Royal George 1896 - 1899

Folkestone Chronicle 30-5-1896

Saturday, May 23^rd : Before Messrs. J. Holden, T.J. Vaughan, J. Fitness and J. Pledge.

John Mackay was summoned for assaulting Agnes Tritton on the 19^th inst.

Prosecutrix, landlady of the Royal George public house, said defendant came into the bar on Tuesday night, and called for a drink. He appeared to be sober. He then went into the “sing-song room” and created a slight disturbance, and was requested to leave. He refused, and was put out.

In reply to the Magistrates` Clerk, Mrs. Tritton said he gave her daughter a blow, but she believed it was an accident.

Mr. Bradley said that when prosecutrix came to his office to take out the summons she told a very different tale. Now she seemed to desire to gloss over the assault.

Defendant was fined 10s., costs 9s., or 14 days`.

The Chairman then called Mrs. Tritton into the box, and told her the case did not come out at all square, and in future she would have to be careful.

Mr. Bradley also told her to be very careful.

Folkestone Express 30-5-1896

Saturday, May 23^rd: Before J. Fitness, T.J. Vaughan, J. Holden and J. Pledge Esqs.

Annie Williams, a lady with a black eye, pleaded Guilty to being drunk and disorderly in Beach Street on Friday on the previous evening.

P.C. Prebble said the defendant was using obscene language. She went into the Royal George, but was not served there.

Defendant said she was very sorry, and was going to leave Folkestone that day. Her husband was in the militia.

Superintendent Taylor said the defendant was a stranger.

On promising to leave the town she was discharged.

William M`Kay was summoned for refusing to quit licensed premises on the 18^th of May.

Mrs. Agnes Tritton said the defendant went into her house on Tuesday night and called for a quart of beer. He appeared to be sober. He went into the “sing-song” room, and instead of drinking the beer, he poured out a glass and threw it on the piano. He was requested to leave, but refused, and was therefore put out. Defendant also struck her daughter in the mouth, but she did not think it was done intentionally.

Defendant was fined 10s. and 9s. costs, or 14 days`.

Mrs. Tritton was called up, and Mr. Holden said “This case does not come out very square”.

Mr. Bradley: You come here today and conceal things. You complained of the defendant`s conduct to your daughter when you applied for the summons, and now you come here today and gloss it over. I suppose he is too good a customer to lose – that is about it.

Mrs. Tritton: He is not a customer of mine at all, sir.

Mr. Bradley: Well, you must be more careful.

Folkestone Herald 30-5-1896

Police Court Jottings

William McKay was summoned for refusing to quite licensed premises when asked to do so.

Mrs. Tritton, landlady of the Royal George, said on Tuesday night defendant went in sober at about half past ten. After having two or three glasses she asked him to leave. He would not do so, and she had to put him out with the assistance of her husband.

The Clerk to the Magistrates (Mr. H.B. Bradley) said that when the witness applied for the summons she told a different story. Now she left out or glossed over what she said then.

Defendant was fined 10s., 9s. costs, or 14 days`.

The Chairman said the witness came there and concealed things. She wished to have a summons against defendant for assaulting her daughter. She now told a different tale from when she got the summons. She should be more careful in the future.

Folkestone Express 19-6-1897

Saturday, June 12^th: Before The Mayor, Alderman Pledge, S. Penfold, J. Holden, T.J. Vaughan, R.J. Fynmore, J. Fitness, W. Wightwick, and E.T. Ward Esqs.

Frederick Funnel and Harry Gatehouse were summoned for being drunk and disorderly on the 7^th June in Beach Street.

P.C. Burniston said the defendants left the Royal George, and Gatehouse went and struck a navvy in the face, and a fight ensued.

They pleaded Guilty, and were fined 5s. and 9s. costs.

 

Folkestone Chronicle 14-8-1897

Monday, August 9^th: Before The Mayor, and Messrs. J. Pledge, W. Salter, G. Spurgen, and T.J. Vaughan.

Joseph Fletcher was charged with burglary at the Royal George Hotel on the previous night.

P.C. Burniston said he was in Beach Street about midnight, and saw prisoner standing near the Royal George. He said he was waiting for the boat. Later witness noticed that the window of the smoking room was pulled down about three feet. He also saw footmarks on the sill. He roused the inmates, and a lodger named Gibson found the prisoner lying on the floor near the staircase. He said he fell in, but the window was four feet from the ground. Witness took him into custody. He was sober. On the way to the police station he said “Tell my mate, Skirm, I`m pinched”.

Wm. Gibson, a seaman, lodging at the Royal George, said he found the prisoner as described by the previous witness.

Mrs. Agnes Jane Tritton said she was the licence holder of the Royal George. She remembered the prisoner being put out of her house for using bad language and breaking glass. She had not seen him for a fortnight.

Sarah Peckham, servant at the Royal George Hotel, said she examined the windows and door of the house after closing time. They were all closed, including the smoking room.

The prisoner was committed to the Quarter Sessions.

Folkestone Express 14-8-1897

Monday, August 9^th: Before The Mayor, Aldermen Pledge, Salter and Spurgen, and T.J. Vaughan and J. Holden Esqs.

Joseph Fletcher was charged with burglary at the Royal George Hotel.

P.C. Burniston said: At twelve this morning I was on duty in Beach Street, and saw the prisoner standing outside the Royal George Hotel on the side facing the Harbour. I said to him “What are you doing here?” He replied “Waiting for the boat”. I then went away. At 12.55 I returned, and noticed that the top sash of the smoking room window was pulled down three feet. I examined the window sill and found footmarks on the sill. I got a man who was passing to watch while I aroused the inmates. I was admitted by Mr. Tritton. I went into the passage, and a man named Gibson, a lodger, called out “Here he is”. Prisoner was lying on the floor near the staircase. I said to him “What are you doing here?” He replied “I don`t know”. I asked “How did you get in?” and he said “Fell in”. The window sill is 4ft. 3in. from the ground, and anyone getting in by the window would have to climb up. He was sober. On the way to the police station he said “Tell Skinner to tell my mate I`m pinched”. He was charged at the police station by Sergeant Lilley and made no reply.

William Gibson, a seaman, lodging at the Royal George, said he was awoke about one o`clock and went downstairs. On reaching the second landing, he returned to get a light, and then went down to the ground floor. The constable and Mr. Tritton went into the smoking room, while he looked along the passage, where he found the prisoner lying on the floor near the staircase. He asked prisoner what he was doing there, and he replied “How did I get here?” He was sober.

Mrs. Agnes Jane Tritton, wife of Frederick S. Tritton, said she was the licensee of the Royal George, and the property in the hotel was her separate property. She went to bed about a quarter past ten. She was disturbed about one o`clock by the barking of the dog, and afterwards heard the bell ring. She went downstairs and saw the prisoner and the constable. She saw the prisoner about a fortnight ago, when he was put out of her house for using bad language and breaking glass, but had not seen him since.

Sarah Peckham, a domestic servant at the Royal George, said after the house was closed, she examined all the windows on the ground floor, including the windows of the smoking room, and they were all closed, but she could not say whether they were fastened.

Mr. Bradley advised the Magistrates that under the Act of the last session they had power to commit persons charged with burglary to the Quarter Sessions, providing there were no special circumstances which rendered it desirable to send them to the Assizes.

Prisoner was committed for trial at the Quarter Sessions.

Folkestone Herald 14-8-1897

Police Court Record

On Monday Joseph Fletcher was charged with burglariously breaking and entering the Royal George public house.

It appears that about 12.30 early on that morning P.C. Burniston saw the prisoner near the side of the Royal George nearest the harbour and asked what he was doing there, and he replied “Waiting for the boat”. The constable left and passed the place again at 12.55, and he found the top sash of one of the windows had been pushed down, but on the first occasion when he saw the prisoner that window was secure. He saw footmarks on the ledge of the window, and he asked a man who was passing to watch the window, and he rang the bell. He was admitted by the landlord, Mr. Tritton.

William Gibson, a seaman, lodging at the George, heard a noise at about 1 a.m., and got up and went downstairs, and saw the prisoner, who was awake and sober, in the passage on the ground floor. Gibson asked him what he was doing there, and he said “How did I get here?” The constable came to the passage, and found the prisoner and Gibson, and said to the former “What are you doing here?”, and he replied “I don`t know”. In reply to the next question, “How did you get in?”, the prisoner said “Fell in”.

Sarah Packham, a domestic servant, proved that all the windows of the ground floor were closed, but she could not say whether they were fastened.

The Bench committed the prisoner to the Quarter Sessions.

Folkestone Up To Date 14-8-1897

Hall Of Justice

Saturday, August 7^th: Before The Mayor and Justices.

Joseph Fletcher, charged with burglary at the Royal George Hotel, was committed for trial at the Quarter Sessions.

 

Folkestone Chronicle 4-9-1897

Saturday, August 28^th: Before The Mayor and Mr. W.G. Herbert.

Peter Carroll, a private in the Royal Irish Rifles, was charged with assaulting Agnes Jane Tritton on the 22^nd inst.

Complainant said she was the landlady of the Royal George Hotel, and on the previous Sunday was in the passage of the hotel at 10 o`clock at night. The meter, being an automatic one, the light then went out. Witness went into the bar and called “Time”. Asd witness was locking the half-door defendant attempted to indecently assault her. She pushed him back, and his hat fell on the floor. He then hit her in the eye, which was blackened. No words passed. He then left the house, and her daughter followed. She could not see his features, but went by his dress. He was in plain clothes.

Harriett Tritton, daughter of the complainant, said she saw defendant strike her mother. She ran after him as far as the Slope, but could not catch him as he was running. The defendant was the man. Witness identified him at the Camp.

For the defence, defendant called Joseph McCray, a private in the Royal Irish Rifles, who was at the Royal George on Sunday, but was not in company with the defendant. He saw Carroll go out of the door in front of witness. He did not touch the complainant. Complainant was in a critical state. He could not say if she was drunk or sober. All the soldiers were in civilian clothing.

Defendant said he had another witness, but could not call him as he was on guard.

The case was dismissed.

 

Folkestone Express 4-9-1897

Saturday, August 28^th: Before The Mayor, W.G. Herbert, and H.D. Stock Esqs.

Peter Carroll, a private in the Royal Irish Rifles, was charged with assaulting Agnes Jane Tritton on the 22^nd August.

Complainant, landlady of the Royal George Hotel, said at three minutes to ten on Sunday evening she shook hands with a gentleman standing in the passage. The clock struck ten, and the lights went out, the meter being an automatic one. She called “Time”. There were five or six people in the bar, and two of them were soldiers. While she was putting the bolt on the door, the defendant put his hand up her clothes. There was no light then, but her daughter put a penny in the meter and lit the gas again. Defendant`s hat was on the floor. He picked it up and then struck her in the eye and went out. Her daughter went out after him. She had seen the defendant in the house before. He was not in uniform that night. She had no doubt as to his identity.

Harriett Tritton, complainant`s daughter, said she saw defendant strike her mother, and she ran after him as far as the Slope, and then lost sight of him. She identified the man at the Camp.

Defendant called Joseph McCrae, a private in the same regiment, who said defendant did not strike the complainant. The defendant and himself were in “mufti”, or civilian clothing.

The Mayor said there was a doubt in the case, and they dismissed it.

Folkestone Herald 4-9-1897

Police Court Report

On Saturday – before the Mayor (Alderman Banks), Mr. W.G. Herbert and Mr. H.D. Stock – Peter Carroll, a private of the Royal Irish Rifles, was charged with assaulting Agnes Jane Tritton on the 22^nd.

Complainant, the landlady of the Royal George, who had a black eye, gave evidence that on Saturday night she shook hands with a gentleman in the passage, the clock struck ten, and the lights went out, the gas being by automatic meter. She went into the public bar and called “Time”, and she went through the bar to close the door. Before, she saw five or six people in the bar, two besides the prisoner were soldiers, he being in civilian`s clothes. She put the bolt into half the door. A man assaulted her and her daughter came upstairs. She pushed him back, and he struck her with his fist in the eye. She believed it was the prisoner by his clothes. She had known prisoner in the house as a customer. Afterwards she went to the Camp.

Harriett Tritton, complainant`s daughter, gave evidence in effect that the prisoner was one of the men in the bar. When the lights went out she went downstairs and put a penny in the meter. She saw her mother hit in the eye, and ran after the man to the Slope, where she stopped, not having overtaken him. The prisoner was the man.

The prisoner called Joseph McCray, a private of the Royal Irish Rifles, who gave evidence to the effect that he was at the Royal George, and the landlady called “Time, gentlemen”. During the time she opened the door the prisoner passed out in front of him and went straight across the road to a convenience, and afterwards down the road. Witness was with another soldier, and there were two non-commissioned officers in there, all in civilian clothes.

The Bench dismissed the prisoner, having regard to his previous very good character.

   

Folkestone Chronicle 25-9-1897

Wednesday, September 22^nd: Before Messrs. J. Fitness, W.G. Herbert, C.J. Pursey, H.D. Stock, and J. Pledge.

Lily Warne Brown, a well-dressed, educated woman, was charged with stealing a silver watch and chain, the property of Agnes Mary Tritton, on the 7^th inst.

Prosecutrix stated that the prisoner lodged with her at the Royal George Hotel. On the date mentioned she missed the watch and chain from a bag in the bar, and reported the matter to the police. Those produced were the articles she missed. In reply to the prisoner, she denied that she gave her the watch and chain to mind.

The prisoner called Henry Steed, who said he was a cabman. The prisoner hailed him in Sandgate Road, and he drove her first to Sandgate, and afterwards to Dover. On arrival at the latter place she said she had no money, but gave him the watch and chain to pledge. He pledged it for 8s. 6d. His fare was 12s. He redeemed the articles on Monday, and handed them that morning to P.S. Harman.

By the prisoner: She sent him a note to come and see her on Saturday, but he did not.

P.S. Harman said he arrested the prisoner that morning at 7, Harvey Street. In reply to the charge, she said “Oh, dear, what shall I do? I took the watch from a bag to take care of it for safety, as she was not fit to take care of it. I`ve given it to a man named Steed. I should have returned it, only he won`t give it up”. He took the prisoner to Steed`s stable, and he said she was the woman who gave him the watch and chain.

Prisoner, who as much overcome, said she was not guilty, but would leave the case in the hands of the Bench.

The Chairman said the Bench considered the charge proved. As it was her first offence she would be fined 20s. or 14 days. Steed paid the money.

 

Folkestone Express 25-9-1897

Wednesday, September 22^nd: Before J. Fitness, W.G. Herbert, C.J. Pursey, J. Pledge, and H.D. Stock Esqs.

Lily Warne Brown was charged with stealing a silver watch and chain, value £1, the property of Agnes Jane Tritton.

Prosecutrix said the prisoner went to lodge at her house, the Royal George, on the 4^th September, and had a bedroom on the first floor. On the 7^th she missed a silver watch and chain from a handbag in the bar and reported the loss to the police. That morning she was shown the watch and chain by Sergeant Harman. She had had them five years, and recognised them by certain figures and marks upon them.

Prisoner: Didn`t you give me the watch to take charge of? – Certainly not. I told you I had lost it.

Prisoner: You were intoxicated and don`t remember. I gave it to my coachman to take charge of.

Henry Steed, of 2, St. Peter Street, fly proprietor, said he knew the prisoner. He saw her on the 11^th September, when he “picked her up” in Sandgate Road. She engaged him to drive her to Sandgate, and then to Dover. She did not give him anything. When she got to Dover she gave him the watch and chain to pledge, as she had no money to pay her fare. He pledged it for 8s. 6d. He then returned to the prisoner. His fare was 12s., and he told prisoner what he had pledged the watch and chain for. He took the watch out of pawn on Monday because he did not want to leave it there. He did not give it to the prisoner afterwards, but kept it up to that morning.

By prisoner: You sent for me, and asked me to come to the Royal George to see you. I could not say the day. I have not seen you since.

Witness added that Mrs. Tritton`s daughter went to see him about the watch.

P.S. Harman said he went to 7, Harvey Street at a quarter past nine that (Wednesday) morning, and there found the prisoner, and charged her with stealing the watch on the 7^th from Mrs. Tritton`s. She replied “Oh, dear, what shall I do? I took the watch from a bag to take care of it. I have given it to a man named Steed. I should have returned it, only he won`t give it to me”. They went together to see Steed at his stables, and he identified her as the woman who gave him the watch and chain. Steed had previously given him the watch, and handed him the chain in prisoner`s presence.

Prisoner pleaded Not Guilty. She said she was the widow of Dr. Warne Brown, of the American Dentist Institute. She gave the watch to the man and told him to take care of it as it belonged to “Ms”. She always called Mrs. Tritton “Ms”. She and her husband lived at the Royal George for some time. Mrs. Tritton knew all about her. Her husband died in St. Bartholomew`s Hospital.

It appears that the accused has an independent income.

The Bench imposed a fine of 20s., which Steed paid. They cautioned Steed not to take articles and pawn them in that way again, or it might be a serious matter for him.

Folkestone Herald 25-9-1897

Police Court Report

On Wednesday – Mr. Fitness presiding – Lily Warne Brown was charged with stealing a silver watch, the property of Agnes Jane Tritton.

Prosecutrix, the landlady of the Royal George, gave evidence that the defendant was lodging at her house. She came on Saturday, 4^th, and had No. 13, first floor bedroom. She missed a small silver watch and chain on the 7^th. It was in a little plush handbag in the bar, where she put it on the morning of the same day. She reported the loss to the police, and that morning was shown the watch and chain by P.S. Harman, which she now identified by the number, figures inside, and the general appearance. She had the articles five years, and valued that at £1. In answer to the defendant, witness said she did not give defendant the watch to take charge of. She did not at any time give her the watch. She was not intoxicated.

Defendant said she gave it to her coachman to take care of.

Henry Steed, 2, St. Peter`s Street, fly proprietor, said that he knew the defendant. On the 11^th September she engaged him in Sandgate Road to drive to Sandgate. He did so, and afterwards to Dover. She did not give him anything on the way. At Dover she told him she had no money, but she expected some, and she gave him the watch and chain to take charge of as pledge for her fare. He pledged it for 8s. 6d. and reported it to the defendant. His fare was 12s. He kept the 8s. 6d. and told her what he had pledged it for. He took the watch out on the Monday. He had no money when he put it in. He kept it in his pocket till he got home, but did not give the watch to defendant afterwards. He had kept it up to that day.

In reply to defendant, witness said that on Saturday morning she wrote a note asking him to see her, but he did not go.

P.S. Harman said that from inquiries made that morning he went to 7, Harvey Street at quarter past nine and found the prisoner. He said to her “I am Sergeant Harman, of the Folkestone Police. I shall charge you with stealing a silver watch and chain from Mrs. Tritton on the 7^th September from the Royal George public house”. She said “Oh, dear, what shall I do? I took the watch from a bag to take care of for safety. She was not fit to take care of it. I have given it to a man named Steed. I should have returned it, only he won`t give it to me”. He took her to Steed, the last witness, at his stables, and Steed said that was the woman who gave him the watch and chain. Steed had previously given him one of the articles, and handed him the other in her presence. She was brought to the police station, but added to her statement, the charge having been read to her.

Asked whether she would elect to be dealt with summarily or sent to the Quarter Sessions, defendant at lengths said she would leave it to the Bench.

The defendant, who was crying, said that she was not guilty. It was given to her in the passage, and she took care of it. Mrs. Tritton first introduced her to Dr. Warne Brown, her husband. There were two soldiers with the prosecutrix.

The Magistrates considered the case proved, but from all they could gather this was the first offence. Instead of sending her to prison, the Bench fined her 20s., or in default 14 days` imprisonment.

The witness Steed paid the fine.

The Chairman, addressing Steed, said that before he left the Court, the Magistrates wished to say he would have to be very careful how he took things in future in this way.

 

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.

An application was made by Mrs. Tritton, of the Royal George, for an extension of time on the 1^st of October. There was a club of German waiters held once a week at this hotel, and as the President was leaving, the members wished to make him a presentation, and as they could not get away from their work at the Metrpole and Wampach`s until 10.30, and it was a 15 minutes` walk to the hotel, they would not be able to finish the proceedings until 11.30. He asked for half an hour`s extension, but no drinks would be served after 11 o`clock.

Superintendent Taylor said he thought it appeared to be a bona fide club, and it would be no harm to grant the necessary permission.

On the payment of 5s., the application was granted.

 

Folkestone Visitors` List 13-10-1897

Quarter Sessions

Monday, October 11^th: Before J.C. Lewis Coward Esq.

The first case tried was that of Joseph Fletcher, who feloniously and burglariously broke into the Royal George Inn on the night of August 9^th.

As the prisoner had pleaded Guilty, and had not actually stolen anything from the house, the Recorder sentenced him to only one month`s hard labour.

Folkestone Chronicle 16-10-1897

Quarter Sessions

Monday, October 11^th: Before J.C. Lewis Coward Esq.

The Grand Jury found a true bill in the case of Joseph Fletcher, 25, labourer, who was described as of imperfect education, and who was charged with feloniously and burglariously breaking and entering the dwelling house of Agnes Jane Tritton, with intent to commit a felony therein, on the 9^th August, 1897. He pleaded Guilty.

Mr. Bowles briefly went over the circumstances of the case, which were fully reported at the time.

The Recorder asked if anything was known of the prisoner, and the Superintendent said there was not.

The Recorder said the calendar was marked for a previous conviction.

The warder in charge said the prisoner had admitted the conviction at the prison. He could not prove it.

The Superintendent said he knew nothing about it, and Mr. Bowles said he had no instructions as to it.

The Recorder said he could not decipher the signature of the gentleman on the calendar.

After some time it was decided to be “C. Eardley Wilmot”, although the Recorder remarked that no-one could have read it as such.

As the conviction had not been properly proved he should decline to consider it.

The prisoner said he had been working at the boats. The night of the 8^th August was very stormy, and, as he was not employed, he wanted shelter. As he could not get it at his lodgings, he entered the room, which was only a “sing song” room, with nothing in it. He had no intention of stealing. He had been in the habit of coming to Folkestone for ten years. He had been in the Royal Navy, and he had never previously been in a Police Court.

The Recorder, addressing the prisoner, said he had pleaded Guilty to a serious crime, but, taking into consideration that he had been in prison for nine weeks, and entirely ignoring the previous conviction, he would sentence him to hard labour for one calendar month.

 

Folkestone Express 16-10-1897

Quarter Sessions

Monday, October 11^th: Before J.C. Lewis Coward Esq.

The Grand Jury returned a true bill against Robert Fletcher, who was committed for burglary at the Royal George Hotel. The prisoner pleaded Guilty.

Mr. Bowles prosecuted, and briefly related the facts of the case, which were that P.C. Burniston saw the prisoner outside the hotel, and soon afterwards missed him, but noticed that one of the windows was open. He aroused the inmates, and prisoner was found in the passage.

The Recorder said there was no evidence of felonious intent. He supposed that must be presumed. He asked what was known about him.

Superintendent Taylor said nothing.

The Recorder`s calendar was marked with a previous conviction.

The warder said the prisoner had been asked at Canterbury prison and admitted it.

The Recorder said he could not admit a record of prisoner`s conviction to be proved in that way. “I certify that the above is true to the best of my knowledge and belief.” He asked who signed it.

The warder said he supposed it was one of the clerks, but it was subsequently found out to be “Eardley Wilmot”.

Superintendent Taylor said the prisoner had been working at night on the night boats.

Prisoner said he had been employed off and on in Folkestone for ten years, and it was the first time he had been in a police court in his life. He had been in the navy. He did not go into the house to commit a burglary.

The Recorder said there was a previous conviction against the prisoner, but it was not properly proved in Court, and therefore he must dismiss it. Prisoner would be sentenced to one month`s hard labour.

Folkestone Herald 16-10-1897

Quarter Sessions

Monday, October 11^th: Before J.C. Lewis Coward Esq.

Joseph Fletcher, aged 25, a labourer, of imperfect education, was indicted for feloniously and burglariously breaking and entering the dwelling house of Agnes Jane Tritton, with intent to commit a felony therein, on the 9^th August. Accused pleaded Guilty.

Mr. Bowles appeared for the prosecution.

It will be remembered that on the night of the 8^th August P.C. Burniston was passing the Royal George and noticed the prisoner standing against the wall. In answer to the constable, the prisoner said he was waiting for a fruit boat. As the constable came back on his beat half an hour later he saw the smoking room window was opened about 3 feet, and some footmarks. He rang up the people of the house, put someone to watch, and found prisoner lying in the passage on the floor. When spoken to he said he fell in. The window was over four feet from the ground, and the maid at the hotel said that all the windows were shut when she went to bed.

There was a previous conviction marked on the Recorder`s sheet, but it was not proved in Court.

Superintendent Taylor stated that the prisoner had been employed by the hour.

The prisoner said that he had been working on the fruit boats at nights. He was down on the 8^th August; he did not get on. That night it was stormy, and when he could not get in his lodgings, the window was open, and he thought he would go in for the night. He thought it was a sing-song room. He had no intention of stealing. It was the first time he was in a police court in his life.

In reply to the Recorder, he said he had been in the Navy.

The Recorder said that he had pleaded Guilty to burglary. There was a previous conviction against him, but that he would not take into consideration. It had not been proved. They must be properly proved in Court. He gave him the benefit of that doubt. He had been in gaol since the 9^th August. He ordered him to be imprisoned with hard labour for one calendar month.

Folkestone Chronicle 20-11-1897

Monday, November 15^th: Before Messrs. Wightwick and W.G. Herbert.

Charles Butler and Robert Johnson, privates in the 3^rd Hussars, were charged with stealing two umbrellas, value 25s., from the Royal George Hotel, the property of Agnes Jane Tritton, on November 13^th.

P.C. Scott said he saw the prisoners in High Street, Sandgate, on Saturday night with the umbrellas. They said they took them from the Royal George. He arrested them.

Prosecutrix said she knew the prisoners as customers. She did not miss the articles until the police came to her on Saturday morning. They were in the bar.

An officer of the regiment said that Butler bore a good character and had two good conduct stripes. He was witness`s groom, and had behaved well during the six years he had been in the regiment. Johnson had an indifferent character, and had served only four months.

The Bench inflicted a fine of £1 each, or 14 days`.

The officer paid Butler`s fine.

Folkestone Express 20-11-1897

Friday, November 12^th: Before The Mayor, Alderman Banks, W. Wightwick, and W.G. Herbert Esqs.

Charles Butler and Robert Johnson, of the 3^rd Hussars, were charged with stealing two umbrellas from the Royal George on the 13^th inst.

P.C. Scott said he was on duty in High Street, Sandgate, at 11.55 on Saturday night, when he heard the sound of broken glass. He went in the direction of the sound, and saw prisoners walking down the road. Seeing that a window pane was broken, he said “You have broken the window”, and they answered “We did it accidentally, and will pay for the damage”. He then saw they were carrying two umbrellas, and asked them where they got them. One of them said “I got this from the Royal George”, and the other “I picked it up in the road”. He took the into custody with the aid of the military police, and when charged they made no reply.

Mrs. Tritton, landlady of the Royal George, said she saw one of the prisoners in the bar passage on Saturday night. The umbrellas were kept in the passage behind the bar. She last saw them there on Friday evening, and did not miss them until the constable called her up at half past two on Sunday morning. Both of the prisoners were customers. She identified the umbrellas as her property, and valued them at 25s. to 30s.

An officer of the 3^rd Hussars said that Butler had been in the army six years. He had been his groom for a time, and had done his duty well. He bore a very good character in the regiment. Johnson bore only an indifferent character, and had served but four months.

Prisoners said the only took them for a “lark” and intended returning them the next evening.

The Bench fined them £1, and in default 14 days` hard labour. Butler`s fine was paid.

Folkestone Herald 20-11-1897

Police Court Record

Two Hussars, named Charles Butler and Robert Johnson were charged with stealing two umbrellas from the Royal George public house.

P.C. Scott deposed that while in Sandgate near the Royal Oak on Saturday night, 13^th, shortly before midnight, he saw the two defendants, in company with another soldier, go down the street. Afterwards hearing a smash, he found a square of glass broken at the cottage, and he stopped the defendants further down. He saw each was carrying one of the umbrellas produced. He asked where they got the umbrellas from, and one said “I took it from the Royal George”, but the other said he found it in the road. They were brought to the police station with the assistance of the Military Police. They were sober.

The landlady of the Royal George, Agnes Jane Tritton, deposed that of the two umbrellas, one was hers and the other her daughter`s. She last saw them on Friday evening in the passage. They were kept in a corner. The police communicated with her on Sunday, before which she did not miss them. She had seen the defendants as customers. On Saturday night she saw Butler in the bar and in the passage, and there were other Hussars in the bar. She could not swear the other defendant was there. There was a window from the bar into the passage, which they used as a bar.

The defendants` defence was that they took the umbrellas for a lark, and they would be brought back another night.

An officer informed the Bench that Butler had been in the regiment six years, had two good conduct badges, and a very good character, but Johnson had four months` service in the regiment, and had a bad character.

Fined £1, and in default 14 days`. 

Folkestone Herald 31-12-1898

Police Court Report

On Tuesday morning last, before a full bench of Magistrates, William John Atkinson was charged with stealing a towel and other articles, value 6s.

Agnes Jane Tritton, the landlady of the Royal George, deposed that the defendant was not often a customer in the house, but she saw him on the afternoon in question. He gave her a water bottle, and she accused him of having a towel in his pocket. Defendant denied it, and said the towel was his own. Witness asked him to show it, and he took the towel out. She opened it and found five plated forks and a spoon. Witness ordered him out of the house, and followed to the Fishmarket. She sent for a constable and gave him in charge. Witness valued the articles at 6s.

The defendant pleaded Guilty and expressed his sorrow.

Fined £1, or 14 days` hard labour.

Folkestone Chronicle 21-1-1899

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

Licence Transfer

The Royal George Hotel, from Mrs. Agnes Jane Tritton to Mr. George Kirby.

   

Folkestone Express 21-1-1899

Monday, January 16^th: Before The Mayor, Captain Carter, T.J. Vaughan, J. Pledge, and J. Holden Esqs.

Arthur Victor Boxer and Clifford Thomas Ashley, two youths, were charged with stealing a quantity of lead, the property of Mr. F.S. Tritton.

Frederick Herbert Tritton, a lad, living at Garden Cottages, Chapel Street, Sandgate, identified the lead as the property of his father. He saw it on Friday in a shed in Beach Street, opposite the Royal George. He fastened the shed up on Fiday, but on going on Saturday morning he found that the lock lad been broken off. He missed six pewter pots and three teapots, and a lead washing basin. He knew the prisoners, and saw them on Friday in Warner`s cookshop.

Albert Austin, who said he assisted his father, a marine store dealer, said that the prisoners went on Saturday morning to the store in Mill Bay to sell the lead produced. He asked them where they got it, and they said along the shore. He bought the lead for 1s. 1d. It weighed 16lbs. His father had told him not to buy anything from boys, but he thought that was all right.

Prisoners elected to be tried summarily, and pleaded Guilty.

Mr. Hill, police court missionary, said he would communicate with the Church Army to see if they would receive the lads in the labour home if the Bench would remand them.

Supt. Taylor said nothing was known about the boys, and they were remanded until Wednesday.

Folkestone Express 21-1-1899

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

The licence of the Royal George Hotel was transferred to Mr. George Kirby, who held temporary authority.

 

The two lads, Ashley and Boxer, were brought up on remand. Mr. Hill said the Church Army had consented to receive them into the home at Brighton. They were then bound over to come up for judgement if called on, then discharged.

Boxer`s father, who was bound over to produce him when called on, objected to his son going to the home, but was told the Magistrates would not alter their decision.

Folkestone Herald 21-1-1899

Folkestone Police Court

Two youths named Arthur Victor Boxer and Clement Thomas Ashley were charged with stealing a quantity of lead on the 14^th January from a shed in Beach Street.

Frederick Arthur Tritton, son of Frederick Spencer Tritton, of Chapel Street, Sandgate, deposed that the lead produced was his father`s property. On Friday last he saw it safe. The shed was opposite the Royal George. He went to the shed and saw a lead washing basin. It was whole. He left and fastened the door, locking it. On Saturday morning he again went to the shed, finding the chain on the link, and the lock broken off. He found several articles missing. He knew the defendants. He had seen them on Friday in a cook-shop.

Albert Austin, assistant to his father at the marine store, deposed that he knew the defendants. They came to the store, which was in Mill Bay, to sell some lead. He identified the lead produced as that they brought with them. He asked where they got it from. They said along the shore. The weight was 16lbs. Boxer was carrying it.

One of the defendants said he was sorry for what he had done; it would be the last time.

The Bench granted a remand until Wednesday, to enable Mr. Rowland Hill, C.E.T.S. Missionary, to ascertain if the boys could be taken into a home.

On Wednesday the case of the youths Ashley and Boxer was again before the Bench, and Mr. Rowland Hill, of the C.E.T.S., undertook to find the boys a home. The Bench allowed this course to be taken, and the boys and Boxer`s father were bound over.

Transfer was granted to the following: Mr. George Kirby, Royal George 

Folkestone Up To Date 21-1-1899

Monday, January 16^th: Before The Mayor, J. Pledge, Willoughby Carter, J. Holden, and T.J. Vaughan Esqs.

Clifford Thomas Ashley and Arthur Victor Boxer, two young men, were charged with stealing 16lb. of lead, the property of Frederick Spencer Tritton, late proprietor of the Royal George Hotel. Both prisoners pleaded Guilty.

It appeared from the evidence for the prosecution that a lead basin was left safe in a shed at the Royal George on the previous Friday, and was found missing afterwards. Amongst other property also missed were some tea pots.

Albert Austin said: I am a labourer, and assist my father, who is a marine store dealer. I know the defendants. They came into my father`s store on Saturday last, in the morning. They brought some lead with them. One of them said they had found it along the shore. They asked 1s. 1d. for it. I gave that amount to them. The weight of the lead was 16lb.

Cross-examined by Boxer: I asked you where you got the lead from, and you said along the foreshore.

Mr. Rowland Hill, police court missionary, said that if the prisoners would try to lead a better life he would try to get them into a London Home.

The prisoners were remanded until Wednesday, Mr. Hill promising to inquire in London.

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

Transfer was granted for the Royal George to Mr. G. Kirby, formerly of the Chequers.

The Chairman said the Royal George had not been kept very well in the past, and he was cautioned, as the new landlord, to keep it better for the future.

Two young men named Ashley and Boxer were brought up on remand upon a charge of stealing a quantity of lead, the property of Mr. Tritton, from a shed at the Royal George Hotel, and were ordered to be sent in charge of the police court missionary (Mr. Rowland Hill) to the Church Army Labour Home at Brighton.

The Magistrates`s Clerk said the defendants were liable to a penalty of £20, in default three months` imprisonment, so the Bench had adopted a very lenient course.

Boxer`s father entered into a surety of £5 for his son`s appearance for judgement, if he should be called upon.

 

Folkestone Express 11-2-1899

Saturday, February 4^th: Before The Mayor, J. Banks, W.G. Herbert, and J. Fitness Esqs.

A few days ago two boys, named Boxer and Ashley, who were charged with petty theft, were sent to a Church Home at Brighton, after entering into their own recognisances to come up for judgement if called upon.

Mr. Hill now presented to the Magistrates letters he had received. One, from Ashley, was full of gratitude for the kindness he received. The other, from the manager, was to the effect that Boxer had left the home at the instigation of his father.

It was decided to summon the father, who was bound in the sum of £5 to produce his son when called on.

Wednesday, February 8^th: Before J. Fitness, C.J. Pursey and W. Wightwick Esqs.

John Boxer was summoned to show cause why the recognisance of £5 he entered into a fornight ago for the good behaviour of his son should not be estreated.

The boy, it will be remembered, was convicted with another lad named Ashley of stealing a quantity of old lead, and was sent to the Church Army Home at Brighton. He had since left at the instigation of his father.

Defendant commenced an explanation, but the Bench said the matter was fully explained to him at the time he entered into his recognisance, and there was no excuse. He was given distinctly to understand that the boy was to g into a home and remain there.

It transpired that defendant`s wife was prosecuted some years ago for keeping a brothel, and he was now living in adultery with a married woman.

Mr. Bradley asked the defendant if that was a proper place for the boy to come to. He ought to be ashamed of himself. The boy ought to return to the home immediately.

The Chairman asked the boy why he left the Home, and he replied that he did not care for it. He did not care to stop in a place where his back and head were always aching.

The Chairman: Boys are sometimes sent there in order that their backs should ache.

The lad said he would return to the Home and stay there, and Mr. Rowland Hill undertook to make the necessary arrangements.

The Chairman told the lad that the Bench could send him to prison for three months with hard labour, but if he would go back to the Home and remain there nothing more would come of it. Addressing defendant he said “Don`t you interfere or you will get into trouble”.

The summons against defendant was adjourned sine die.

Folkestone Up To Date 18-2-1899

Wednesday, February 15^th: Before The Mayor, Caprain Willoughby Carter, J. Hoad, J. Pledge, G. Spurgen, J. Holden, J. Fitness, T.J. Vaughan, J. Stainer and W. Medhurst Esqs., and Col. Westropp.

Mr. Kirby applied for an hour`s extension for the dinner of a Folkestone Sick and Dividend Society at the Royal George on the following evening.

The application was granted.

 

Folkestone Express 22-4-1899

Saturday, April 15^th: Before J. Holden, J. Stainer, T.J. Vaughan, and J. Pledge Esqs.

Mr. Kirby applied for an occasional licence for a smoking concert at the Town Hall on Monday evening in connection with the Gardeners` Society.

   

Folkestone Up To Date 3-6-1899

Saturday, May 27^th: Before Col. Hamilton and J. Stainer Esq.

Mr. G. Kirby applied for an occasional licence for a smoking concert to be held on the following Thursday. The application was granted.