Perseverance, Dover Street c1850s - 1908

Perseverance (Where the bicycle stands) 1927. Credit Folkestone Library

Licensees

William Peel 1864 1870

John Peel 1870 1872 From Blue Anchor

Elizabeth Peel 1872 1873

John Russell 1873 1886

Elizabeth Russell 1886 1888

George Bean 1888 1897

John Riddalls 1897 1901 To Princess Royal

Harry Morgan 1904 1904

Robert Tracey 1904 1906

Frederick Ralph 1906 1908 From Duke Of Edinburgh

Folkestone Express 13-5-1871

Friday, March 12^th: Before The Mayor and J. Tolputt Esq.

Ellen Smith, wife of John Smith, of Ashford, was charged with being drunk and using obscene language.

P.C. Hills deposed to taking the prisoner into custody for causing a disturbance outside the Perseverance beerhouse, Dover Street.

Fined 2s. 6d. and 3s. 6d. costs for each offence.

Eveline Horan, wife of James horan was charged with being drunk and resisting P.C. Hills in the execution of his duty.

P.C. Hills said about half past ten the previous day, when apprehending Mrs. Smith, the prisoner tried to pull her away. I told her to let the prisoner alone; she would not. By my instructions P.C. Swain took her in charge.

The Bench fined her 5s. and 4s. 6d. costs, or seven days imprisonment.

Folkestone Express 23-12-1871

Advertisement: 

MRS. ELIZABETH PEEL

DEALER IN RUSHES AND CANES FOR CHAIRS

PERSEVERANCE INN, DOVER STREET, FOLKESTONE.

Begs to thank her friends and the public for the support received by her late husband, and trusts by strict attention to business to merit a continuance of the same.

N.B. ALL ORDERS FOR CHIMNEY SWEEPING WILL BE EXECUTED AS BEFORE

Folkestone Chronicle 1-2-1873

Wednesday, January 29^th: Before The Mayor and J. Tolputt Esq.

John Francis Russell applied for a temporary authority to sell beer to be consumed on the premises in a house in Dover Street, under a certificate granted to Elizabeth Peel. Application granted.

Folkestone Express 1-2-1873

Wednesday, January 29^th: Before The Mayor and J. Tolputt Esq.

Temporary authority was granted to J.T. Russell as landlord of the Perseverance, he having married the landlady.

Folkestone Express 30-8-1873

Wednesday, August 27^th: Before The Mayor, J. Gambrill, J. Tolputt, and J. Clarke Esq.

Annual Licensing Meeting

The licensing committee met at ten o`clock for the purpose of taking into consideration the question of making any alteration in the hours for opening and closing public houses. Shortly after eleven o`clock the licensed victuallers present were called into Court, where the Clerk said the Bench would hear anything with reference to the alteration of the hours for the opening and closing.

The applications for beerhouses were then considered, all of which were granted. In the case of the Perseverance on The Stade it was stated by the landlord that he had expended £70 or £80 in enlarging the house, and Mr. Gambrill said the attention of the overseers should be called to the fact in order that the assessment might be raised.

Note: Why do they say this is in The Stade?

Folkestone Chronicle 20-11-1875

Saturday, November 13^th: Before The Mayor, R.W. Boarer, W.J. Jeffreason, T. Caister Esqs, and Gen. Armstrong.

John Thomas Russell, landlord of the Perseverance beerhouse, Dover Street, was charged with selling intoxicating liquors during prohibited hours on Sunday, the 7^th inst.

Defendant pleaded guilty and was fined £5, and 8s. costs, the license not to be endorsed.

John Marsh, George Shrubsole, Joshua Pope, William Spearpoint jun., Richard Bourne, Henry Winter, Henry Herring, John Holness, William Spearpoint sen., and W. Wanstall were charged with being in the Perseverance during prohibited hours on Sunday, not being lodgers, servants, or travellers.

Fined 2s., and 8s. costs each.

Folkestone Express 20-11-1875

Saturday, November 13^th: Before The Mayor, General Armstrong, T. Caister, R.W. Boarer and W.J. Jeffreason Esqs.

John Thomas Russell, landlord of the Perseverance Inn, Dover Street, was summoned for selling beer during prohibited hours on Sunday the 7^th inst., and John Marsh, butcher, Henry White, butcher, James Pope, flyman,  ---- Shrubsole, carter, ---- Herring, general dealer, John Holmes, flyman, Wm. Spearpoint jun., fisherman, Wm. Spearpoint sen., fisherman, Richard Bourne, fisherman, and William Wanston, blacksmith, were charged with being in the said house at unlawful hours.

Each of the defendants pleaded Guilty. Some amusement was created by the elder Spearpoint, when called upon to plead, saying “Thank you”.

The defendant Russell, in extenuation, said that the boats came in very late at night, and a boat`s crew came in for refreshment and the door was left open.

P.C. Keeler said he went to defendant`s house at twenty minutes to eight on Sunday morning, the 7^th inst., and found the door open. He went in and saw the landlord behind the bar and the other defendants in front. He asked the landlord how it was, when he said he was very sorry, and hoped that witness would look over it.

In answer to the Bench, Superintendent Wilshere said he had received intimation of the trade carried on by the defendant Russell on Sunday morning, but as a rule the house was well conducted.

The Mayor, addressing Russell, said the Bench had it in their power to fine him £10, but taking into consideration the fact that it was his first conviction, they would fine him in the mitigated penalty of £5 and the costs. At the same time they wished to remind him that leaving his door open was a great temptation for men to go in. Addressing the other defendants, his Worship said that they were each liable to a heavy penalty, but considering the circumstances of the case the Bench would only fine them 2s. and 8s. costs each.

The money was paid in each instance.

Folkestone Express 25-3-1876

Tuesday, March 21^st: Before The Mayor and Col. De Crespigny.

William Mellow, a seaman on board the Annie White collier, was charged with being drunk and using obscene language at the Perseverance Inn, Dover Street, on the previous evening.

Prisoner pleaded Guilty.

John Russell, landlord of the Perseverance said that at about ten minutes to eleven o`clock the prisoner came into the house, but witness refused to draw him any beer. Upon that prisoner became very violent and he had to be given into custody.

P.C. Ovenden said he took the prisoner into custody, and he was so violent that the assistance of three other men had to be obtained to take him to the station.

The Bench fined the prisoner 5s. for being drunk, and 5s. for using obscene language, together with 3s. 6d. costs in each case. The money was paid by the mate of the ship to which prisoner belonged.

Folkestone Express 19-7-1879

Monday, July 14^th: Before The Mayor, Captain Crowe, Alderman Hoad, M.J. Bell and J. Fitness Esqs.

Mary Ann Scamp, an old woman, pleaded Guilty to being drunk and refusing to quit licensed premises, the Perseverance Inn, on the 12^th inst.

P.C. Bashford proved the charge, and the Bench inflicted a fine of 2s. 6d., costs 3s.6d., or in default seven days` hard labour.

Folkestone News 1-5-1886

Wednesday, April 28^th:

Mrs. Russell, administratrix of her deceased husband, received the usual licence to carry on the business of the Perseverance Inn.

Folkestone Express 22-12-1888

Friday, December 13^th: Before Colonel De Crespigny, Surgeon General Gilbourne, and Alderman Banks.

John Davidson was charged with stealing a woollen shawl, and a silver mounted walking stick, the property of some person unknown.

Sergeant Harman said he was in Dover Street about half past seven on Thursday evening, in plain clothes, and from a communication he received from Boat Inspector Brice, he watched the prisoner, who he saw come out of the Perseverance beerhouse with the shawl over his shoulders and the stick in his hand. He saw prisoner go into several shops and public houses, and at half past eight followed him into the Raglan at the top of Dover Street. He cautioned him and asked him where he got the shawl and stick from. He replied “The shawl belongs to me. It was my mother`s. I didn`t steal the stick. It belongs to some gentleman”. He took him to the police station and charged him on suspicion of stealing the articles, and detained him for enquiries to be made. Prisoner said he did not steal the stick; he only took it. There was a lot of flymen in the house at the time. He asked prisoner what house, and he said he would go back and show him, but witness declined to go. Prisoner was under the influence of drink, and made no reply at the station to the charge.

Superintendent Taylor asked for a remand in order that he might trace the owner of the stick, which had on the silver knob the initials “F.C.S.”

On Saturday the accused was again brought up, and there being no further evidence adduced, he was discharged.

Folkestone Express 11-10-1890

Monday, October 6^th: Before Capt. W. Carter, Aldermen Dunk and Pledge, J. Fitness, S. Penfold, and E.T. Wards Esqs.

Thomas Clayton, a young man of decent appearance, was charged with stealing 18s. in silver and bronze, the property of Joseph Whiting, landlord of the Bricklayers` Arms.

Joseph Whiting said: I am landlord of the Bricklayers` Arms, in Fenchurch Street. Prisoner came to my house and slept there on Friday last. He was also there on Saturday about the house, sometimes in the kitchen and sometimes in the bar. He was there on Saturday evening. Just before, he said he was not going to stay as he had no money to pay for his bed. About seven o`clock he went out of the front door which leads to the bar. I left the bar about the same time as prisoner was leaving the bar and went to the back part of the house and left the bar unattended. When prisoner told me he had no money to pay for his bed he was in front of the bar. I was absent about a minute, and I went to the till to pay a girl for some fish, when I found I had been robbed. I had just before been to the till, and whatever had been taken was done between the time I was absent from the bar and my return. Prisoner could easily have got at the till by leaning over the counter. Prisoner came back and said he would pay for a bed, and for that of a friend. He went upstairs and I followed him, and saw him come back, and he paid me 1s. 6d. for his and another man`s bed and for some beer. I missed from my till about 15s. in bronze and about four or five shillings in silver. I never mentioned my loss until I gave him in charge about nine o`clock. I told prisoner then that it looked very suspicious on his part, and gave him in custody. Prisoner said nothing. P.C. Swift said “You will have to come along with me” and he replied “All right”.

Cross-examined by the prisoner: You had money on Friday night and changed money on Saturday morning. The time you paid for the bed was about nine o`clock. On Saturday morning you might have spent about 6d. or 8d. You told me when you left to take charge of the parcel until you returned.

George Bean, landlord of the Perseverance, said prisoner went to his house on Saturday evening. He was alone. He called for a small soda. There were other people in the bar. He treated people in the bar to the amount of 2s., which he paid for in coppers. He saw he had 2s. 6d. in silver with the coppers.

Jane Tritton said prisoner came to the bar of the Royal George on Saturday evening. Two men went with him. He called for drinks for himself and companions, which he paid for in coppers, to the amount of one shilling. He asked her if she would mind coppers. She said she was short of them, and gave him 2s. 6d. in silver for that amount of coppers.

Stephen Hall deposed to prisoner treating him, and his having a large quantity of coppers in his possession.

P.C. Swift, who apprehended the prisoner, said he asked him “How long have you been in the bar?” He replied “Oh, I don`t know. Anything wrong or anybody robbed?” He replied “Yes”. Prisoner said “What`s the charge?” and he told him and prisoner answered “All right”. On searching him he found on him 5s. and a halfpenny in bronze, and 2s. 6d. and two sixpenny pieces in silver. He was charged before the Superintendent in his presence and he replied “All right. It is true”.

Prisoner said he did not remember saying that.

In reply to a question, the constable said he was sober.

Prisoner elected to be tried by the Bench, and said that he had been hopping, and the money he had about him was what he had been paid. He denied that he told prosecutor that he had no money.

The Chairman told prisoner that the Bench considered him Guilty. Tradesmen must be protected in their business. It was a gross theft. He would be sent to gaol for six weeks` hard labour.

Folkestone Chronicle 6-12-1890

Local News

At the Police Court yesterday before Mr. Ward and Alderman Pledge, John Reilly, a tramp, was charged with breaking a square of glass at the Perseverance Inn, and doing damage to the extent of 5s. He was further charged with being drunk.

The landlord of the Perseverance (Mr. George Bean) proved the offence, and the prisoner was sentenced to seven days` hard labour for being drunk, and to a similar term of imprisonment for doing wilful damage.

Folkestone Chronicle 17-10-1891

Quarter Sessions

Monday, 12^th October: Before J.C. Lewis Coward Esq.

A true bill was returned against James McCarthy, who was charged with having, on the 15^th of last July, stolen from the dwelling house of Mary Campbell, Brockman Road, two dimity curtains, four valances, three pairs of linen sheets, and a number of towels, of the value of £5 12s.

Mr. L. Glyn prosecuted, and the prisoner, who pleaded Not Guilty, was not defended.

P.C. Walter Down was called and stated that on Wednesday, the 15^th of July, about half past nine in the morning, he went to the Oddfellows Inn (sic), Radnor Street. He there saw the bundle produced. It contained the articles which were the subject of the present charge. Shortly after his arrival at the Oddfellows, the prisoner entered. He asked him if the bundle belonged to him. He said “Yes”. Witness asked him where he got them from, and he replied “I came by them honestly. I bought them at Folkestone”. He then asked the prisoner to take him to the place where he bought them, but he refused to. He told the prisoner he should take him to the police station on suspicion of having stolen the goods.

By the prisoner: Witness was called to the Oddfellows about half past nine, and about twenty minutes elapsed after he first saw the prisoner. He went to the station quietly and seemed to take it in good humour. He did not consider it necessary to handcuff prisoner. When he (prisoner) went into the Rendezvous, witness waited outside for him. He suggested that witness should go back to the Oddfellows and wait for the man who sold them.

The Recorder: Do I understand you allowed him to go and have a drink after you arrested him?

Witness: Yes, sir; he was determined to go.

The Recorder: A very obliging policeman, but it is fortunate for you there wasn`t a back door.

Supt. Taylor said he remembered prisoner being brought to the station. Witness told him he had been brought there on suspicion of having stolen the goods. He said he was a dealer and had bought them. Witness asked him of whom, and he answered that he bought them at Folkestone, and had come by them honestly.

At the request of the prisoner Supt. Taylor produced a statement which the prisoner made after he had been committed for trial and also a letter which he wrote in prison. Nothing was known against him by the London Police and he could not have obtained information easily without the prisoner`s help. There were no scratches on his face to indicate scratches by broken glass. He found that he was in company with a man in uniform on the Monday and Tuesday nights. Prisoner said the man belonged to the 17^th Lancers. He had seen the Sergeant Major and had had the regiment paraded.

Henry Robus proved having purchased the articles at the sale of Mr. Owen, for Miss Campbell, on the 17^th July. 1889. They were all marked “Owen”. He took them to 21, Brockman Road. He visited the house on the Sunday before the robbery. The goods were all right then.

Jane Davis said she was employed at the Oddfellows Inn. On the morning in question prisoner showed her the articles and asked her what she thought of his night`s work. He gave her 13 towels to take to Mrs. Carter to sell for 2s. Mrs. Carter said she would see about it when she came down. Mrs. Carter was ill and could not attend that day.

Prisoner: What`s the matter with her?

Witness: She`s ill.

Prisoner: Yes, with the perjury! She committed gross perjury before the Magistrates. I shall prove it presently.

Mr. Glyn put in a certificate, and the witness Davis said she was suffering from dropsy and diseased kidneys.

Stephen Bailey, labourer, said he lodged at the Oddfellows. The prisoner also asked him what he thought of his night`s work. He asked him to lend him twopence for a drink, and to buy a pair of sheets for 1s. He did not buy them.

Mr. Glyn then read the depositions of Mrs. Carter, which were given before the Magistrates. She stated that the prisoner slept at her house on Saturday, Sunday and Monday nights. He was absent on the Tuesday night and came home at seven o`clock on the morning of the 15<sup>th</sup>. At quarter to eight prisoner was in the scullery, and when he asked her to buy some towels she said “You didn`t come by these things honestly and take them out of my house. Where did you get them from?” He said “Mind your own business”.

Edith Ralph, wife of the landlord of the Duke Of Edinburgh, stated that the prisoner brought some towels into the bar and she gave him 1s. 10d. for ten. When she found the name “Owen” on them she took them up to Supt. Taylor.

Jemima Davidson, of 6, South Street, stated that she bought two towels from prisoner for 3d.

This was the case for the prosecution, and prisoner called Charles William Young, Master of the Elham Union Workhouse. He stated that prisoner was admitted to the Workhouse Infirmary on the 24^th of June and was discharged on the 13^th of July (Monday). He was in bed the whole time, and was discharged at his own request.

Prisoner said that proved the perjury on the part of the witness Carter, who stated that he slept at the Oddfellows on the Saturday, Sunday and Monday, whereas he was not discharged from the Workhouse until the Monday.

George Bean, landlord of the Perseverance, was called on the prisoner`s behalf, but did not put in an appearance.

Harry Stone, alias Lucas, stated that he saw prisoner in the Perseverance at half past twelve on Monday. He remained in his company until eleven at night. The next day he went into the Perseverance about the same time and saw the prisoner. In the afternoon they went to Cheriton to get a job for the prisoner. They went back to the Perseverance, and in the evening a man came in dressed in soldier`s clothes. It was the uniform of the 17<sup>th</sup> Lancers. They all went out at eleven o`clock. He went with Supt. Taylor, but was unable to identify the soldier.

Prisoner then read a long statement. He said he had work to go to at Cheriton at five o`clock on the Wednesday morning, and as he was the worse for drink on Tuesday night, and fearing that he might overlay of he went to the Oddfellows, he slept under a bathing machine on the beach. He got to the White Lion, Cheriton, at five in the morning. His employer did not turn up and whilst he was waiting a soldier came up with the bundle of goods. They talked for some time. He said he was Captain Owen`s servant, and that he was going abroad and had given him everything he did not want. He asked him (prisoner) if he knew where to sell them, and he said very likely Mrs. Carter would buy them. The soldier said he had another lot and if prisoner liked to take them to the Oddfellows he could have the middle man`s profits and he would follow with the other bundle. He (prisoner) did not know they had been stolen and carried the bundle through the open streets, passing a large number of people on the way. Since he was arrested he had given every assistance to the police.

The jury found prisoner Not Guilty of stealing the goods, but Guilty on the second count of receiving them knowing them to have been stolen, and he was sentenced to three calendar months` hard labour.

Folkestone Express 17-10-1891

Quarter Sessions

Monday, October 11^th: Before John Charles Lewis Coward Esq.

James McCarthy, 29, described as an engine fitter, was indicted for stealing two dimity curtains, three pairs of linen sheets, and other articles, the property of Mary Campbell, and which articles were left in an unoccupied house in Brockman Road.

Mr. Glyn, instructed by Mr. Minter, prosecuted.

P.C. Down said on the 15^th July he went to the Oddfellows Arms, in Radnor Street, and was there shown the bundle of things produced. He saw the prisoner come in and asked him if the bundle belonged to him. Prisoner said “Yes”, and added that he came by them honestly -  he bought them in Folkestone. Witness asked him to go with him to the place where he bought them, and he said “No”. He then told prisoner he should take him to the station on a charge of stealing them.

By the prisoner: You took the matter lightly and good-humouredly, as though there was nothing in it. You went into the Rendezvous and had a drink while I stood outside.

The Recorder: Do I understand you allowed him to go into a public house and have a drink while you had him in charge? – He was determined to go, sir.

Supt. Taylor said he had a conversation with the prisoner at the police station. He asked him to account for the possession of the goods. He said “I bought them. I am a dealer”. He asked who he bought them of, and he did not say – he said he came by them honestly.

Prisoner asked for the statement he made before the Magistrates, and a letter he wrote from Canterbury to the Superintendent to be produced and read to the jury.

Supt. Taylor put in a long statement made by the prisoner after his committal, and the Recorder read it. It`s purport was that he received the articles of a soldier belonging to the 17<sup>th</sup> Lancers, who, he said, was an officer`s servant, and wanted to find a purchaser for them, and on his (prisoner`s) suggestion he was allowed to carry the bundle to the Oddfellows. Next morning he sold some of the towels quite openly to get a drink. The Recorder also read a long letter written by the prisoner from Canterbury, in which he said he had been the landlord of a public house at Devonport. He married the landlady and they separated by mutual consent. His wife had allowed him upwards of a guinea a week. He had also received two small legacies, and had written stories for weekly journals, and had won money in newspaper prize competitions, so that he had no necessity to work.

In reply to the prisoner, Supt. Taylor said all the information he gave as to his antecedents was correct. The London police knew nothing. He found by enquiry that the prisoner was in company with a man in uniform two days previous to his arrest. There was no man in the 17^th Lancers of the description given by the prisoner. There was no Capt. Owen in the 17^th Lancers. Prisoner said a man named Stone or Lucas could identify the man, and he took Stone to the Hounslow Barracks, where the 17^th Lancers had just arrived, but he could not identify anyone. The statement made by the prisoner about his wife was not true. She had not made him an allowance.

Henry Rebus proved purchasing the articles at a sale of Mr. Owen`s goods in 1889, for Miss Mary Campbell. The articles were all marked “Owen”, and had lot tickets on them. He took them to a house belonging to Miss Campbell, 29, Brockman Road, and locked them up in a room. He saw the things safe as late at the 14^th or 15^th July of this year. He missed the things on the 19^th. The storm sash of the window had been broken open, and the things were gone.

Jane Davis, wife of John Davis, a lodger at the Oddfellows Arms, said on Wednesday morning, the 15^th July, she saw the prisoner, who asked her to go into the kitchen to see his night`s work. She went, and untied the bundle. He gave her thirteen towels to take up to Mrs. Carter to sell for 2s. to get him a drink. She took them to Mrs. Carter, and brought them back. Mrs. Carter said she would see about them when she got up. She had seen Mrs. Carter that morning. She had been ill for a week and was unable to attend.

Prisoner: What is the matter with Mrs. Carter? – I don`t know.

Prisoner: Perhaps she has got perjury the matter with her. I can prove she committed perjury before the Magistrates.

Witness said she had a doctor`s certificate.

In answer to prisoner, witness said she lent him an open basket to take the towels out in. There were about 20 people in the house.

Prisoner caused some amusement by reading a list of the people who were in the house.

Stephen Bailey, another lodger at the Oddfellows, said the prisoner asked him to feel the weight of a bundle of linen. He then asked him to lend him 2d., or to give him 1s. for a pair of sheets. When Mrs. Carter came down she sent for a policeman.

Mr. Glyn put in the deposition of Lucy Carter, and told prisoner the doctor had been sent for, and when he arrived he would be allowed to put questions to him. The deposition stated that the prisoner lodged in her house on Saturday, Sunday and Monday, but was absent on Tuesday night. He returned early on Wednesday.

Edith Ralph, wife of the landlord of the Duke Of Edinburgh Inn, Tontine Street, said the prisoner went to her house with some towels in an open basket. He asked her to buy some, and she bought 10 for 1s. 10d. In the afternoon she examined them, and finding a name on them, she took them to the police station. Prisoner told her he got the towels honestly.

In answer to the Recorder, witness said she had not heard of the robbery before she took the towels to the Superintendent.

Jemima Davidson said she bought two towels of the prisoner in the Duke Of Edinburgh for 3d.

Prisoner called Charles William Young, Master of the Elham Union Workhouse, who stated that the prisoner was admitted to the infirmary on the 24^th June and discharged on the 13^th July.

Prisoner said that proved the perjury of the witness Carter, who was so ill she could not come.

Henry Stone, who said “Lucas” was his nickname, said he was a plasterer, residing at Folkestone. He saw the prisoner in the Perseverance on Monday from twelve o`clock until five or ten minutes to eleven, and on Tuesday from 12.30 until eleven. There was a man there in soldier`s clothes on Tuesday night. His uniform was like that of the 17^th Lancers. Prisoner said he should like to get work in the town, and they went together about eight o`clock oto the Pavilion Fields to see if they could get work. When they returned the soldier was still there, and they left about eleven.

In reply to Mr. Glyn, witness said he went to Hounslow, and saw the regiment paraded, but did not recognise the soldier among them.

Prisoner made a long statement, in which he attempted to show that he was innocent in “thought, word, or deed”. Had he been guilty, it was not likely he would have stayed in the town to be arrested.

Mr. Glyn, in his closing remarks to the jury, said that on his own statement the prisoner was a thief, because he said he received goods from a soldier and agreed to find a customer for them, instead of which he sold a portion of them and spent the money on drink.

The Recorder, in summing up, said they must all regret to see a man possessing the ability the prisoner had displayed standing in such a position. He commented on the statements of the prisoner, and compared them with the evidence, pointing out that there was proof that the prisoner was dealing with the goods very shortly after they were stolen.

The jury, without leaving the box, found the prisoner Guilty of receiving the goods knowing them to be stolen.

Superintendent Taylor produced a copy of the prisoner`s discharge from the army and a letter he had received relating to that part of the prisoner`s statement as to his keeping a public house. Nothing was known about him by the London police. The address he gave was that of a court which had been pulled down for improvements.

The Recorder said the jury had taken a merciful view of the case. Prisoner had been in prison three months, and he would be sentenced therefore to only three months` hard labour.

 

Folkestone Chronicle 29-5-1897

Saturday, May 22^nd: Before The Mayor and Messrs. Lord, Fitness, Pledge, Vaughan, and Salter.

Thomas Smith, a boisterous character well known to the local police, who did not appear when his name was called, was summoned for refusing to quit licensed premises when ordered to do so, and with creating a disorderly scene and assaulting the landlord by kicking him severely. The latter charge was not, however, pressed.

George Bean, landlord of the Perseverance Inn, Dover Street, gave evidence to the effect that on the previous Tuesday evening Smith came into his house shortly before 6 o`clock. He was not then drunk, but was in such a state that witness refused to serve him, upon which he became violently abusive, refusing to leave the premises although witness ordered him to go several times. Witness then went round to eject him, when Smith seized him by the throat and struggled violently, kicking witness severely on the legs, and tearing his collar and necktie from his neck. A man named Russell, an upholsterer, seeing the fracas, assisted witness, who, having ejected the man, went in and bolted the door. Smith returned, and finding the door fast, dealt it repeated kicks, and also broke the window in the upper panel. The damage had cost 12s.

The Bench inflicted a fine of 20s., and costs, 10s., or 14 days` imprisonment.

Folkestone Express 29-5-1897

Saturday, May 22^nd: Before The Mayor, J. Pledge, J. Fitness, J. Hoad, J. Holden and T.J. Vaughan Esqs.

Thomas Smith was summoned for refusing to quit a public house and with assaulting the landlord. He did not appear. Mr. Minter represented the prosecutor.

The landlord of the Perseverance Inn, Dover Street, said defendant entered his house on Tuesday evening at ten minutes to six. He had been in in the morning, and was ordered out. In the evening he was in such a state that he was refused anything to drink. He then became abusive, and was ordered out, but declined to go. Witness went round to put him out, and defendant seized him by the throat and said no-one could turn him out. He tore witness`s clothing, and Mr. Russell, upholsterer, came over and helped to get the defendant out. The door was locked. He then “bashed the door” and broke a window, and did damage to the amount of 12s. There were two or three others in the bar at the time, but they did not interfere.

Fined 20s. and 10s. costs, or 14 days` imprisonment.

Folkestone Herald 29-5-1897

Police Court Notes

On Saturday – the Mayor (Alderman Banks) presiding – a man named Thomas Smith was summoned for refusing to quit licensed premises, assaulting the landlord, and being disorderly.

The defendant did not appear, and the service of the summons being proved by P.S. Harman, the Bench decided to hear the case ex parte. Mr. Minter appeared for the complainant.

Mr. George Bean, landlord of the Perseverance public house, in Dover Street, said that defendant came into his house on Tuesday evening at about ten minutes to 6. He had been there in the morning, but was ordered out in consequence of his bad behaviour. He was not drunk, but had been drinking, and witness refused to supply him. He became very abusive, and witness ordered him out several times, but he refused to go. When witness tried to put him out, defendant seized him by the throat and struggled violently. He said neither witness nor any other man could put him out, and tore off witness`s coat. At last witness got him out with the assistance of a neighbour named Russell. Then witness bolted the door, and the defendant tried to come in again and kicked the door several times. He also broke a window in the door, value about 12s. Two or three other people were in the bar when defendant was there.

The Bench fined defendant 20s., 10s. costs, or 14 days` imprisonment.

Folkestone Up To Date 29-5-1897

Hall Of Justice

On Saturday Thomas Smith was fined 20s. and costs for refusing to quit the Perseverance Inn, Dover Street.

Folkestone Herald 18-9-1897

Police Court Report

On Wednesday – the Mayor presiding – a transfer licence was granted to Mr. John Riddals, Perseverance, Dover Street, former tenant Mr. George Bean.

   

Folkestone Express 2-10-1897

Wednesday, September 29^th: Before The Mayor, Aldermen J. Pledge, W.W. Salter and G. Spurgen, J. Fitness, T.J. Vaughan, and J. Holden Esqs.

Eliza Harvey was charged with being drunk and disorderly on the 21^st inst. in Dover Street.

P.C. Burniston said that he saw defendant, who was very drunk, going in to the Perseverance Inn. He went in and told the landlord not to serve her. She came out and began using obscene language. He took her name and address.

The Magistrates` Clerk said that she was an old offender, but had not been charged for years.

The defendant, who did not appear, was fined 5s. and 10s. costs.
 

Folkestone Chronicle 11-2-1899

Inquest

In the Folkestone Town Hall on Tuesday an inquest was held by Mr. John Minter on the body of Charles Murphy, an able seaman, whose home was at Dover.

Patrick Dennis Newman, ordinary seaman, of the brig Cambois, of Folkestone (Captain Allenson), said he knew the deceased. The brig arrived from Shields into Folkestone with coals about a week ago. They were discharging on the pier at the bottom of the Tram Road. On Sunday night, between 6 and 7, Murphy left the ship to go ashore. He had had drink, but was “nearer sober than drunk”. He seemed a man of about 48 to 50 years of age, but was believed to be younger. He was single. Witness slept on board the ship, and did not see Murphy again till his body was picked up between 12 and 1 on Monday noon in the outer harbour, under the ship.

Albert Hart, of 35a, North Street, Folkestone, a young fisherman, said on Monday morning he was in the harbour at low tide in his boats, close to the Cambois, when he saw a man`s leg sticking out from under the bottom of the boat. There was then just depth of water to cover the body. Witness went and told a man on the harbour pier, who called someone else, and the men went down and dragged the body out.

Dennis Murphy said deceased was his brother, and was 33 years of age. Their mother lived in Union Street, Dover, and that was deceased`s home.

Chas. Joseph Venner said he lived at 35, Dover Street, Folkestone, and was a fisherman. He saw deceased in a public house in Dover Street on Sunday night at a quarter past nine. He was then quite sober. He was with him in the Perseverance Hotel, and he was perfectly sober in the public house, and also when he left it.

Captain Allenson said he began to discharge a week ago on the Tram Road, bow on, and had a platform of three boards as a gangway for passage to and from the pier and the boat at the bow. He paid Murphy his weekly wages on the Saturday night, telling him “not to make a fool of himself”, and then left him. There being no work on Sunday, and the Captain being a resident of Folkestone, he went to his family and left the men. On Sunday at five in the afternoon he visited the brig and found all right. The men were not there, except the cook, but he did not want them. His opinion was that Murphy, in passing along the planks to go on board, had fallen, at low water, to the bottom of the harbour and been killed in the fall, and that the ebbing tide had carried his body under the bottom of the brig.

Dr. Gilbert gave evidence as to having been called to see the body in a boat-house in the fishmarket on Wednesday afternoon. There was no mark of violence, but an abrasion on the right side of the forehead and nose which, in the doctor`s opinion, had been produced by a fall. Death was from suffocation, after being stunned by the fall and dropping deep in the mud and water.

Captain Allenson, re-called, said along the fishmarket and harbour, where his brig was lying, the path at night was dangerous to the most careful and most sober man, as there were no lamps to light him on his way, and no chains to prevent him falling.

The jury returned a verdict of Accidental Death, and added the rider that the South Eastern Company ought to place lamps to enable any man going on board a ship in the harbour at night to lessen his danger of falling over the pier.

Folkestone Express 11-2-1899

Inquest

An inquest was held by the Borough Coroner (Mr. J. Minter) at the Town Hall on Tuesday afternoon, on Charles Murphy, whose body was picked up in the outer harbour between twelve and one on Monday.

Patrick Dennis Newman, ordinary seaman on the brig Cambois, of Folkestone (Captain Harrison), identified deceased as Charles Murphy, who was an able bodied seaman on the same vessel. The ship arrived from Shields with coal about a week or fortnight ago. They were discharging outside the Bridge now. Deceased sailed in the ship from Shields. On Sunday evening, between six and seven, he saw the deceased on the ship in his bunk in the forecastle house on deck asleep. He afterwards turned out and went ashore. He was not exactly sober, but could not be described as drunk. He was about 48 or 50 years of age. He was a single man, and his home was at Dover. He saw no more of deceased until he was picked up between twelve and one on Monday in the outer harbour. He was practically underneath the ship. Witness heard nothing during Sunday night.

Charles Joseph Venner, of 35, Dover Street, a fisherman, said he knew deceased well. He saw him in the Perseverance in Dover Street on Saturday evening between nine and half past. He was as sober as a judge then, “as sober as I am now”, added witness.

Albert Hart, a lad living at 35a, North Street, said on Monday morning between twelve and one he was walking in the harbour. The tide was going out. He saw a man`s leg sticking out from beneath the ship Cambois The water was just covering deceased. It was high tide at six a.m. that morning. He told a man who was just going down the plank. He called the others, and they dragged deceased out.

Captain Harrison said he began to discharge a week ago. They were bow on to the tramway, and discharging into wagons, which carried the coal into trucks. If the ship laid alongside they would have to pay so much dues because the coal did not belong to the S.E.R. Company. He was on board on Sunday afternoon at five o`clock. He turned the men to at six o`clock, and deceased was not there, but that was a usual occurrence. They often had someone missing the first thing in the morning, and he did not think anything about it. The plank by which the crew went on board was by the port side. Witness`s idea was that deceased fell and was killed by the fall.

Dr. J.W. Thornton Gilbert said on Monday about ten minutes past twelve he was called by the police and went to the Fish Market, and in a stable he saw the body of deceased, which he examined. He was dead, and in his (Witness`s) opinion had been so for a matter of six or seven hours. There were no outward marks of violence on the body, but on the forehead and the right side of the nose there was an abrasion which might have been produced by a fall. Looking at the extent of the abrasion it was, in his opinion, caused by a fall. He could not make out any fracture of the skull, and in his judgement death was due to the fall, which had caused a concussion, followed by suffocation either by water or mud. He was covered with mud, and his pockets were full of mud. It was possible that he might have fallen face downwards into the mud, and so have been smothered.

Captain Harrison, re-called, said it was a very dangerous spot, and it took the most perfectly sober man in the world to go across to the ship in safety, because there was no light, and there were railway metals and trucks all about the place. A persn had to be very careful indeed to cross safely.

The jury returned a verdict of “Accidental Death”, but there was no evidence to show how caused, and added a rider that representations should be made to the South Eastern Railway Company to mitigate the danger which existed at the spot where the accident occurred by placing a lamp there.

Folkestone Herald 11-2-1899

Inquest

On Tuesday afternoon the Borough Coroner (Mr. J. Minter) held an inquest at the Town Hall, touching the death of Charles Murphy, who was found in the Harbour on the previous day.

Patrick Dennis Newman deposed that he was a seaman and had no home. He was on board the brig Cambois, of Folkestone, Captain Harrison. The deceased, Charles Murphy, was an able seaman. The ship came from Shields, and arrived about a week or a fortnight ago. They were discharging now by the side of the bridge at the Tram Road. On Sunday night, between six and seven o`clock, witness saw him on board the ship, in his bunk. He turned out and left the ship, going ashore. He could not be called drunk; he was nearer sober than drunk. He was about 50 or 48, and his home was at Dover. Witness did not see any more of him till he was picked up. He was found between twelve and one o`clock, their dinner time. It was in the outer harbour, near the ship. Witness was not there at the time. Witness did not hear the least thing during Sunday night.

The jury, at this stage, proceeded to the Cemetery to view the body. On their return the following evidence was taken:-

Charles Joseph Venner, of Dover Street, fisherman, deposed that he knew deceased well. He saw him on the evening in question in the Perseverance Inn, Dover Street. Witness went at a quarter past nine, and the deceased was there. Deceased left at half past nine. He was sober. He never saw him afterwards.

Albert Hart, a fisher lad, of 35a, North Street, deposed that on the previous morning (Monday), between 12 and 1 o`clock, he was in the harbour, down by the ships. He was not in a boat. The tide was going out. He was close to the vessel Cambois. He saw a man`s leg sticking out. (High tide was at six in the morning.) He told a man who was just going down the plank. The man put his boots on and told the others. They dragged the deceased out.

Charles Joseph Venner, on being re-called, said that the deceased was as sober as a judge when he went away at half past nine. He did not see him again. He did not say he would not have any more because he had to coal in the morning.

Deceased`s brother said that his mother lived at Union Street, Dover. When he went on Monday morning and enquired where was “Rooney” (that was the nickname of his brother) there was no answer given. He thought deceased had gone ashore.

Captain Harrison, of the Cambois, deposed that the ship was bow on, with three deals from the bow to the tramway. Asked why they did not lie alongside, he said the cargo did not belong to the South Eastern Railway Company. Asked the difference, he said it was better for the ship. He was aboard on Sunday at five o`clock in the evening, and came ashore. He afterwards found the deceased missing, which was a common occurrence in the morning. Witness did not think anything about the matter. He had said “Don`t make a stupid of yourself”, and he said he would not, but he did not turn up. They found the body on the starboard side – the right hand side.

The Coroner: My nautical education tells me that, Captain.

The witness added that, looking at the position where the body was found, his opinion was that the deceased fell on the ground and struck, killing himself. As the water went off, it floated him round the ship, no doubt.

Dr. James William Thornton Gilbert deposed that on the previous day, at about ten past twelve, he was called by the police, and went to the Fishmarket. In a stable he saw the body of deceased, which he examined. He was dead, and in witness`s opinion, had been so for about six or seven hours. On the forehead and the right side of the nose there was a large abrasion, which might have been produced by a fall. Looking at its extent, he thought it was so produced. He could not make out any fracture of the skull. In his judgement the cause of death was concussion from a fall, and the man died possibly from suffocation.

The Captain said the deceased could go on board either by the one way or round the harbour through the gates. He could get across the bridge. There was a watchman on each side. There would be no light on the Royal George side from the gates up to the vessel. The only light would be the steamboat. It would take the most sober man to go along on a dark night in safety. It was a dangerous place. There were metals and railway trucks all around.

The Coroner having summed up, the jury returned a verdict of Accidental Death. The foreman remarked that it was considered there ought to be some protection made, but the place was not a public thoroughfare.

The Coroner said it was a thoroughfare for all persons who came there, and were berthed there with their ships. He remarked on the difficulty of preventing accidents in harbours. To a landsman it looked very dangerous to see the men running up and down on the planks of the colliers. He would forward a representation if the jury desired him to do so.

The jury assented, and a representation will be made on the matter, probably with a view to having a lamp placed there.

Folkestone Up To Date 11-2-1899

Inquest

An inquest was held last Tuesday afternoon before Mr. Minter, Borough Coroner, on the body of Charles Murphy, an able seaman, reported to be formerly of Dover.

Patrick Dennis Newman said: I am an ordinary seaman on board the brig Cambois (Captain Harrison), registered as of Folkestone. I have no regular home. I know the deceased, Charles Murphy. He was an able seaman. Our ship came from Shields with coal about a week ago. I cannot say precisely the date of her arrival. She lies near the Tram Road. The deceased was on board during the voyage from Shields. I saw him on board between six and seven on Sunday evening. He was then in his bunk in the forecastle house on deck. He afterwards turned out, and went on shore. You could not call him drunk at the time. I cannot say his exact age. He must have been 48 or getting near 50. I believe his home was at Dover. I did not see any more of him until he was picked up between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. yesterday, during our dinner hour. He was picked up in the harbour. I was not there at the time. I did not hear him doing anything on Sunday night. I identify the body as that of my shipmate, Charles Murphy. I said he belonged to Dover because his mother lives there.

Charles Joseph Venner said: I live at 35, Dover Street, and am a fisherman. I knew the deceased very well. I saw him on Sunday evening in the Perseverance public house in Dover Street. I went in at a quarter past nine, and the last he was seen was at half past nine, when he left. He was then as sober as I am now, as sober as a judge. That is all I know about him.

A. Hart, a youth, said: I live at 35a, North Street. I earn my living by fishing. Yesterday afternoon between 12 a.m. and 1 p.m. I was walking in the mud in the harbour, close to the Cambois, when I saw a man`s legs sticking out from under the bottom of the brig. The water was just covering him.

Captain Harrison here stated that it was high tide at six o`clock in the morning.

Witness, continuing: I then went and told a man what I had seen, and he came and dragged the body out.

Dennis Murphy said: I do not know anything of this fatality. My brother was 33 years of age. My mother lives in Union Street, Dover.

Venner, re-called, said: When I saw the deceased in the Perseverance public house he said nothing about going to have a drink. He did not say “No, I shan`t have any more, because I have got to go and have a drink”.

Dennis Murphy, re-called: I inquired of my brother about the deceased shortly previous to his death, as I wondered where he had gone, but could not find out. I thought he had gone on shore. At breakfast time I asked where he was, as I wondered why he had not turned up to give us a drink.

Captain Harrison said: The ship was not lying alongside, the object being to avoid the dues of the dock company. We began to discharge coals about a week ago on the main road. We discharged bow on, and had a platform of three boards as a gangway for passage to and from the pier. I paid Murphy on Saturday night, and did not think much of his absence on Monday morning, as similar absences are a constant occurrence. There was no work on Sunday. The body was found under the fore part of the ship. My opinion is that the deceased had fallen in passing along the planks to go on board. The deceased must have fallen at low water to the bottom of the harbour and been killed in the fall, and the ebbing tide had probably carried the body under the ship.

Dr. Gilbert said: Yesterday morning I saw the body in a stable at the Fishmarket. The deceased must have been dead six or seven hours. There were no outward signs of violence. But on the forehead there was an abrasion, which might have been produced by a fall. I could not make out whether there was any fracture of the skull. My opinion was that death took place from concussion of the brain from a fall into the mud. The deceased`s clothes and pockets were covered with mud. He might have died from concussion of the brain, or from being smothered in the mud.

Captain Harrison, re-called, said: The deceased would have to come on board across the bridge, or over the railway, if no watchman stopped him. The watchmen are employed by the South Eastern Company. I have spoken to a watchman. He knew nothing about the matter; had not heard any row, or anything of the kind.

Mr. Chadwick, the Town Sergeant, said he also made inquiries, and discovered that the watchman knew nothing about the fatality.

Captain Harrison: There would be no light from the Royal George to my vessel. The soberest man might find it dangerous to come on board after dark. A man has to be very careful in coming on board.

The Coroner, in summing up the evidence, remarked that he did not know whether there was much reliable information to be gained from the evidence of the first witness. The other witnesses failed to throw much light upon the exact manner in which the deceased had met his death, but it appeared probable that he had had a fall in endeavouring to get on board. The testimony of Dr. Gilbert was to that effect, that the deceased had probably been drowned, or smothered in the mud of the harbour.

The jury returned a verdict of “Accidental Death”, though there was no evidence to show the exact nature of the circumstances. Probably the deceased was either drowned or smothered in the mud. At the same time they thought that a representation should be made to the South Eastern as to the dangerous state of the approaches to a vessel lying in the position of the Cambois at the time of the fatality.

The Coroner said he thought it was probable that if representations were made to the South Eastern Railway Company, a lamp would be placed in the more dangerous part of the approach to vessels in the harbour. But he would point out that, in dealing with seafaring men, it was sometimes impossible to prevent accidents. That morning, as he passed the harbour, there were six or seven colliers discharging. To a landsman the practice of men running up and down planks with coals on their head seemed very dangerous, but to those personally engaged it was a matter of everyday life, and they would take no more notice of it than he would of going about the streets. Still it was dangerous. However, he would be glad to comply with the wish of the members of the jury, if they really thought that representations to the South Eastern Railway Company were necessary.

Folkestone Chronicle 11-3-1899

Local News

Yesterday (Friday) at the Folkestone Borough Police Court, Messrs. Fitness, Pursey, Wightwick, and Herbert had before them two cases, which brought to the Court a large number of the public.

The second case was one in which a young Scotchman, David Thompson, was charged with being found on the premises, 18, Dover Street, early on Friday morning, with unlawful intent.

John Riddall, landlord of the Perseverance Inn, 18, Dover Street, said at 20 past one he was awakened by the police, who told him there was a man in the house. He went down and found the prisoner in the back kitchen in charge of the police. He found that the man had climbed over a wall at the back of the house. His house was peculiarly situated. There was no back way to it, as the back was at the side of the cliff. It was a remarkable old house, in that it was quite accurate to say of it “you had to go upstairs to get downstairs and had to go downstairs to go upstairs”. The kitchen was upstairs and had no window to it. To enable air and light to enter the doorway was left with a space at the top. Prisoner had gone up a flight of steps at the side of the cliff, climbed over a urinal, and afterwards over the doorway into the kitchen.

P.C. George Johnson said at 12.50 a.m. he heard a noise in the back part of Mr. Riddall`s house, so he climbed up the steps and over the two doors and into the kitchen, and there found the prisoner lying on the table pretending to be asleep. Prisoner, when asked what he was there for, said “I`m here having a doss”. He called up the landlord, who said he didn`t know the man. At the police station prisoner was searched and found to have on him 9½d. in coppers, a chunk of bread, and two tins, one containing tea, and another sugar.

P.C. Sharp said he heard a noise, and saw a light of someone striking a match, and found prisoner climbing over the doors at the back of the Perseverance. He went in search of P.C. Johnson, with whom he entered the place.

Prisoner said he had come to the town to find work, and had a job to start on. He thought he was entering a urinal. He was seeking a rest, as the police had failed to get him a doss-house when he asked them. He wanted a place to sleep, and had no felonious intent. He really didn`t know he was anywhere but in an outhouse.

Sentenced to seven days` hard labour.

Folkestone Herald 11-3-1899

Folkestone Police Court

Yesterday (Friday), David Thompson was charged with having been found in a dwelling house, Dover Street, being there for an unlawful purpose.

The landlord of the Perseverance Inn, Dover Street, deposed that about five minutes past one o`clock that morning he heard the bell ring, and he was told there was a man in the house. He went downstairs and found the defendant in the back kitchen in the charge of the police. The house was built in the side of the cliff, and the first floor was level with the ground at the back. Leading into the convenience was a door, six foot high, which was bolted. There was another door and a wall, also six feet high. It was left in that manner to give ventilation. The wall did not go up to the ceiling. The defendant must have climber over. He saw the defendant the previous evening in the bar, and watched him leave.

P.C. George W. Johnson deposed that about 12.50 a.m. that morning, in company with another constable, he went to the back of 18, Dover Street, The Perseverance. He climbed over two doors about six feet high, and saw the kitchen door open. P.C. Sharp had heard a noise up there previously. On looking in witness saw the defendant laying on a table. Witness caught hold of him and asked what he was doing there. He said “I come in here for a doss”. He could not have been asleep. There was some noise in getting over the doors. Witness brought defendant to the police station, and found 9½ d. in money on him, some bread, and two tins. He had seen the man about 12 o`clock. The defendant had been drinking.

P.C. Sharp deposed that at 12.50 that morning he heard a noise at the rear of the Perseverance, as though someone was getting over the door. He saw a light at the back of the premises. He communicated with P.C. Johnson, who got over the doors. Defendant was found in the back kitchen, and the landlord was called. The man appeared to be asleep on the table.

Defendant said he had struck one match and could not see whether it was a closet or not. He had wanted the police to find him a lodging. He was very sorry he did anything wrong. He thought it was the only place where he could get until morning.

Seven days` hard labour.

 

Folkestone Up To Date 11-3-1899

Friday, March 10^th: Before J. Fitness Esq., Col. Hamilton, and W.G. Herbert, W. Wightwick, and C.J. Pursey Esqs.

David Thompson was charged with being on licensed premises for an unlawful purpose.

The landlord of the Perseverance beerhouse said: Early this morning I was awoke by the police. On looking out of the window, I was informed that a man had got into the house. I went downstairs, and found the prisoner in the kitchen, in charge of the police.

Police Constable Johnson (26) deposed to finding the prisoner inside the prosecutor`s house asleep. He woke him and asked him what he was doing there, and his reply was “I came in for a doss”. I brought him to the police station. I found 9½d. in money, and some bread on him. He was not drunk, but had evidently been drinking.

Police Constable (24) said that hearing a noise at the back of the premises, he went to see what was the matter. He saw a light. He then communicated with Police Constable Johnson, and went inside the back premises, where he found the prisoner.

The prisoner was sentenced to 14 days` hard labour.