Oddfellows Arms 1880s

Folkestone Chronicle 13-3-1880

Saturday, March 6^th: Before The Mayor, R.W. Boarer Esq., Capt. Fletcher, and Aldermen Hoad and Banks.

Hannah Carter, wife of the landlord of the Oddfellows Arms, Radnor Street, was summoned for assaulting Sarah Baker on the 3^rd inst., and was fined 5s., and 12s. costs.

Folkestone Express 13-3-1880

Saturday, March 6^th: Before The Mayor, R.W. Boarer, Captain Fletcher, and Aldermen Banks and Hoad

Hannah Carter, wife of the landlord of the Oddfellows, Radnor Street, was summoned for having assaulted Sarah Baker on the 3^rd March.

Complainant, who is sister to defendant`s husband, said her brother sent for her on Wednesday afternoon between one and two, in order to settle a dispute between him and his wife as to whether he was in complainant`s house on the previous night. When she said her brother had not been in her house for weeks, the defendant boxed her ears and knocked her head against the bar. She gave defendant no provocation.

Martha Carter, sister-in-law to both parties, said she was going past the defendant`s house and saw her take complainant by the hair and throw her against the partition. Witness went in and assisted complainant to get away, and defendant used abusive language towards her.

Jane May, who lives opposite to the defendant`s house, said she saw Mrs. Baker go in on Wednesday, and saw defendant strike her and push her out of the house.

Dora Zuschlag gave corroborative evidence, and the Bench fined the defendant 5s. with 12s. costs, or 14 days` imprisonment in default.

Folkestone Express 8-5-1880

Thursday, May 6^th: Before Colonel De Crespigny. General Cannon, W.J. Jeffreason Esq., and Alderman Sherwood.

John Knight was charged with obtaining two pairs of boots by false pretences from Mary Saunders, of Dover Road, on the 4^th May.

Mary Saunders said she was the wife of Stephen Saunders, a boot and shoe maker, of 150, Dover Road. The prisoner went to their shop on the 4^th May at ten o`clock in the morning, and asked for a pair of boots for his landlady. He said he had seen witness`s husband and spoken to him about it the day before. He brought an old shoe to show the size he wanted. He said he wanted to get 3d. out of them. She showed him a pair which were 3s. 3d., and she marked them 3s. 6d., and also another pair, which she marked 5s. 9d. Prisoner took them away and promised to return with them in half an hour.

Stephen Saunders said the prisoner had worked for him for about a month. He saw him on the 3^rd of May, but he said nothing about any boots.

Hannah Carter, wife of the landlord of the Oddfellows Arms, Radnor Street, said the prisoner offered her two pairs of women`s boots which he said he had for sale. She refused to buy them. He mentioned a price, but she could not remember what it was. The boots he showed her were similar to those produced, and she told him she did not wear “pegged bottoms”.

Jane Hughes said she kept a second hand bootshop in South Street. On Tuesday between eleven and twelve o`clock the prisoner went to her shop and took the two pairs of boots produced, which he asked her to buy. He said he was sent by another person to sell them. He said, in reply to a question, they were “all right”. He asked 5s. for the two pairs, and she gave him 4s. 6d. She knew the prisoner: he had worked for her some years ago and had frequently applied to her for work lately.

Prisoner, who had nothing to say, was committed for trial at the Quarter Sessions.

Folkestone Express 2-10-1880

Wednesday, September 29^th: Before The Mayor, General Cannon, Alderman Caister, M.J. Bell and W.J. Jeffreason Esqs.

Emma Barnes and John Newman were charged with stealing a pair of boots, value 21s., the property of Thomas Huntley.

John Carter, landlord of the Oddfellows Arms, said the prisoners went to his house on Tuesday evening about half past seven. They went into the bar, and Newman asked witness if he would buy the boots which he had on his feet. He saw that they were quite a new pair, and had only been worn a few minutes. He refused to buy them, and Newman put on the boot he had taken off. P.C. Gardner visited the house a little after eight and made some enquiries. Witness pointed out the prisoners to the constable, who took them into custody.

P.C. Gardner said from information he received he went to the Oddfellows Arms about a quarter past eight on Tuesday evening. The prisoners were pointed out to him by Carter. He asked the man if he had offered a pair of boots for sale, and he said “No”. Witness took him into custody and handed him over to P.C. Smith. Subsequently he found the woman in the kitchen at the Oddfellows Arms with a pair of boots in her lap. He charged her with stealing the boots and took her into custody. She said an officer from the Camp gave them to her husband.

George Huntley, assistant to his father, William Huntley, bootseller, of South Street, said he missed a pair of boots from the counter about a quarter past six on Tuesday evening and gave information to the police.

Both prisoners elected to be tried by the Magistrates and Newman pleaded Guilty. The woman said she knew nothing of the matter.

Newman was sentenced to one month`s hard labour, and Emma Barnes was discharged.

Folkestone Express 16-10-1880

Wednesday, October 13^th: Before The Mayor, Aldermen Banks and Hoad, R.W. Boarer and M.J. Bell Esqs.

John Carter, landlord of the Oddfellows Arms, Radnor Street, was summoned for assaulting Ellen Oram on the 8^th October.

Complainant, who said she was a laundress, stated that she lodged on the 8^th October at the house of defendant. She went to bed at a quarter to twelve o`clock. The room in which she slept was at the end of a passage, and there was no door to it. There was a bed in the passage, in which two men were sleeping, and she had to pass them to get to her room. Before she got into bed, and while she was undressed, defendant went to her room with nothing on but his shirt, and swore at her because she had not put out the light. He pulled the bed clothes down and fell upon her. She screamed, and to quiet her defendant put his hand over her mouth. In self defence she bit his finger. He had put the candle out by kicking it with his naked foot. He then went downstairs and returned with his wife, and another light, and again tried to drag her out of bed. Defendant sent for a policeman and gave her in charge for biting his finger. On the way to the Station they met the Superintendent, who enquired what was the matter, and on being told he ordered Carter to be fetched. When he arrived the Superintendent told him he had delirium tremens and told witness to go about her business. She requested the police to protect her for the night, and she was lodged in the tramp wards.

In cross-examination by Mr. Minter, who defended, prosecutrix said Carter attempted to outrage her, and she told the policeman so on the way to the station. She also said that the two men could have seen her undressing if they had been awake.

She called as a witness Henry Newman, an engine fitter, lodging at the Oddfellows Arms, who was one of the men sleeping in a bed on the landing. He said he saw all that took place. The defendant`s son went and told complainant to put her light out. She said she would when she got into bed. The boy waited in the passage nearly five minutes for her to put the light out, and then told her a second time. She then used filthy language, and the boy fetched his father, who came up with his drawers and shirt on. Carter called to her to put the candle out and she would not. He then ordered her to get up and leave the house, which she refused to do, and he then took hold of her to make her get up, and in the scuffle the light went out. Carter went downstairs and returned with another light, and his wife also came. He had then got his trousers on. He again told her to get up, and she still refused, and used foul language. A policeman was sent for, and complainant was taken into custody.

The Bench refused to hear any more evidence and dismissed the case, as they discredited the complainant`s statements. Superintendent Rutter also added that her account of what took place at the Police Station was false.

Folkestone Chronicle 18-12-1880

Monday, December 13^th: Before The Mayor, Alds. Sherwood and Caister, J. Holden and C.J. Jeffreason Esqs.

William Joyce was charged with stealing 1s. 10d., the property of John Morgan.

Prisoner was a fellow lodger with prosecutor at the Oddfellows Arms, and the robbery took place when prosecutor was in bed, both sleeping in the same room. When accused of the theft, Joyce struck the prosecutor with violence.

Prisoner was sentenced to two months` imprisonment with hard labour.

Folkestone Express 18-12-1880

County Court:

Saturday, December 11^th: Before G. Russell Esq.

Falkner v Carter: This was an action to recover a chestnut baking tin. Plaintiff had left it in charge of the landlady of the Bricklayers` Arms Inn, of whom the defendant obtained it. The chattel was produced in Court, and appeared to be of the very smallest value. Defendant is landlord of the Oddfellows Inn (sic), and he contended that the tin belonged to plaintiff`s father, who had stayed at his house for years, and died recently, and that plaintiff took it away surreptitiously. Defendant, however, failed to show that he had the slightest claim to it, and His Honour ordered him to pay 1s. damages, and the costs, and directed plaintiff to take the tin away with him.

Monday, December 13^th: Before The Mayor, W.J. Jeffreason and J. Holden Esqs., and Aldermen Sherwood and Caister.

William Joyce was charged with stealing 2s. 5d., the money of John Morgan, and also with an assault on the prosecutor.

John Morgan, who described himself as a cleaner of gold lace for the officers at Shorncliffe Camp, and sharpener of razors &c. for the soldiers, stated that he lodged at the Oddfellows Inn, Radnor Street. On Saturday nigh he slept with his wife in a bedroom on the third floor. There was another bed in the room, which was occupied by the prisoner and his wife. They went to bed about closing time. Witness had placed his clothes on a chair standing between the two beds. When he had been in bed about an hour he thought he heard his clothes slip off the chair. He got out of bed and felt in his trousers pocket for his money (10d.) which he knew was there when he went to bed. He got a light, and asked his wife if she had taken his money. She said she had not, and then got out of bed and looked in her pocket. She found her money gone also. She had 1s. 7d. Prosecutor then accused the prisoner of taking it. Prisoner`s wife said to him “Get out and give it to him”. He immediately got up, and seizing hold of a chamber pot, struck him on the back of his head with it, cutting his head open. Prosecutor called out for the landlord, who told him to wait while he fetched a policeman, who came, and prisoner was given in charge.

Caroline Morgan, wife of prosecutor, corroborated her husband`s statements.

P.C. Scott said he was called to the Oddfellows Arms about half past three on Sunday morning. He saw the prosecutor on the stairs. He was covered with blood. He told witness he had been robbed and violently assaulted by the prisoner, whom witness found lying in bed. Prosecutor gave him into custody. Prisoner made no reply, and they went together to the police station. On searching the prisoner, he found on him a shilling, four sixpences and a threepenny piece in silver, and 18¾ d. in bronze.

Prisoner elected to be tried by the Magistrates, and made a long statement in his defence. He denied having stolen the money, and the version he gave of the affair was that the prosecutor, after accusing him of the theft, made a furious attack upon him. He therefore got out of bed, and bending down, ran head foremost against the prosecutor, knocking him down, and he must have struck his head against a chair or something else, and so received the wound. He produced several documents, including his indentures as an apprentice on a ship of a thousand tons, and also his discharge with a certificate of good conduct as a second officer in 1874.

The Bench considered the prisoner to be Guilty, and sentenced him to a month`s imprisonment with hard labour for each offence.

Folkestone Express 30-7-1881

Wednesday, July 27^th: Before The Mayor, General Cannon, Alderman Caister and J. Fitness Esq.

William Davis was charged with stealing a concertina, value 7s. 6d., on the previous day.

George Heatcote, a boiler maker, lodging at the Oddfellows Arms, said he was in the Royal George on the previous afternoon playing a concertina, and left about seven o`clock, leaving the concertina there. When he returned a few minutes afterwards the instrument was gone. He gave information to the police, and subsequently saw the prisoner at the Radnor lodging house, with the concertina in his possession.

P.C. Hogben said he received information from prosecutor that he had lost a concertina. He went to the common lodging house, and there found prisoner in the kitchen playing a concertina. He asked prisoner to let him look at it, and prisoner said it belonged to one of his mates. Witness took the concertina and showed it to prosecutor, who identified it as his property. Prosecutor went with witness to the kitchen and gave prisoner into custody. Prisoner was very violent and used beastly language all the way up the street.

Prosecutor, in reply to the clerk, said he had not known prisoner previous to Monday. They had been in company together on that day.

Prisoner said he took the concertina to his lodging, thinking prosecutor would go there for it. He had no intention of stealing it.

The Bench did not consider there was any felonious intention and dismissed the prisoner.

Folkestone Express 14-1-1882

Local News

An alarm of a fire was given at the Oddfellows Arms on Wednesday. Some members of the fire brigade with a hose were quickly in attendance, and the fire, which originated in a chimney, was extinguished without much difficulty. Very little damage was done.

Folkestone Express 7-4-1883

Thursday, May 5^th: Before The Mayor, Colonel De Crespigny, and J. Fitness Esq.

Henry Elliott was charged with stealing a clarionet, value 25s., the property of Jacob Redenbach.

Prosecutor said he left the instrument on the table at the Oddfellows, Radnor Street, and subsequently missed it.

Henry Seaton, a painter, lodging at the Oddfellows Arms, said he was in the kitchen on Wednesday about four o`clock, and saw the prosecutor place his clarionet on the table. He saw the prisoner take it in his hand. A man told him not to meddle with other people`s property. Prisoner took it up, and putting it under his coat left the house. He was absent about half an hour and then returned to the kitchen, but did not bring the clarionet with him.

William Revell gave similar evidence.

The prisoner pleaded Guilty.

Superintendent Taylor said it was a very hard case for the prosecutor, who was a member of a band, and had lost his means of livelihood. The prisoner had refused to give information where the instrument was to be found.

The Bench adjourned the case for half an hour in order that the prisoner might, if he would, go with a policeman to the spot where he had disposed of it. It was found secreted in a hedge in the Tram Road.

Prisoner was sentenced to one month`s hard labour.

Folkestone Express 30-5-1885

Inquest

An inquest was held at the Town Hall on Tuesday evening before J. Minter Esq., the Borough Coroner, on the body of a newly born child, which was found under the circumstances detailed in the following evidence.

Edward Jordan, a labourer, living at the Oddfellows Arms, Radnor Street, said on Sunday, shortly after noon, he was walking along the Lower Sandgate Road, and saw a brown paper parcel lying in a little shrubbery close to the footpath. He tore the paper with his stick, and saw that it contained the body of a child. He returned to Folkestone and gave information to Police constable Swift, who went back with him to the spot where the body was lying, and removed it in a towel.

Police constable Swift said he went with the last witness to the Lower Sandgate Road and saw the parcel lying in a shrubbery. He took possession of it, and carried it to the police station. On examining it, he found that it contained the body of a female child. It was quite naked, with the exception of the covering of paper, and there were no marks on it to lead to the identification of the person who placed it there. It had been raining, and the brown paper was saturated with water.

Mr. E.C. Maynard, M.R.C.S., said he saw the body which the jury had viewed on Sunday, and made an external examination. There were no marks of violence, and no discolouration. The child had not been properly attended to at it`s birth. On Monday he made a post mortem examination, and from that examination he had no doubt that the child had never breathed, but was still-born.

The jury therefore returned a verdict that the child was Found Dead.

Southeastern Gazette 1-6-1885

Inquest

On Sunday morning, whilst walking along the Lower Sandgate Road, in company with a friend, a man named Edward Jordan, a labourer, living at the Oddfellows Arms Inn, saw a brown paper parcel lying in a shrubbery near the bottom of the steps leading to the Leas, near Langhorne Gardens, and, upon opening the parcel, saw that it contained the body of a child. He gave information to P.C. Swift, who took the parcel to the police station.

An inquest on the body was held on Tuesday afternoon, before Mr. Minter, the borough Coroner. It was stated by Mr. E.C. Maynard, surgeon, that there were no marks or discolouration of any kind, and from a post-mortem examination made on Monday, he had not the slightest doubt but that the child had been stillborn. A verdict of “Found dead” was returned.

 

Folkestone Express 29-5-1886

Tuesday, May 25^th: Before Dr. Bateman, Alderman Caister, J. Holden and J. Fitness Esqs.

James Leon and Thomas Leon were charged with stealing one bowl, containing 15s., the property of William Hearnden, landlord of the Oddfellows in Radnor Street. The prisoners lodged there, and on the previous morning they both kept asking him to trust them with beer. They were in the taproom which was close to the bar. He watched the prisoners and saw them go to the closet and come out, and afterwards he noticed the bowl in the closet. The money was all in silver.

Susannah Hearnden, wife of the prosecutor, said she went to the bowl on the morning in question between 9 and 10, and there was between 9s. and 15s. in silver in it. She went out a few minutes and when she returned she went to the drawer again and missed the bowl and the money.

Elizabet Macpherson, barmaid at the Royal George Hotel, recognised both the prisoners, who went to their bar between 10 and 11 o`clock that morning. She served them with beer and rum, for which the prisoner Leon paid each time with a sixpence.

Sergeant Butcher proved apprehending the prisoners. He found them lying on the embankment near the Junction Station at 12.45. He awoke them and found they were both very drunk. With assistance he took them to the police station. He searched the prisoners and found 4d. on Leon and 1s. 2d. on the other prisoner.

The prisoners were sentenced each to six weeks` hard labour.

Folkestone News 29-5-1886

Tuesday, May 26^th: Before Dr. Bateman, Alderman Caister, J. Fitness and J. Holden Esqs.

James Leon and Thomas Freeney were charged with stealing a bowl containing 9s. in silver, the property of William Hearnden.

William Hearnded, landlord of the Oddfellows, in Radnor Street, said: About a week ago, prisoners came to lodge in my house. Yesterday they kept asking me for beer in the taproom. They wanted trust because they had no money. My wife was in and out of the bar, and left there about nine o`clock for a few minutes. I kept seeing them peep into the bar, and afterwards I found the bowl in which the money was kept in the closet. It was usually kept in the bar. He had seen it there about eight o`clock, when there was about 15s. in it.

Cross-examined: I did not see you sell your coat and shirt for 8d. I gave you two pints for a “livener”, but that was at eight o`clock.

Susannah Hearnden, landlady of the Oddfellows, said she was absent from the bar only a few minutes, and on coming back she missed the bowl and the silver that was in it. She left prisoners standing in front of the bar when she went out.

Elizabeth MacPherson, barmaid at the Royal George Hotel, recognised prisoners, who came to the bar, and she served them with three quarts of beer and twopennyworth of rum. The prisoner Leon paid each time with sixpences.

Police sergeant Butcher said he went in search of the prisoners and found them lying fast asleep on the embankment near the Junction Station at 12.45. He woke them. They were very drunk, and with assistance he brought them to the station. They were charged by the Superintendent, when Leon asked if anyone saw them take it. On Leon he found 4d., and on Freeney he found 1s 2d.

Prisoners pleaded Not Guilty. Sentenced to six weeks` imprisonment with hard labour.

Folkestone Chronicle 27-8-1887

Saturday, August 20^th: Before J. Banks and J. Holden Esqs.

William Hearnden, landlord of the Oddfellows Inn (sic), was charged with having on the 14^th inst. opened his licensed house at a prohibited hour.

P.C. Osborne said on the morning in question he went to the house about 5.20, and found the back door was open about two inches. He went inside and found three persons there drinking. Saw them drink and start to go out the same door as witness had entered, but when they saw witness they turned round and went another way. Heard the sound of money as he entered the house. Told the landlord he should report the case, but he made no reply.

Mr. Minter said he appeared for the defendant. It was not a very serious case. It was the old story that this man had opened his door for something else and these three persons walked in. He expected the Bench would not believe it, but it was true. The defendant had not committed such a very great offence as he had only opened half an hour before time.

Supt. Taylor said it was on Sunday morning and therefore he opened seven or eight hours before time.

Mr. Minter said he had made a mistake. He did not know it was Sunday morning.

Mr. Banks said the Bench found the defendant Guilty, but as he bore such an excellent character, and that was his first offence, he would only be fined £2 and 8s. costs, or, in default of payment, 14 days` imprisonment.

George Waterman, George Watson, and a man named Stanley, the latter not appearing, were then summoned for being found at defendant Hearnden`s house on the morning in question. Prisoners pleaded Guilty, and were fined 1s. and 8s. costs, or seven days` imprisonment. Stanley was fined 10s. and 8s. costs, or seven days` imprisonment.

 

Folkestone Express 27-8-1887

Saturday, August 20^th: Before Alderman Banks and J. Holden Esq.

William Harnett (sic) pleaded Guilty to a charge of having his house open during prohibited hours.

P.C. Lilley said on Sunday morning at 5.20 h saw the door of the house (the Oddfellows in Radnor Street) open and three men in the bar drinking.

Albert Watts, George Waterman and ---- Standing were charged with being on licensed premises on Sunday morning. The defendants were the three men who were seen in the Oddfellows by the police in the previous case.

The Bench fined the two first defendants 1s. and 8s. costs, and Standing, who did not appear, 10s. and 8s. costs.

Folkestone Express 17-12-1887

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

The licence of the Oddfellows, Radnor Street, was transferred to Mr. George Hoare

Folkestone Chronicle 8-12-1888

Saturday, December 1^st: Before The Mayor, Alderman Sherwood, J. Holden, E.T. Ward, J. Hoad, and J. Fitness Esqs.

Geo. Williams, a young fellow, was charged with begging in High Street on Friday.

Thomas Dickson stated that the prisoner came into his shop about half past four yesterday afternoon and asked whether witness could give him an old pair of boots, and afterwards asked witness to assist him, as he could not get work. Told him he had nothing to give him and requested him to leave the premises. He refused to do so for some time. He afterwards went outside and stood on the pavement. Witness asked him to move away from his shop door. He replied that he could stand there for a week if he liked.

Prisoner pleaded Guilty and said he was forced to beg. He had a wife to keep, and had come to Folkestone in hopes of finding employment. He had obtained a couple of days work at a new building near the Bouverie Arms.

The prisoner was further charged with wilfully breaking a square of glass at the Oddfellows Arms, Radnor Street, on Friday evening.

Robert Carter, landlord of the house, said the prisoner came to his house yesterday morning at 11 o`clock for lodging, which witness gave him. Prisoner went out and came back about six o`clock in the evening. His wife was there and the prisoner picked up a tumbler off the table and threw it at her. Witness did not see it. Witness had to get him out of the house, and when he got the prisoner outside he wanted to fight him. He afterwards broke the window of the door. Witness was inside the door when the glass was broken, and the prisoner was outside. It could not have been broken by anyone else as prisoner was the only one out there. The value of the window was 5s. After that he went round to the other side of the house and tried to get in that way.

By the prisoner: Did not struggle with prisoner in the passage. There were some boys outside the door when the window was broken.

Prisoner pleaded Not Guilty, stating that the prosecutor broke the window himself when he was struggling in the passage to get him out. He would have gone out quietly if he had allowed him to pack up his things.

The Mayor said prisoner would be sent to prison for seven days` hard labour for begging, and for the wilful damage he would be fined 1s., damage to the window 5s., and costs, 4s. 6d., or seven days`. Removed below.

Folkestone Chronicle 4-5-1889

Saturday, April 27^th: Before W. Wightwick and J. Fitness Esqs.

Jane May was summoned for assaulting Mary Carter, landlady of the Oddfellows.

Prosecutrix said she lived at the Oddfellows, and on the morning of the 18^th of April she was about to hang some clothes out to dry, but upon going to the line discovered that the staple was out of the wall. Witness asked the defendant whether she knew who took the staple out. The defendant rushed into the passage after her and struck her under the left eye with her fist. Witness`s servant was behind the bar washing up glasses and saw the blow struck. Between four and five she struck witness again.

Mr. Bradley: Where?

Witness: On the back door, sir (Laughter)

Mr. Wightwick: Struck you on the back door? – Yes, sir. (Loud laughter)

Mr. Bradley: But was the blow on your face? – Yes, sir, on my face. Mr. Punnett was there when she struck me, and I shall call him as a witness.

Defendant began to get into an excited conversation with the witness.

Mr. Bradley (to defendant): Don`t exert yourself here. Just behave yourself. You will have your turn presently.

George Punnett, a boatman, was then called. He said he lived at 23, Radnor Street. On the 18^th of April he saw Mrs. Carter between five and six o`clock in the evening. Did not see her in the morning. Mrs. May came out of her backway and hit Mrs. Carter with her fist. The prosecutrix did not hit the defendant.

Defendant: You`re a false speaking man.

Alice Bowden, a domestic servant in the employ of the prosecutrix, said on the evening in question she was in the bar. Between four and five she saw Mrs. May come up the backway and strike Mrs. Carter in the face whilst she was standing in the doorway. Witness did not hear any conversation.

This was the case for the prosecutrix, and a cross-summons was then dealt with, summoning Mrs. Carter for assaulting Jane May at the same time and place.

Mrs. May stated that on Thursday evening, the 18^th April, she went into the yard to attend to her clothes, when she saw the defendant there. She accused witness of having pulled out the staples from her wall. Witness said she had not done so, but took very little notice of her until about half past four. At that time she was again out in the yard and ran at witness and struck her in the face with a handful of pegs, cutting a piece out of her cheek. Witness admitted that she did strike the defendant back then and they had a “set to”. Whilst they were fighting the defendant`s husband came out and struck witness in the mouth with his fist, and also drew a knife across all her fingers, and cut them. The defendant had lived in the house for eight or nine months and was a constant nuisance to the neighbourhood. Witness struck her two or three times – she was obliged to do so to defend herself.

Inspector Kennett said he was in Radnor Street about half past two on the day in question, and saw the two women. They were quarrelling about a clothes line. Did not know who commenced it first, but heard Carter use very bad language. Did not see any blows struck. Witness was in the fishmarket about five o`clock washing down and saw the two women again. Carter had a handful of pegs in her hand and struck at Mrs. May, but could not say for certain whether it struck her or not. He did not see Mrs. May strike the defendant.

Mrs. May said the defendant`s language at all times was something dreadful, and it made her shudder to let her little children go near her.

Mr. Wightwick said it appeared to him that there were six of one and half a dozen of the other, and the Bench did not think that sort of thing should continue. The defendant in both cases were equally guilty. They would each have to pay their own costs, and the cases would be dismissed. Each of the defendants would be bound over to keep the peace for three months in sureties of £10 each.

Mr. Bradley (to Carter): I should be afraid to say how many times I have seen you up here for quarrels of this nature during the last twenty five years.

Folkestone Express 4-5-1889

Saturday, April 27^th: Before W. Wightwick and J. Fitness Esqs.

Jane May was summoned for assaulting Lucy Carter on the 18^th April. In answer to the charge she said “I struck her, but she gave me provocation for doing it”.

Complainant said she lived at the Oddfellows. On the 18^th April she saw Mrs. May at her door, and asked her if she knew anybody who had drawn the staples out of the wall, which her husband had “druv” in, after he had asked Mr. Franks, the landlord, if he could do it. Without anything further the defendant rushed at her and struck her.

Mr. Bradley: Where did she strike you? – In my own house

But where – in what part of your body? – Oh, here. I saw her again between five and six, and she struck me again.

Mr. Fitness: You are muddling things up. Where did she strike you the second tome? – In my bar, sir. (Laughter)

But on what part did she strike you? – Oh, here (Pointing)

Who was there when she struck you? – My servant, and likewise Mr. Punnett. At five o`clock in the afternoon she struck me again.

Where did she strike you? – She struck me just leading up to the passage. (Laughter)

Yes, but what part of your body? – Oh, in my face.

Mr. Wightwick: What did she strike you with? – Her double fists.

Defendant: Have I ever been in your house? – Yes. Once you struck me in my house.

Defendant: You are a false speaking woman. I never keep such company as you.

George Punnett, of 23, Radnor Street, said he saw Mrs. May strike Mrs. Carter, who fell on her hands.

Defendant: You are a false speaking man.

Witness said the defendant dragged the complainant up a passage, punching her all the way.

Alice Bowden, servant to Mrs. Carter, said she saw Mrs. May strike her mistress “in her doorway”.

Mr. Bradley: On what part of her body? – On her back.

The parties then changed places, there being a cross-summons.

Mrs. May deposed that on Thursday afternoon she went out to see if her clothes were dry, and Mrs. Carter assaulted her out in the backway. She accused her of pulling the nail out of the wall, which she had “druv” in. She told Mrs. Carter she had never seen the nail. She did not use and abuse to Mrs. Carter, but Mrs. Carter abused her “with all the beastly conversations in the world”. She called her a “lying ----“ and a “b---- horse marine”. They were not a quarter of the beastly words she used. She flew at Mrs. Carter because she made up to her with a handful of pegs. While she was hitting Mrs. Carter, her husband came out. Mrs. Carter drew a knife across her fingers. Witness`s husband parted them. She had lived next door to Mrs. Carter for five years. Before Mrs. Carter came they were all very comfortable.

Mr. Bradley: Did you strike Mrs. Carter? – Yes.

Where? – On the backway. (Laughter)

But where on her body? – On her face. She never fell or went backwards, or anything of that. I struck her two or three times.

Why did you strike her? – Because she abused me, and made at me with the pegs.

Mrs. Carter: You tucked up your sleeves. – They were already tucked up. I was washing.

Richard Kennett, market inspector, said he saw the two women quarrelling about half past two in the afternoon. They appeared to be quarrelling about a clothes line, but he did not know who commenced it. He heard Mrs. Carter call Mrs. May “a b---- horse marine”; what was the meaning of that he couldn`t say. (A voice, sotto voce: Of course not). About five o`clock he was in the market washing down, and saw Mrs. Carter strike at Mrs. May. She had pegs in her hand, but whether she hit Mrs. May or not he could not say. Mrs. May took her clothes down and went indoors.

Mrs. May said the conduct of Mrs. Carter, and her language, was disgraceful – not fit for little children to hear.

The Bench said it appeared to be “six of one and half a dozen of the other”. They did not think that sort of thing should go on. So far as the actual assault was concerned, the parties seemed both to blame, and they would dismiss both summonses, and each would have to pay her own costs (7s). They would also be bound over to keep the peace for three months.

Mr. Bradley, addressing Mrs. Carter, said he was afraid to say how many times he had seen her either as complainant or defendant during the last 25 years.

Folkestone Chronicle 17-8-1889

Wednesday, August 14^th: Before Capt. Crowe, Alderman Banks, H.W. Poole, and J. Brooke Esqs.

A lad named Edwards, who gave his age as 17, and a man named William were charged with stealing two watches and ten gold rings from the premises of Mr. E. Moat, jeweller, Dover Road. The total value of the goods was £27 18s. 6d.

Mr. Moat identified the property as his, including a gold keeper, which had been offered for sale by Williams. On the day in question, about 9.30 a.m., Edwards came into the shop and offered some bill files for sale. About ten minutes after, witness was in his room at the back of the shop, when he heard the bell ring, and on going into the shop found Edwards there, who again asked him to buy three files. He again refused, and Edwards left the shop. Shortly after he missed from the window a gold watch, a silver watch, nine keepers and the gem ring. Anyone standing in front of the counter would be able to reach the trays in the window by opening the doors, which were only secured by fastenings, and not locked.

P.S. Harman said that he went to the Oddfellows Arms, in Radnor Street, and there saw the prisoner Edwards. After cautioning him that he need not reply to any question unless he chose, witness asked him if he had been out selling files that morning. He replied “Only in the Market”. Witness saw some files (produced) in a corner of the kitchen. Edwards was then charged on suspicion of stealing the jewellery, and witness made a search, but did not find anything. On the way to the station Edwards met Williams in High Street, and Edwards spoke to him in a low tone, but witness could not catch what was said. He at once prevented any further conversation. From what he heard at the station, he took Edwards back to the Oddfellows Arms, and a young woman named Braden showed him the bag produced, hanging on a shelf in the kitchen. He asked the prisoner if it belonged to him, and he said “Yes”. Witness found in it two watches and eight rings wrapped up in a handkerchief. He then charged Edwards with stealing, and the latter made no reply. At two o`clock witness returned to the Oddfellows Arms and saw Williams. Having cautioned him, he asked whether he knew anything of the lad Edwards, and had he given William any rings that morning. Williams replied “No, nor had he seen him with any”. He then told Williams that he would have to come to the police station for further enquiries. In Seagate Street Williams said “I may as well tell you all about it. I didn`t like to do so before my wife. The lad gave me a ring to sell, and I let a bandsman in Sanger`s Circus have it on approval. If he likes it he is to pay me at five o`clock tonight”. He offered to point the man out if I allowed him, but I refused. When charged at the police station he said it was very hard that he and his wife and family should have to suffer for Edwards. Witness went in search of the bandsman and found him; he was wearing the ring produced on his finger, and gave it to witness. Subsequently the two prisoners were charged together, when Edwards made no reply, and Williams repeated his former statement that it was very hard. Witness had ascertained the prisoners had lodged together on the previous night. The gem ring had not been discovered.

Elizabeth Braden, servant at the Oddfellows arms, said that Williams, with his wife, and another man and his wife, came to the house on Monday afternoon. Edwards came later in the day. She had only seen Williams asking Edwards to have a cup of tea in the kitchen, which was used by all the lodgers. After that she saw them talking together at the end of the yard. She recognised the bag produced, which was hanging up in the kitchen, but she had not seen Edwards with it. She took the bag down, and took it to Mr. Carter, the landlord, after the Sergeant had been to the house. She did not see Mr. Carter open the bag, but afterwards saw the things laid out on the table. She was told to put them back, and she did so, hanging the bag up where she found it.

George Murray, a member of Sanger`s Circus band, recognised the two prisoners, whom he saw at the Oddfellows Arms on the previous morning. He had engaged a bed there, that was the reason he was in the house. Williams asked him if he would buy a ring, and offered him one for six shillings. About fifteen minutes afterwards Edwards came in and went into the kitchen, and Williams then showed him the ring. He told him it was “a find” and witness agreed to have it for the day on approval, and to pay for it at night if he liked it. At the same time he thought it was too cheap. He had no conversation with Edwards.

In reply to the prisoner Williams, witness said that the former did bring Edwards out into the wash-house and say that he was the finder of the ring. Witness had forgotten that.

Robert Carter proved opening the bag and finding the watches and rings produced.

Williams pleaded Not Guilty, and Edwards Guilty.

In answer to the Bench, the latter said he came from Birkenhead, and was a wire worker. His age was 17. His father was dead and his mother had been living with another man for the last five years. He did not know where she was.

Edwards was sentenced to three months` hard labour.

Addressing Williams, Captain Crowe said there was not sufficient evidence to commit him, but if he had any knowledge of the theft, he had certainly had a narrow escape. In any case he had acted most imprudently, but there was not sufficient evidence to convict him of stealing, and he would be discharged.

Folkestone Express 17-8-1889

Wednesday, August 14^th: Before Captain Crowe, Alderman Banks, J. Brooke and H.W. Poole Esqs.

John Edwards and Charles Williams were charged with stealing two watches and several rings, value £27, the property of Edward Moat.

Prosecutor, a watchmaker, carrying on business at 146, Dover Road, said the younger prisoner, Edwards, went to his shop on Tuesday morning, about half past nine, and offered some wire bill files for sale. He told prisoner he did not want them, and he left the shop. Shortly afterwards he called again. Witness was in the room at the back of the shop. In the window of the shop, which was enclosed, there was a tray. The glass doors were fastened, but not locked. The tray contained watches and jewellery. At half past eight the trays and contents were all right. Among other articles there was a gold hunter watch, No. 704, and a gold Geneva watch 460052. On another tray there were 22 rings, all gold. About five minutes past ten he noticed that the trays had been interfered with. He missed first 10 rings, and afterwards the two watches. There were nine keeper rings and one gem ring. He gave information to the police. Anyone standing on the public side of the counter could open the glass doors of the window. The prisoner Edwards went into the shop twice on the previous day. One watch was worth £17 17s., and the other £2. The rings were worth £8 1s. 6d. The gem ring had not been recovered.

Sergt. Harman said he received information about eleven o`clock on Tuesday of the robbery, and went in pursuit of the prisoner Edwards, and found him at half past twelve, sitting in the kitchen of the Oddfellows lodging house, Radnor Street. He said “There has been a robbery of jewellery this morning in Dover Road”. He cautioned him that what he said would be used in evidence against him, and asked him if he had been out selling any wires that morning. He said “No, only out in the market a little way”. He asked if he had any wire bill files for sale, and he said “No”. He saw a number of wires in a corner of the kitchen, and prisoner admitted that they were his. He then charged him on suspicion of stealing jewellery and took him to the station. When searched in the kitchen nothing relating to the charge was found on him, nor was there anything in his bedding. On the way to the station they met the prisoner Williams. They poke to one another, but witness stopped them. He could not catch what Edwards said, but from information afterwards received he took Edwards back to the lodging house, and was shown by a woman a bag hanging in the kitchen. He asked Edwards if it was his bag, and he said it was. On opening it he found eight gold keepers and two watches rolled up in a handkerchief. He charged Edwards with stealing the property. He made no reply. At two o`clock he went again to the Oddfellows and saw the prisoner Williams, cautioned him, and asked him if the boy Edwards had given him any rings to sell that morning. Williams said “No”, nor had he seen any in his possession. He then took Williams into custody while further enquiries were made. On the way to the station he said “I may as well tell you, Sergeant, all about it. I didn`t like to do it before my wife. That lad this morning gave me a ring to sell. I have let a bandsman of Mr. Sanger`s circus have it on approbation. If it suits him he is going to pay me for it at five o`clock this evening. I`ll point the man out to you if you like to let me”. Witness declined to do so, and charged him with being concerned with Edwards in stealing the jewellery that morning. He replied “It is very hard that I and my wife and family should suffer for him. I`ll show you the man I gave the ring to”. Witness went in search of the bandsman, and found him, and received from him the ring produced. Prisoners were afterwards charged together by Supt. Taylor. Edwards made no reply. Williams repeated his statement. Witness understood Williams to say they were lodging together at Dover the previous night. The gem ring had not been recovered.

Elizabeth Braden, servant at the Oddfellows, said Williams went there to lodge with his wife and children on Monday. Edwards went in afterwards. She had not seen them in company. Williams asked the boy to have a cup of tea. After breakfast she saw them talking together in the yard, in a low tone. The bag produced she found hanging in the kitchen. She understood it belonged to the younger prisoner, and she took it to Mr. Carter, the landlord.

Witness said, in reply to Williams, that she knew him in Brighton, when he lived in a furnished room at his aunt`s.

George Murray, a member of Mr. Sanger`s band, said he recognised the prisoners. He saw them on Tuesday morning, between ten and eleven, at the Oddfellows Arms. Williams asked him if he would buy a ring for 6s. About a quarter of an hour after the lad Edwards went in, and Williams went to him, and then returned with the ring produced. Williams said it was all right – it was “a find”. Witness took the ring and wore it during the day, until the police sergeant went for it. At the kitchen door Williams said the ring belonged to Edwards, who was the finder.

Robert Carter, landlord of the Oddfellows Arms, said the bag produced was taken to him by his servant, and he found in it the watches and rings produced tied up in a silk handkerchief.

Edwards pleaded Guilty, and Williams Not Guilty. Edwards said he was 17 years of age, was a wireworker, and came from Birkenhead. His father was dead, and his mother had been living with another man for five years. He was sentenced to three calendar months` hard labour.

The Bench considered there was not sufficient evidence to warrant them in committing Williams for trial.