Lord Nelson 1900s

Folkestone Herald 1-3-1902

Felix

A few days since, a respectable young married couple, Mr. and Mrs. Bunney, came to Folkestone. They had entered into possession of the Lord Nelson tavern, but had only been in business nine days when death took the husband away. Deceased was a Cornishman, and had acted for several years as a clerk in the employ of Mr. Bugler, at Ashford, where he was highly esteemed. These young people had been married but ten months, but now a widow and a little child are left behind. The good-hearted people of Radnor Street have not been behind hand in showing their genuine sympathy with this poor woman – a stranger in our midst – in her hour of trial.

Note: No mention of Bunney in More Bastions

Folkestone Express 26-4-1902

Wednesday, April 23^rd: Before Alderman G. Spurgen, Colonel W.K. Westropp, and W. Wightwick, W.C. Carpenter, G. Peden and J. Stainer Esqs.

Mr. John Miles was granted a transfer of the Lord Nelson.

Folkestone Chronicle 11-7-1903

Wednesday, July 8^th: Before Mr. W. Wightwick, Lieut. Colonel Fynmore, Mr. W.G. Herbert, Mr. T.J. Vaughan, and Mr. J. Stainer.

Following, in most cases, orders for temporary authority, full transfer of licences in relation to the following house was granted:- The Lord Nelson, Radnor Street, from Mr. John Miles to Mr. William Heritage, who formerly held the licence of the Marquis Of Lorne, which was closed at the last Sessions.

Folkestone Express 11-7-1903

Wednesday, July 8^th: Before Lieut. Col. Fynmore, W. Wightwick, W.G. Herbert, and J. Stainer Esqs., and Alderman Vaughan.

The transfer of the licence of the Lord Nelson Inn was granted from John Miles to William Richard Heritage.

Folkestone Herald 19-12-1903

Friday, December 18^th: Before Alderman Banks, The Mayor, Alderman W. Salter, and Mr. W. Wightwick.

Stephen Punnett was charged with deserting from H.M.S. Jupiter on the 27^th September, 1898.

P.C. Allen stated that at 8 p.m. on Thursday he was on The Stade, where he saw the prisoner go in by the back entrance to the Lord Nelson public house. Shortly afterwards witness went in and saw Punnett sitting in the back parlour. He asked him to come outside, which he did. Witness then asked “Is your name Stephen Punnett?”, to which he replied “John Punnett”. Further questioned, Punnett said he had never been in the Navy. Witness told him he should take him to the police station, when prisoner said “You have made a mistake for once”. At the police station, prisoner gave the name of John Punnett, and still denied ever having served in the Navy. When told he would be detained while enquiries were made, he said “My name is Stephen Punnett, and I am a deserter from the ship Jupiter, from Portland, some four or five years ago”. He was then charged, but made no reply.

The Chief Constable stated that Punnett was “Gazetted” in October, 1898. He asked for a remand until this (Saturday) morning, for instructions from the Admiralty.

This request was granted.

Folkestone Express 26-12-1903

Friday, December 18^th: Before The Mayor, Alderman Banks and Salter, and W. Wightwick Esq.

Stephen Punnett, who entered the dock in a fisherman`s rig-out, was charged with being a deserter from His Majesty`s ship Jupiter.

P.C. Allen`s evidence was to the following effect:- At eight o`clock last evening I was on The Stade, where I saw the prisoner, who went into the Lord Nelson public house by the back entrance. Shortly afterwards I went in, and saw prisoner sitting in the back bar. I asked him to come outside, which he did. I said to him “Is your name Stephen Punnett?”, and he replied “John Punnett”. I then inquired “Have you been in the Navy?”, and he said “No, never”. At the police station he gave the name of John Punnett, and again denied that he had been in the Navy. When I told him that he would be detained while inquiries were made, he admitted that his name was Stephen Punnett, and that he was a deserter, having absconded from the Jupiter at Portland some five years ago.

Supt. Reeve said prisoner was gazetted on the 11^th of October, 1898. He also asked for a remand until the following morning in order that he might make inquiries from the Admiralty.

The Bench thereupon granted a remand.

Prisoner was eventually discharged, the Admiralty refusing to take action.

Folkestone Express 10-10-1908

Wednesday, October 7^th: Before Mr. W.G. Herbert, Lieut. Colonel Fynmore, and Messrs. G.I. Swoffer, R.J. Linton, R.G. Wood, and C. Jenner.

In granting the transfer of the licence of the Lord Nelson public house, Radnor Street, from Mr. Heritage to Mr. Minter, the Chairman remarked that it was a very awkward house, and would want very careful management.

Folkestone Herald 10-10-1908

Wednesday, October 7^th: Before Mr. W.G. Herbert, Lieut. Col. Hamilton, Councillors R.G. Wood and C. Jenner, Messrs. R.J. Linton and G.I. Swoffer.

A special session for granting alehouse licences was held.

The licence of the Nelson, Radnor Street, was transferred from Mr. Heritage to Mr. Herbert Minter.

Folkestone Daily News 24-2-1909

Wednesday, February 24^th: Before Messrs. Herbert, Fynmore, Stainer, Leggett, Linton, and Boyd.

William Spearpoint was summoned for being drunk on licensed premises, viz., the Lord Nelson.

P.C. Allen said at 5.50 on the 15^th inst. he was in Radnor Street, where he saw the defendant very drunk. Before witness could get to him he went into the public bar of the Lord Nelson. Witness went in and saw the defendant leaning on the counter. The landlord told defendant to get out of the house, and as he refused he ejected him. A friend then took defendant away to a restaurant in Beach Street. Witness then told him he should charge him with being drunk on licensed premises.

Defendant denied being drunk, and said Allen trod on his toe and tried to make him quarrel, so as to get him before the Bench.

The Chief Constable said there were 19 convictions against defendant, and he was now fined 2s. 6d. and 9s. costs, or 14 days` hard labour.

Folkestone Express 27-2-1909

Wednesday, February 24^th: Before Mr. W.G. Herbert, Lieut. Col. Fynmore, Major Leggett, Messrs. G.I. Swoffer, J. Stainer, R.J. Linton, and G. Boyd.

William Spearpoint, a fisherman, was summoned for being drunk upon licensed premises. He pleaded Not Guilty.

P.C. Allen said at 5.50 on the 15^th February he was in Radnor Street, when he saw defendant, very drunk, staggering about the pavement near the Lord Nelson. Before witness could get to him, defendant went into the public bar of the Lord Nelson. Witness immediately entered the bar, where he saw defendant leaning on the counter. He heard the landlord order defendant out of the house, and as Spearpoint did not move the landlord ejected him. Witness told defendant he should report him for being drunk on licensed premises.

Defendant handed in a letter, which showed that he had taken the pledge in 1908.

The Chief Constable said there were nineteen convictions against defendant, but he had not been there for drunkenness for about four and a quarter years.

Spearpoint was fined 2s. 6d. and 9s. costs, or seven days`. He was allowed a week in which to pay.

Folkestone Herald 27-2-1909

Wednesday, February 24^th: Before Mr. W.G. Herbert, Lieut. Col. Fynmore, Major Leggett, Messrs. G.I. Swoffer, J. Stainer, R.J. Linton, and G. Boyd.

Wm. Spearpoint was summoned for being drunk at the Lord Nelson on the 15^th February. Defendant pleaded Not Guilty.

P.C. Allen said that at 5.50 p.m. on the 15^th inst., he was in Radnor Street, where he saw the defendant very drunk, staggering on the pavement outside the Lord Nelson. Before witness could get to him he went into the public bar. Witness followed and saw him leaning on the counter. The landlord told Spearpoint to get out of the house. A friend took him to a restaurant in Beach Street.

Defendant handed up a letter to the Magistrates, stating that he signed the pledge in July, 1908, and kept it till February, 1909.

The Chief Constable: It is a pity he did not keep it.

There were 19 convictions against the defendant.

A fine of 2s. 6d. and 9s. costs was imposed.

Folkestone Daily News 24-8-1909

Tuesday, August 17^th: Before Messrs. Herbert, Penfold, Spurgen, Vaughan, Fynmore, and Stainer.

Henry Johnson, on remand, was charged last week, was charged with stealing three dozen and a half teddy bears, the property of Louis Freeman.

At the last hearing the accused was remanded in order that further enquiries might be made. The Chief Constable now said he had a further charge to prefer against him, and also further evidence in relation to the first charge.

Richard May said he bought a teddy bear off the prisoner for 2d.

The second charge was now taken, viz., that of stealing two pairs of tennis shoes.

William Henry Hammerton deposed that he was a gardener, of 1, Shorncliffe Terrace. He had charge fo the tennis courts on the Plain. There were two pairs of tennis shoes in the pavilion. On the 13^th inst. they were secure, but on the 16^th they were missing. The door had been forced, the lock laid inside on the floor, and two pairs of tennis shoes were missing. Later he went to the police station and was shown the tennis shoes (produced).

William Featherbee said he lived at 12, Warren Road, and was a ship`s carpenter. On the 16^th inst. at 8.30 a.m. he was in the Packet Boat Inn when the prisoner came in with the two pairs of tennis shoes, which he offered for sale. He asked 2s. 6d. for a pair of them. Witness asked him if they were his property, and prisoner replied “Everything is fair and above board”. Witness bought one pair for 2s. 6d., and the next day witness handed them to the police.

Emily Minter deposed that on the 16^th the prisoner came into the Lord Nelson public house, and had with him a pair of shoes, which he asked witness to buy. She declined, as they were too large for her. Later she bought them for 2s. 6d.

P.C. Watson said that at 5 o`clock on the 16^th inst. he went to Radnor Street, where he saw the prisoner being detained by Louis Freeman, who said he wished to give the prisoner into custody for stealing three and a half dozen teddy bears. Witness took him into custody, whereupon he became very violent. Prisoner had in his possession ten teddy bear toys. On being charged, prisoner replied “All right”. On the 16^th last witness received information of two pairs of shoes being stolen from the lawn tennis pavilion on the Plain. At 8.30 a.m. on the 17^th inst. he went to the Lord Nelson, Radnor Street, and saw the last witness, who handed him a pair of shoes. Later in the day he was in High Street when William Featherbee handed him the other pair of shoes. This morning witness charged him with stealing the two pairs of tennis shoes, valued at £1, and he replied “All right”.

Prisoner pleaded Guilty, and said 12 months ago he had an accident to his head, and as soon as he took anything to drink he did not know what he was doing. He knew he had been a fool to steal such paltry things, and said it was through drink.

The Chief Constable said there was a long list of convictions against the prisoner in different parts of the country.

He was sentenced to six months` hard labour.

The witnesses Featherbee and Minter were severely reprimanded by the Chairman for buying the stolen shoes.

Folkestone Express 28-8-1909

Tuesday, August 24^th: Before Messrs. W.G. Herbert and J. Stainer.

Harry Johnson was charged on remand with stealing 3½ dozen mechanical toys, the property of Jules Freeman.

The Chief Constable intimated that he had an additional witness to call to complete the case. A further charge would be preferred against Johnson.

The evidence given at the previous hearing of the case was read over.

Richard John May, a fisherman, of 34, Radnor Street, said on August 16^th he was in the private bar of the Ship Inn, at half past two, when the prisoner came in. Johnson had a teddy bear top with him. It was in a box. The prisoner asked him if he would buy it for twopence, and witness bought it for that amount. As soon as he got it he tried it, but found it was broken. Later in the day he took the top to the police station and handed it to P.S. Sharpe.

The prisoner was then charged with stealing two pairs of tennis shoes.

William Henry Hammerton, a gardener, of 1, Shorncliffe Terrace, said he had charge of the tennis courts and pavilion of Bayham House School, on the Plain. In the pavilion, which was locked, there were two pairs of tennis shoes. On Friday evening, the 13^th, the pavilion was secure, and on August 16^th, in consequence of what he was told, he went to the pavilion. The door was swinging home, and the lock, which had been forced, was lying inside on the floor. Two pairs of tennis shoes were missing, and he gave information to the police. A day or two afterwards he went to the police station, where he was shown the two pairs of tennis shoes produced, which he identified as those left in the pavilion, and the property of Miss Irene de Tiere, of Avondale, Shorncliffe Road.

William Featherbe, a ship`s carpenter, of 12, Warren Road, said on August 16^th he was in the Packet Boat Inn, Radnor Street, at about half past eight, when the prisoner came in. Johnson had the two pairs of shoes with him and offered them for sale. He asked 2s. 6d. for one pair, and witness asked him if they were his property. He said that everything was fair and above board, and witness gave him 2s. 6d. for one pair. The next day he handed the shoes to the police.

Emily Minter, the wife of Albert Minter, the landlord of the Lord Nelson, Radnor Street, said on August 16^th the prisoner came into the bar, and had the pair of shoes produced with him. He asked her if she would buy them, but she said she would not, as they were too large for her. She asked him if they were his property, and he said they were. She eventually bought them for 2s. 6d. The next day she gave the shoes to P.C. Watson.

P.C. Watson said at five o`clock on August 16^th, from information received, he went to Radnor Street, where he saw the prisoner being detained by the witness Freeman, who said “I wish to give this man into custody for stealing three and a half dozen teddy near toys from the cellar at the rear of 13, Dover Street”. Witness took him into custody, when he became very violent. He had ten teddy bear toys in his possession. He was afterwards charged with stealing the three and a half dozen toys, and he replied “All right”. Shortly afterwards witness returned to Radnor Street, where he was handed four more of the toys by different people. On the same day he received information about the two pairs of shoes having been stolen. He made enquiries, and at 8.30 a.m. on the 17^th he went to the Lord Nelson, where he saw Mrs. Minter, who handed him the shoes produced. Later in the day Featherbe handed him the other pair of shoes. That morning witness charged prisoner with stealing the shoes, valued at £1.

Prisoner pleaded Guilty to both charges, and attributed his thefts to drink. If they would give him a chance he would sign the pledge.

The Chief Constable said the prisoner had been convicted in different parts of the country. There were eight convictions altogether against him, ranging from twenty one days to twelve months.

The Magistrates sentenced the prisoner to three months` hard labour in each case, the sentences to run consecutively.

Mrs. Minter and the witness Featherbe were admonished by the Chairman for purchasing the goods, and were told that they ought to be ashamed of encouraging thefts by purchasing the articles.

Folkestone Herald 28-8-1909

Tuesday, August 24^th: Before Mr. W.G. Herbert and Mr. J. Stainer.

Henry Johnson was charged, on remand, with stealing 3½ dozen mechanical toys.

The Chief Constable explained that the prisoner was before the court a week ago that day, and was remanded until that morning in order that further inquiries might be made.

After the evidence of the previous hearing had been read, Richard John May said that he was a fisherman, living at 34, Radnor Street. On the 16^th inst., at 2.30 p.m., he was in the public bar of the Ship Inn. Whilst he was there the prisoner came in. He had the teddy bear (produced) with him. It was in the box. He asked witness to buy it for 2d. Witness bought it for 2d. He took it out of the box when the prisoner left, and found it was broken. Later witness took it to the police station.

Prisoner was then charged with stealing two pairs of tennis shoes.

Wm. Hy. Hammerton said that he was a gardener, and lived at 1, Shorncliffe Terrace. He had charge of the tennis courts at Bayham House School, situated on the Plain. In the pavilion were two pairs of tennis shoes. The pavilion was locked. On Friday, the 13^th inst., in the evening, he saw that the pavilion was secure. On Monday, the 16^th, in consequence of what he was told, he went to the pavilion and found the door swinging open. The lock had been forced and lay on the floor inside, and witness found that two pairs of tennis shoes were missing. He gave information to the police. Later in the week he went to the police station and was shown the tennis shoes (produced). He identified them as the property of Mdlle. Irene de Tere, of Avondale, Shorncliffe Road.

Wm. Featherbe, living at 12, Warren Road, said that he was a ship`s carpenter. On Monday, the 16^th inst., at 8.30 a.m.. he was in the Packet Boat Inn. Whilst he was there the prisoner came in. He had the two pairs of tennis shoes (produced) with him. He offered them for sale, and asked 2s. 6d. for one pair. Witness inquired if they were his property, and he said that everything was fair and above board. Witness bought one pair for 2s. 6d. The next day he took them to the police station.

Mrs. Emily Minter said that she was the wife of the landlord of the Lord Nelson public house. On Monday, the 16^th inst., the prisoner came into the bar. He had a pair of tennis shoes with him. He asked witness to buy them. She refused because they were too long. On being asked whether they were his property, he said they belonged to his wife. Witness gave 2s. 6d. for them. He left the bar very shortly after. The next day she gave them to P.C. Watson.

P.C. Watson said that at 5 p.m. on the 16^th inst., from information received, he went to Radnor Street, where he saw the prisoner detained by the witness Freeman, who said that he wished to give him into custody for stealing 3½ dozen teddy bear toys from the cellar at the rear of 13, Dover Street. Witness then took him into custody, and he became very violent. He had in his possession ten teddy bear toys (produced). He was afterwards charged by witness Freeman with stealing them. He replied “All right”. Shortly afterwards witness returned to Radnor Street, where he was handed four more of the toys by different people. On the 16^th inst., he received information about two pairs of tennis shoes having been stolen from the lawn tennis pavilion situated on the Plain. At 8.30 a.m. on the 17^th inst. he went to the Lord Nelson public house, where he saw the witness Emily Minter, who handed him the shoes (produced). Later in the day he was in High Street, where the witness Featherbe handed him the other pair of shoes.

Prisoner pleaded Guilty to both charges, and said that he owed the thefts to drink. He asked for a chance, saying that he would sign the pledge.

The Chief Constable said that prisoner was a stranger to Folkestone, but had many previous convictions against him.

Prisoner was sentenced to three months` hard labour for each offence, the sentences to run consecutively, and the Chairman severely censured those who had received the goods.

Folkestone Daily News 20-10-1909

Wednesday, October 20^th: Before Messrs. Ward and Fynmore. The Mayor occupied a seat on the Bench, but took no part in the proceedings.

The licence of the Lord Nelson was transferred from Mr. A.E. Victor (sic) to Mr. A.E. Champion.

Folkestone Herald 23-10-1909

Wednesday, October 20^th: Before Mr. E.T. Ward and Lieut. Colonel Fynmore.

The licence of the Lord Nelson Inn was temporarily transferred from Albert Victor Minter to Albert Edward Champion.

Folkestone Express 4-12-1909

Wednesday, December 1^st: Before Mr. W.G. Herbert, Lieut. Colonel Fynmore, Major Leggett, and Messrs. J. Stainer, R.J. Linton, and G.I. Swoffer.

The transfer of the Lord Nelson, Radnor Street, from Albert Minter to Albert Edwards Champion was confirmed, temporary authority having been granted.