Updates

13th April. 2013: Southeastern Gazette Reports for 1866 - 1870 Added (1861 - 1865 will be added next week!)

Star And Garter, Harvey Street 1862 - 1975

Former Star and Garter, Summer 2011

Star and Garter, 1975. Credit Dave Stephens

Licensees

Philip Maskell 1862 ????
Alfred Hughes ???? ????
Thomas Chittenden ???? ????
P. Maskell 1870 ????

Benjamin Maskell and Thomas Stephenson 1874 1874

Maria Maskell 1874 1878

Henry Jackson 1878 1883 From Chequers. To Foresters Arms

Henry Daines 1883 1893

William Arthur 1894 1911

Annie Arthur 1911 1943

Dorothy Binfield 1943 1962

Raymond Burstow 1962 1964

Walter Oram 1964 1968

Kenneth Cardno 1968 1975

Folkestone Chronicle 16-2-1867

Tuesday February 14^th: Before R.W. Boarer Esq.

Alfred Hughes, landlord of the Star and Garter, was summoned for trespass. Mr. Minter defended him.

George Laval Chesterton, Gentleman, of 4, Martello Terrace, said: On Saturday evening at half past seven a knock came to my door and my son opened it: a short man entered the passage, apparently to get possession, as Mr. Hughes followed him. Defendant reproached me for not having called on him, and said he and his friends were come to remove me and my family and take possession. Mr. Unwin had procured a policeman, who was there at this time. Mr. Hughes then claimed some property in the house; there was a considerable crowd collected outside the house; defendant was half drunk at the time; he clamoured, and made use of bad language. The constable told him he must go out, and he went, saying he should be there the next morning at eleven o`clock, and would visit me frequently. In consequence of that threat, a policeman walked before the house for some time. I now anticipate another visit and much annoyance.

Cross-examined: I told him I would call on him on Saturday at eleven o`clock, with reference to some blinds which he said belonged to him. I did not call. There was furniture in the house when I took it, which has since been removed. When he called, he did ask for payment. I told him I had been informed he had nothing to do with it, and should not pay him until I had ascertained. He did say the house was his legally, and if the blinds were not paid for, he should not let me remain in the house. I told the policeman to take him in custody if he would not leave my house.

Re-examined: I hired the house from Mr. Unwin, for Mr. M`Leod of Dover. I came into the house on the Thursday previous, having just arrived from France. Mr. Unwin gave me possession.

P.C. Swain said: On Saturday evening I was directed to pay attention to No. 4, Martello Terrace. About half past seven I saw Mr. Hughes and another man go up to the front door and knock. The door was opened and they went in. I went in after them. Prosecutor was going to eject me, but I said “I`m a policeman”. “Oh” he said, “Come in”. Hughes said “I am come to take possession of the house, or my goods, which I claim”. He was very excited. Prosecutor said “If you don`t leave, I shall give you in charge”. A man named Moat came down the stairs and spoke to defendant, who said with an oath, “You`ve nothing to do with it”. After a little while I told defendand he had better go quietly, and asked him to conduct himself properly, when with another oath he went, saying he would come and take lunch with prosecutor at eleven o`clock the next morning.

Mr. Minter characterized the case as a most ridiculous one. There was no legal status, and he commented on the discrepancies between the two witnesses. The bench had no jurisdiction, for there was a real question of title. Defendant hired the house on 6^th January 1866, for three years, at £20 a year. Therefore prosecutor is a trespasser in law, and defendant has a right to take possession. Last autumn Mr. M`Leaod was willing for Mr. Hughes to let the house, and he accordingly left it in October last, but retained the key. Mr. Unwin`s man came for the key to repair something, and the house has been let during the time the key was so taken. Defendant was now charged with illegally going upon these premises. But according to prosecutor`s own statement, he went there to ask for his own property, which he had a perfect right to do. He will, however, not do so again, but take the proper legal course to recover his goods.

Prosecutor said the law had been stated most unfairly and improperly, and was about to address the court, but was prevented.

Mr. Boarer dismissed the case, saying he had very great hesitation in granting the summons.

Prosecutor left the court commenting on the unfairness and partiality shown him.

Note: There is no record of Alfred Hughes having been landlord of the Star and Garter, or indeed ANY pub in Folkestone, according to More Bastions.

Southeastern Gazette 19-2-1867

Local News

At the Folkestone Borough Police Court, on Tuesday (before R. W. Boarer, Esq), Alfred Hughes, landlord of the Star and Garter, appeared to answer a summons for trespass. Mr. Minter appeared for the defendant.

George Lavel Chesterton, gentleman, of 4, Martello Terrace, said that on Saturday evening, at half-past seven o’clock, the defendant and another man came to his house and said they were come to remove him and his family and take possession. A policeman came in and told defendant he had better go away quietly. Defendant was half drunk, and claimed some property in the house. After using abusive language, be was got out of the house, threatening that he would be there the next morning at 11 o’clock, and would visit him frequently. Plaintiff now anticipated much annoyance, and asked tor defendant to be bound over to keep the peace.

Mr. Minter characterised the case as a most ridiculous one. The bench had no jurisdiction, as there was a question of right. Defendant had taken the house in January, 1866, for three years at £20 a year. He had not given up possession; therefore the prosecutor was the trespasser in law.

The case was dismissed.

Folkestone Express 28-8-1869

Wednesday, August 25^th: Before Captain Kennicott R.N., W. Bateman. J. Tolputt, A.M. Leith, and J. Gambrill Esqs.

Spirit License (Fresh Application)

Thomas Chittenden, of the Star And Garter, Harvey Road, applied. A memorial was put in by Mr. Minter.

Note: No record of Chittenden listed in More Bastions.

The Court was then cleared. When re-opened the Chairman said that the Magistrates had come to the unanimous decision that no more licenses should be granted, but in exceptional cases, as they were of opinion that too many licensed houses already exist. The application would be refused.

Southeastern Gazette 30-8-1869

Local News

Annual Licensing Day.—A full bench of magistrates attended on Wednesday to grant renewals and hear fresh applications.

Mr. Arthur Andrews, of the Guildhall Hotel; Mr. Burgess, Richmond Tavern ; Mr.Thomas Wilson, of the Prince of Wales; and Mr. Chittenden, of the Star and Garter, made fresh applications but were refused; the magistrates stating that no more licenses would be granted except under exceptional circumstances.

 

Folkestone Express 26-11-1870

Wednesday, November 23^rd: Before The Mayor, R.W. Boarer and J. Tolputt Esqs.

Transfer of License

Mr. P. Maskell applied for a transfer of the license of the Star and Garter from Mr. Chittenden. The license was granted.

Note: No mention of Chittenden in More Bastions.

Folkestone Express 7-1-1871

Wednesday, January 4^th: Before The Mayor, R.W. Boarer, J. Clarke and C.H. Dashwood Esqs.

Transfer of License

Transfer was granted to the Star And Garter

Folkestone Express 19-9-1874

Wednesday, September 16^th: Before The Mayor, J. Tolputt and J. Clark Esqs.

The following received temporary authority to sell intoxicating liquors at the houses named until the transfer day:

Mrs. Maskell, Star And Garter

Folkestone Express 31-10-1885

Local News

On Wednesday afternoon a little child named Dane, whose parents reside at the Star And Garter public house, was run over by an omnibus, but fortunately not seriously injured.

Folkestone Chronicle 1-9-1888

Saturday, August 25^th: Before The Mayor, J. Holden and J. Fitness Esqs.

Robert Hawkins was charged with being drunk and disorderly in Charlotte Street on Monday. He pleaded Guilty.

P.C. Dunster preferred the charge, and said defendant was making a disturbance, threatened his wife, and refused to go away.

A witness named Dane, landlord of the Star And Garter, said the defendant`s wife went to his house for protection. Defendant was a constant source of annoyance to the people in the street.

Defendant said his wife belonged to him, and she ran away.

There were previous convictions against the defendant, who was fined 20s. and 8s. costs, or 14 days`.

Folkestone Express 1-9-1888

Saturday, August 25^th: Before The Mayor, J. Holden and J. Fitness Esqs.

Robert Hawkins was charged with being drunk and disorderly in Charlotte Street on Monday. He pleaded Guilty.

P.C. Dunster preferred the charge and said defendant was making a disturbance, threatened his wife, and refused to go away.

A witness named Dane, landlord of the Star And Garter, said the defendant`s wife went to his house for protection. Defendant was a constant source of annoyance to people in the street.

Defendant said his wife belonged to him, and she ran away.

There were previous convictions against the defendant, who was fined 20s. and 8s. costs, or 14 days`.

Folkestone Chronicle 8-2-1890

Monday, February 3^rd: Before Major H.W. Poole, Col. De Crespigny, W. Wightwick and W.G. Herbert Esqs.

Alfred Court, a lad of about 18, was charged with stealing 2s. 3d. from the till at the Star And Garter Inn on the 1^st of February.

Mrs. Danes, wife of Henry Danes, of the Star And Garter, said the prisoner came into the bar at two o`clock on Saturday and called for a glass of beer, for which he paid 1d. Witness served him, and during the time he was there she had occasion to leave the bar. She went into a room at the side of the bar, and saw the prisoner move some of the glasses. He then reached over the counter to the till. Witness said “What are you doing with my money?” Prisoner ran out, and witness pursued him, and overtook him just as he got outside. The prisoner took hold of her hair and threw her backwards. Her head came in contact with the edge of the kerb. Witness called a man named Hogben, who took hold of the prisoner. He took him to the bar, and witness requested him to give her the money he had stolen. The prisoner handed her back two single shillings. He threw a threepenny piece away, and witness`s little boy picked it up and gave it back to her immediately.

James Hogben, a painter, stated that he saw the prisoner holding the last witness by the hair and throw her down. She shouted to witness, saying “Hold him; he`s robbed my till”. Witness made him turn his pockets out. There were two shillings, and he said “They belong to me”. He afterwards gave Mrs. Dane the money.

Supt. Taylor said he searched the prisoner at the Star And Garter. There was no money on him. Mrs. Danes handed him the 2s. and the 3d. piece, and witness charged the prisoner with stealing them. He replied “I did not”.

Prisoner pleaded Guilty to stealing the threepenny piece only.

Supt. Taylor said the prisoner bore a very bad character. He had been convicted on three previous occasions.

Sentenced to two months` hard labour.

Folkestone Express 9-12-1893

Wednesday, December 6^th: Before H.W. Poole, W. Wightwick and W.G. Herbert Esqs., and Surgeon General Gilbourne.

Temporary authority was granted to Frederick William Arthur to sell at the Star and Garter.

Note: Date for this is at variance with More Bastions.

Folkestone Chronicle 18-1-1895

Local News

On Tuesday afternoon whilst a pair horse dray, belonging to Messrs. A. Leney and Co., brewers, was standing outside the Star And Garter, Charlotte Street, the horses took fright and bolted. They ran down Richmond Street at a terrific pace, turned the corner at St. Michael`s Street, and proceeded down the narrow and precipitous thoroughfare of Fenchurch Street. Having turned into Harbour Street by Piggott`s corner, and passing Iverson`s, they ran round the fountain, and eventually pulled up outside of Mr. Leney`s store, near the Radnor Street Arch. At the bottom of Dover Street the corner of the dray struck one of Pickford`s horses, slightly injuring it`s head, which, strange to say, was the only accident.

 

Harvey Hotel, Dover Road 1864 - 2004

Harvey Hotel, 1978

Harvey Hotel, 1999. Photo kindly supplied by Martin Easdown

Former Harvey Hotel, May 2012

 

Harvey Hotel 1999. Credit Martin Easdown

Harvey Hotel c1910. Credit Eamonn Rooney

 

Harvey Hotel, 1932. Credit John Walters (from http://www.dover-kent.com/Harvey-Hotel-Folkestone.html)

 

Harvey Hotel, 1990 Credit Philip Dymott (from http://www.dover-kent.com/Harvey-Hotel-Folkestone.html)

 

 

Licensees

George Marsh 1864 1893

Margaret Marsh 1893 1896

Richard Marsh and Charles Marsh 1896 1898

James Brooker 1898 1899

Sydney Cross 1899 1902

Thomas Keates 1902 1904

Edgar Smith 1904 1908

Mary Smith 1908 1909

Nellie Killick 1909 1910

Charles Bassett 1910 1911 From Princess Royal

Arthur Wightman 1911 1913

William Gough 1913 1915

Charles Piper 1915 1917

Emily Abrams 1917 1921

George Maxted 1921 1923

George Parker 1923 1929

Charles Waghorn 1929 1931

Harold Sherrin 1931 1932

Frederick Grew 1932 1933

John Evans 1933 1935

James Nye 1935 1936

Ernest Green 1936 1948

Frank Brown 1948 1949

Edward Tigwell 1949 1950

Cyril Smith 1950 1955

Percy Simpson 1955 1958

William Lawrence 1958 1968

Ivor Griffiths 1968 1970

Francis Liney 1970 1971

Kenneth Pearce 1971 1976

Basil Jarvis 1976 1978

Brian Harrington 1978 1985

Boyd Parsfield 1985 1990

Anthony Crawford and Simon Healey 1990 1991

Michael Williams and Avril Farmer 1991 1995

Trevor Hall and Michael Childs 1995 1995

Kim Shiel, Stella Shiel and Michael Childs 1996 1996

David Atkins and John Mees 1996 1996 To Red Witch

Andrew O`Shea 1996 1998 From Harbour Inn

Peter Laidlow and Philip Cox 1998 1998 Peter Laidlow Ex Master Brewer

Stephen Frisken and Amanda Dunham 1998 2004 Stephen Frisken Also Victoria Hotel

Folkestone Chronicle 27-8-1864

Wednesday 24^th August:- Before Captain Kennicott R.N., James Tolputt, and A.M. Leith Esqs.

General Annual Licencing Meeting – Special Sessions

Applications for new licence was made by Mr. Minter, and granted, for the following person; George Marsh, Harvey Inn, Mill Lane.

Folkestone Chronicle 26-1-1867

Thursday January 24^th: Before J. Tolputt, A.M. Leith, and J. Kelcey Esqs.

Henry Ramsden appeared in answer to a summons, issued at the insistence of the Superintendent of Police, charging him with being in possession of a hare, unlawfully obtained. Mr. Minter appeared for the defendant.

P.C. William Bevan, K.C.C., stationed at Uphill, said: On the 17^th of January, at half past ten o`clock, I was on duty in Mill Lane, where I saw the defendant carrying something, and on examination I found it was a hare. I asked him where he got it from, and he said up the Romney Road, and it was for “anyone that likes”. I told him I must take possession of the hare, and he said “I`m glad to make a sixpence how I can; you know me very well; it was sent down to Mr. Prebble`s  by his brother”. He commenced crying, and begged me not to report him. He said he took it to make what he could of it. He had it from a man named Pope, at Romney. He had not done such a thing before.

Cross examined: I was specially ordered on duty in Folkestone; defendant was carrying the hare openly in his hand.He and I did not go drinking over the job. We did go to the Harvey Inn, where I gave him a pint of beer; another man came in and we had two pots between the three.

The bench said there was no case. Prisoner was not proved to have come by the hare illegally.

Mr. Minter characterized it as a most unwarrantable interference on the part of the constable, and recommended the defendant to take an action against him.

Folkestone Observer 26-1-1867

Thursday, January 24^th: Before J. Tolputt and J. Kelcey Esqs.

Henry Ramsden appeared to summons for being in possession of a hare in violation of the game laws.

Mr. Minter appeared for defendant.

P.C. Bevan, K.C.C. said that on the night of 7^th January, about half past ten o`clock, he saw defendant in Mill Lane, in this borough, carrying a hare, and asked him where he had got it, when he replied that he had picked it up in Romney Road. Witness asked who it was for, and was told it was for anyone that liked. Witness then asked if he was sent to anyone individually, and was told he was not. He then told defendant that he must detain the hare, when he said he was not aware he was doing wrong. Mr. Prebble, the carrier, had asked him to take the hare to his brother in Sandgate Road, and he was glad to make a sixpence where he could. They then walked up the street together, and the defendant began crying. Witness said to him “I suppose you bought this of a party in New Romney?”.  He said it was not exactly so. He would tell him the real truth. It was given to him by a farmer at New Romney to make what he could of. He had hardly ever brought any before.

Cross-examined by Mr. Minter: He was one of the Kent County Constabulary, and specially ordered on duty here by the Superintendent, with instructions to search everybody that he suspected had game. He saw the hare in the prisoner`s hand. He was carrying the hare openly in his hand down the street. He told prisoner he had rendered himself liable to penalties, and he then began crying. He did not have something to drink with prisoner, not till some time after. (Laughter) They adjourned to the Harvey Inn. Witness gave defendant a pint of beer. Defendant did not give him (witness) three pints of beer. There were others there when the three pints were had.

The Clerk said this being the only evidence there was no case. There must not only be possession of the hare, but a reasonable presumption that defendant was on lands in pursuit of game.

Mr. Minter said the proceeding was a most unwarrantable interference on the part of the policeman, and if he did not apoligise to the defendant he might hear more of it. The defendant was a most respectable man, who had had the hare given to him by a most respectable farmer, Mr. Thomas Tunbridge, of Romney Marsh.

Folkestone Chronicle 26-10-1867

Coroner`s inquest

An inquest was held at the Harvey Inn on Monday afternoon, before the Borough Coroner, John Minter Esq., on the body of a child which was scalded on Thursday last.

Mr. Bateman was called and deposed that he was sent for on Friday afternoon, between five and six o`clock, to see the deceased at a cottage on The Narrows. He found it had been severely scalded on the back of the head and neck, and several splashes of scalds on the body and limbs. Deceased had sickness and shivering, which showed that the system had received a severe shock, from which it never rallied, and died early the next morning. Had he been sent for at once, he did not think he could have done any good.

Mary Ann Sacree, the mother of the child, was called and deposed that he was thirteen months old, and his name was William Frederick Sacree. She was a widow, and lived in a room at No. 9, Prospect Cottages, on The Narrows. On Thursday afternoon, between five and six, I took my two other children and deceased into my room and put them to bed. The kettle was boiling on the fire for my tea. I set the deceased on the floor to give another child a piece of bread and butter, and before I could cut it I heard the baby scream, and turning round I saw the kettle falling, and the water running all over him. I snatched him up, and called to Mrs. Ovenden, who was in Mrs. Peake`s room, to come and help undress him. She gave me the money to get some oil for him. I applied the oil and some flour to the scald all night. I gave him some wine and water, some broth, and bread and milk. He continued to take nourishment up to twelve o`clock on Friday night, when he got worse. Mr. Bateman saw him on the Friday afternoon. After he got worse, there was not time to send for anyone before he died, at twenty minutes to three o`clock.

Ellen Ovenden, wife of Richard Ovenden, mariner, said: On Thursday afternoon last I was on The Narrows, in a lodger`s room (Mrs. Peake`s). I was talking to her between five and six o`clock when I heard Mrs. Sacree scream out “Oh, my child has scalded himself”. I ran upstairs and saw her with deceased in her lap. I took off my white petticoat and wrapped it round him. I sent for some oil, which was applied to the scalds, and next morning I sent some white rag, and some money for more oil. I was too ill to go for Mr. Bateman.

The witness stated, in answer to a juryman, that the mother of deceased was not drunk at the time, nor had she been quarrelling.

The jury returned a verdict that “Deceased lost his life through being accidentally scalded by the upsetting of a kettle of boiling water”.

Folkestone Observer 26-10-1867

Inquest on a child.

Mr. Minter, coroner, held an inquest at the Harvey Inn on Monday, on the body of a child who was scalded to death.

Mr. Bateman, surgeon, deposed that he was sent for on Friday afternoon between five and six o`clock, to see the deceased at a cottage on The Narrows. He found the deceased had been severely scalded on the back of the head and neck, and several splashes of scalds were on the body and limbs. Deceased had sickness and shivering, which showed that the system had received a severe shock, from which he never rallied, and died early the next morning. Had he (Mr. Bateman) been sent for at once he did not think he could have done any good.

Mary Ann Sacree said: Deceased is my child. He is thirteen months old, and his name is William Frederick Sacree. I am a widow, and reside in one room in one of the Prospect Cottages, No. 9, on The Narrows. On Thursday afternoon, between five and six, I took my two other children and deceased into my room and put them to bed. The kettle was boiling on the fire for my tea. I set the deceased on the floor to give another child some bread and butter, and turning round I saw the kettle falling and the water all over him. I snatched him up and called to Mrs. Ovenden, who was in Mrs. Peak`s room, to come and help undress him. She gave me the money to get some oil for him. I applied the oil to the scald all night, and some flour. I gave him some wine and water, some broth, and bread and milk. He continued to take nourishments up to twelve o`clock on Friday night, when he was taken worse. Mr. Bateman saw him on Friday afternoon. After he was taken worse there was not time to send for anyone before he died at twenty minutes to three o`clock.

Ellen Ovenden, wife of Richard Ovenden, mariner, said: On Thursday afternoon last I was on The Narrows, in a lodger`s room (Mrs. Peak`s). I was talking to her, between 5 and 6 o`clock, when I heard Mrs. Sacree scream out “Oh, my child has scalded himself”. I ran upstairs and saw the deceased in her lap. She was in black, and I took off my white petticoat and wrapped it round him. I sent for some oils, which were applied to the scalds, and next morning I sent some white rag and some money for more oils. I was too ill to go for Mr. Bateman. The mother of deceased was not drunk at the time, nor had she been quarrelling.

The jury returned a verdict that deceased lost his life through being accidentally scalded with a kettle of boiling water.

Southeastern Gazette 29-10-1867

Inquest

An inquest was held at the Harvey Inn, on Monday before Mr. John Minter, borough coroner, on the body of a child which was scalded on Thursday last.

Dr. Bateman deposed that he found the deceased had been severely scalded on the back of the head and neck, and several splashes of scalds on the body and limbs. Deceased had sickness and shivering, which showed that the system had received a severe shock, from which he never rallied, and died early next morning. Had he (witness) been sent for at once he did not think he could have done any good.

Mary Ann Scarce, the mother of the child, said her child was thirteen months old. She was a widow, and resided in one room of the Prospect Cottages, No. 9, to The Narrows. On Thursday afternoon, between five and six, the kettle was boiling on the fire for tea. She set the deceased on the floor, and turned away. She then heard the baby scream, and turning round saw the kettle falling and the water all over him.

A witness stated, in answer to a juryman, that the mother of the deceased was not drunk at the time, nor had she been quarrelling.

The jury returned a verdict “That deceased lost his life through being accidentally scalded by a kettle of boiling water.” 

Folkestone Chronicle 4-1-1868

Fatal Accident

On Friday last, a maiden lady, named Elizabeth Collins, living with Mrs. Finn at 12, Charlotte Terrace, while left in the house alone, fell downstairs and never spoke afterwards, dying on Saturday afternoon. From the evidence given at the inquest, which was held on Monday at the Harvey Inn before John Minter Esq., borough coroner, it appears that Mrs. Finn and deceased had been out in the evening, and when they returned Mrs. Finn went out to get something for supper. While she was gone, Mr. Harris, landlord of the Oddfellows Arms (sic) came with the supper beer, and heard deceased fall downstairs, evidently in coming to take the beer, for the mat at the top was kicked up, as though she had tripped over it. Mr. Harris gave an alarm, and Mrs. Impett, living next door but one, went into the house and found deceased lying doubled up at the bottom of the stairs. Mr. Eastes, surgeon, attended her, but she remained insensible till she died. A verdict of “Accidental Death” was returned.

Note: Reporter confused the Oddfellows Arms with the Oddfellows Inn, where Harris was landlord.

Folkestone Observer 4-1-1868

Inquest At The Harvey Inn

An inquest was held on Monday last before J. Minter Esq., coroner, on the body of Elizabeth Collin.

Thomas Collin, living at Broadstairs and proprietor of the bathing establishment there, identified the body of deceased as being that of his sister, Elizabeth Collin. She was 57 years of age, and lodged with Mrs. Finn, 12 Charlotte Terrace. He had been in monthly communication with his sister, and had received a letter from her on Christmas Day.

Elizabeth Impett, wife of Frederick Impett, sailor, living at 14, Charlotte Terrace, said that last Friday evening, between 8 and 9 o`clock, Mr. Harris, landlord of the Oddfellows, came to her door and said that he had heard a crash as if somebody had fallen at No. 12. Witness went to Mrs. Smith at No. 11 and got a key and opened the door, and saw deceased lying at the bottom of the stairs, her head under her right arm, which was resting on the wainscot. Witness called her husband, and he picked her up. She was bleeding from her right ear, her nose, and mouth. Washed her face with water and laid her in the room. When Mrs. Finn came home shortly after, witness left. When witness went into the house, no-one was there besides deceased.

Silvester Eastes, surgeon, said that on Friday evening last, between 9 and 10 o`clock, Mrs. Finn came to his house and told him that the person who lodged with her had just fallen downstairs. Went immediately, and found deceased lying on the floor of the front room downstairs. She was quite insensible, and could not be aroused. There was copious bleeding from the right ear, and she had all the symptoms usually produced by fracture of the base of the skull. The case was hopeless. Saw her again twice during the night, and two or three times the following morning. She continued in precisely the same state, quite unconscious, neither swallowing nor moving a voluntary muscle. She continued the same, and died a little before three on Saturday afternoon, from fracture of the skull, which no doubts was caused by the fall down stairs as described by the last witness.

Elizabeth Finn, widow, living at No. 12, Charlotte Terrace, said deceased lodged with her. On Friday evening she had been out for a walk with deceased, paying some bills, and they returned home about half past seven. Went out again a little before eight, at the request of deceased, to get something for supper, and left her is the house alone, upstairs. Returned about half past eight, and found deceased lying in the front room, and Mr. and Mrs. Impett with her. When she went upstairs she found the mat turned over, as if tripped against.

James Harris, landlord of the Oddfellows, Dover Street, said that at 8 o`clock on Friday evening he knocked twice at No. 12, Charlotte Terrace, with the supper beer which he was in the habit of taking there. After waiting two minutes he heard a heavy fall, as if a body was falling downstairs. Went to No. 14, and told Mrs. Impett that he thought someone had fallen. Mrs. Impett borrowed a latch key, and went in with her husband. He followed them in, and when they had put the body in the front room he left. Heard no cry with the fall.

The Coroner then summed up, and the jury returned a verdict of Accidental Death.

Folkestone Chronicle 1-8-1868

Coroner`s Inquests

Horrible Discoveries

On Monday evening our residents were horrified with the intelligence that Mrs. Banks, widow of Mr. Richard Banks, had been found dead lying on her bed. On enquiry the news was found to be only too true, the unfortunate lady, who lived in her house in Mill Lane quite alone, having been dead as was thought more than a fortnight. The particulars will be found in our account of the inquest, which was held within two hours of finding the body, so that no time might be lost before it was interred.

Almost at the same time another almost equally startling discovery was made in the Cheriton Road, on the south side, just before reaching the cemetery, and to add to the horror this case was supposed to be a murder. On making a strict examination, however, a purse of money and a bloody knife were found near him, while the wounds were such as would be if self-inflicted, and there were no marks of any struggle. Up to the time of our going to press the body has not been identified.

An inquest on the body (Mrs. Banks)  was opened on Monday evening at the Harvey Inn, before John Minter Esq., borough coroner, and a jury, of whome Mr. D. Owen was chairman. The body having been viewed and identified, an order for burial was given, and the enquiry adjourned to the following day at the Town Hall. The following was the evidence given:-

John Banks, sworn, said: I am an auctioneer at Folkestone, Kent. I identify the body which the jury have now viewed as that of Elizabeth Banks, the widow of my brother, Richard Holtham Banks, deceased, who was formerly a builder in this town. About half past five o`clock this evening, the deceased`s son, Joseph, came to me and said his mother was black, and he thought she was dead. He gave me the keys of the house and I went up and in the house with Mr. Marsh, the landlord of the Harvey Inn. I found her lying on the bed in the same position she is now. Her clothes were in the same position as now. The window of the bedroom was shut. I have not had any personal communication with Mrs. Banks, nor seen her since about the middle of April. I went and fetched Dr. Fitzgerald, who came back with me to the house.

Harriet, wife of James Parker, Raglan Cottage, said: I knew Elizabeth Banks, and have known her about four months by seeing her at the window or kitchen door, when I have spoken to her. About three months ago she called me to ask me to get her some victuals. Three weeks ago last Friday I fetched her 2s. worth of brandy from Mr. Marsh`s, next door. About a fortnight ago I saw the venetian blind of her sitting-room window move. I went and told Mrs. Marsh there was someone about as I had seen the blind move.

John Banks, recalled, said he had found £31 in the house.

Joseph Banks, son of deceased, living in Cambridge Terrace, said: I last saw my mother alive at her house in Mill Lane. From that time until yesterday I have not seen her. I went yesterday to get a pair of spectacles which Mrs. Shellston had left there in April last. My mother has been giving way to drink and she has been in the habit of shutting herself in the house and not allowing anyone to come. I have several times got into her house at the basement window with a knife and found her first in one room and then in another. She has grumbled at me and turned me out sometimes. Yesterday at 5 o`clock I went and got in at the back basement window, which was fastened. I went into the lower rooms and into the ground floor rooms and saw no-one. The doors and windows were all fastened, and the furniture undisturbed. I went upstairs, and in a back room I saw deceased lying on the bed. I came away as soon as I could, and went to Mr. Marsh and Mr. John Banks. My mother seemed to be lying across the bed, her head to the door. I have tried to persuade my mother to have a nurse, and went, about a month ago, to try to persuade her to let her stop, but she refused.

Charles Egerton Fitzgerald,  physician and surgeon, said: Yesterday I was called between 6 and 7 o`clock to see the body of the late Mrs. Richard Banks. I found it lying across the bed in the back room, face uppermost, with her petticoats raised above one knee, one of her boots on the ground and the other under her as though she had been in the act of pulling them off. I carefully examined the body, and could detect no marks of violence. It was in a very advanced state of decomposition. I am of opinion that deceased died from natural causes, from the position of her dress, and of her body, and the furniture being undisturbed. There were appearances of deceased having been alone ill and consequently unattended. The night commodes and utensils in both rooms had been used and quite full, as also the wash hand basin. The leg of the towel horse was broken, but the horse still retained it`s upright position. It seemed as if someone had leant on it.

This being all the evidence, the coroner summed up, and the jury returned a verdict that Mrs. Banks was found dead, and that the death arose from natural causes.

The body was buried at the cemetery, in the same grave as that of her husband, at daylight on Tuesday morning.

Note: The inquest on the body found on Cheriton Road returned a verdict of “Died by his own hand”

Folkestone Observer 1-8-1868

Inquest

On Monday evening last an inquest was opened by J. Minter Esq., the Borough Coroner, at the Harvey Inn, on the body of Elizabeth Banks, who was found dead on her bed the same afternoon.

The Jury having been sworn, the Coroner said it would be necessary to go and view the body, which he understood was in a very shocking state when seen by Dr. Fitzgerald, and what he proposed to do that evening was simply to give an order for burial, and then adjourn the inquiry till the following morning, when another would be held.

The jury then went to deceased`s house in Mill Lane and viewed the body, which was in a very advanced stage of decomposition, and on their return Mr. John Banks was called, who said: I am an auctioneer, living at Folkestone. I identify the body of the deceased as being that of the widow of my late brother, Richard Banks, who was formerly a builder in this town. About half past five o`clock this evening deceased`s son, Joseph Banks, came to me and told me that his mother was black, and he thought she was dead. He gave me the keys of the house and I came up, and seeing Mr. Marsh, who lives at this house (the Harvey Inn) standing at his door, I asked him to go into the house with me. He did so, and we then saw the body lying on the bed in the same position as now. The window of the room was shut when I entered. I have not had any personal communication with the deceased, nor seen her since about the middle of April last. I went for Dr. Fitzgerald, who came back with me to the house. The last time I saw the deceased alive she had a nurse living with her. I knew nothing about her living alone.

The inquiry was then adjourned, as there had not been sufficient time to collect further evidence, and the jury were sworn to appear at the Town Hall at eleven o`clock the following morning.

The body of the deceased was interred at the cemetery the same night.

The inquiry was resumed onTuesday morning at the Town Hall, when Harriett Parker was called, who said: I am the wife of James William Parker, bath chair driver, living in Raglan Cottages, near Charlotte Terrace. I knew Elizabeth Banks, the deceased. I have known her about four months. I have been in the habit of going on errands for her. About three months ago was the first time I did so, and she then called me to her window. Since that time she has frequently called me. I was not the only one who went on errands for her. She sometimes called anyone who was passing to get what she wanted, which was generally cooked food or fish. I have never been in the house – not further than the kitchen door. I have fetched brandy for her. Three weeks ago last Friday I fetched 2s. worth of brandy for her from Mr. Marsh`s next door. This was at half past twelve o`clock in the day, and she told me to make haste that her next door neighbours should not see it. I have never heard or seen anything of her since. I have not seen the door open or the blinds drawn up. I don`t know that anyone has seen her since. I don`t know any person who has been on errands for her since last Friday three weeks. About a fortnight ago I saw the Venetian blinds of the sitting room window move, but saw no-one. This was about eleven o`clock in the day.

A juror: Could you discern any hand when the blind moved?

Witness: No, I simply saw it move.

The juror: Were you not in the habit of fetching a great quantity of spirits for her?

Witness: Not a great quantity.

A juror: You often went to the New Inn for spirits, didn`t you?

Witness: Yes.

The Coroner: That was because you should not go to Marsh`s?

Witness: Yes, she told me I should not go there.

The Coroner: She used to pay you, I suppose?

Witness: Yes, sometimes twopence, sometimes threepence at a time.

The Coroner: Did you think it was a proper thing to do, to go and fetch spirits for a person under the circumstances you must have known existed?

Witness: I knew nothing of it until people talked about it.

The Coroner: Then why did you continue to do so?

Witness: Well, I fetched her food – cooked meat, fish, &c. as well.

A juror: How came you to see her first?

Witness: She called me as a perfect stranger, the same as she has done with others.

A juror: You never saw her before she called you?

Witness: Never

Mr. John Banks, re-called, said: Since my examination last night I have searched the house in which the deceased was found dead. I found no appearance of any person having obtained an entrance improperly. I found £31 in money in a little box which was placed in a chest of drawers in the front room downstairs. The rooms presented their usual undisturbed appearance.

Joseph Banks said: I am the son of the deceased and live in Cambridge Terrace. I last saw her living about three weeks ago when at her own house. From that time until yesterday I had not seen her. I went to her house yesterday afternoon to get a pair of spectacles the nurse had left – that was Mrs. Shilston, who was compelled to leave and go home in April last on account of illness. I went to the next house below my mother`s and asked them to allow me to go through their house that I might get over the wall and enter by the back way. I did this because she did not usually let me or anyone in if she could help it. She shut herself in, as she had given way to drink for some time past. I have got in at the back by opening the window with my knife, perhaps a dozen times before, sometimes finding my mother in one room, sometimes in another, often walking about. She used to grumble at me every time she saw me. It was about five o`clock yesterday when I entered the house by the basement window at the back. I went into the lower rooms, but saw no-one, and I then went through the ground floor rooms. Here also I saw no-one. The house presented it`s usual appearance, both front and back doors being locked, and everything in it`s place. I next went  upstairs, and on going into the back room I saw the deceased lying on the bed. The window of the room was shut, I believe, but I cannot be positive as to that. I came away as soon as I could and went into Mr. Marsh`s, thjen down to Mr. John Banks`. Deceased was lying across the bed with her head towards the door, I think. Deceased would have no-one to look after her after the nurse was gone. I have frequently talked to her and tried to persuade her to have a nurse or someone in the house with her, but she would not. In fact she locked me and everybody else out.

A juror: Have you stayed away from the deceased so long before?

Witness: No, I generally saw her once a week, sometimes twice, and sometimes more. I have done all I could to persuade my mother to have a nurse or someone to stay with her, but she always refused.

A juror: When did you see her last?

Witness: About three weeks ago.

A juror: How did you find her then?

Witness: She was then walking about and seemed to be excited.

The Coroner here remarked that Mr. Marsh had refused to supply her with spirits for some time, and if these women had refused to get it for her in all probability she would have been alive now.

Dr. Fitzgerald said: Yesterday evening between six and seven o`clock I was called by Mr. John Banks to see the deceased. I found her lying on the bed in the back room. She was lying on her back, partly undressed. One boot was lying on the ground, and the other was under her. I examined the body, but could detect no marks of violence. The body was in a very bad state of decomposition, and from it`s position, and all the circumstances connected with it – the position of the furniture about the room, &c. –I am of opinion death resulted from natural causes. There was every appearance of a woman who had been ailing for some time, and had continued without attendance and in a very neglected state. It would appear that she had laid down on bed in the front room, for that had evidently been pressed, and finding herself ill then gone into the back room, where she made some efforts to undress herself; that she leant upon the towel horse, which broke under her, and she then sank back on the bed and died. Her countenance was quite placid, and altogether accorded with this view.

A juror: Did you know her previous to this?

Witness: No, I did not.

A juror: And you did not know any of her habits of life?

Witness: No.

A juror: You made an examination of the body. Did you discover any marks?

Witness: The body was too far advanced in a state of decomposition to admit of any light superficial marks being detected, but I am of opinion that no violence had been used. He body was in a most advanced stage of decomposition, being positively eaten away in many places by the maggots.

A juror: How long do you think she has been dead?

Witness: I should say she has been dead for ten days or a fortnight, but it is impossible to say exactly.

The Coroner said this was all the evidence to be brought before them, but Mr. Bradley was in attendance on behalf of the friends of the deceased, and if he wished to say anything, they would be pleased to hear him.

Mr. Bradley said he wished to make but very few remarks, simply that the deceased had an ample income, and every assistance had been offered by her friends, the whole of which she refused. She kept her own house, secluded herself from her friends, and had nothing to do with her neighbours, from the fact, it would appear, that she had this awful propensity and seemed ashamed to show it.

The Coroner then went carefully through the evidence, concluding by remarking that it seemed to him upon the evidence of Dr. Fitzgerald their verdict must be Found Dead, and that she died from natural causes, no marks of violence being found on the body.

After a very brief consultation the jury returned a verdict of the character suggested.

Folkestone Express 1-8-1868

Mysterious Death

On Monday afternoon a discovery was made at a house near the Harvey Inn, that the occupier, Mrs. Banks, was dead, and from the greatly decomposed state of the body, had evidently been so for some considerable time. The neighbours, though not seeing the deceased lady for some time, thought it nothing remarkable, for she was considered rather eccentric and held little communication with any of them. A full report of the inquest will be found below. The body was interred at three o`clock on Tuesday morning at the cemetery. The whole of the clothing and the bed of the deceased had to be destroyed.

Inquest

The Coroner, J. Minter Esq., opened the inquest at the Harvey Inn on Monday evening at eight o`clock. After the jury had been sworn they proceeded to the house of the deceased to view the body, which presented a very sickening spectacle.

Mr. J. Banks, auctioneer, said: I identify the body as that of the wife of my late brother, at one time a builder in this town. At half past five o`clock this (Monday) evening the deceased`s son, Joseph Banks, came to me and said his mother was black and he thought she was dead. He gave me the keys of the house, and I came and asked Mr. Marsh to go into the house with me. She lay on the bed in the same position as she was now. The bedroom window was shut. I had not seen her since about the middle of last April. I fetched Dr. Fitzgerald, and he came back with me to the house and at once told me to inform the Coroner. The last time I saw her she had an old nurse living with her.

The Coroner here said it would be better to adjourn further inquiry till Tuesday morning at eleven o`clock.

The adjourned inquest was held in the Committee Room at the Town Hall on Tuesday morning.

The first witness called was Harriett Parker, wife of J.W. Parker, Bathchairman, residing at Raglan Cottage. She knew the deceased; first saw her about four months ago, when Mrs. Banks called her as she was passing and asked her to fetch something, which she did. After that time she was in the habit of buying various articles at the deceased lady`s request. The last time she saw deceased was three weeks ago last Friday at half past twelve o`clock in the morning, when she asked her to fetch two shillings` worth of brandy from Mr. Marsh`s, and she told her to make haste as she did not wish for the neighbours to notice it. Witness` sister, and sometimes her lodgers, used to go in errands for the deceased. Witness did not know if anyone had fetched the deceased anything since she last saw her. Thought it very strange not seeing her so long, and mentioned it to Mrs. Marsh. Afterwards, seeing the venetian blind move in the parlour, witness went back to Mrs. Marsh and said “There is someone about, as I seen the blind move”.

By the jury: Did not see any hand; only the blind move. Was not in the habit of fetching much spirits for her.

By the Coroner: Did not know she was in the habit of drinking; fetched her food as well as drink.

Mr. J. Banks, re-called, said he had searched the house, and had found £31 in a box in the drawers.

Mr. Joseph Banks, son of the deceased, who was greatly affected, deposed he had last seen his mother about three weeks ago at the house. She was then alive. He went to the house yesterday to fetch a pair of spectacles which had been forgotten by the nurse, Mrs. Shilston, who formerly attended on the deceased, but had left on account of illness in April last. Sometimes the deceased refused witness admission, so he had to go in the back way; he went there about five o`clock, and not being able to obtain admission in front, he opened the back basement window with a knife. Seeing no-one in the lower rooms, he went upstairs, where he saw the deceased lying on a bed. He closed the door, came out of the house, and spoke to Mr. Marsh, and from thence he immediately went to Mr. Banks. The doors were all fastened, and everything appeared in it`s place. No-one had looked after deceased since the nurse left. She would not have anyone about her. He asked her to have someone a month ago, but she refused. Had not lived with deceased since last September. The last time he saw her alive she was excited. Deceased was in good circumstances.

Dr. Fitzgerald said that on Monday evening between six and seven o`clock he was requested by Mr. Banks to see Mrs. Banks. He found her lying on her back across the bed in the back room, one of her boots being on the ground, and the other under her. He examined the body and found it in a very bad state of decomposition. From the arrangements of her dress, the position of the body, and the furniture about the room being undisturbed, he was of opinion she died from natural causes. The deceased appeared to have been ill and vomited. She first lay on the bed in the front room, but afterwards struggled into the back room, and making a feeble attempt to take off her boots had fallen back, and there died.

By the jury: Did not know her previously, nor anything of her habits.

By the Coroner: There were no marks of violence on the body; in his opinion she must have been dead from 10 to 14 days.

Mr. Bradley, who attended on behalf of the friends of the deceased, wished to state that the deceased had an ample income.

The jury immediately returned a verdict of “Died from natural causes”.