British Lion, The Bayle 1782 - Present

British Lion, unknown date. (from http://www.dover-kent.com/British-Lion-Folkestone.html)

British Lion, 1920. Credit Rory Kehoe (from http://www.dover-kent.com/British-Lion-Folkestone.html)

British Lion 1999 Credit Martin Easdown

British Lion c1950. Credit Peter & Anne Bamford

British Lion, 1978

 

 

Licensees

John Ladd c1782 1802 
Robert Life 1804 1806

William Life Listed 1806
William Rigden 1806 1809

Robert Formage 1809 1814

Elizabeth Formage 1814 c1817

Ann Formage 1819

Mary Weeks c1823 c1825

Edward Weeks c1825 c1828

John Crowther Listed 1839

Richard Fowle c1841 1845 (1841 Census)

Robert Burvill 1845 1862

John Taylor c1862 1876 From Eagle

William Cooper 1876 1883

Jesse Brookwell 1883 1887

James Pankhurst 1887 1912

Henry Pankhurst 1913 1929

Edward Stannard 1929 1939
Josephine Maria Stannard 1939 1939

Charles Uden 1939 1957

Richard "Gerry" Hourahane 1957 1977 From Clarendon, Sandgate

Joan Hourahane 1977 1986

Kenneth Hollett 1986 1990

Brian Clayson 1990 1994

Brian Matthews and Sandra White 1994 1999

Bruce Clark and Margaret Clark 1999 2000

Bruce Clark and Denise Grant 2000 2004 + 

Folkestone Sessions Books 1765 – 1779 & 1792 - 1811

General Sessions 31-1-1804

Before John Sladen (Mayor), Edward Andrews, John Minter, John Castle and John Gill

The licence of the British Lion was transferred to Robert Life.

Note: This does not appear in More Bastions

Folkestone Sessions Books 1765 – 1779 & 1792 - 1811

General Sessions 14-10-1806

Before John Gill (Mayor), John Minter, Joseph Sladen, Thomas Baker, John Castle, John Bateman, William Knight and James Major.

The licence of the British Lion was transferred to William Rigden.

Note: This does not appear in More Bastions

Folkestone Sessions Books 1765 – 1779 & 1792 - 1811

General Sessions 25-4-1808

Before Thomas Baker (Mayor), Joseph William Knight, John Castle, John Gill, John Bateman and James Major.

The following person was fined for having short measures in their possession, viz.:

Wm. Rigden for 1 pint 2/6

Folkestone Sessions Books 1765 – 1779 & 1792 - 1811

General Sessions 30-5-1809

Before Joseph Sladen (Mayor), John Minter, Thomas Baker, John Castle and John Gill.

Ordered that the following persons be summoned to appear at the next adjournment of the Sessions, viz.: Wm. Rigden, Charles Stebbings, John Essex (sic) and John Burton.

Rigden, British Lion. Stebbings, Marquis of Granby (1). Eastwick, Ship Inn. Burton, Jolly Sailor (2)

General Sessions 27-6-1809

Before Joseph Sladen (Mayor), John Minter, Thomas Baker, and John Castle.

William Rigden, of the British Lion, was fined for having in his possession three ale pints for selling ale or beer in the sum of 10/-, which was paid.

Kentish Chronicle 13-12-1814 

On Saturday, Mr. Robert Formage, landlord of the British Lion public house, Folkestone, aged 40 years, on his way home from Folkestone Harbour in perfect health, fell on his face and instantly expired. Medical assistance was immediately procured, but the spark of life was totally extinct. He has left a widow and a numerous circle of friends to lament their loss. 

Kentish Gazette 16-12-1814 

Death: Saturday last, Robert Formage, landlord of the British Lion public house, Folkestone. While in the act of bringing two pails of water he dropped down and instantly expired; he has left a wife to lament her loss.

Kentish Chronicle 4-7-1815 

An inquest was held in Folkestone on Thursday last, before Henry Butcher, Esq., Mayor and Coroner, on the body of Wm. Dorman, who was killed in a fray which occurred between a party of soldiers and young men belonging to that town. The jury, after a patient investigation of the circumstances returned a verdict of “Wilful Murder” against some person or persons unknown.

Kentish Gazette 4-7-1815 

On Thursday last a Coroner`s inquest was held in Folkestone, before Henry Butcher, Esq., Mayor and Coroner, on the body of Wm. Dorman, who was killed in a fray which occurred between a party of soldiers and young men belonging to that place. The jury, after a very patient investigation of the circumstances returned a verdict of “Wilful Murder” against some person or persons unknown.

Kentish Chronicle 7-7-1815 & Kentish Gazette 7-7-1815 

On Tuesday last George Dixon and John Bayley, two privates belonging to the Royal Artillery, and John Bathurst, a man of colour, belonging to the band of the 95^th Regiment, were fully committed to Folkestone Gaol to take their trial for the murder of William Dorman, as mentioned in our last.

Kentish Chronicles 14-7-1815 & Kentish Gazette 18-7-1815 

The three soldiers lately committed to Folkestone Gaol, charged with the murder of William Dorman, were on Tuesday removed from thence by Habeas Corpus for trial at Maidstone Assizes this week.

Kentish Gazette 21-7-1815 & Kentish Chronicle 25-7-1815

Assizes: Crown Side, before Mr. Justice Le Blanc, Wednesday, July 19:

John Bathurst and John Bayley, two soldiers, removed by Habeas Corpus from the town of Folkestone, 11^th July, were indicted, the former being charged on the oath of Ann Steady, widow, with feloniously, voluntarily, and of malice aforethought, killing and murdering William Dorman, at Folkestone; the latter being charged on his own confession of killing and murdering with malice aforethought, the said William Dorman.

Francis Payne was at the British Lion, at Folkestone, at the last fair, as waiter. The prisoner, Bathurst, came into the house and asked him whether any of the 95^th were there. Witness said there were some in the dancing room, and the prisoner went in and said to them “95^th turn out”. A scuffle took place and Bayley and Bathurst went out. About a quarter of an hour afterwards Bathurst came in with his back all over dirt and said “I have done for three of them”.

Thomas Kemp lived at Folkestone, and was in the street on the 29^th June last at one o`clock in the morning. There were soldier and sailors in the street quarrelling. While he was speaking to Dorman (the deceased) witness saw sailors running down the street with soldiers after them. Dorman ran with the sailors from the soldiers, and witness ran up a yard. Presently he came from the yard and proceeded down the street, where he saw Dorman lying on the ground, with a rifleman by his side, kicking him with his foot and swearing at him. Witness carried Dorman into the public house. He could distinguish no persons.

Wm. Shaw was a sailor, and was in the street at Folkestone on the night of the 29^th of June. As he was coming up the street he saw Bathurst cutting a staff from one of the booths. Witness went afterwards into the British Lion and saw Bathurst come in and say he had killed three men.

Ann Steady was, on the 29^th June last, at Folkestone, awoke out of her sleep by a great noise; she looked out of her window and saw some soldiers beating Dorman, but could not distinguish the Black Man (Bathurst).

Mr. Justice Le Blanc addressed the jury. There was no evidence to identify either of the prisoners, and therefore they must be acquitted.

Verdict: Acquitted

Kentish Chronicle 31-8-1819 

Advertisement extract:

Valuable brewery, free public houses and other estates to be sold by auction by Messrs. White (without reserve). Pursuant to certain orders of the Vice Chancellor of Great Britain, and before the major part of the Commissioners named and authorised in and by a Commission of Bankrupt awarded and issued against Matthew William Sankey, of the city of Canterbury, brewer, dealer and chapman, at the Guildhall of the said city of Canterbury, on Wednesday, the 22^nd day of September, at eleven o`clock in the forenoon (subject to such conditions of sale as shall be then and there produced).

Lot 30: A messuage called the British Lion, with the wash house, granary, garden, land and appurtenances, situate near the Bail, in the town of Folkestone aforesaid, and now in the occupation of Ann Formage, widow.

Note: Does not appear in More Bastions.

And all the above lots will be sold subject to the tenants in possession claiming their fixtures by the power of removing them, or being allowed for them by a valuation in the usual way, and to quit rents (if any).

There will be no auction duty payable.

For further particulars apply to Messrs. Plummer and Son, or Mr. J.J. Pierce, solicitors, Canterbury; or to Messrs. Wiltshire, Bolton and Cole, solicitors, Winchester House, Old Broad Street, London, at whose respective offices printed particulars may shortly be obtained.

Kentish Gazette, Maidstone Journal 19-4-1842, Dover Telegraph 23-4-1842

Auction advertisement extract: To be sold by auction by Messrs. Bayley and Reeve, on Wednesday the 14^th of May, 1842, at two o`clock, at the Royal Oak Inn, Ashford (by the direction of the proprietor, who is leaving the county).

Lot 3) All that freehold public house, called the British Lion, situate on The Bayle, in the town of Folkestone, in the occupation of Mr. Richard Fowle.

 

Printed particulars and conditions may be had 10 days preceding the sale of Messrs. Robert and George Farley, Solicitors, and of the Auctioneers, Ashford

Maidstone Gazette 12-8-1845

At a Special and Petty Sessions held at the Town Hall on Tuesday last, before J. Bateman Esq., Mayor, D. Major and W. Major Esqs., and Capt. Sherren, the following alehouse licenses were transferred, viz: from Joseph Earl, of the Folkestone Lugger, to Richard Fowle; from said Richard Fowle, of the British Lion, to Robert Burvill; from William Harrison, of the Marquis of Granby, to James Hall; from said James Hall, of the Ship, to John Harrison; from James Collard, of the King`s Arms to William Smith.

Note: Transfers of Folkestone Lugger, British Lion, Marquis of Granby are earlier than previously known. Neither licensee for Ship listed in More Bastions.

Maidstone Gazette 5-2-1850

Petty Sessions, Tuesday; Before D. Major Esq., Mayor, W. Major and S. Mackie Esqs.

John How, familiarly known as “Lord Howe”, of this town, labourer, appeared to answer the complaint of George Tremlet, for assaulting him on the 22^nd inst., to which he pleaded Guilty, and was fined 50s. and costs, or one month`s  imprisonment. It appeared from complainant`s statement that he went into the British Lion public house, situate on the Bail, and as he was very cold at the time he went to the fire to warm himself, when defendant, who was sitting near the fire, took the poker and put it into complainant`s eye. Fine and costs not forthcoming, the defendant was conveyed to Dover gaol.

Southeastern Gazette 24-10-1854

An inquest was held at the Sessions Hall on Thursday, before Richard C. Cross Esq., deputy Coroner, and a respectable jury, on the body of William Burrill, labourer.

William Coleman deposed: I am a messenger, and carry the mail bags to Hythe and Sandgate. On Wednesday evening I went into the British Lion public house. Deceased was having some bread and meat in the tap room. I asked him how he was, and he said he felt better; the next moment he threw his knife down, fell back, uttered two or three groans and expired. Deceased had complained to me several times about severe pains between his shoulders and in his head.

Mr. Tyson, surgeon, deposed that he was sent for to see the deceased, and found him dead; there was no doubt but that he died from natural causes. He might have died from disease of the heart, or it might have been nervous apoplexy.

Robert Burrill, victualler, deposed that deceased was his brother and was 33 years of age. On Saturday he was unable to remain in consequence of the pain between his shoulders; he refused to have a medical man, saying it was only rheumatism.

This being the whole of the evidence, the jury returned a verdict of “Died by the visitation of God.” 

Folkestone Chronicle 13-9-1856

Monday September 8^th: - Special sessions were holden for the purpose of renewing licences, and granting new ones. Present, the Mayor, and G. Kennicott, S. Godden, W. Major, J. Kelcey, W. Bateman, S. Mackie, and J. Kinsford esqs.

The licences of 45 houses were renewed. The licence of the Mariner`s Home was refused, the landlord having been twice summoned, and twice cautioned, during the year, continual complaints having been made respecting it. The licence of the British Lion was deferred granting until the adjourned meeting, to be holden on Wednesday next.

Southeastern Gazette 16-9-1856

Special Sessions, Monday: Before the Mayor, T Golder, W. Major, W. Bateman, G. Kennicott, J. Kingsnorth, J. Kelcey, and S. Mackie, Esqs.

This being licensing day, 55 licenses were renewed, and one refused.

Mr. Robert Burvill, of the British Lion, Bayle, was complained of by the Superintendent, for keeping his house full of people during divine service every Sunday. The defendant said they were his men lodgers; he would endeavour to keep them out. The Mayor said Mr. Burvill had kept the house for many years, and he was sorry to hear complaints. The magistrates would grant the license on that occasion, but if any further complaint was made, it would be a serious matter to him.

Folkestone Chronicle 20-9-1856

ADJOURNED SPECIAL SESSIONS – Wed. Sept. 17^th

The business was the renewal of licences of public houses to those persons who did not attend the previous sessions. We were in error in stating last week that the renewal of the licence of the British Lion had been adjourned till this meeting, the licence having been granted at the previous sessions.

Folkestone Chronicle 4-7-1857

Petty Sessions, Wednesday July 1: Before the Mayor, James Kelcey, W. Tolputt, Thomas Golder and Gilbert Kennicott Esqs.

Thomas Yelding, a gypsy, was brought up in custody, charged with stealing a medal with three clasps and a silver buckle, value about 18s., from the person of Henry Wort, a private in the 44^th Regiment, who on being sworn, deposed that he had leave of absence from 2 p.m. on Monday until 8 a.m. the following morning, and that about 3 a.m. on Tuesday, having been walking about the fair, he was on his way back to camp, when he met the prisoner on the Bail, coming from the British Lion, and asked him to give him a light for his pipe, which he did from the end of a cigar, and immediately afterwards snatched his medal and clasps from his breast and passed then to one of his companions, another gypsy. He could not tell how he was dressed or whether he was a tall or short man, as they were sitting at a table, and he kept his attention fixed on prisoner until a constable came up, when he gave him in charge.

Police Constable Ovenden took prisoner into custody, searched him, and took him to the station, where he searched him again, but only found some money upon him.

Prisoner, in defence, said “I did not have the medal, and I never see it.” Committed for trial at the next Quarter Sessions.

Folkestone Chronicle 11-7-1857

Quarter Sessions, Thursday, July 9^th: Before J.J. Lonsdale Esq.

Thomas Yalding, a gypsy, pleaded Not Guilty to stealing a silver medal with three clasps and a buckle, value 15s., from the person of Henry Wort, a private soldier of the 44^th Regiment. The prisoner was defended by Mr. Biron, instructed by Mr. Delasaux.

The prosecutor, being sworn and examined by the Recorder, deposed he was a private in the 44^th Regiment. On the 1^st of July he lost a medal with three clasps and a silver buckle; it was taken from his breast by the prisoner at the bar at about 3 a.m. Witness was on leave, and perfectly sober: had no doubt as to the prisoner, it being quite light. The robbery was committed while the prosecutor was taking a light from prisoner`s cigar. There were several companions of the prisoner sitting and standing round a table, and the medal &c. was passed to one of them. Prosecutor detained the prisoner until the arrival of a policeman, who took him into custody. The medal was found next day in the churchyard. Prosecutor had not been in the churchyard before he lost his medal.

Cross-examined by Mr. Biron: Left the camp about 4 in the afternoon of the day previous – was not out on the spree. Went into a booth at the fair, but not into a public house. Stayed in the booth about an hour; had some beer, but no spirits. This was about 6 p.m. Left the fair and came into the town: returned to the fair about 11 p.m. Did not dance in the booth. Mr. Biron did not succeed in shaking the prosecutor`s testimony.

William Paul, a private in the 72^nd Regiment, deposed he recollected the 1^st July. He was at the British Lion; was coming out, and saw the prisoner put his hand over prosecutor`s shoulder, and take the medal off his breast. Witness was two yards off. He came forward, and saw prisoner pass the medal to one of his companions. Had not seen him since. Knew him by his countenance. Would swear he was the man. Was not “fresh”, but was sober.

Cross-examined by Mr. Biron: Was quite sober, and knew exactly what passed. Was on the right side of the prisoner; he was standing in front of the prosecutor. Prosecutor was quite sober.

Charles Ovenden, police constable, sworn, deposed he was in the fair about 3 a.m. on the 1^st July. Prosecutor called and told him that prisoner had stolen his medal, and gave him in charge for stealing it. Prisoner requested to be searched, in a loud tone. Witness searched prisoner, but found nothing on him but a small sum of money. Prosecutor was very sober and orderly; had noticed him all through the night. First observed the prisoner go towards the prosecutor from the British Lion. Could not apprehend all the prisoners.

Cross-examined by Mr. Biron: Did not search any of prisoner`s companions, who remained after he was in custody. Prosecutor told him at the station, after prisoner was searched, taht it had been passed to his companions.

Mr. Biron the addressed the jury for the defence, and the learned Recorder summed up, remarking that the case was a very simple one; it rested merely on the degree of credit they could give to the evidence of the prosecutor. All the witnesses agreed that the prosecutor was sober; the only point in prisoner`s favour was that the medal was found elsewhere. The jury, without retiring, immediately returned a verdict of Guilty. In sentencing the prisoner, the Recorder said he quite agreed with the verdict, and sentenced the prisoner to six months` hard labour.

Folkestone Chronicle 6-7-1861

Monday July 1^st:- Before W. Major, J. Tolputt and Gilbert Kennicott esqs.

Andrew Mason and Henry Foreman were charged by police constable Ovenden with vagrancy, and being found asleep about half past two on Sunday morning, under a tent or booth belonging to Robert Burvill, of the British Lion, in the fair held in Mr. Meikle`s grounds, Broadmead Back Lane. They were searched, but nothing found upon them. Discharged with a caution.

Folkestone Chronicle 4-1-1862

Friday January 3^rd:- Before the Mayor

William Thomas Hart, Mill Bay, Folkestone was brought up charged with stealing one Delft chimney ornament, value 1s., the property of Robert Burvill, British Lion Inn, The Bayle, Folkestone. The prisoner had been employed removing some forms when he took the opportunity of stealing the paltry image, which was found at his house. Prisoner was remanded until this morning.

Folkestone Chronicle 11-1-1862

Saturday January 4^th. :- Before the Mayor and James Kelcey esq.

William T. Hart was brought up on remand, charged with stealing on the 2^nd instant, at the house of Mr. Robert Burvill, on The Bayle, a china ornament of the value of one shilling.

Elizabeth Burvill, the wife of Robert Burvill, said prisoner was employed at the house removing some forms into a room, on the mantel shelf of which the ornament stood. The article now produced is the one which was missed after the prisoner left.

The daughter of the last witness proved she had washed the ornaments on Thursday morning; identified the one produced as the one which was missed after the prisoner had been in the house.

Police constable Smith proved on Thursday night he went to prisoner`s house; prisoner was in bed; saw the ornament now produced on the mantel, and took the prisoner into custody.

The prisoner consented to be tried by the bench, and pleaded guilty.

The Mayor, addressing the prisoner, said “You have been convicted twice before, but those convictions have not been brought against you on this occasion; it is in the power of the magistrates to commit you for three months, but they do not intend inflicting the full penalty. You are now sentenced to two months` hard labour. This makes the third conviction, and after this, it is very probable that if brought up again, you will be so dealt with as not to trouble the borough for some time”.

Folkestone Chronicle 7-6-1862

Death: June 5^th, on The Bayle, Folkestone, Mr. Robert Burvill, of the British Lion.

Note: Date is at variance with More Bastions

Canterbury Weekly Journal 14-6-1862 

Death: June 5, at the British Lion, Bayle, Mr. Robt Burvill, aged 58.

Dover Express 14-6-1862 

Death: June 5, at the British Lion, Bayle, Folkestone, Mr. Robert Burvill, aged 58 years.

Kentish Chronicle 14-6-1862 

Death: June 5, at the British Lion, Bayle, Mr. Robert Burvill, aged 58 years.

Folkestone Observer 2-1-1864

Saturday December 26^th:- Before Captain Kennicott R.N. and J. Tolputt Esq.

Thomas Graham, private in the 83^rd Regiment, stationed at Shorncliffe Camp, was charged with assaulting P.C. Swain.

P.C. Swain said: Yesterday morning at a quarter to six I saw the prisoner lying flat on his back near Gosling`s shop. I roused him and tried to wake him. He was very drunk. As soon as I shook him a little and woke him up I told him to go away. He said “You ----“, and kicked me with his left foot on the neck as I was leaning over him. He partly knocked me down. He then sprang up and hit with his fists and knocked my hat off and ran away. P.C. Sharp came up at the time and we both pursued, and took him into custody on the Bayle, at the back of the British Lion, and brought him to the station.

Prisoner was dismissed with a caution.

Southeastern Gazette 8-6-1874

Inquest

An inquest was held at the Town Hall, on Saturday evening, before J. Minter, Esq., coroner, on the body of Rosetta Diana Stebbings, aged about 80.

George Stebbings, husband of the deceased, deposed: At about half-past nine last night I went to the British Lion and stayed there until about twenty minutes to twelve, and was just going home with a pint of beer for our suppers, when Mrs. Hart, who lives next door, came to me and said, “Your wife is burnt; you had better come home as soon as you can.” I went home and found deceased had been taken to the Dispensary, and on going there I found her in bed very much burnt about the face, breast, back, and one foot. I stayed there all night, deceased was sensible at times, and said a spark flew out of the fire and ignited her dress. There was a coal fire in the grate when I left deceased, who was sitting in a chair.

Mrs. Sarah Hart, who lives next door to deceased in Providence Place, Mill Bay, deposed to hearing deceased scream, and on going to her found her sitting on the floor enveloped in flames. She threw some water over her, and finding she could not extinguish the fire, she called some men, who threw more water upon her and extinguished the flames. Deceased was then taken to the Dispensary.

Mrs. Catherine Clans corroborated the last witness.

Mr. E. Mercer, M.E.C.S., deposed to attending deceased and finding her very much burnt on the face, neck, chest, back, both arms and hands, and the left foot, attended her up to three o’clock on Saturday afternoon, when she died.

The jury returned a verdict of “Accidental death.”

Folkestone Express 24-7-1875

Notice

Ancient Order Of Druids

British Lion Inn, Bayle, Folkestone.

July 20^th, 1875

The above Order beg to intimate to the Public that they HAVE NOT authorised TOM BURTENSHAW to solicit Subscriptions for the purpose of a rural fete.

By Order of The Lodge,

T.J. Mullett N.A.

Note: It is interesting to note that the Folkestone Chronicle of this date carries this advertisement, but gives the address as the Red Lion

Folkestone Express 29-4-1876

Wednesday, April 26^th: Before The Mayor and R.W. Boarer Esq.

A temporary license was granted to W.W. Cooper to sell beer at the Lion, Bayle, pending the transfer of the license.

Folkestone Express 17-6-1876

Wednesday, June 14^th: Before J. Tolputt and J. Clars Esqs., and Alterman Caister.

The license of the British Lion was transferred from John Taylor to William Willis Cooper.

Folkestone Chronicle 12-1-1878

Inquest

On Saturday evening an inquest was held at the Harvey Hotel by the Coroner (J. Minter), respecting the death of Robert Burley, a member of the Borough Police Force.

James Burley, K.C.C., deposed: I identify the body as that of my brother, Robert Burley. He was a member of the Folkestone Borough Police and was 21 years of age. I saw him on Thursday last at two o`clock. He was in bed, and told me that when he came off duty on Tuesday he went out with a friend, and remained with him until three or four o`clock in the morning, leaving him at the bottom of Dover Street. On going up Dover Street a little way he ran against two artillerymen, who turned round on him and gave him a thrashing, knocked his hat all to pieces and cut his head. He found blood was running down, and went to a friend`s house and knocked, but could not make anyone hear. He then hurried home to his lodgings, and on going up to the front door fell into the area. He remembered nothing more until he found himself in bed.

William Willis Cooper, landlord of the British Lion, deposed: On Thursday afternoon I went to see the deceased. From information I received I went and asked him if he had called at my house on Wednesday morning at 3-45, and he said “Yes”. I also asked him if he went to my mother`s house at 103, Dover Street, near Radnor Bridge, the same morning, and he replied “Yes”, but did not say what for. He pointed to he left eye, and said he had been knocked about by two soldiers.

Elizabeth Cooper deposed: I am a widow, living at 103, Dover Street. I knew the deceased, Robert Burley. On Wednesday morning, about 20 minutes past four, I was in bed and heard someone come to the door. He knocked with his fist and tried the latch. I got out of bed and opened the window. I said “Who`s there?”. He said “Oh, Mrs. Cooper, will you come down? I am nearly murdered”. I replied “I don`t know who you are. You had better go home. I know nothing of you”.  He said “Thank you” and left a few seconds afterwards.

Frank Martin deposed: On Wednesday last, about twenty minutes to five, I was in bed and was aroused by some groaning, and in consequence of that I looked out of the window, and afterwards went down and saw deceased lying in the area. I then called Mr. Woodlands and we took him up to bed. He was insensible. We sent for Dr. Mercer, and he came. There was a large scar on the left eyebrow. It was not bleeding. There was no blood on his face.

Mary Ann Hayward, living at No. 6, Queen Street, deposed: I saw two artillerymen on New Year`s Day in the Bellevue Tavern. They told me they had been out all night, and had strayed away from Dover. As they had no money, my friend and I treated them to a quart of beer. The short one said he did not mean soldiering. I saw them again on Wednesday morning in the Bellevue Tavern. Jarvis told me afterwards that outside the Raglan Tavern they knocked up against a policeman between three and four o`clock in the morning.

Dr. Richard Mercer deposed: I found deceased lying perfectly insensible. He had a small graze over the left eyebrow, which appeared to have been done some time, as the blood was quite dry. I saw him again at eleven o`clock, when he was quite conscious, but paralysed below the left breast. I examined him, and found a fracture of the spine between the shoulders. There were no other marks of violence about him. I asked him if he was perfectly sober at the time, and he said “No”. He had had a little more than was good for him. Deceased died yesterday morning, the 4^th instant, the cause of death being fracture of the spine, which in my opinion was caused by the fall. Supposing he had received the injury in a fight with soldiers it would have been utterly impossible for him to have got home.

The Coroner summed up, and the Jury, after putting a few questions to the Superintendent of Police, returned a verdict of Accidental Death.

Folkestone Express 12-1-1878

Last week we reported that Robert Burley, a member of the Borough police force, was seriously injured through having fallen down into the area of the house where he lodged. The poor fellow died about eleven o`clock on Friday morning. From statements made by the deceased to his brother, it seemed that before he got home on Wednesday morning he had been ill-treated by two soldiers, and in consequence of this report a considerable amount of interest was felt in the affair.

An inquest was held on Saturday evening at the Harvey Hotel, by J. Minter Esq., the borough coroner, when the following evidence was taken:

James Burley, a police constable stationed at Lyminge, identified the body as that of his brother. He deposed: His age was 21 last birthday. I saw him on Thursday last, having come to Folkestone in consequence of hearing of his accident. I found him in bed, and I asked him to tell me how it happened. He told me that when he went off duty he changed his clothes and went out with a friend. He was with him until between three and four o`clock in the morning, and left him at the bottom of Dover Street. He went up the street a little way and “ran against” two artillerymen, and they turned round and “dropped into him” and gave him a good thrashing, knocked his hat all to pieces and cut his head or eye. He found blood was running down his face and he went to a friend`s house and knocked. Thinking he could not make anyone hear, he hurried home to his lodgings. Going up to the front door he kicked his left toe against the steps. He put his right foot out to try to save himself, and that slipped on the flag stones, in consequence of his boots having steel brads in them. That threw him round on his left side, and his back came on a low wall and pitched him over into the area. He remembered no more until he found himself in bed. He did not say if the soldiers followed him.

By a juror: I believe the soldiers recognised him as a policeman.

By the Coroner: I do not know if he meant to take them into custody.

The Coroner: From what I can learn, it appears that he thought they were two men absent without leave, and he might as well have the money for apprehending them.

William Wills Cooper, landlord of the British Lion, Bayle, said: On Thursday the 3^rd, in the afternoon, I went and saw the deceased. Two men having come to my house on at 3.40 on the Wednesday morning, I asked the deceased if he was one of them and he said “Yes”. I also asked him if he went to my mother`s house in Dover Street, and he said he did. He did not say what he went for. He lifted his right arm and pointed to his left eye and said he had been knocked about by two soldiers.

Mrs. Elizabeth Cooper, a widow, living at 103, Dover Street, said: I knew the deceased, Robert Burley. On Wednesday morning, about twenty minutes past four o`clock, I was in bed. I heard someone come to the door and knock with their fist, and then try the latch. I opened the window and saw a man and asked “Who`s there?” A voice replied “Oh, Mrs. Cooper, will you come down? I am nearly murdered”. I said “I don`t know who you are; you had better go home”. I could not see who it was. He said “Thank you”, and left a few minutes after. I did not know who it was, nor do I now, except from what my son has told me. The man appeared to be sober, as far as I could judge.

Frank Martin, a waiter, living at 28, Harvey Street, said: About twenty minutes or a quarter to five on Wednesday morning last I was in bed and was aroused by hearing someone groaning. I got up, went down to the front door, and looked over into the area, and there saw the deceased. He was lying on his left side, with his arm underneath him, and his hat was about a foot and a half from his head. He was insensible. I called the assistance of my father-in-law and we got deceased into the passage. We sent for Dr. Mercer, and afterwards put deceased to bed. There was a slight scar on his left eyebrow but there was no blood on his face or any part of him that I could see.

Mary Ann Hayward, a single woman, living at 6, Queen Street, said: On New Year`s Day I saw two artillerymen in the Belle Vue Inn. They told me they had been out all night, and strayed away from Dover. I told them if they did not go back they would be taken into custody. I and a friend treated them to beer, and bread and cheese, as they had no money. The short one, Jarvis, said he did not mean soldiering. They left me at half past eight on Tuesday night, when I gave them twopence to go home with. I saw them again on Wednesday morning in the Belle Vue Inn. They bid me good morning. I asked them why they did not go home, and they said they met the picquet out marching, and if they had gone further they would have been taken in. Jarvis said they were at the Raglan about half past eleven, and that they had knocked up against a policeman about three or four o`clock in the morning. The tall soldier pushed Jarvis, and motioned him to say nothing, and Jarvis laughed. They told me they were hungry and we got them some bread and cheese. About an hour afterwards I hear that a policeman had been ill-used. I asked Jarvis what he had been up to, and he got up and laughed and they both went out. One of them had told me previously that he meant murdering someone. He had had six months imprisonment and did not mean soldiering. He also said he had just had a fortnight`s confinement.

Mr. Richard Mercer, surgeon, said: On Wednesday morning between six and seven o`clock I was called to deceased in Harvey Road. I found him lying in the passage of the house, perfectly insensible. He had a small graze over the left eyebrow, which appeared to have been done some little time, as the blood was quite dry. I assisted to carry him to bed and saw him again at eleven o`clock, when he was quite conscious, but paralysed below the breast. I examined him and found a fracture of the spine between the shoulders. There were no other marks of violence whatever – no bruises or cuts. I asked the deceased how it occurred, and he said he had been spending the evening with some friends and came home about four in the morning. When he got on the doorstep his foot slipped and he fell over the wall into the area. I asked him if he was perfectly sober at the time, and he said “No, I had a little more than was good for me”. In consequence of the reports about deceased having been knocked about by soldiers I have today and yesterday again examined the body, and there are no marks of violence other than those I have described. He died yesterday morning, the cause of death being the fracture of the spine, which in my opinion was caused by the fall. Deceased knew the critical state he was in, as I told him he was mortally injured, and he made the statement to me after I had so informed him. It would have been utterly impossible for him to have got home if he had received the injury at the hands of the soldiers.

Superintendent Wilshere, who was called by request of a juryman, said no report was made to him of the constable having been attacked by soldiers, and he only heard of it accidentally. It was quite probable that he attempted to take the two men into custody as deserters. He would be doing his duty if he did so.

The Coroner said that although at first it seemed that deceased had been ill-treated, the evidence of Dr. Mercer showed that such ill-usage was not serious and did not in any way contribute to his death. Had the soldiers followed him, and had he fallen in endeavouring to escape from them, it would then have been a question whether they would not be liable to a charge of manslaughter.

The jury at once returned a verdict of “Accidental Death”.

It having been stated that the deceased, out of his very moderate pay, contributed towards the support of his parents, the jurymen gave their fees to be transmitted to the old couple.

Folkestone Express 17-5-1879

Wednesday, May 14^th: Before W.J. Jeffreason Esq., and Aldermen Caister and Sherwood.

James Lewis was charged with being drunk and disorderly on the Bayle on Saturday evening last.

P.C. Hogben said he was sent for by the landlord of the British Lion, and found defendant kicking the door and making a disturbance.

He was fined 5s., and 3s. 6d. costs, or in default seven days` imprisonment.

Folkestone Express 28-5-1881

Monday, May 23^rd: Before The Mayor, General Armstrong, Captain Crowe, Captain Fletcher, and M.J. Bell Esq.

Patrick Marns was charged with being drunk on The Bayle on Sunday, and also with begging and assaulting William Wills Cooper, landlord of the British Lion Inn.

William Wills Cooper stated that on Sunday evening at a quarter to ten the prisoner went into the house and asked the customers in the bar to give him a copper. He was drunk and witness ordered him to leave the house. He refused to go, and witness proceeded to eject him. When they reached the door prisoner clutched him and tore his shirt, and they fell together. When witness was getting up, prisoner kicked him in the eye.

Thomas Taylor, who was a witness of the occurrence, gave corroborative evidence. He followed the prisoner and gave him into custody.

Prisoner was fined 5s. and costs, or seven days` hard labour for being drunk, and for the other offences he was sentenced to 21 days` hard labour.

Folkestone Express 4-9-1886

Thursday, September 2^nd: Before The Mayor, H.W. Poole Esq., and General Armstrong.

Francis Doyle, a bathchairman, was charged with being drunk and refusing to quit the British Lion on Wednesday. He pleaded Guilty and was fined 10s. and 3s. 6d. costs.

Folkestone Express 26-11-1887

Wednesday, November 23^rd: Before General Armstrong, F. Boykett, J. Brooke and H.W. Poole Esqs., and Surgeon General Gilbourne.

The licence of the British Lion on the Bayle was transferred to Mr. J. Pankhurst.

Folkestone Express 17-12-1887

Wednesday, December 14^th: Before Capt. Carter, J. Hoad, J. Fitness and E.R. Ward Esqs.

The licence of the British Lion Inn was transferred to Mr. J. Pankhurst.

Folkestone Express 25-4-1891

Wednesday, April 22^nd: Before J. Clark, J. Fitness, J. Pledge, J. Holden and E.T. Ward Esqs.

Richard Henry Strood was charged with being drunk in Dover Street on the 15^th April.

P.C. Gosby said he saw the defendant lying drunk in the street near Mr. Martin`s bootshop. With assistance he was taken to the police station, where it was found that his head was injured, and Dr. Bateman was sent for.

Defendant said he was told he fell down the Bayle Steps. He had two pints of beer at the Lion, and a glass of port wine. He was perfectly well able to walk, but remembered nothing after he fell.

Defendant was fined 2s. 6d. and 9s. costs, and ordered to pay the doctor`s fees, 7s. 6d.

Sandgate Weekly News 12-9-1896

Local News

On Thursday afternoon the body of a well-dressed female was found floating in the sea opposite the Seabrook Hotel, Hythe. As it was apparent that the body had been in the water artificial respiration was tried, but without success. The body was afterwards identified as that of a lady named Emily Farrow, aged 63, a relation of Mr. and Mrs. Pankhurst, of the British Lion Hotel, The Bayle, Folkestone, with whom she had been staying. There was nothing to show how deceased got into the water, and the inquest held on Friday was adjourned.

Sandgate Weekly News 19-9-1896

Local News

The adjourned inquest on the body of Mrs. Farrow, a visitor to Folkestone, which was found floating in the sea opposite the Seabrook Hotel, was held at Hythe on Saturday, and an open verdict was returned.