Belle Vue Hotel 1900s

Folkestone Daily News 28-7-1906

Saturday, July 28^th: Before Messrs. Banks, Herbert, Stainer, Hamilton, and Linton.

The Magistrates granted a transfer of the licence of the Belle Vue Inn.

Folkestone Express 4-8-1906

Saturday, July 28^th: Before Alderman Banks, Lieut. Col. Hamilton, J. Stainer, W.G. Herbert, and R.J. Linton Esqs.

The licence of the Belle Vue Inn was temporarily transferred from Mr. J.A. Hobson to Mr. Warren.

Folkestone Herald 4-8-1906

Saturday, July 28^th: Before Alderman J. Banks, Alderman Herbert, Major Leggett, and Messrs. R.J. Linton and J. Stainer.

The licence of the Bellevue Hotel was temporarily transferred from Mr. G. Hobson to Mr. Thomas Horace Warren.

Folkestone Daily News 29-8-1906

Wednesday, August 29^th: Before Messrs. Vaughan, Linton, Carpenter, Ames, Herbert, Hamilton, and Fynmore.

The licence of the Belle Vue Tavern was transferred to the new tenant. 

Folkestone Herald 1-9-1906

Wednesday, August 29^th: Before Alderman W.G. Herbert, Alderman T.J. Vaughan,  Lieut. Colonel Hamilton, Councillor W.C. Carpenter, Councillor R.J. Fynmore, Mr. R.J. Linton, and Mr. T. Ames.

The licence of the Bellevue was temporarily transferred from James Hobson to Horace Thomas Warren.

Folkestone Herald 27-2-1909

Saturday, February 20^th: Before Mr. E.T. Ward, Aldermen Spurgen and T.J. Vaughan, Lieut. Colonel Fynmore, and Mr. G. Boyd.

Edward Sings appeared in answer to a charge of being drunk and disorderly in St. John`s Street the previous day.

P.I. Swift deposed that a a quarter past five the previous afternoon, in consequence of what he was told, he went to the Bellevue public house, in St. John`s Street, where he saw the prisoner in the bar in an intoxicated condition. Witness requested him to leave, and he did so. He went outside and then became very abusive, and being drunk and disorderly, witness took him to the police station. He saw the landlord, who said that he had not served him.

There were a number of previous convictions against prisoner, who pleaded Guilty.

A fine of 5s. and 4s. 6d. costs, or seven days` hard labour, was imposed.

Folkestone Daily News 26-5-1909

Wednesday, May 26^th: Before Messrs. Herbert, Swoffer, Jenner, Fynmore, Stainer, Linton, and Boyd.

An application was made for permission to make certain structural alterations at the Bellevue Hotel. The application was granted with the exception of that portion which related to the Children`s Bar.

Folkestone Daily News 18-9-1909

Saturday, September 18^th: Before Messrs. Herbert, Swoffer, Linton, Stainer, and Boyd.

Franc Alfane was summoned for causing an obstruction with his ice cream barrow. He pleaded Not Guilty.

P.C. Simmonds said he saw the barrow standing unattended in Bellevue Street for twenty minutes. He then went into the Bellevue public house and saw defendant sitting in the tap room.

Defendant said he went into the public house, but only had two half pints of beer and some bread and cheese.

As he declined to pay a fine of 5s. and 9s. costs he was sent to gaol for seven days with hard labour.

Folkestone Daily News 2-10-1909

Saturday, October 2^nd: Before Messrs. Vaughan, Fynmore, and Linton.

Frederick Hollands was charged with being drunk on licensed premises on the 25^th September.

Inspector Swift deposed that he heard noisy conduct in the Bellevue Tavern. He entered and saw the defendant, who could not stand steady nor speak distinctly. He told defendant he should report him for being drunk. Defendant made no reply, but went towards his home in Harvey Street, where he staggered about, and another man assisted him.

Cross-examined: He heard noisy conduct. There were several men in the bar, but the defendant was the only one drunk. The landlord was looking at two men dancing a jig, and was not trying to turn anyone out. He seemed to enjoy the fun. He saw defendant go to Harvey Street, but did not see his wife. The landlord did ask time to have the accused examined by a doctor, but accused was not present.

By the Justices` Clerk: When he first left he was walking steady, but staggered as he got on a bit.

P.C. Allen deposed to following Swift in, and the Inspector drew his attention to Hollands, when the landlord requested him to leave. When accused got outside he seemed to get worse.

This concluded the case for the prosecution.

Mr. Haines called defendant and several other witnesses, who proved that he was not drunk.

The Chairman, in dismissing the case, said the evidence was so conflicting that defendant must have the benefit of the doubt.

The Chief Constable asked permission to withdraw the summons against the landlord for permitting drunkenness.

Folkestone Express 9-10-1909

Saturday, October 2^nd: Before Alderman Vaughan and Lieut. Col. Fynmore.

Frederick Hollands was summoned for being drunk on licensed premises. He pleaded Not Guilty. Mr. G.W. Haines appeared on behalf of the defendant.

Inspector Swift said at about a quarter to eleven on the night of the 25^th September, in consequence of the noise and conduct he heard in the Bellevue public house, St. John`s Street, he visited the house, accompanied by P.C. Allen. In the bar he found from fifteen to twenty men, among them the defendant, who was leaning on the top of the counter, with his hat off, in a half-dazed condition. In consequence of what he said to a woman behind the counter, the defendant got up from the counter and faced witness. He was unable to stand steadily, indistinct in his speech, and drunk. Witness called the attention of the landlord to him, and in consequence of what he said to the landlord the defendant left the premises. Before he went away he told defendant he should report him for being drunk on licensed premises, and he made no reply. Defendant went in the direction of his home in Dover Street. As he got into Harvey Street witness noticed that he was very unsteady in his gait. A man who had also been in the Bellevue came along and took him by his arm, and they went away together.

Cross-examined, witness said he did not suggest defendant was making part of the noise in the Bellevue. He did not take hold of defendant and turn him round. He had no doubt about his condition. The landlord was not endeavouring to remove a man who had just come in. He seemed to be enjoying the fun.

P.C. Allen corroborated. In his opinion defendant was drunk.

Defendant then went into the witness box. He said he was a greengrocer and fishmonger, and on the day in question he had been out at work all day. It had been very wet, and he was wet through. He went into the Bellevue public house about nine o`clock. There were several people in the bar. He remained there until the arrival of Inspector Swift, at about half past ten. Witness`s hat was off, and lying on the table. He was leaning over the counter talking to the barmaid. Somebody put his hand on his shoulder and said “Hollands”. Witness turned round, and Inspector Swift said “You are drunk”. Witness replied that if he was drunk he would go home, and he picked up his hat and left the house. He was not drunk. He walked in the direction of Harvey Street, where he met his wife. After he got home, Mr. Bridgland came up, and he had a conversation with him. Then witness and Mr. Bridgland went to the Druids` Club. He ordered drinks, but did not drink, as he was called away by Horace Waddell, who had been in the Bellevue. He accompanied him to Dr. Gilbert`s house. The landlord of the Bellevue was with them. He saw Dr. Gilbert, and he also saw Dr. Lidderdale. He was prepared with the fee to have a certificate as to his condition, but he did not obtain it.

The Chief Constable objected to the statement made by the doctors being given as evidence.

Mr. Haines said the statement would show why the doctors were not present.

The Magistrates¬ Clerk asked the witness if they had examined him.

Hollands replied in the negative.

Cross-examined by the Chief Constable, witness said his going to the doctors was the landlord`s doing. The steward of the Druids` Club was not present in court. He said he didn`t want to come. If he had come, he would have said witness was sober.

Frederick Thompson, of 49, Marshall Street, said he was in the Bellevue public house on September 25^th. He went in at about a quarter to nine. He spoke to defendant. The police did not suggest that he was drunk, and he (witness) had more drink than defendant. (Laughter) Inspector Swift first went into a side room. Then he came and caught hold of Hollands and turned him round. Swift called the landlord and told him defendant was drunk. Hollands took up his hat, and said if he was drunk he would go home. He left the house. P.C. Allen stood just in the doorway. Defendant was not indistinct in his speech or half-dazed. He was sober. Witness accompanied defendant to Dr. Gilbert`s and Dr. Lidderdale`s. They did not assist defendant to walk.

Cross-examined, witness said it took defendant an hour to drink a bottle of ale. He also had three or four twopennyworths of whisky. Defendant was perfectly sober.

Horace Waddell, painter, 47, Marshall Street, said he saw Hollands in the Bellevue, and he did not do anything which would lead him to think he was drunk. He saw defendant go along St. John`s Street, and he walked straight. He was sent by the landlord, in company with Thompson, after defendant, and found him at the Druids` Club. He accompanied him to Drs. Gilbert and Lidderdale. Hollands was sober.

Cross-examined, witness said he thought it was strange the police should pick on defendant.

William Bridgland, 28, Dover Street, said he saw defendant come out of the Bellevue public house. He was walking straight, and did not show any signs of intoxication Witness overtook defendant in Harvey Street. He was talking to his wife. All three then walked together to defendant`s house. Hollands asked him if he would have a drink, and they went to the Druids` Club. Defendant ordered some whisky for himself and a pint of beer for witness. Defendant did not drink his. He was perfectly sober.

Cross-examined, witness said defendant told him he had been accused of being drunk when he got home. Witness did not assist him home.

John Hatfield, 2, Black Bull Road, said at about a quarter to eleven on the night in question he was coming down Harvey Street, when he met defendant and said “Goodnight” to him. Witness was going home, and he had to pass the Bellevue public house. Defendant was walking perfectly straight.

This concluded the case.

The Chairman said the evidence was very conflicting, and they gave the defendant the benefit of the doubt.

The Chief Constable then asked to be allowed to withdraw the summons against the licence holder of the Bellevue for permitting drunkenness. He understood Mr. Haines was appearing for him on Wednesday next. As they had dismissed the case against defendant, it was useless to proceed with the summons. The landlord was present in court.

The Magistrates allowed the summons against Warren to be withdrawn.

The Chairman called forward Inspector Swift, and addressing him he said they did not wish him to think that they did not consider that he had done his duty in that matter, but they thought that he might have taken a little more care to convince himself that Hollands was drunk.

Folkestone Herald 9-10-1909

Saturday, October 2^nd: Before Alderman T.J. Vaughan and Lieut. Col. Fynmore.

Fredk. Hollands was summoned for being drunk on licensed premises. Mr. G.W. Haines represented the defendant, and pleaded Not Guilty.

Inspector Swift said that at a quarter to eleven on the night of the 25^th September, accompanied by P.C. Allen, in consequence of the noise he heard, he went to the Bellevue public house in St. John`s Street. In the bar he saw about fifteen or twenty men, and among them was the defendant. He was leaning on the top of the counter in a half-dazed condition. In consequence of what witness said to the female behind the counter, he raised himself from the counter and faced witness. He was unable to stand steadily, was indistinct of speech, and distinctly drunk. Witness called the attention of the landlord to him, and in consequence of what he said to him, the defendant left the premises. Witness told him he should report him for being drunk on licensed premises, and he made no reply. Defendant left the premises and went in the direction of his home in Dover Street. As he got into Harvey Street, witness noticed that he was very unsteady in his gait. Witness followed him. He stopped halfway up Harvey Street, and staggered about there. A man who was also in the bar of the house at the time came up to defendant and took him by the arm, and went in the direction of his house.

Cross-examined by Mr. Haines: It was in consequence of the unusual noise which he heard that he visited the house. He did not suggest that the defendant was making part of the noise. There were fifteen or twenty men in the bar. Witness selected defendant out because he was the man who, he thought, was precisely drunk. It was not a very large bar, and would be pretty full with twenty men in it. Defendant`s back was to him when he entered the bar, and his hat was off. He was making no noise. Witness swore that he did not take hold of him and turn him round. He had no doubt as to his condition. He did not see a man go in just before he visited the house. The landlord was among the customers, and he was not endeavouring to turn out a man who was half clothed. The landlord was with two other men doing a jig. There was one man who was attired only in his shirt and trousers, but the landlord was not endeavouring to remove him. The landlord seemed to be enjoying the fun. He did not call the attention of the landlord to that man because he was not drunk. Witness looked round the bar to see if there were any men drunk. He saw the defendant go right along Harvey Street. He did not see his wife or a lady with him. One could see about halfway up Harvey Street from the Bellevue. Witness knew that the defendant was indistinct in his speech, because he heard witness speak to the landlord, and said “All right, Mr. Swift”, but he could not get “Swift” out.

P.C. Allen corroborated, and said that in his opinion the defendant was drunk.

Defendant was then sworn, and said that he was a greengrocer and fishmonger. On the day in question he had been out at work until 8 o`clock at night; from eight to nine he had been collecting “trusts”. He was wet through. He went into the Bellevue about nine o`clock. There were several people in the bar. He remained there until the arrival of Inspector Swift at about half past ten. He was leaning on the counter when the Inspector came in, and was talking to the barmaid. Inspector Swift touched him on the shoulder and said “Hollands”. Witness turned round; he did not know who it was for the moment. The Inspector said “You`re drunk”. Witness said “If I am drunk, Mr. Swift, I will go”. He then took his cap from the counter and went in the direction of Harvey Street. He was not drunk. It was while he was talking to his wife that Bridgland came up. He saw him outside his house, and had a conversation with him. Witness then went to the Druids` Club with Bridgland. He ordered a drink for himself, and one for Bridgland. He did not drink it, however, because he was called outside by Horace Waddell. They then went to Dr. Gilbert`s, and the doctor came to the door. They also went to Dr. Lidderdale`s house, and saw him also.

Neither of the doctors was in court.

Mr. Haines: I think I can make a statement as to his condition.

The Chief Constable: I shall object to any evidence of that kind.

Mr. Haines said that the doctors refused to be there, because they declined to be mixed up with any case in which the police took part.

Cross-examined by the Chief Constable: It was the landlord`s doing that he went to see the doctors. Although he had been accused of being drunk by Inspector Swift, he was quite content to go straight away home. It was after the landlord sent to him that he went to see the doctors.

Evidence was given by Fredk. Thompson, Horace Waddell, Wm. Bridgland and John atfield, all of whom testified that defendant was sober.

The case was dismissed, the Chairman remarking that the evidence was very conflicting.

A summons had been taken out against Horace Warren, the manager of the public house, to be heard on Wednesday. On the application of the Chief Constable, however, this was withdrawn.

The Chairman told Inspector Swift that the Bench did not think that he did not do his duty in that case, but there was not enough care taken before he put his hand on the defendant`s shoulder.