Dickenson. He said he went into the cart house, a hen flew at him, and bit his thumb. I brought him to the station, and there he said he was innocent of the charge. I searched him and found no marks on either thumb. A small brown and white feather dropped from the knee of his trousers.

Prisoner elected to be tried by the Bench, and pleaded Not Guilty. He said he was at work at the Pavilion ice house till four o`clock. He then went into the Brewery Tap for some beer, and before dark he went out into the cart house, as he had often done before, and while there the hen flew towards him. He put up his hand to fend her off, and it bit his thumb. The cock he knew nothing about. The place was open, and if anyone had wished to steal the fowls, he must have been foolish to attempt it then, for he would have been sure to have been found out. He had always lived in Folkestone, and borne a good character.

The Bench decided to send the prisoner to Dover for one month`s hard labour, the Mayor remarking that had it not been the first time he had appeared before them, he would have had three months.

Folkestone Express 19-2-1870

Tuesday, February 15^th: Before The Mayor and R.W. Boarer Esq.

James Wilson was charged with stealing two fowls the previous day.

John Hobday, in the employ of Messrs. Dickenson, said: I knew the prisoner by sight. About six o`clock I saw him on the prosecutor`s premises. He was at the back of the cart house in the brewery yard. He had no business there. I was in the stable. I had no candle. I heard our fowls making a noise; they roost at the back of this house. I rushed to the back of the lodge, and the prisoner was there with a brown hen in his hand. He dropped it, and said “The old hen flew at me and has bit my thumb”. I said “Oh, all right” and let him go. He then went into the Tap, and Mr. Poole`s man went with a candle and found the bird produced, lying dead; the hen was lying alongside. We have only one brown hen. I gave information to Messrs. Dickenson, and they gave him into custody. The fowls are valued at about 4s. I saw the cock bird alive at one o`clock.

By prisoner: No-one has any right there except those working at the brewery.

P.C. Ovenden said: I apprehended the prisoner in front of the Brewery Tap about quarter past ten last night. I cautioned and charged him. He said he went there for a natural purpose; a hen flew at him and bit his thumb. At the station he said he was innocent of the charge. There was nothing the matter with either of his thumbs. A small feather dropped from his knees.

Prisoner elected for the Magistrates to decide the charge. He pleaded Not Guilty, and said he had been at work in the ice house at the Pavilion. He went to this place for a certain purpose, when the hen flew against him and he struck at it.

The Bench came to the decision to give him a month`s hard labour at Dover gaol.

Folkestone Express 20-12-1873

Wednesday, December 17^th: Before The Mayor, R.W. Boarer and J. Kelcey Esqs.

Mr. William Summers, who was formerly manager of the Naval Club in London, and who came to Folkestone to manage the County Club, applied for a temporary license to the Raglan Hotel, Dover Road, which was granted, excellent testimonials as to character being produced. Mr. Summers has also taken the Brewery Tap, Tontine Street.

Note: Date for Summers taking the Brewery Tap is at variance with information in More Bastions.

Folkestone Express 1-5-1875

Saturday, April 24^th: Before J. Tolputt Esq., and Col. De Crespigny.

A temporary authority was granted to James Watson, mate of the ship Onyx, to sell intoxicating liquor at Dickenson`s Brewery Tap, Tontine Street, under the license granted to Edward Summers.

Folkestone Express 19-6-1875

Wednesday, June 16^th: Before R.W. Boarer, Col. De Crespigny and J. Tolputt Esq.

The license of the Burton Brewery Tap, Tontine Street, was transferred from Frederick Wallis to William James Watson.

Note: Neither Wallis, nor this transfer appear in More Bastions at the Brewery Tap.

Folkestone Chronicle 2-9-1876

Notice

To THOMAS PREBBLE, one of the Overseers of the Poor of the Borough of Folkestone in the County of Kent, and to the Superintendent of Police for the same Borough

I, ARTHUR LANGTON, now residing at Manor Road, in the Parish of Folkestone, in the County of Kent, do hereby give you notice, that it is my intention to apply at the adjournment of the General Annual Licensing Meeting for the Borough of Folkestone aforesaid, to be holden at the Town Hall in the said Borough, on the Twenty-seventh day of September next ensuing, for an order sanctioning the removal of a License now in force, and held by JAMES WATSON, for the sale of beer at certain Premises, situate at Tontine Street, in the Borough aforesaid, and known by the sign of Dickenson`s Brewery Tap, from the said premises to newly erected premises, adjoining and situate in the said Street, of which license, when removed, I desire to be the holder.

Given under my hand this 25^th day of August, one thousand, eight hundred and seventy six.

ARTHUR LANGTON.

Folkestone Chronicle 30-9-1876

Wednesday, September 27^th: Before Ald. Caister, Col. De Crespigny, J. Tolputt and J. Clark Esqs.

This was the annual Licensing Day, and a spirit license on the application of Mr. Mowll was refused to a new house in Tontine Street being built by Mr. Langton, but the Bench stated they had no objection to transfer the beer license of the house now being demolished to the one erected in it`s stead.

Folkestone Express 30-9-1876

Wednesday, September 27^th: Before Aldermen Caister and Tolputt, Col. De Crespigny, and Mr. Clark.

On account of the peculiarities of the cases it was necessary that there should be four to constitute the Bench, and the fourth gentleman could not be obtained until after about three quarters of an hour kept in suspense Mr. Clark put in an appearance, when the following cas was recapitulated:

An application was made in respect to a new house in the locality of Tontine Street.

Mr. Mowll made the application on behalf of Mr. Langton, who has been in possession for the past nine months. The old beerhouse was used as a brewery tap, and the Bench may be aware that many brewers are in the habit of suggesting to customers who wish to taste their liquors to visit what they term the “brewery tap”, it`s being particularly under the brewers` control. Mr. Langton is, in addition to a brewer, a spirit agent, and therefore feels the want of a spirit license attached to the beer license which has been held for many years.

Mr. Alderman Caister said that previous applications have been made and refused.

Mr. Mowll pointed out that there are some 16 or 17 new houses, and that the shops in Tontine Street which had been closed are now to be sold. These changes rendered that this additional license should be granted.

The Bench having consulted in private for some time said they had considered the case, but they could not grant the spirit license. They had, however, not objected to transferring the beer license of the house now being demolished to the new house erected in it`s stead.

Kentish Gazette 30-1-1877 

At the Police Court, on Wednesday, Thomas Wallis, private in th» Royal Artillery, was charged with assaulting Mrs. Elisabeth Court. Complainant said she was the wife of Richard Court, bricklayer, 9, Belle Vue Street. On Saturday evening, January 13^th, about a quarter past nine, she was in Tontine Street, and saw the defendant with two other soldiers. She stepped on one aide to pass them, when the defendant caught hold of her in an indecent manner, and struck her across the throat with a cane when she resisted him. He then swore at her and told her to go home, but she followed, with the intention of having him taken up. He asked her why she was following him, and struck her on the head with his cane, cutting the skin. He then went into the Brewery Tap. She followed him (with Mr. Pranks, who had come up at the time), and he was detained till the piquet came.

Wm. Franks, fireman on board tho South Eastern Com­pany's boats, said it was very dark, but be saw the three soldiers, and observed that one of them «truck a woman on the head with his stick. He could not swear that prisoner was the man.

The prisoner said he was walking down the street, when the woman ran up against him, and swore at him; she also struck him in the face, and he pushed her away. He called William Smith and Thomas Mortimer, comrades, who corroborated his story, but the magistrates decided that the case was proved, and the Mayor, in passing a sentence of two months' imprisonment with hard labour, told the prisoner that complaints were very frequently made of soldiers running against females in tbe streets, especially at night, and they were determined to try to put a stop to the practice.

Folkestone Chronicle 28-7-1877

Notice

To THOMAS PREBBLE, one of the Overseers of the Poor of the Borough of Folkestone, in the County of Kent, and to the Superintendent of Police for the same Borough.

I, ARTHUR LANGTON, Brewer, now residing at No. 32, Manor Road, in the Parish of Folkestone, in the Borough of Folkestone, do hereby give you notice that it is my intention to apply at the General Annual Licensing Meeting for the Borough of Folkestone aforesaid, to be holden at the Town Hall in the said Borough, on the twenty-second day of August next ensuing, for a license for the sale of spirits, wine, beer, porter, cider, perry, and other intoxicating liquors, to be drunk or consumed in a certain house, and in the premises thereunto belonging, situate at Tontine Street, in the Borough aforesaid, known by the sign of the IMPERIAL BREWERY TAP, and which I intend to keep as an Inn, Alehouse, or Victualling House.

Given under my hand this twenty-sixth day of July, One Thousand Eight Hundred and Seventy-Seven.

ARTHUR LANGTON

Folkestone Chronicle 25-8-1877

Annual Licensing Day

On Wednesday the annual licensing sessions were held at the Town Hall, the Magistrates on the Bench being J. Clark Esq. (Chairman), Col. De Crespigny, Ald. Caister, and Capt. Crowe. A wine and spirit license was granted to Mr. Arthur Langton for a house in Tontine Street.

Folkestone Express 25-8-1877

Wednesday, August 22^nd: Before Col. De Crespigny, Capt. Crowe, J. Clarke Esq., and Alderman Caister.

General Licensing Day

Applications for Spirit Licenses.

Mr. Mowll applied on behalf of Mr. Arthur Langton for a spirit license in respect of a public house adkoining his brewery in Tontine Street. A similar application was made last year, but the Committee would not grant it because the house was not then completed. The house was now completed, and houses in the neighbourhood which last year were unoccupied were now occupied, and houses which were then in the course of erection had now been completed. The accommodation which the house would provide was greatly needed.

He called Alderman Banks, who deposed that the house was worth a rental of £30 per annum, and there was no house, with the exception of the Clarendon Hotel, nearer than the Dover Road.

Mr. Langton having proved that ample accommodation was provided in the construction of the house, the Bench granted the application.

Folkestone Chronicle 15-10-1887

Saturday, October 8^th: Before The Mayor, Surgeon General Gilbourne, Captain Crowe, J. Brooke and H.W. Poole Esqs.

Elizabeth Wellesley, a respectably dressed woman, was summoned for being drunk and disorderly in Tontine Street on the 1^st inst.

Sergeant Butcher said he was in Tontine Street at half past ten on Saturday evening when he saw the defendant near the Brewery Tap. She was drunk and there were about 200 people around her. Police constable Knowles advised her to go away, and witness also endeavoured to get her away, but she would not go. Witness told her that he would be obliged to lock her up if she did not go, and she answered “I don`t care a ----“. Witness then gave her into Knowles` custody and had her taken to the police station. There was another woman with her, but she went away when she was told to.

The defendant, who was very excited, declared that she was not drunk, and, as her excitement increased, the Mayor told her that if she did not keep quiet the case would be heard in her absence.

P.C. Knowles then stated that he was on duty in Tontine Street on the evening in question. He saw defendant standing outside the Brewery Tap with another woman. The defendant was very drunk. Witness advised them to go away, but the defendant would not. The other woman went away at once. There was a crowd of two or three hundred people around her. The strange woman was accusing the defendant of doing six months` for trying to pass counterfeit coins. As the defendant would not move on, witness, under the instructions of Sergeant Butcher, took her into custody.

Jane Rogers, living at 42, Sidney Street, said the defendant came to her house about nine o`clock on Saturday. She stayed there about twenty minutes and then left. She did not appear to be drunk in the least. Had known her several years, but did not know anything against her character.

Supt. Taylor said he released her from the police station about twenty minutes past eleven on Saturday night, as he thought she was capable of self-protection.

The Mayor said the charged had been proved against her, and he hoped it would be a warning to her. She would be fined 5s. and 11s. costs, or seven days` imprisonment with hard labour.

Defendant asked for time to pay the money in, and this was granted.

Folkestone Chronicle 22-2-1890

Thursday, February 20^th: Before J. Clarke Esq., and Alderman Pledge.

Harry Austin and John Sullivan were charged with stealing one pair of stockings, one cotton shirt, and one sheet, valued at 5s., the property of Mrs. Kennard, on the 19^th instant.

Mary Ann Kennard, living at 60, Dover Street, said she hung some clothes out to dry at the back of her house on the 19^th instant. Amongst the articles there were a pair of stockings, a cotton shirt and a sheet. She last saw the articles safe at four o`clock and missed them about seven. She went to the police station about nine o`clock, and she was then shown the sheet. It was her property. She identified it by it`s general appearance. The articles were worth 5s.

Harry Spillett, landlord of the Star Inn, said the prisoner went to his house at seven o`clock on Wednesday evening. Austin showed him a sheet and asked him to buy it, but he refused. Sullivan asked witness to buy a shirt and a pair of stockings, but he refused. He offered them to some people in the taproom, but no-one would buy them.

Ann Warwick, a servant employed at the Marquis Of Lorne, said the prisoner had lodged at the Marquis Of Lorne for a week. She met them at the Radnor Street arches on Wednesday night. Sullivan pulled out a shirt from his coat and asked her if she could sell it. She said she did not know where to sell such a thing.

P.C. Knowles said he saw Austin on Wednesday evening outside of the Marquis Of Lorne with a bundle. He followed him through the house and asked him his name. He said “Johnson”. Austin said “That`s my parcel”. On the way to the station he said “It`s no use; my name is not Johnson, it`s Austin”.

P.S. Butcher said he saw the prisoner Sullivan outside of the Brewery Tap on Wednesday evening, and charged him with being concerned in the theft. He replied “All right, sergeant”

Sentenced to one month`s hard labour.

Folkestone Visitors` List 21-6-1893

Inquest

Disraeli, in his splendid epigrammatic way, once said in reply to an attack made upon him “There is a lying spirit abroad, and one can hear the flutter of his wings”. We don`t go quite so far as that, but we are bound to confess that Dame Rumour in Folkestone is not too particular as to the truth. On Friday, all sorts of tales were afloat as to the death of a man named John Jones, of Park Street, who had died somewhat suddenly that morning. The investigation, however, which was held before the Coroner, Mr. Minter, in the evening, showed that while the circumstances of the death were sad, there was nothing attached to them to warrant the idle gossip which had been set about.

According to the evidence of Mrs. Amos, the deceased was a navvy, and had been working of late at the Waterworks. He was a widower, and had four children. About seven on Thursday evening his little boy informed her that his father was “in one of his fits”, and acting upon his statement she went to the back premises of Mr. Knott, in Mill Bay, and there found the poor man lying on the floor. She said, what no-one else seems to have had the sense to perceive, that the poor fellow was dying, and advised them to send for a doctor. After some trouble, the medical gentlemen being out, the services of Dr. Yunge Bateman were secured, and Jones was then removed to his home, and afterwards from there to the Hospital.

A rather singular story which, perhaps, accounts for a good deal of the sensationalism attached to the case was told by a woman named Annie Rowe, living at the Marine Terrace. She stated that about a quarter past four in the afternoon she heard a man run past her kitchen window, which overlooks the Lower Sandgate Road, and he was immediately afterwards followed by two other men, who were also running. She rushed up her steps and saw the deceased lying in the road. There was no-one else near, but the two men to whom she had referred, came up almost instantly and rendered help. He was bleeding from the side of the head and his nose. Her impression was that he was drunk and had been fighting.

Mr. Knott, the landlord of the Brewery Tap, carried on the narrative by stating that on the afternoon in question a boy came and told him there was a man drunk in his yard. He went out and found Jones on the broad of his back. Thinking him drunk, he let him lie for some time and then he raised him up and gave him a glass of water. His stomach seemed quite empty, suffering from the “rattling bronchitis”. He put him up against the wall and sent for a policeman, who, eventually, took him off in a cab. The constable was P.C. Gardner, who, however, was not called upon to give evidence.

The most important testimony was, of course, that given by the medical witness, Dr. Yunge Bateman, who saw him at his residence, 16. Park Street. He was then lying in bed in an unconscious condition. On examining him he found a wound on the left side of the head. He was also bleeding from the right ear and nostril. He had him taken to the Hospital, and he there died under an operation to find if there was depression of bones under the scalp; there was not. There was a puncture at the back of the head, but the instrument, which must have been a sharp one, did not penetrate the skull. The injuries might have been caused by a fall; a small meat skewer would have done it. The wound was very puffy and swollen.

The Coroner told the witness he hardly understood what he meant. Did it appear to him the blow had been caused by an instrument or by a fall?

The doctor replied falling on the pavement, a sharp flint would have done it. His opinion was that death had resulted from effusion of blood on the brain from fracture of the skull, received, from the evidence, from an accidental fall.

And the jury retruned a verdict accordingly.

Folkestone Chronicle 24-6-1893

Wednesday, June 21^st: Before Colonel De Crespigny and Mr. W. Wightwick

Richard Knott, landlord of the Brewery Tap, Tontine Street, was summoned for using an unstamped pint glass for the sale of beer on the 16^th June.

Evidence in support of the case was given by Mr. Major, Inspector of Weights and Measures, and by his assistant, a young man named De Vere.

The defendant said he had used similar glasses for 20 years and he was not aware they had to be stamped.

The Inspector said he had served notices on all the publicans in the town both personally and by post.

The defendant said he did not have one.

Mr. Wightwick: You are not supposed to have a notice. You are supposed to know the law.

The Bench stated that as this was the first offence since the passing of the Act in 1872 they should only inflict a nominal penalty of 6d., and the defendant would also have to pay the costs, 10s.

Folkestone Express 24-6-1893

Inquest

An inquest was held on Friday evening at the Town Hall by J. Minter Esq., Coroner, on the body of John Jones, a labourer.

Mrs. Amos, wife of John Amos, identified the body. She said deceased had suffered from fainting fits for a long time, and also from pains in the back, and she had frequently known him to drop down quite insensible, and the remedy usually given was a little whisky. About seven o`clock on Thursday evening, one of deceased`s little boys went to her and told her his father was in a fit. She went to Mill Bay and saw deceased lying on the floor in Mr. Knott`s. She thought he was dying, and requested that a doctor should be sent for. Dr. Bateman attended and had him removed first to his house and then to the hospital.

Mrs. Annie Rolfe, wife of John Rolfe, of 1, Marine Terrace, said on Thursday afternoon she heard men running, and on going up the steps of her house she saw deceased lying in the road. There was no-one near him and she went to him and thought he was in a fit. His nose and ear were bleeding. She got some water and the man recovered, and went with two men towards South Street.

John Jones, a fruit seller, and no relation to the deceased, said the deceased went into his stable and sat down in a chair. He was reeling, and witness, thinking he was drunk, said “You must not stop here”. He went out and laid down on some straw for about ten minutes, and then went into Mrs. Stubbs`s shop. He returned, and after laying down again for a little while, went away. His ear was bleeding, and witness thought he had been fighting.

Richard Knott, of the Brewery Tap, Tontine Street, said the deceased went into his yard at 5.30 on Thursday. A boy told him there was a man there drunk. He found deceased lying on his back and thought he was drunk and let him be for some time, and afterwards gave him a glass of water, which he drank. His inside was rattling as though he had bronchitis. A policeman went in, and afterwards deceased`s son went and said his father was in a fit. The policeman sent for a cab and had him taken home.

Mr. Marcus George Yunge Bateman, surgeon, said he saw the deceased at his house, 16, Park Street, lying on a bed unconscious. He found he had a wound on the right side of his head just above his ear, and was bleeding from the ear and nostrils. As he appeared to be in a serious condition he was removed to the hospital, where an operation was performed, and it was thought there was some depression caused by a bone, but there was none. Deceased did not regain consciousness, and died at six o`clock in the morning. There was a bruised wound, and a puncture into which a probe was introduced about three quarters of an inch between the skin and the bone. It might have been caused by falling upon something sharp, like an iron railing. From the symptoms and the evidence of the witnesses he believed there was a fracture of the skull, but he had not made a post mortem examination.

Superintendent Taylor said he understood deceased had suffered from fits for some years.

The jury found that the deceased died from effusion of blood on the brain, caused by a fractured skull, arising from an accidental fall while in a fit.

The Coroner in summing up said it appeared all the witnesses thought the poor fellow was drunk. It was very fortunate they were all civilians. Had they been policemen, who were supposed to know everything, there would have been a lot said about it.

Wednesday, June 21^st: Before Colonel De Crespigny and W. Wightwick Esqs.

Richard Knott was charged with selling beer in a glass not marked. He said he was guilty of selling a pint of beer in a pint glass.

Thomas Major said he sent his assistant to the defendant`s premises, the Brewery Tap, on the 16^th June, with certain instructions. Shortly after he entered the premises himself, and saw that his assistant, Albert De Vere, had a glass containing beer. It was apparently a pint glass. He asked defendant if he was aware he was breaking the law by serving beer in an unstamped glass. He said he had had no notice. He produced the glass. He had sent notices by post to every publican in the town.

Albert De Vere proved purchasing a pint of beer in the glass produced.

Colonel De Crespigny (sotto voce): It looks like an honest pint.

The Clerk: You are not charged with selling short measure, but with selling in an unstamped glass.

Defendant: I have used these glasses for 20 years. They are used all over England, and hold an Imperial pint.

Mr. Wightwick: The sooner you stop it the better. You are liable to a penalty of £10 every time.

Colonel De Crespigny: You are supposed to know the law.

Defendant: That may be, but a working man knows a pint of beer as well as he knows what he has on his back. What about the brewers sending their beer in barrels not stamped?

The Clerk: They have no need to be stamped. The section only affects sale by retail.

Colonel De Crespigny: You have exceeded the law, and you will have to pay for it. We shall let you off easy. You will have to pay the costs, and we fine you 6d. The costs are 10s.

Mr. Wightwick: As this is the first offence since the Act was passed in 1872 we let you off lightly. In future the penalty will be heavier.

Defendant: Twenty years ago – and now just come to the front.

Mr. Wightwick: The Inspector has not done his duty.

The Clerk: We have had no Inspector.

Folkestone Herald 24-6-1893

Police Court Notes

On Wednesday morning the sitting Justices, Col. De Crespigny and Mr. Wightwick, were engaged in the Borough Court in adjudicating upon a number of charges instituted by Inspector T.C. Major under the Weights and Measures Act.

The first charge was preferred against Richard Knott, licensed victualler, of the Brewery Tap, Tontine Street, for serving a pint of beer in a glass which was unstamped, and not in accordance with the requirements of the 29^th Sec. of the Weights and Measures Act, at Folkestone on 16^th June.

Mr. Major said on the day in question he sent his assistant (Alfred De Vere) into the defendant`s licensed premises, and shortly afterwards he himself went in. His assistant had a glass containing beer; it was supposed to be a pint glass. He asked the defendant if he was aware he was breaking the law by serving a pint of beer in an undenominated and unstamped measure. Defendant replied that he understood notices had been sent out to all publicans in the town, but he had not had one. He produced the glass in which the beer was served, and it had no mark upon it indicating it`s capacity.

Defendant said he had not had notice from the Inspector.

Mr. Major said he not only delivered notices by hand, but to make sure everyone had a notice he made out a list of every publican in the town and sent oto each one a notice by post.

Mr. Wightwick said the Inspector was not bound to have sent a notice. The defendant was supposed to know the law.

Alfred De Vere deposed to calling for a pint of beer, and defendant served it in the glass produced.

Defendant said he had used this sort of glass for twenty years, and it was used all over the kingdom.

The Deputy Clerk said the Act was quite clear. It said they should sell all intoxicating liquors not in cask or bottle, when sold in any quantity above half a pint in a measure marked according to the Imperial Standards.

Defendant repeated these glasses were used all over the world, in every country.

Mr. Wightwick said the sooner the defendant stopped using them the better. Mr. Major was not liable to give him notice.

Col. De Crespigny: You ought to know the law.

Defendant: We are not lawyers. We have enough to do to attend to our own business.

The Chairman said the defendant had offended against the law, and would have to suffer for it, but they would let him off easy this time. He would have to pay the costs and a fine of 6d.

The Clerk said the costs were 10s.

Mr. Wightwick said the Bench had no desire to punish the publicans, but unless they obeyed the law they must be punished.

The defendant said this was the first case in 21 years. He paid the fine.

Folkestone Visitors` List 28-6-1893

Police Court Notes

“You are supposed to know the law” said the Magistrates to a defendant at the court on Wednesday, but he would be a wise one who could carry in his head one thousandth part of all the crotchety rules and regulations known by the comprehensive term of law as laid down in our statute books.

The defendant was Richard Knott, landlord of the Brewery Tap, in Tontine Street, and the Magistrates were Col. De Crespigny and Mr. W. Wightwick. The former had to appear before the latter for using an unstamped pint glass.

Defendant said he had used them for the last twenty years, and he was not aware they were bound to be stamped.

This drew forth from the Bench the dictum with which this par started. As this was the first offence since the passing of the Act in 1872, defendant was let off with a fine of 6d. and 10s. costs.

Geo. Burchett, landlord of the Two Bells, Canterbury Road, had a similar experience.

Folkestone Up To Date 29-6-1893

Hall Of Justice

Wednesday, June 21^st: Before Justices De Crespigny and W. Wightwick

Two licensed victuallers were charged with selling pints of beer in glasses which were not marked by the inspector. This is the first prosecution of the kind which has taken place in Folkestone for 21 years.

The defendants pleaded ignorance of the technicalities of the law, and were informed by Mr. Justice Wightwick that it was their duty to read every Act of Parliament. One of the accused replied that were he to do so he would be unable to carry on his ordinary business.

In justice to the accused we are pleased to state that there no question but that the glasses held their full measure.

Mr. Justice Col. De Crespigny informed the accused that they would be let off lightly, viz., 6d. and costs.

Folkestone Herald 31-7-1897

Police Court Reports

On Monday – the Mayor presiding – John Connor was charged with being drunk and disorderly in Tontine Street on the 24^th July.

P.C. Lawrence gave evidence to the effect that at a quarter past ten on the previous Saturday night he saw the prisoner very drunk, with his coat in his hand, flourishing it round his head, surrounded by a crowd. Witness requested him to go away, but he went into the Brewery Tavern (sic), and was pitched out by the landlord. Witness again spoke to him, and he used bad language. When taken into custody he was very violent, and tried to throw witness. With the assistance of P.C. Prebble he was taken to the police station. A penny was found upon him.

Defendant said that he had a glass or two of beer, and completely lost his senses. He was to have worked at the Tunnel, and been there at six o`clock that morning.

Superintendent Taylor informed the Bench that the defendant was cursing and swearing about, and said he would tell the Magistrates about the police assaulting him. His clothes did not look as if he had been working.

Defendant said he had been fruitering.

The Bench sentenced him to 7 days` hard labour.