Chequers, Seagate Street c1705 - 1940

Chequers: Ground Floor Plan

Chequers: First Floor Plan

Chequers, Seagate Street. Credit Alan Taylor

 

Licensees

Devereaux Kelly Listed 1717

Mary Penney Listed 1741

Ambrose Dadd (Or Ladd) c1765 1775

Mr. Birch 1775 1775

Robert Martin 1775 c1780

Joseph Taylor c1780 c1793

Josephine Taylor c1793 1794

Henry Prescott 1794 1797 From Three Squirrels

Richard Prescott 1797 c1816

William Pay Listed 1823 1825

Sarah Pay c1825 1855

Henry Mercer 1855 1859

Mary Goor 1859 1868

Henry Richardson 1868 1877

Harry Jackson 1877 1878 To Star And Garter

Henry Goldfinch 1878 1880

William Stannard 1880 1881

James Friend 1881 1894

George Kirby 1894 1899 To Royal George

John Dorrell 1899 1906

James Reeves 1906 1908

Walter Howlett 1908 1917

William Nash 1917 1918

Henry Dunn 1918 1921

Walter Scrivens 1921 1930
Florence Jane Kent 1930 1930

Richard Williams 1930 1933

William Prince 1933 1940

 

Kentish Post 7-10-1758

To be sold publicly to the highest bidder, on Monday, the 16^th of October, at the sign of the Chequer, in Folkestone; a lugger, called Kiss in the Corner, John Gibbs late master, now lying on the beach near Sandgate castle, a prime sailer, and in good repair, burthen about 40 tons.

For further particulars inquire of John Arnett, rope maker, at Folkestone.

Folkestone Sessions Books 1765 – 1779 & 1792 - 1811

General Sessions 29-4-1765

Before John Hague (Mayor), Mr. John Jordan, Mr. William Pope, Mr. Thomas Baker, Mr. Thomas Rolfe, and Mr. John Baker.

Neat Ladd, James Francklyn, Chas. Hill, Thos. Wilton, Ambrose Dadd, Ric Boxer, Widow Jeffery, Widow Gittens, Ric Beear, Mary Gittens, and Joseph Trevillon were fined at this Session 3/4 each for having false measures in their houses, which fines were paid into the hands of the Overseers of the Poor.

Neat Ladd, George; James Francklyn, Rose; Charles Hill, White Hart; Thomas Wilton, no record; Ambrose Dadd, Chequers; Richard Boxer, Fishing Boat; Widow Jeffery, Royal George; Widow Gittens, North Foreland; Richard Beear, Three Compasses; Mary Gittens, Privateer; Joseph Trevillon, Crown.

Kentish Gazette 13-2-1770

Auction Notice

To be sold by auction, at the sign of the Chequer, in Folkestone, on Tuesday, the 20^th of this instant, February, about three o`clock in the afternoon:

Thw pieces of Meadow Land, known by the name of Joy`s Land, containing by estimation four acres and a quarter, more or less, situate, lying and being in Folkestone aforesaid, at or near a certain place called Green Lane, and now or late in the occupation of Thomas Nickalls.

For further particulars enquire of Richard Elgar.

Kentish Gazette 29-7-1775

Wednesday evening last, between the hours of six and seven o`clock, Mr. Ambrose Dadd, master of the Chequer, at Folkestone, was found hanging in a passage in his house above stairs; it is supposed that he had hung upwards of an hour. The cause of this rash action is unknown.

Note: Date is at variance with More Bastions.

Folkestone Sessions Books 1765 – 1779 & 1792 - 1811

General Sessions 26-6-1777

Wm. Cressey, Benham Beecrot, Rob Martin and Mary Gittens, victuallers, were fined 6/8 apiece for having short measures in their custody.

Notes: William Cressey, Red Cow. Benham Beecrot, Unknown Premises. Robert Martin, Chequers. Mary Gittens, Privateer.

Kentish Gazette 23-2-1782 

Advertisement: Folkestone, Feb. 21, 1782: Cocking. On Tuesday next will be fought, at Mr. Joseph Taylor`s, at the sign of the Chequers, Folkestone, a Main of Cocks, between the gentlemen of Folkestone and the gentlemen of Dover. To show eleven cocks on each side, to fight for five guineas a battle and ten the odd. There will be a close pit, and a good ordinary on the table at one o`clock; and a pair of large cocks to be fought before dinner.

Folkestone Sessions Books 1765 – 1779 & 1792 - 1811

General Sessions 4-3-1794

Before Thomas Baker (Mayor), John Minter, Edward Andrews and John Castle.

The licence of the Chequers was transferred to Henry Prescott.

Kentish Gazette 2-2-1796 

February 2, 1796: Left, by Richard Barret, at the sign of the Chequers, in Folkestone, a brown gelding, seventeen hands high, with white face and two white feet behind. If no person owns him in the space of three days, the horse must be sold to pay the keep.

Kentish Chronicle 15-8-1800 

Folkestone, Dover and Deal Caravan: A caravan will run from the Chequers, Folkestone, to the Royal Oak Inn, Deal, every day and return in the evening. To set off from Folkestone at seven o`clock in the morning, it will take parcels and passengers at the Fountain Inn, Market Place, Dover, and return from Deal at three o`clock in the afternoon.

August 14, 1800

Kentish Gazette 13-10-1807

Advertisement

To be sold by Auction;

At the Chequer, Folkestone, the 28^th day of October, at three o'clock in the afternoon (if not previously disposed of by private contract, of which notice will be given) – Arpinge Farm, with 130 acres of land, little more or less, in the parish of Newington, near Hythe, with immediate possession. The buildings are in complete repair, and the whole of the estate is exonerated from the land-tax.

N. B. Part of the purchase money may remain on mortgage, if required.

For further particulars apply to Mr. Joseph Sladen, of Folkestone

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.:

Ric Prescott 1 pint 2/6

Maidstone Gazette 6-4-1847, West Kent Guardian 10-4-1847, Kentish Gazette 13-4-1847

On Friday evening at midnight the Princess Helena steamer landed 56 Savoyard peasants at Folkestone in the most wretched state of filth and raggedness imaginable, we suppose to be employed as itinerant musicians and white-mice boys in London.

The poor wretches were shivering with cold (it being a frosty night with a keen wind from the north), and in that state were kept for an hour in the harbour, the man in charge of them not being able to come to terms for a lodging for them, having only offered 4 shillings and 6d for that purpose. However, the landlady of the "Checkers" (sic) kindly gave them a resting place in her stables on the straw, where the poor creatures were huddled together like swine. Many persons assembled the next morning to see them depart, who commiserated their unhappy condition. Surely something might be done to prevent these poor fellows leaving their sunny clime to endure a life of slavery, privation and misery in England; the object being not to employ them as labourers, but to excite charity from the benevolent for the benefit of their inhuman masters.

Kentish Mercury 13-4-1847

On Friday, at midnight, the Princess Helena steamer landed 56 Savoyard peasants at Folkestone, in the most wretched state of filth and raggedness imaginable, we suppose to be employed as itinerant musicians and white-mice boys in London.

The poor wretches were shivering with cold (it being a frosty night with a keen wind from the north), and in that state were kept for an hour in the harbour, the man in charge of them not being able to come to terms for a lodging for them, having only offered 4s 6d for that purpose. However, the landlady of the Chequers kindly gave them a resting place in her stables on the straw, where the poor creatures were huddled together like swine. Many persons assembled the next morning to see them depart, who commiserated their unhappy condition. 

Maidstone Gazette 21-12-1847

At the Petty Sessions on Friday last, John Hart, of this town, fisherman, was charged before Charles Golder Esq., Mayor, John Bateman and Samuel Mackie Esqs., with having assaulted Mr. Henry Mercer, the landlord of the Chequers public house. It appeared that defendant took a female into the house of complainant about eleven o`clock on the night of Thursday last, and called for some beer, but complainant refused to serve him, ordered him out, and proceeded to put him out, when defendant, in the scuffle, slammed the door back, which struck complainant, and cut him on the forehead, which was the assault complained of. Defendant denied this, and called two witnesses to prove his innocence, but they only proved the complainant`s case. Fined 5s., and 11s. costs, which was paid.

Note: Mercer was likely running the house for Sarah Pay, his mother-in-law. Transfer to him did not happen until 1855.

Maidstone Gazette 20-3-1849, Dover Chronicle, Dover Telegraph, West Kent Guardian 24-3-1849

On Wednesday evening last, a man of re­spectable appearance entered the Chequers Tavern, and applied to the landlady, Mrs. Mercer, for a bed, which was provided for him. On the next morning, at about five o’clock, the landlord, on coming downstairs, observed the tap-room door move, and on going there he found a man, who asked the way to the yard; he shortly afterwards came indoors, and went upstairs, as was supposed, to bed. The landlord then went out, and about two hours afterwards someone touched the bedroom door where the landlady slept, when she called out, but received no answer. Being in the habit of going to bed very late, she did not get up early, and slept very soundly. However, at about half-past nine o’clock she heard someone walking tip-toe across her room, and on peeping to see who it was, she observed a man, who was found afterwards to be the lodger, in the act of taking her cash-box (which contained a large sum of money). She jumped out of bed, seized him, and struck him a blow on the face, and continued to do so `til he entered his bedroom. On his return, with his clothes on his arm, she armed herself with a boot­jack, and belaboured him all the way downstairs into the street. There was no one else in the house but her aged mother. After his departure there was found in his room a very formidable housebreaking implement.

Kentish Gazette, Maidstone Journal 27-3-1849 

On the evening of the 14th instant, a man of re­spectable appearance entered the Chequers Tavern, and applied to the landlady, Mrs. Mercer, for a bed, which was provided for him. On the next morning, at about five o’clock, the landlord, on coming downstairs, observed the tap-room door move, and on going there he found a man, who asked the way to the yard; he shortly afterwards came indoors, and went upstairs, as was supposed, to bed. The landlord then went out, and about two hours afterwards someone touched the bedroom door where the landlady slept, when she called out, but received no answer. Being in the habit of going to bed very late, she did not get up early, and slept very soundly. However, at about half-past nine o’clock she heard someone walking tip-toe across her room, and on peeping to see who it was, she observed a man, who was found afterwards to be the lodger, in the act of taking her cash-hox (which contained a large sum of money). She jumped out of bed, seized him, and struck him a blow on the face, and continued to do so `til he entered his bedroom. On his return, with his clothes on his arm, she armed herself with a boot­jack, and belaboured him all the way downstairs into the street. There was no one else in the house but her aged mother. After his departure there was found in his room a very formidable housebreaking implement.

Note: The Mrs. Mercer mentioned is actually the daughter of the landlady, Sarah Pay.

Dover Telegraph 10-2-1855

Petty Sessions, Wednesday: Before S. Godden and James Kelcey Esqs.

The license of the Chequers Inn was transferred from the executors of Sarah Pay to Henry Mercer, a son-in-law of deceased. 

Kentish Gazette 13-2-1855

At the Petty Sessions on Wednesday, before S. Godden and James Kelcey Esqrs., the licence of the Chequers Inn was transferred from the executors of Sarah Pay to Henry Mercer, a son-in-law of deceased.

Note: Earlier date for Mercer.

Dover Chronicle, Dover Telegraph 9-4-1859, Kentish Gazette, Maidstone Journal 12-4-1859, Southeastern Gazette 19-4-1859 

Advertisement extract: Mr. Thomas Robinson is honoured with instructions from the Trustees of the late Thomas Walker Esq., to submit for sale by public auction at the Ship Hotel, in Dover, on Tuesday, the 24^th day of May, 1859, at twelve for one o`clock in the afternoon precisely the following valuable freehold and leasehold inns, public houses:

Lot 5: The old-established freehold inn, in the town of Folkestone, known as the Chequers, with large yard, stabling, lofts &c. These premises stand on an an extensive area of ground, are contiguous to the harbour, possess two extensive frontages in the principal thoroughfares, and are now in the occupation of Mr. Henry Mercer.

For further particulars and to treat for the purchase, apply to the auctioneer, 18, Bench Street, or to Edward Knocker Esq., Solicitor, Castle Hill, Dover.

Dover Chronicle, Dover Telegraph 2-7-1859, Kentish Gazette, Southeastern Gazette 5-7-1859, Canterbury Weekly Journal, Maidstone Journal 9-7-1859

Advertisement extract: The following public house, situate in Folkestone, viz:-

3 The Chequers, at Folkestone

The above house is to be let as a free house in consequence of the proprietors of the Dolphin Lane Brewery discontinuing that business. The holding of the present tenant expires under notice to quit on the 6^th July, 1860.

Tenders to be sent in to the offices of Mr. Edward Knocker, Castle Hill, Dover, on or before the 20^th day of July next, marked on the cover “Tender”.

Dover Chronicle 17-9-1859 

Advertisement: To be let, the Chequers Inn, Folkestone. Apply to Leney and Evenden, Phoenix Brewery, Dolphin Lane, Dover.

Folkestone Chronicle 17-12-1859

Wednesday December 14^th:- Before R.W. Boarer and James Tolputt esqs.

An application was made to transfer the licence of the Chequers Inn, Seagate Street, from Henry Mercer to Mary Goor. The necessary five days` notice not having been given, the transfer could not be completed until January next, but the magistrates` clerk intimated that applicant could obtain a magistrate`s order for carrying on the business till the next sessions.

Note: This date differs from information in More Bastions

Folkestone Observer 29-8-1863

Thursday August 27^th:- Before Captain Kennicott R.N., and James Tolputt Esq.

Without A Home

George Peacock was brought up on a charge of sleeping in an outhouse and having no visible means of subsistence.

P.C. Ovenden about a quarter past one in the morning found him asleep in the water-closet of the Chequers Inn. He belonged to the town, but had no place of residence. Ovenden had not known him to work for a long time, but he loitered about and got odd jobs. In the winter he went into the Union House. No money was found on him, but he had an order for the Union. The Bench now admonished him and dismissed him.

Folkestone Chronicle 18-6-1864

Tuesday June 14^th:- Before the Mayor and R.W. Boarer Esq.

John Wettingstall and John Knight were brought up in custody charged with stealing one gallon of beer, value 1s., from a cask, the property of Richard Checksfield.

Remanded till next day.

Note: Beer (bought from Gun Brewery), was on Checksfield`s van, parked in the yard of the Chequers

Wednesday June 15^th:- Before the Mayor. R.W. Boarer and J. Kelcey Esqs.

John Wettingstall and John Knight were brought up under remand charged with stealing a gallon of beer from a cask on the 13^th inst.

The prisoners pleaded Guilty under the Criminal Justice Act, and John Knight was committed for 7 days with hard labour, and John Wettingstall to 6 weeks` imprisonment with hard labour

Folkestone Observer 18-6-1864

Tuesday June 14^th:- Before the Mayor, James Kelcey and R.W, Boarer Esqs.

John Whittingstall, 19, seaman, living at Charlotte Terrace, and John Knight, 21, shoemaker, living in Tontine Street, were charged with stealing a gallon of beer, the property of Richard Checksfield, Ashford.

Richard Checksfield said he was a carrier from Ashford to Folkestone. He had two casks of 4½ gallons each of porter consigned to him in Folkestone to go to Ashford. He left them in his van last night about ten o`clock, in the Chequers` yard, when they were all right. Between two and three o`clock this morning the constable called him up, saying there were some persons in the van drinking the beer. He went and found nearly a gallon drawn. Saw the casks filled up with porter at Mr. Tite`s brewery. The porter was about a shilling a gallon. The yard door was not locked at night; there was no gate to it.

P.C. Hills was on duty at the bottom of High Street about half past two. Seeing the van there he went, as usual, to see if any persons were there, and found the prisoners, drinking beer.

The bench sentenced Whittingstall to six weeks` hard labour, and Knight to seven days` imprisonment.

Note: The Brewery referred to is the Gun Brewery

Folkestone Express 2-12-1876

Tuesday, November 28^th: Before Col. De Crespigny, J. Clark Esq., and Alderman Caister.

Eliza O`Leary was charged with assaulting Sarah Jordan on the 24^th inst., whereby she went in bodily fear.

Sarah Jordan, whose face was dreadfully disfigured, deposed: I went into the Chequers to call my husband, and saw him there dancing with the prisoner. I told her not to dance with my husband as he had been drinking all day. Prisoner then struck me and I told her that she was the cause of my bonnet being torn. She used dreadful language, and said she would murder me.

The prisoner made a statement to the effect that Mrs. Jordan poked her in the chest with a knife, and if it had been a pen knife must have run into her. She said she could not give two black eyes like Mrs. Jordan`s with one blow.

She was ordered to find a surety for £10 to keep the peace for three months.

Folkestone Express 28-4-1877

Local News

About half past seven o`clock on Friday morning, Captain Burtenshaw, a seaman who had been lodging at the Chequers Inn, Seagate Street, was found hanging by the neck in his bedroom by a person who was sent to arouse him. He was suspended to a clothes hook by a neckerchief and was quite dead. The inquest will be held on Friday evening.

Southeastern Gazette 30-4-1877

Inquest

An inquest was held at the Town Hall on Friday evening, before J. Minter, Esq., coroner, on the body of John Burtenshaw, mariner, 58 years of age.

Deceased was master of the collier brig Clarence, and lodged with Mr. Richardson, at the Chequers Inn. According to the evidence of Riohardson, the deceased retired to bed on Thursday night at about eleven o’clock, and appeared in his usual spirits; he was generally called to breakfast at eight and when witness went to his room on Friday morning, he saw him hanging to a peg; he called his brother and they immediately out him down. He had known deceased for a number of years, and saw no difference in his manner on the previous evening. He believed, however, that deceased had pecuniary embarrassments.

Dr. Mercer having given evidence as to the cause of death, the Coroner, in summing up, said there was no evidence to show that deceased was in an unsound state of mind, and a verdict according to the facts before them must be returned.

A verdict of felo de se was accordingly returned.

 

Folkestone Express 5-5-1877

Inquest

An inquest was held at the Town Hall on Friday evening last before J. Minter Esq., Coroner, on the body of John Burtonshaw, who had committed suicide by hanging.

The jury having viewed the body, Thomas Burtonshaw was called, and said: I am son of the deceased, and identify the body as that of my father, John Burtonshaw, aged 59 years. He was a master mariner, and a widower. Deceased lodged at the Chequers Inn. I saw deceased in the street last night, but did not speak to him. I have no idea what was the cause of his committing this act. The last time I saw him to speak to was about two months ago. He was in a very irritable temper. As a rule, he is a mild tempered man.

William James Fitch said that he was a master mariner, lodging at the Chequers Inn with his brother, Henry John Richardson, the landlord. He had known the deceased for the last thirteen years, and had been daily in his company for the last three weeks, he having resided at the Chequers since he entered the harbour with the ship Clarence. Deceased was sitting in the bar parlour with him the previous evening. He went out several times, and at ten minutes to eleven he went to look at his ship, and returned in about five minutes afterwards, when he asked him for a candle, saying he should go to bed. Witness gave him one, and he wished him and three other lodgers who were in the bar goodnight. He was sober, and witness only saw him drink one glass of rum and water. He had generally called deceased down to breakfast, and that morning at ten minutes to eight he had opened the bedroom door for the purpose of calling him, and finding the deceased was not in bed he turned his head, and looking round the door, saw deceased hanging to a peg. He called his brother, saying “Here`s Burtonshaw hung himself”, and his brother went upstairs and cut the body down. Deceased had hung himself by fastening a scarf round his neck and to a pef in the wall. His feet touched the ground, and he was dead. Witness and his brother placed the body on the bed where the jury viewed it. He had never complained of being in any difficulty. He had sailed with the deceased for three years, and had not noticed any difference in his conduct during the past three weeks.

Henry John Richardson, the landlord of the Chequers Inn, said: The deceased has made his home at the Chequers for the last nine months when he had been at Folkestone. I have seen him daily. I have known him since he was a little boy and have observed no difference in his manner since I have known him. I saw my brother give deceased a candle to go to bed. He bade us all goodnight, and seemed as cheerful as ever I have known him. He was sober. This morning my brother called to me and said “Harry, come up here. Jack`s hung himself”. I went up and saw deceased hanging by his neck, around which a scarf was tied, and attached to a peg on the wall. Deceased`s feet were touching the ground and his body was in a stooping position. He was dead. I cut the body down, and with my brother`s assistance placed it on the bed. I have heard this morning that deceased was in money difficulties.

Dr. Richard Mercer, M.R.C.S., said: I was sent for this morning to the Chequers and found the deceased lying on the bed. There was a scarf round his neck which had been cut, and corresponding to the portion on the peg. There was a slight indentation on the neck, corresponding with the tightening of the scarf. I have examined the deceased, and there are no marks other than that on the neck. In my opinion his death was caused by strangulation. The deceased must have had the greatest difficulty to keep his feet from the floor when he hung himself.

The Coroner, in his charge to the jury, said there could be no doubt from the evidence adduced that the deceased hung himself, and assuming they were satisfied on that point the question for them to consider was as to the state of mind of deceased at the time he committed the act. If the jury were of opinion that the deceased was in an unsound state of mind they would return their verdict, but if on the other hand they were of opinion that the deceased was of a sane state of mind then deceased was responsible for the act he had committed. It was purely a question for the jury. Every man was presumed to be sane, and to possess a sufficient degree of reason to be responsible for his crimes until the contrary is proved. In many cases the evidence showed acts and conduct from which the jury might charitably infer temporary insanity, but he must confess that he was unable to point out to them anything in the evidence which would justify them in coming to that conclusion, except the hearsay evidence of Mr. Richardson as to the pecuniary embarrassments of the deceased, unless they were of opinion that the act itself was evidence of insanity. There can be no question that it was a case of determined suicide. They had viewed the position of the hook to which the scarf was attached, the height from the floor, the close proximity of the foot of the bed, and the ledge of the partition, and it was therefore impossible to avoid coming to the conclusion that the deceased could only have accomplished his end after the scarf had been placed round the hook by the most persistent determination. Again the evidence of the last two witnesses, Richardson and Fitch, who had known deceased for many years, showed that the deceased was sane and cheerful up to the time of his going to bed, and the last thing done by him opevious to going upstairs was to proceed to the Harbour to see that his ship was in safety. He was therefore unable to point out to the jury any portion of the evidence which should satisfy them that the deceased was insane at the time he hung himself. They must, however, determine the question, and if they were satisfied upon the evidence that the deceased was insane then their verdict would be to that effect, but if on the contrary then their verdict must be one of felo de se.

The jury, after a short consultation, returned a verdict of felo de se.

Folkestone Express 28-9-1878

Wednesday, September 25^th: Before J. Clark and W.J. Jeffreason Esqs., Alderman Caister and Captain Crowe.

Thomas Burns was charged by P.C. Knowles with being drunk and disorderly in Queen`s Square on Tuesday.

The constable stated that he received information at the police station about half past ten in the morning that there was a disturbance in Queen`s Square, and on going there he found nearly a thousand people assembled, and a lot of them fighting. The prisoner ran into the Chequers public house and hid himself in a back room, where he was taken into custody. He was drunk and had been fighting.

Prisoner denied that he was drunk and said that he was set upon by a lot of fishermen, and called a witness to prove it, but he did not help his cause, and Superintendent Wilshere having proved that he was so drunk that he could not be brought before the Magistrates on Tuesday, the prisoner was fined 5s. and 5s. 6d. costs, or seven days.

Folkestone Express 11-1-1879

Monday, January 6^th: Before R.W. Boarer Esq., and Captain Fletcher.

Walter Corfield and William Kemp, sailors, were charged with stealing 11 pairs of stockings, valued at 21s., the property of Mr. William Grimwood Brett, draper, of Tontine treet, on Saturday the 4^th inst.

Prosecutor said he had eleven pairs of stockings hanging by his doorway on Saturday night. At a quarter past eight he missed them, and gave information to P.C. Hogben, who, about half past nine brought to him three pairs of stockings, produced, which he identified by the private mark in ink as his property. The value of the eleven pairs was 21s.

P.C. Hogben said he went to the Chequers Inn, Seagate Street, about half past nine on Saturday night. He saw prisoner Corfield there, with others, and told him he should charge him with stealing eleven or twelve pairs of stockings from Mr. Brett`s shop. He replied “I did not steal them. I bought them of a man in this room”. He took the prisoner into custody, and when they were in the street he felt in his pockets. In the pocket of his coat he found two pairs of stockings and an odd one. When searched at the police station he was wearing one stocking, which corresponded with the odd one found in prisoner`s pocket. He afterwards found the other prisoner at the Chequers. He told him he should charge him with being concerned in stealing some stockings, and that he must go to the police station. He said he did not know anything about any stockings. He afterwards found four persons who had bought stockings of the prisoners. The prisoner had nothing on him when searched.

P.C. Swain said on Saturday evening he was on duty in South Street. He saw the prisoner Kemp come from the direction of the passage leading from Harbour Street. Corfield called out to him “Jack, don`t run”. His suspicions were aroused, but he lost sight of the prisoners at the Paris Hotel. They had then apparently nothing on them.

George Poole, a mariner, said he went into the Chequers on Saturday night about half past eight. The two prisoners were there, and Corfield said he had some stockings to sell at 6d. per pair. He said his sister knitted them, and witness bought two pairs for a shilling. Prisoner said they were worth 18d. a pair. He afterwards bought one pair from Kemp for 4d., and resold them to Corfield for 8d. He gave up the two pairs he bought of Corfield to P.C. Hogben on Sunday night.

Richard Penny, also a mariner, said he was at the Chequers Inn on Saturday, and heard Corfield offer to sell some stockings at 6d. per pair. He bought two pairs for a shilling, and had given them up to P.C. Hogben on Sunday night.

Harry Spearpoint and George Spicer also proved buying stockings of the prisoners, and all of these Mr. Brett identified as his property.

Prisoners both pleaded Guilty. Corfield said he took the stockings because he wanted bread, and Kemp because he had had too much beer.

They were each sentenced to four months hard labour.

Folkestone Express 26-3-1881

Advertisement

Chequers Inn, Folkestone

To let, free for spirits. Barclay and Perkins Stout and Porter. Rent £30 per annum. Beds bring in £70 per annum. Cause of leaving – wife`s illness. Immediate disposal. Incoming £160.

Apply J. Banks, Tontine Street, Folkestone.

Folkestone Express 29-4-1882

Monday, April 24^th: Before R.W. Boarer and M. Bell Esqs., and Captain Crowe.

George May was charged with being disorderly and refusing to quit license premises, and also with assaulting James Ivas Friend, the landlord of the Chequers Inn.

J.I. Friend, landlord of the Chequers, said that about three o`clock in the afternoon the prisoner went into his house with some men and women, and after he had served them with some beer they made a great noise and abused him. Witness ordered the prisoner to leave the house, but he refused to go. He took the beer away because they refused to leave, and the prisoner struck at him over the counter several times, but did not succeed. He next tried to get over the counter, and after several attempts he succeeded, and he then made a rush at witness, and they struggled in the bar for about ten minutes. After that the prisoner butted him with his head in the mouth, and loosened some of his teeth and cut his lips.

P.C. Bailey said he was sent for to the Chequers on Saturday, and he saw the prisoner standing there arguing with the complainant about a pot of beer, and the landlord then gave him in charge for assault and for refusing to quit.

The Bench fined the prisoner 5s. and 4s. 6d. costs for the first offence, and for the second offence 10s. and 4s. 6d. costs, or in default seven days` hard labour in each case.

Folkestone Chronicle 24-9-1887

Thursday, September 22^nd: Before Dr. Bateman, Alderman Caister, Major Penfold, J. Clark, J. Hoad and J. Fitness Esqs.

James Ive Friend, landlord of the Chequers Inn, Tram Road, was summoned for dealing with smuggled tobacco.

A Custom House Officer, of London, named Tifferton, said he searched the defendant`s house, and asked him if he had any smuggled cigars or tobacco on his premises. He replied that he had not, but subsequently witness discovered that he had 2 lbs. 6 ozs., the single value and duty of which would be 15s. 6d. When questioned, defendant said he had bought it from a seaman, whose name he did not know. On behalf of the Customs Authorities witness asked that the Bench would inflict a penalty of treble the value and duty.

Prisoner asked the Magistrates to deal leniently with him, as it was his first offence.

Fined the single value and duty, with 2s. costs – 17s. 6d. in all.

Folkestone Express 9-6-1894

Saturday, June 2^nd: Before The Mayor, Alderman Banks, and W. Wightwick Esq.

Mr. Friend, of the Chequers Inn, made application for a duplicate licence, he having lost the original. Granted.

Folkestone Express 4-8-1894

Wednesday, August 1^st: Before J. Holden, J. Fitness and J. Pledge Esqs.

Transfer of Licence

The licence of the Chequers was transferred to Mr. Kirby

Folkestone Chronicle 23-5-1896

Saturday, May 16^th: Before Messrs. J. Holden, J. Pledge, T.J. Vaughan, and J. Fitness.

Mr. Haines applied that early opening licences be granted to three public houses. He said there was not a single one in the borough, and he thought when the Bench had heard the evidence they would be prepared to grant some, especially considering that they could at any time revoke them.

In the first case he applied on behalf of John Grigg, of the Ship Inn, The Stade, that he might open his house at 3 o`clock to accommodate the fishermen. There were some 68 or 70 boats that, by reason of the harbour being a tidal one, sometimes had to come in at hours when the public houses were not open, and were unable to obtain any kind of refreshment, although they had been for hours battling with the wind and the weather. They were not bona fide travellers, although they had been out to sea. In the mackerel and herring seasons there were boats from Newhaven, Shoreham, etc., put in and the applicant was knocked up, but for fear of offending the law he had great difficulty in finding out if the men were really travellers. He did not intend to keep open for the purpose of drinking, but simply to accommodate these men. Grigg had been two years in the house and had conducted it properly.

In the case of the other two applicants, they only wanted to open at 5 a.m. instead of 6.

Mr. Haines called Grigg, who bore out the statement.

Superintendent Taylor said he was not aware that anything had arisen recently that showed any need of an alteration. He presumed it was because of the remarks that were made the previous Saturday as to Dover, but at Dover there was a great vegetable market, and men came long distances from their houses to attend it. Mr. Haines` arguments were illogical, for he might as well argue that because there were no early opening licences in Folkestone, Dover did not require them. If this application was granted, the applicant would be able to keep open continuously from 3 a.m. to 11 p.m. If boats from Shoreham came in they could be served, and if the police prosecuted there would be a good defence, as they would be bona fide travellers.

The next application was by George Kirby, of the Chequers Inn, who desired to open at 5 a.m. to supply the workmen going to work at the Harbour, especially to the fruit boats.

The Chairman said they must decline all the applications, for if they granted one they would be obliged in justice to grant all. Mr. Haines had fought well, but had failed to show that the licences were needed.

Folkestone Express 23-5-1896

Saturday, May 16^th: Before J. Holden, J. Pledge, T.J. Vaughan, and J. Fitness Esqs.

Mr. Haines appeared before the Bench and made an application in respect of three exceptional licences for certain houses in the town. It will be remembered that a few days ago a publican was fined for opening his house a few minutes before six o`clock in the morning in order to supply the men who were going to work, and Mr. Mowll, who appeared for the defendant, expressed surprise that there were no early opening licences in Folkestone, there being no less than 33 in Dover. Mr. Haines said the Section under which he applied was 26 of the Licensing Act of 1872, which he read. The exception which he was about to ask the Bench to grant was in respect to three houses, and he pointed out that it was entirely in the discretion of the Bench. It was a matter entirely of evidence, and he thought the Magistrates would see that it was desirable to grant them. The matter was so much in their hands, that should they think proper at any time to revoke a licence so granted, they could make a revocation order.

The first case was that of Mr. J.G. Gregg, of the Ship Inn, and it was in respect of the fishing industry that the application was made. There were now 65 or 70 boats, and they could not come into the harbour at all times, as it was tidal. The boats went out at all hours of the day, and came in often at three or four in the morning, and the houses being closed, there was no means of the men getting refreshments if they required. As they resided in the town, they were not entitled to come under the definition of bona fide travellers. In the mackerel season 20 or 30 boats came in from other ports, and the crews often required refreshments from these houses. If the permission was granted, it was not intended to keep the house open, but merely to open when it was required. Mr. Gregg did not ask for the house to be allowed for the house to be open from one until three, but only from three till six. Mr. Haines then put in a memorial signed by the fishermen themselves to the number of 85, and said he had given notice of the application to Superintendent Taylor. There was nothing against Gregg, who had been two years in the house, and had conducted it in a proper manner.

Mr. Holden: You say there are two others.

Mr. Haines replied that there was only one application for an early opening licence, the others were different – applications to be allowed to open at five.

Mr. Bradley remarked that the memorial was in favour of what the Bench had no power to grant – a tidal licence. The signatures also were many of them in the same writing, and there were crosses to them.

Mr. Haines replied that many of the men could not write, and Mr. Gregg had permission to put their names, and they appended crosses.

John Galley Gregg was then called, and gave evidence as to his having been frequently asked to serve men at all hours of the night, and, under present circumstances, he had to go out and ascertain if their statements were correct. He said there were between 60 and 70 boats, and 250 fishermen. There were also a good many boats from other ports, and some of the crews stayed at his house.

Superintendent Taylor said there were no circumstances within his knowledge which rendered the licence necessary. It was a fact that there were no early opening licences in Folkestone, but there were in Dover, but the circumstances were very different. At Dover, market carts came in from the surrounding districts very early in the morning, and the drivers wanted refreshments. There were also at Dover large ships coming in, in addition to the fishermen. It might just as well be argued that no licences were wanted at Dover because there were none at Folkestone, as to argue that they were wanted at Folkestone because they had them at Dover. He urged that there was no necessity for the houses to be open, and it was very undesirable to make any change in the hours of opening.

Mr. Fitness: You have had no complaints from these fishermen that they cannot get what they want?

Mr. Haines said he believed in Dover there were something like 33.

Mr. Holden said he had sat on the Bench for many years, and he had never heard of a single case of hardship.

Mr. Haines said there was a memorial from the fishermen themselves.

Mr. Fitness said they would take that for what it was worth.

Mr. Haines said the men were often out all night, and there were occasions when they were out all day. It showed what a law abiding community they were, as they had not used the houses at forbidden hours.

Superintendent Taylor said he could not go so far as that, as there had been prosecutions.

Mr. Fitness said after the statement of the Superintendent they could not in all conscience go against it.

Mr. Haines then called Henry George Kirby, of the Chequers, who was an applicant for permission to open at five.

Mr. Holden asked Mr. Haines if it did not occur to him that if the Bench granted those applications, they must grant the same to other applicants. If they took from one end of Radnor Street to the other, there were about 20 houses.

Mr. Haines answered that the others had not applied. The Bench would try every one on it`s own basis.

Mr. Holden said in all justice they were bound to give it to one as well as another.

Mr. Haines agreed that it would be so, if they applied for it.

Mr. Bradley said the application did not come from the public, but from the publicans.

Supt. Taylor said it came from the brewers.

Mr. Haines said there was a large body of men who were employed by the South Eastern company at the Harbour.

Mr. Bradley: I am sure the South Eastern Company would not support the application.

Mr. Haines: The men support it.

Mr. Holden: You have made a very eloquent application, but the police are against you.

Mr. Haines: Of course I must bow to the decision of the Bench.

Mr. Holden: You see where we are. If we give it to one we should have to give to another.

Mr. Bradley: Mr. Haines has not satisfied you that the thing is either necessary or desirable.

Mr. Haines said he had a memorial signed by 130 workmen, many of them South Eastern Railway men, who had to go to work early in the morning to unload the fruit boats and so on. They could not get refreshments before they left their own homes.

The Bench decided not to grant the applications, although they complimented Mr. Haines on the manner in which he had made them.

Folkestone Herald 23-5-1896

Police Court Record

On Saturday Mr. Haines made an application in respect of an exemption order, required by the Licensing Act, for certain houses in the town. It was made under Section 36 of the Act. He said he believed that on licensed houses in the town had this early opening, and the Bench would see by the evidence put before them as to the desirability of it. If the Bench should grant this order they would be able to revoke it at any time.

The first application was from the landlord of the Ship Inn, on The Stade. This was made in respect of the fishermen and the fishing industry. They had 70 or 65 boats. These men, after being out fishing, could not always get into the harbour, and after being out all day they came in at about 3 o`clock in the morning, and there was no means of getting the refreshment they desired, as they did not come under the definition of bona fide travellers. Then again in the mackerel season boats came in from Newhaven and other ports, and the landlord had numerous applications in the early morning, and it was with great difficulty that he could exercise his discretion as to who those men were. It was not the landlord`s intention to keep the place open for drinking every night, but only when a boat came in. He asked that from 3 to 6 in the morning he should be exempt from closing. He put in a memorial bearing 85 signatures, signed, he believed, by the men themselves, for what it was worth. If the Bench thought the hours too long, he asked them to limit the hours to a shorter period. He did not think the police had anything against the landlord of the house, Grigg, who had been there for two years. He asked the Bench to give the matter consideration, as it had regard to one of the only industries of this town.

Mr. Grigg stated that he was the licence holder of the Ship Inn. The fishing industry was something considerable in Folkestone. There were about 65 boats belonging to that part of the town, and about 250 fishermen. A good many boats came in from neighbouring ports during the mackerel season. During the year he had many of these boats` crews knocking him up for refreshment. If the Bench granted this application it was not his intention to keep the house open always, but only when knocked up.

Superintendent Taylor said that he was not aware of any circumstances that made this early opening desirable. Reference was made in a case the previous week that Dover had early opening houses, but in addition to the ordinary fishing interest, they had a number of large ships coming in there. With regard to ships coming in early in the morning from ports, he had no doubt that if a case of this description was brought before the Bench, it would be argued that those crews were bona fide travellers. He did not think early opening necessary. He had received no complaints from these men about not being able to obtain refreshment. The section Mr. Haines quoted said that early opening could be granted where it was necessary and desirable. It had not been desirable hitherto, and it did not seem to be now.

Mr. Haines said he had another application to make with respect to the Chequers Inn at the bottom of Dover Street. This was for an opening order from 5 to 6 in the morning. He put in a memorial supporting the early opening of this inn, containing 250 signatures. Several of them were S.E.R. men.

The Chairman of the Bench said he believed there were about 20 public houses in this part. If they gave the early opening order to one, the would have in justice to give it to all.

Mr. Haines said the others had not applied for it.

The Chairman said they would be sure to do so. The application was not granted.

Folkestone Up To Date 15-1-1898

Saturday, January 8^th: Before J. Fitness, W. Wightwick, W.G. Herbert and H. Stock Esqs.

An hour`s extension for an annual dinner was granted on the application of Mr. Kirby, of the Chequers Inn.

Folkestone Chronicle 21-1-1899

Wednesday, January 18^th: Before Messrs. Willoughby Carter, Pledge, Vaughan and Holden.

Licence Transfer

The Chequers, Seagate Street, from Mr. Geo. Kirby to Captain John Wm. Dorrell.

Folkestone Express 21-1-1899

Wednesday, January 18^th: Before Capt. Carter, James Pledge, John Holden, and T.J. Vaughan Esqs.

Mr. John Dorrell applied for temporary authority to sell at the Chequers Inn, formerly held by Mr. Kirby. Granted.

Folkestone Herald 21-1-1899

Folkestone Police Court

On Wednesday last  a temporary authority was granted to Mr. John Dorrell, The Chequers.

Folkestone Up To Date 21-1-1899

Wednesday, January 18^th: Before Captain Willoughby Carter, J. Pledge, J. Holden, and T.J. Vaughan Esqs.

The Chequers, Mr. Kirby`s old house, was transferred to Mr. Wm. Dorrell.   

Folkestone Express 11-3-1899

Wednesday, March 8^th: Before J. Fitness and C.J. Pursey Esqs.

The licence of the Chequers, Seagate Street, was transferred to Mr. John Dorrell.

Folkestone Herald 11-3-1899

Folkestone Police Court

On Monday, transfer was granted to Mr. Dorrell (Chequers)

Folkestone Up To Date 11-3-1899

The following licence was transferred:

The Chequers, Seagate Street, to Mr. John Dorrell.